RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2025: Comprehensive Syllabus and Preparation Guide
Syllabus Overview
The RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2025 is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for various positions including Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO), Statistical Officer (SO), Agriculture Research Officer (ARO), and Assistant Agriculture Research Officer (AARO). The examination consists of two papers:
- Paper-I: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (40 marks, 40 questions, 40 minutes)
- Paper-II: Concerned Subject (110 marks, 110 questions, 1 hour 50 minutes)
The exam follows an objective-type (multiple-choice questions) format with negative marking (1/3rd mark deduction for each wrong answer).
Key Exam Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) |
| Exam Mode | Offline/Online (OMR-based) |
| Total Marks | 150 (Paper-I: 40, Paper-II: 110) |
| Total Questions | 150 (Paper-I: 40, Paper-II: 110) |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (Paper-I: 40 mins, Paper-II: 1 hour 50 mins) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark deduction for each wrong answer |
| Exam Dates (Revised) | 12 October 2025 – 29 October 2025 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (No interview) |
Subject-wise Syllabus
1. Paper-I: General Knowledge of Rajasthan
This paper is common for all posts and tests candidates' knowledge of Rajasthan's history, culture, geography, economy, and current affairs.
Topics Covered
-
History of Rajasthan
- Ancient civilizations (Kalibangan, Ahar, Ganeshwar)
- Major dynasties (Rajputs, Marathas, Mughals)
- Freedom struggle and integration of Rajasthan
- Cultural heritage (folk dances, music, festivals)
-
Geography of Rajasthan
- Physical features (Thar Desert, Aravalli Range, rivers)
- Climate, soil types, and agriculture
- Natural resources (minerals, forests, wildlife)
- Major cities and tourist destinations
-
Economy of Rajasthan
- Agriculture, industry, and trade
- Government schemes and policies
- Infrastructure development
-
Polity and Administration
- State government structure
- Panchayati Raj institutions
- Local self-government
-
Current Affairs
- Recent developments in Rajasthan
- Government initiatives and programs
- Awards, honors, and notable personalities
-
Rajasthan Culture and Art
- Folk arts (painting, pottery, handicrafts)
- Literature and languages
- Religious places and architecture
2. Paper-II: Concerned Subject
The syllabus for Paper-II varies based on the post applied for. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for each position:
A. Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) & Agriculture Research Officer (ARO) – Agronomy
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Principles of Agronomy | Crop ecology, cropping systems, sustainable agriculture |
| Weed Management | Weed biology, herbicides, integrated weed control |
| Soil Science | Soil fertility, nutrient management, soil conservation |
| Irrigation and Water Management | Water resources, irrigation methods, drought management |
| Crop Production | Major crops (wheat, rice, maize, pulses), cultivation practices |
| Organic Farming | Principles, certification, organic inputs |
| Climate Change and Agriculture | Impact of climate change, mitigation strategies |
B. Agriculture Research Officer (ARO) – Agriculture Botany
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Plant Genetics | Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering |
| Plant Breeding | Breeding methods, hybrid development, seed technology |
| Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth regulators |
| Biotechnology | Tissue culture, genetic transformation, GM crops |
| Seed Science | Seed production, processing, storage, and certification |
C. Agriculture Research Officer (ARO) – Plant Pathology
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Plant Diseases | Fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases |
| Disease Diagnosis | Symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycles |
| Disease Management | Chemical, biological, and cultural control methods |
| Epidemiology | Disease forecasting, integrated disease management |
| Post-Harvest Pathology | Storage diseases, mycotoxins, food safety |
D. Agriculture Research Officer (ARO) – Entomology
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Insect Morphology & Physiology | Insect anatomy, life cycles, behavior |
| Insect Ecology | Insect-plant interactions, pest dynamics |
| Pest Management | Chemical, biological, and integrated pest control |
| Stored Grain Pests | Identification, damage assessment, control measures |
| Beneficial Insects | Pollinators, natural enemies, biocontrol agents |
E. Agriculture Research Officer (ARO) – Agriculture Chemistry / Soil Science
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Soil Chemistry | Soil colloids, ion exchange, soil pH |
| Soil Fertility | Nutrient availability, fertilizer use, soil testing |
