RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25: Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to RPSC Agriculture Department Exam
The RPSC Agriculture Department Exam is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for recruitment to various posts in the Agriculture Department of the Rajasthan Government. This exam is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to secure government jobs in Rajasthan, offering positions such as Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO), Statistical Officer (SO), Agriculture Research Officer (ARO), and Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (AARO). The exam is governed by the Rajasthan Agriculture Subordinate Service Rules, 1978, and the Rajasthan Agriculture Service Rules, 1980, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
RPSC Agriculture Department Exam Highlights
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25 |
| Conducting Body | Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), Ajmer |
| Posts Offered | - Assistant Agriculture Officer (Non-Scheduled Area & Scheduled Area) |
- Statistical Officer
- Agriculture Research Officer (Agronomy, Agriculture Botany, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agriculture Chemistry, Horticulture)
- Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Agronomy, Botany, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agriculture Chemistry) | | Total Vacancies | 234 (Subject to change as per departmental requisitions) | | Pay Matrix Level | - L-11: Assistant Agriculture Officer (Post S.No. 1-2)
- L-12: Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Post S.No. 10-14)
- L-12: Statistical Officer (Post S.No. 3, revised from L-14)
- L-14: Agriculture Research Officer (Post S.No. 4-9) | | Exam Mode | Offline/Online (Objective Type, Multiple Choice Questions) | | Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer) | | Selection Process | Written Examination (No Interview) | | Official Website | https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in | | Application Portal | SSO Rajasthan |
Quick Links
- RPSC Agriculture Department Exam Overview
- Highlights
- Important Dates
- Eligibility Criteria
- Vacancy Details
- Exam Pattern
- How to Apply
- Admit Card
- Result and Selection
- FAQs
Important Dates for RPSC Agriculture Department Exam
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 16 October 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | 21 October 2024 |
| Online Application End Date | 19 November 2024 (12:00 AM) |
| Application Correction Window | 20 November 2024 - 29 November 2024 (10 days post-deadline) |
| Exam Date (Revised) | 12 October 2025 - 29 October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Will be updated when available |
| Result Declaration | Will be updated when available |
Note: Candidates are advised to regularly check the RPSC official website for updates on admit card release and result declaration.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)
| Post Serial Number | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2, 10-14 | 18 years | 40 years | - SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS (Rajasthan Domicile): 5 years |
- Women (General Category): 5 years
- Women (SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS): 10 years
- Widow/Divorcee/Deserted Women: No upper age limit (subject to submission of valid documents)
- Ex-Servicemen: 15 years (Post S.No. 1-2, 10-14) / 10 years (Post S.No. 3-9)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 5 years (additional to other relaxations)
- State Government Employees: Upper age limit of 40 years
- Ex-Prisoners: As per rules (non-cumulative) | | 3-9 | 20 years | 40 years | Same as above, except:
- Ex-Servicemen: 10 years (Post S.No. 3-9) |
Note: Age relaxation is non-cumulative. Candidates can avail only one type of relaxation.
Educational Qualifications
| Post Serial Number | Post Name | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (NSA/SA) | B.Sc. (Agriculture) or B.Sc. (Horticulture) from a university established by law in India. Working knowledge of Hindi written in Devnagari Script and knowledge of Rajasthan Culture is mandatory. |
| 3 | Statistical Officer | IInd Class Post Graduate Degree in Mathematics with Statistics or IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) with Statistics or M.Sc. in Statistics from a university established by law in India. |
| 4 | Agriculture Research Officer (Agronomy) | IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) with Agronomy from a university established by law in India. |
| 5 | Agriculture Research Officer (Agriculture Botany) | IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Botany or IInd Class M.Sc. (Botany) with Plant Breeding from a university established by law in India. |
| 6 | Agriculture Research Officer (Plant Pathology) | IInd Class M.Sc. (Botany) with specialization in Plant Pathology or IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Plant Pathology from a university established by law in India. |
| 7 | Agriculture Research Officer (Entomology) | IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) with Entomology or IInd Class M.Sc. (Zoology) with specialization in Entomology from a university established by law in India. |
| 8 | Agriculture Research Officer (Agriculture Chemistry) | IInd Class M.Sc. in Chemistry or IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Chemistry/Soil Science from a university established by law in India. |
| 9 | Agriculture Research Officer (Horticulture) | IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) with Horticulture from a university established by law in India. |
| 10-14 | Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Various) | IInd Class M.Sc. (Agriculture) in the respective subject (Agronomy, Botany, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Chemistry/Soil Science) from a university established by law in India. |
Note:
- Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying examination are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the written examination.
- Working knowledge of Hindi (Devnagari Script) and Rajasthan Culture is mandatory for all posts.
Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies: 234 (Subject to Change)
| Post S.No. | Post Name | Total Vacancies | UR | SC | ST | OBC | MBC | EWS | Ex-Servicemen (Horizontal) | PwBD (Horizontal) | |----------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------------|--------|--------|--------|---------|---------|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (NSA) | 115 | 28 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 3 | 8 | Gen: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, OBC: 3, EWS: 1 | | 2 | Assistant Agriculture Officer (SA) | 10 | 2 | 2 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0 | | 3 | Statistical Officer | 18 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 4 | Agriculture Research Officer (Agronomy) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 5 | Agriculture Research Officer (Agriculture Botany) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 6 | Agriculture Research Officer (Plant Pathology) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 7 | Agriculture Research Officer (Entomology) | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 8 | Agriculture Research Officer (Agriculture Chemistry)| 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 9 | Agriculture Research Officer (Horticulture) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 10 | Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Agronomy) | 11 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 11 | Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Botany) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 12 | Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Plant Pathology) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 13 | Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Entomology) | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Gen: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, OBC: 0, MBC: 0, EWS: 0 | | 14 | Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Agriculture Chemistry) | 40 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | Gen: 2 (1 Backlog), SC: 1 (Backlog), ST: 1 (Backlog), OBC: 2 (1 Backlog), MBC: 0, EWS: 0 |
Note:
- Horizontal Reservation: Ex-Servicemen and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) reservations are horizontal and adjusted within the respective categories.
- Scheduled Area (SA): Only candidates domiciled in the scheduled areas of Rajasthan are eligible for SA posts.
- Vacancies are subject to change as per departmental requisitions.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Revised Exam Pattern (Effective from 26 May 2025)
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Knowledge of Rajasthan | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| II | Concerned Subject (as per qualification) | 110 | 110 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Key Features:
- Two separate papers: Paper-I (General Knowledge) and Paper-II (Concerned Subject).
- Objective Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- No Interview: Selection is based solely on the written examination.
- Extra Time: 5 minutes for Paper-I and 10 minutes for Paper-II beyond the scheduled duration.
Syllabus Overview
The detailed syllabus for both papers will be released by RPSC on its official website. Below is a brief overview:
Paper-I: General Knowledge of Rajasthan
- History, Art, and Culture of Rajasthan: Major dynasties, freedom movement, festivals, folk music, dance, and handicrafts.
- Geography of Rajasthan: Physical features, climate, soil, minerals, and natural resources.
- Economy of Rajasthan: Agriculture, industry, tourism, and major economic initiatives.
- Polity and Administration: Governance structure, local self-government, and administrative setup.
- Current Affairs: Recent developments in Rajasthan and India.
Paper-II: Concerned Subject
The syllabus for Paper-II varies based on the post applied for. Candidates must refer to the qualification-specific syllabus as prescribed in the official notification. For example:
- Agronomy: Crop production, soil science, agronomy of major crops, and sustainable agriculture.
- Entomology: Insect morphology, physiology, pest management, and economic entomology.
- Plant Pathology: Plant diseases, pathogens, disease management, and epidemiology.
- Statistics: Statistical methods, probability, sampling techniques, and data analysis.
Note: The detailed syllabus will be updated on the RPSC website. Candidates are advised to download the syllabus once it is released.
How to Apply for RPSC Agriculture Department Exam
Step-by-Step Application Process
-
One Time Registration (OTR):
- Visit the SSO Rajasthan Portal.
- Log in using your SSO ID. If you don’t have an SSO ID, register first.
- Select Recruitment Portal under Citizen Apps (G2C).
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) by providing details such as name, father’s name, date of birth, gender, secondary examination details, and uploading a valid ID proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID/Driving License).
- Note: OTR details (name, father’s name, date of birth, gender) cannot be modified later.
-
Fill the Online Application Form:
- After OTR, log in to the Recruitment Portal using your OTR number.
- Select the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25.
- Fill in the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, and post preferences.
- Upload a live photograph, signature, and left thumb impression in the prescribed format.
- Scheduled Area Candidates: Must indicate their preference for Scheduled Area (SA) or Non-Scheduled Area (NSA) posts.
-
Pay the Application Fee:
- General/OBC (Creamy Layer)/MBC (Creamy Layer): ₹600
- SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/MBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/PwBD/Saharia Area: ₹400
- Note: Candidates from other states must apply under the General category and pay ₹600.
- Payment can be made online via net banking, credit card, or debit card.
-
Submit the Application:
- Review the application form carefully before submission.
- Click Submit to finalize the application.
- Note down the application number for future reference.
- Take a printout of the application form for records.
-
Application Correction Window (if required):
- Candidates can edit their application form within 10 days of the last date of application by paying a correction fee of ₹500.
- OTR details (name, father’s name, date of birth, gender) cannot be modified.
- A second correction window will open 60 days before the exam date for 7 days.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Multiple Applications: Candidates applying for more than one post must submit separate applications for each post.
- Scheduled Area Candidates: Can apply for both SA and NSA posts but must indicate their preference in the application.
- Document Verification: Candidates must ensure all details (e.g., caste, age, qualifications) match their official documents. Discrepancies may lead to disqualification.
- Withdrawal of Application: Candidates can withdraw their application before the last date of submission.
Admit Card Download
Steps to Download Admit Card
- Visit the RPSC official website.
- Click on the Admit Card link for the Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25.
- Log in using your SSO ID or Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Download and print the admit card.
- Verify all details (name, roll number, exam center, date, and time) on the admit card.
Documents to Carry to the Exam Center
- Printed copy of the admit card.
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport).
- Blue ballpoint pen for marking answers on the OMR sheet.
Note: Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam center without the admit card and ID proof.
Result and Selection Process
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates must qualify in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
- Merit List: Based on the marks obtained in the written examination.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must submit original documents for verification.
- Final Selection: Appointment letters will be issued to selected candidates based on merit and document verification.
Result Declaration
- The result will be published on the RPSC official website.
- Candidates can check their results using their roll number or application number.
- Cut-off Marks: Will be released category-wise along with the result.
Post-Selection Process
- Provisional Appointment: Selected candidates will receive a provisional appointment letter.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit for the post.
- Police Verification: A character verification certificate is required.
- Joining Formalities: Candidates must complete all joining formalities within the stipulated time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
The RPSC Agriculture Department Exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for recruitment to various posts in the Agriculture Department of the Rajasthan Government, such as Assistant Agriculture Officer, Statistical Officer, and Agriculture Research Officer.
2. How many vacancies are available in the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25?
A total of 234 vacancies have been announced for various posts, including Assistant Agriculture Officer, Statistical Officer, Agriculture Research Officer, and Assistant Agriculture Research Officer. The vacancies are subject to change as per departmental requisitions.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
- Age Limit: 18-40 years for Assistant Agriculture Officer and Assistant Agriculture Research Officer posts; 20-40 years for Statistical Officer and Agriculture Research Officer posts (as on 01 January 2025). Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories.
- Educational Qualification: Varies by post. For example, B.Sc. (Agriculture/Horticulture) for Assistant Agriculture Officer and M.Sc. (Agriculture/Statistics) for other posts. Working knowledge of Hindi (Devnagari Script) and Rajasthan Culture is mandatory for all posts.
4. What is the exam pattern for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper-I: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (40 questions, 40 marks, 40 minutes).
- Paper-II: Concerned Subject (110 questions, 110 marks, 1 hour 50 minutes).
- Total: 150 questions, 150 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
5. How can I apply for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
- Visit the SSO Rajasthan Portal and complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
- Log in to the Recruitment Portal and fill the online application form.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application and take a printout for records.
6. What is the application fee for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
- General/OBC (Creamy Layer)/MBC (Creamy Layer): ₹600
- SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/MBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/PwBD/Saharia Area: ₹400
- Candidates from other states: ₹600 (must apply under the General category).
7. Can I apply for multiple posts in the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
Yes, but you must submit separate applications for each post and pay the application fee for each.
8. What is the selection process for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
The selection process consists of:
- Written Examination: Two papers (General Knowledge and Concerned Subject).
- Merit List: Based on marks obtained in the written examination.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must submit original documents.
- Final Selection: Appointment letters are issued based on merit and document verification.
9. When will the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25 be conducted?
The exam is scheduled to be held from 12 October 2025 to 29 October 2025. The exact dates for each subject are available in the revised exam schedule.
10. Where can I download the admit card for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
The admit card will be available for download on the RPSC official website a few days before the exam. Candidates must log in using their SSO ID or Application Number and Date of Birth to download the admit card.
11. Is there negative marking in the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
Yes, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
12. What documents are required for the document verification process?
Candidates must submit the following documents for verification:
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Age proof (e.g., 10th/12th mark sheet).
- Domicile certificate (for Rajasthan candidates).
- Ex-Servicemen certificate (if applicable).
- PwBD certificate (if applicable).
- Widow/Divorcee/Deserted Women certificate (if applicable).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for government employees.
13. Can I withdraw my application after submission?
Yes, candidates can withdraw their application before the last date of submission. However, the application fee will not be refunded.
14. Where can I find the detailed syllabus for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
The detailed syllabus will be released by RPSC on its official website. Candidates are advised to download the syllabus once it is available.
15. What is the pay scale for the posts offered in the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
- Assistant Agriculture Officer (Post S.No. 1-2): Pay Matrix Level L-11.
- Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (Post S.No. 10-14): Pay Matrix Level L-12.
- Statistical Officer (Post S.No. 3): Pay Matrix Level L-12 (revised from L-14).
- Agriculture Research Officer (Post S.No. 4-9): Pay Matrix Level L-14.
Note: During the probation period, a fixed monthly salary (as per state government rules) will be paid.
Conclusion
The RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2024-25 is a prestigious opportunity for candidates seeking government jobs in Rajasthan’s Agriculture Department. With 234 vacancies across various posts, this exam offers a stable career path with attractive pay scales and benefits. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, prepare thoroughly for the written examination, and stay updated with the latest notifications on the RPSC official website.
For further assistance, candidates can contact RPSC at:
- Phone: 0145-2635212, 2635200
- Email: support@rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in
- Address: Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Ajmer, Rajasthan - 305001
Best of luck with your preparation!