RPSC Assistant Director & Senior Scientific Officer Syllabus 2025-26
Syllabus Overview
The RPSC Assistant Director (DNA Division) & Senior Scientific Officer (5 Divisions) examination is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for recruitment in the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur. The exam follows a single-paper, objective-type (MCQ) format with 150 questions (150 marks) and a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Negative marking is applicable (1/3rd mark deduction for incorrect answers).
Key Exam Details:
- Exam Name: RPSC Assistant Director & Senior Scientific Officer
- Total Marks: 150
- Total Questions: 150 (MCQ)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd mark deduction per wrong answer)
- Subject: Concerned subject as prescribed in the qualifications (Forensic Science specializations)
Subject-wise Syllabus
The syllabus is division-specific and aligns with the educational qualifications prescribed for each post. Below is the detailed subject-wise breakdown:
1. Assistant Director (DNA Division)
Educational Qualification:
- M.Sc. (IInd Division) in Zoology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics OR
- M.Sc. (IInd Division) in Forensic Science with specialization in Forensic Biology / Serology / DNA (minimum 6-month course in III/IV semester) AND
- Zoology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics as a subject at the Bachelor’s level.
- Computer Proficiency: Certificate/Diploma in Computer Science/Application or equivalent.
- Experience: 3 years in Forensic DNA in a State/Central Government FSL or equivalent.
Syllabus Topics (Expected High-Weightage Areas):
- Molecular Biology: DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, genetic code.
- Genetics: Mendelian genetics, population genetics, genetic disorders, DNA fingerprinting.
- Biotechnology: PCR, gel electrophoresis, blotting techniques, DNA sequencing.
- Forensic Biology: Serology, bloodstain analysis, semen analysis, hair and fiber analysis.
- Forensic DNA Analysis: STR analysis, mitochondrial DNA, Y-STR analysis, DNA databases (CODIS).
- Biochemistry: Protein structure, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways.
- Microbiology: Microbial genetics, forensic microbiology applications.
- Laboratory Techniques: Quality control, contamination prevention, chain of custody.
- Legal Aspects: Indian Evidence Act, POCSO Act, DNA evidence admissibility.
2. Senior Scientific Officer (DNA Division)
Educational Qualification:
- M.Sc. (1st Division) in Zoology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics OR
- M.Sc. (1st Division) in Forensic Science with specialization in Forensic Biology / Serology / DNA (minimum 6-month course in III/IV semester) AND
- Zoology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics as a subject at the Bachelor’s level.
- Computer Proficiency: Certificate/Diploma in Computer Science/Application or equivalent.
- Experience: 2 years in Forensic DNA in a State/Central Government FSL or equivalent.
Syllabus Topics (Expected High-Weightage Areas): (Same as Assistant Director, with deeper focus on advanced techniques and casework applications.)
- Advanced DNA Typing: Next-generation sequencing (NGS), SNP analysis.
- Forensic Casework: Sexual assault cases, missing persons, disaster victim identification.
- Statistical Analysis: Likelihood ratios, probability calculations, Bayesian statistics.
- Emerging Technologies: Rapid DNA testing, portable DNA analyzers.
3. Senior Scientific Officer (Serology Division & Biology Division)
Educational Qualification:
- M.Sc. (1st Division) in Zoology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Genetics OR
- M.Sc. (1st Division) in Forensic Science with specialization in Forensic Biology / Serology (minimum 6-month course in III/IV semester) AND
- Forensic Biological Science / Zoology / Botany as a subject at the Bachelor’s level.
- Computer Proficiency: Certificate/Diploma in Computer Science/Application or equivalent.
- Experience: 2 years in a State/Central Government FSL or equivalent.
Syllabus Topics (Expected High-Weightage Areas):
- Serology: Blood group systems (ABO, Rh), secretor status, saliva analysis.
- Immunology: Antigen-antibody reactions, ELISA, precipitin tests.
- Forensic Botany: Plant identification, pollen analysis, diatom testing.
- Entomology: Forensic entomology, post-mortem interval estimation.
- Trace Evidence: Hair, fiber, glass, paint analysis.
- Body Fluid Identification: Presumptive and confirmatory tests for blood, semen, saliva.
- Crime Scene Investigation: Evidence collection, preservation, packaging.
4. Senior Scientific Officer (Narcotics Division & Chemistry Division)
Educational Qualification:
- M.Sc. (1st Division) in Chemistry OR
- M.Tech./M.E. (1st Division) in Chemical Engineering OR
- M.Sc. (1st Division) in Forensic Science with specialization in Forensic Chemistry / Toxicology / Narcotics (minimum 6-month course in III/IV semester) AND
- Chemistry / Forensic Chemistry as a subject at the Bachelor’s level.