| Soil Microbiology | Microbial ecology, nitrogen fixation, soil health |
| Environmental Chemistry | Pollution, heavy metals, soil remediation |
| Analytical Techniques | Spectroscopy, chromatography, soil analysis methods |
F. Agriculture Research Officer (ARO) – Horticulture
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Fruit Production | Major fruit crops (mango, citrus, guava), cultivation practices |
| Vegetable Production | Major vegetable crops (tomato, onion, potato), cultivation practices |
| Floriculture | Ornamental plants, landscaping, post-harvest management |
| Post-Harvest Technology | Storage, packaging, value addition |
| Plantation Crops | Spices, medicinal plants, aromatic plants |
G. Statistical Officer (SO)
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Statistical Methods | Probability, distributions, hypothesis testing |
| Sampling Techniques | Random sampling, stratified sampling, sample size determination |
| Experimental Design | ANOVA, regression analysis, field experiments |
| Biostatistics | Statistical applications in agriculture, medical research |
| Data Analysis | Software tools (SPSS, R, Excel), interpretation of results |
Important Topics (High Weightage)
Paper-I: General Knowledge of Rajasthan
- History of Rajasthan (Focus on Rajput dynasties, freedom struggle)
- Geography of Rajasthan (Thar Desert, Aravalli Range, rivers)
- Economy of Rajasthan (Agriculture, minerals, government schemes)
- Current Affairs (Last 6 months, state-specific developments)
Paper-II: Concerned Subject
| Post | High-Weightage Topics |
|---|---|
| AAO & ARO (Agronomy) | Crop production, weed management, soil science, irrigation |
| ARO (Agriculture Botany) | Plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, seed science |
| ARO (Plant Pathology) | Disease management, epidemiology, post-harvest pathology |
| ARO (Entomology) | Pest management, beneficial insects, stored grain pests |
| ARO (Agriculture Chemistry) | Soil fertility, nutrient management, environmental chemistry |
| ARO (Horticulture) | Fruit and vegetable production, post-harvest technology, floriculture |
| Statistical Officer (SO) | Statistical methods, experimental design, data analysis |
Preparation Approach for Each Subject
1. General Knowledge of Rajasthan
- Study Material: Use NCERT books (Class 6-12), Rajasthan GK by Dr. Lalit Kishore, and current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Yojana).
- Focus Areas: History, geography, economy, and culture of Rajasthan.
- Revision Strategy: Create mind maps and timelines for historical events. Use flashcards for important facts.
- Practice: Solve previous year papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
2. Concerned Subject (Paper-II)
A. Agronomy (AAO & ARO)
- Study Material: Principles of Agronomy by Reddy & Reddy, Weed Management by Das, Soil Science by Brady & Weil.
- Focus Areas: Crop production, soil fertility, irrigation, and weed management.
- Practical Approach: Visit agricultural farms and research stations to understand real-world applications.
- Revision: Prepare short notes on key concepts and diagrams for better retention.
B. Agriculture Botany (ARO)
- Study Material: Plant Breeding by B.D. Singh, Genetics by Gardner, Biotechnology by Smith.
- Focus Areas: Plant genetics, breeding methods, biotechnology, and seed science.
- Practical Approach: Study case studies of successful plant breeding programs.
- Revision: Use flowcharts for genetic processes and tables for breeding methods.
C. Plant Pathology (ARO)
- Study Material: Plant Pathology by Agrios, Disease Management by Chaube & Kumar.
- Focus Areas: Disease diagnosis, management strategies, and epidemiology.
- Practical Approach: Visit plant clinics and disease diagnostic labs.
- Revision: Prepare disease charts with symptoms, causal organisms, and control measures.
D. Entomology (ARO)
- Study Material: Entomology by Dhaliwal & Singh, Pest Management by Pedigo.
- Focus Areas: Insect morphology, pest management, and beneficial insects.
- Practical Approach: Collect and study insect specimens for better identification.
- Revision: Use flashcards for insect identification and diagrams for life cycles.
E. Agriculture Chemistry / Soil Science (ARO)
- Study Material: Soil Science by Brady & Weil, Environmental Chemistry by Manahan.
- Focus Areas: Soil fertility, nutrient management, and environmental chemistry.
- Practical Approach: Conduct soil testing experiments to understand nutrient dynamics.
- Revision: Prepare tables for soil nutrients and graphs for pH analysis.
F. Horticulture (ARO)
- Study Material: Horticulture by Kumar, Post-Harvest Technology by Thompson.
- Focus Areas: Fruit and vegetable production, post-harvest technology, and floriculture.
- Practical Approach: Visit horticulture farms and processing units.
- Revision: Use charts for crop cultivation practices and diagrams for post-harvest processes.
G. Statistical Officer (SO)
- Study Material: Statistics by Gupta & Kapoor, Biostatistics by Zar.
- Focus Areas: Statistical methods, experimental design, and data analysis.
- Practical Approach: Practice data analysis using software tools (SPSS, R, Excel).
- Revision: Solve numerical problems and case studies for better understanding.
Preparation Resources
Books and Study Material
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge of Rajasthan | - Rajasthan GK by Dr. Lalit Kishore- Lucent’s Rajasthan GK- NCERT (Class 6-12) |
| Agronomy | - Principles of Agronomy by Reddy & Reddy- Weed Management by Das- Soil Science by Brady |
| Agriculture Botany | - Plant Breeding by B.D. Singh- Genetics by Gardner- Biotechnology by Smith |
| Plant Pathology | - Plant Pathology by Agrios- Disease Management by Chaube & Kumar |
| Entomology | - Entomology by Dhaliwal & Singh- Pest Management by Pedigo |
| Agriculture Chemistry | - Soil Science by Brady & Weil- Environmental Chemistry by Manahan |
| Horticulture | - Horticulture by Kumar- Post-Harvest Technology by Thompson |
| Statistics | - Statistics by Gupta & Kapoor- Biostatistics by Zar |
Online Resources
- RPSC Official Website: https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in (For syllabus updates, exam notifications)
- Utkarsh Classes: https://utkarsh.com (For mock tests, video lectures)
- Current Affairs: Pratiyogita Darpan, Yojana, PIB Rajasthan
- YouTube Channels: Agriculture Adda, Rajasthan GK by Utkarsh Classes
Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
- Mock Tests: Enroll in online test series (Utkarsh Classes, Gradeup, Testbook).
- Previous Year Papers: Solve last 5 years' question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Time Management: Practice speed tests to improve accuracy and time management.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Admit Card: Download and print the RPSC Agriculture Department Admit Card 2025 from the official website.
- ID Proof: Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport).
- Stationery: Use a blue ballpoint pen for filling OMR sheets.
- Reporting Time: Reach the exam center 1 hour before the scheduled time.
- Prohibited Items: Do not carry mobile phones, calculators, or any electronic devices.
OMR Sheet Instructions
- Each question has 5 options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Darken only one circle for the correct answer.
- If you do not attempt a question, darken the circle ‘5’ to avoid negative marking.
- Extra time (5 mins for Paper-I, 10 mins for Paper-II) is provided for filling OMR sheets.
- Disqualification: If more than 10% of questions in any paper are left unanswered (no circle darkened), the candidate will be disqualified.
Final Tips for Success
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on high-weightage topics first.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate 2-3 hours daily for each subject.
- Revise Regularly: Use short notes, flashcards, and diagrams for quick revision.
- Practice Mock Tests: Improve speed and accuracy by solving mock tests.
- Stay Updated: Follow RPSC notifications and current affairs regularly.
- Health and Mindset: Maintain a healthy routine and stay positive and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the exam pattern for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2025?
The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper-I: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (40 marks, 40 questions, 40 minutes)
- Paper-II: Concerned Subject (110 marks, 110 questions, 1 hour 50 minutes)
2. Is there negative marking in the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
3. What are the revised exam dates for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2025?
The revised exam dates are 12 October 2025 – 29 October 2025.
4. How can I download the RPSC Agriculture Department Admit Card 2025?
- Visit the RPSC official website (https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in).
- Click on the "Admit Card for Agriculture Dept. Exam - 2024" link.
- Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Download and print the admit card.
5. What are the high-weightage topics for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
- General Knowledge of Rajasthan: History, geography, economy, and current affairs.
- Concerned Subject: Varies by post (e.g., crop production for Agronomy, disease management for Plant Pathology).
6. What books should I refer to for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
Refer to the "Books and Study Material" section above for subject-wise recommendations.
7. How can I prepare for the General Knowledge of Rajasthan paper?
- Study NCERT books (Class 6-12) and Rajasthan GK by Dr. Lalit Kishore.
- Focus on history, geography, economy, and culture of Rajasthan.
- Solve previous year papers and mock tests.
8. What is the selection process for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
The selection is based on written examination only (no interview).
9. Can I apply for multiple posts in the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam?
Yes, but you must submit separate online applications for each post.
10. What is the age limit for the RPSC Agriculture Department Exam 2025?
- For AAO & AARO: Minimum 18 years, maximum 40 years (as of 01.01.2025).
- For SO & ARO: Minimum 20 years, maximum 40 years (as of 01.01.2025).
- Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS: 5 years, Ex-servicemen: 10-15 years).
Source Citations:
- RPSC Official Notification (16.10.2024, 08.11.2024, 26.05.2025)
- Utkarsh Classes Exam Updates (15.09.2025)