BGYCT-137 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for BGYCT-137: Stratigraphy and Palaeontology

BGYCT-137: Stratigraphy and Palaeontology is a core course under the IGNOU Bachelor of Science (Multidisciplinary) programme, designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of geological time scales, sedimentary rock analysis, and fossil-based evolutionary studies. This course bridges stratigraphy—the study of layered rock formations—and palaeontology—the science of ancient life through fossils—offering a rigorous examination of India’s geological history and global palaeoenvironments. Through systematic analysis of core samples, fossil preservation mechanisms, and biostratigraphic correlation techniques, students develop critical skills in reconstructing Earth’s past climates and biodiversity shifts. The curriculum aligns with the IGNOU CBCS framework, ensuring alignment with modern research methodologies while emphasizing practical applications in sedimentology and evolutionary biology.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Fundamentals of Stratigraphy: Covers principles of superposition, lateral continuity, and fossil succession, with detailed exploration of lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic classification systems. Students analyze stratigraphic columns and interpret depositional environments using sedimentary structures.
• Block-2: Stratigraphy of India: Focuses on the geological evolution of India, including the Vindhyan, Gondwana, and Deccan Traps formations. Case studies examine fossil-bearing sequences like the Kutch and Cambay basins to trace prehistoric marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Block-3: Introduction to Palaeontology: Introduces fossilization processes, morphological preservation, and taxonomic classification of extinct organisms. Emphasizes the role of palaeontology in reconstructing evolutionary lineages and ecological niches.
• Block-4: Invertebrate Palaeontology: Specializes in fossil groups such as brachiopods, trilobites, and ammonites, analyzing their adaptive radiations and extinction patterns. Practical exercises include identifying key index fossils for stratigraphic correlation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the examination pattern for BGYCT-137, and how are marks distributed across theory and practical components?
A: The IGNOU TEE for BGYCT-137 is purely theory-based, carrying a total of 100 marks. The question paper typically includes short-answer (30 marks), long-answer (50 marks), and case-study-based questions (20 marks), with a focus on stratigraphic analysis, fossil identification, and evolutionary interpretations.

Q: Are previous years’ question papers available, and how can they help in preparing for the exam?
A: Yes, analyzing past 5–10 years’ June and December TEE papers reveals recurring themes in stratigraphic correlation, fossil morphology, and regional case studies. This guide includes solved papers with chapter-wise weightage and highlights high-probability questions to streamline revision and optimize time management during the 3-hour exam window.