- Computer Proficiency: Certificate/Diploma in Computer Science/Application or equivalent.
- Experience: 2 years in a State/Central Government FSL or equivalent.
Syllabus Topics (Expected High-Weightage Areas):
- Forensic Chemistry: Drug analysis, chromatography (GC, HPLC), spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, NMR).
- Narcotics Analysis: Opioids, cannabinoids, stimulants, hallucinogens, new psychoactive substances (NPS).
- Toxicology: Poison detection, alcohol analysis, post-mortem toxicology.
- Explosives Analysis: Identification of explosives, residue analysis.
- Arson Investigation: Fire debris analysis, accelerant detection.
- Instrumentation: Mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Legal Aspects: NDPS Act, drug scheduling, chain of custody.
Important Topics (High Weightage)
| Division | High-Weightage Topics |
|---|---|
| DNA Division | STR analysis, mitochondrial DNA, Y-STR analysis, PCR, DNA databases (CODIS), statistical interpretation. |
| Serology Division | Bloodstain pattern analysis, semen identification, saliva tests, immunology techniques. |
| Biology Division | Forensic botany, entomology, hair/fiber analysis, trace evidence. |
| Narcotics Division | Drug classification, chromatography, spectroscopy, NDPS Act, new psychoactive substances (NPS). |
| Chemistry Division | Toxicology, explosives analysis, arson investigation, instrumentation (GC-MS, HPLC). |
Preparation Approach
1. Subject-Specific Strategies
Forensic DNA Analysis (DNA Division)
- Focus Areas:
- Master molecular biology fundamentals (DNA structure, replication, transcription).
- Practice PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing techniques.
- Learn statistical methods for DNA evidence interpretation (likelihood ratios, Bayesian statistics).
- Study casework examples (sexual assault, missing persons, disaster victim identification).
- Resources:
- Books: Forensic DNA Typing by John Butler, Molecular Biology of the Gene by Watson et al.
- Online: CODIS database guidelines, NIST forensic DNA resources.
Serology & Biology (Serology/Biology Division)
- Focus Areas:
- Understand blood group systems (ABO, Rh) and body fluid identification techniques.
- Learn immunological methods (ELISA, precipitin tests).
- Study forensic botany and entomology applications.
- Practice trace evidence analysis (hair, fiber, glass, paint).
- Resources:
- Books: Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques by Stuart James.
- Online: FBI Trace Evidence resources, INTERPOL forensic guidelines.
Narcotics & Chemistry (Narcotics/Chemistry Division)
- Focus Areas:
- Master chromatography (GC, HPLC) and spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, NMR) techniques.
- Learn drug classification (opioids, cannabinoids, stimulants) and NDPS Act provisions.
- Study toxicology fundamentals (poison detection, alcohol analysis).
- Understand explosives and arson investigation methods.
- Resources:
- Books: Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons by Moffat et al., Forensic Chemistry by Suzanne Bell.
- Online: DEA drug scheduling, SWGDRUG guidelines.
2. General Preparation Tips
- Exam Pattern Familiarization:
- Solve previous years’ question papers (if available) to understand the question format.
- Practice MCQ-based tests with negative marking to improve accuracy.
- Time Management:
- Allocate 1 minute per question during the exam.
- Prioritize high-weightage topics (e.g., DNA analysis, narcotics identification).
- Laboratory Skills:
- Gain hands-on experience with forensic instruments (PCR machines, GC-MS, HPLC).
- Understand quality control and contamination prevention protocols.
- Legal Knowledge:
- Study Indian Evidence Act, NDPS Act, and POCSO Act relevant to forensic evidence.
- Mock Tests:
- Take online mock tests to assess preparation levels and identify weak areas.
3. Recommended Study Plan
| Phase | Duration | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 2-3 months | Core subjects (Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Serology), basic laboratory techniques. |
| Advanced | 2 months | Specialized topics (DNA analysis, narcotics identification, toxicology), casework applications. |
| Revision | 1 month | High-weightage topics, mock tests, previous years’ papers. |
| Final Prep | 15 days | Time management, exam strategy, last-minute revisions. |
Preparation Resources
1. Books
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Forensic DNA | Forensic DNA Typing by John Butler, Molecular Biology of the Gene by Watson et al. |
| Serology | Forensic Science: An Introduction by Stuart James, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis by Tom Bevel. |
| Narcotics & Chemistry | Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons by Moffat et al., Forensic Chemistry by Suzanne Bell. |
| General Forensics | