Origin and composition of petroleum and natural gas, source rocks, reservoir rocks and traps. Migration and accumulation of oil and gas. 
Types of petroliferous basins and their relation to hydrocarbon potential. 
Geographic and stratigraphic distributions of oil and gas. Methods and techniques for petroleum exploration, Surface indications and direct detection of hydrocarbons. 
Sub-surface geological methods and brief idea about geologic interpretations of seismic data. Drilling methods, drilling equipments, drilling fluids, well-logs. 
Estimation of reserves and resources. Petroleum economics, production and development geology.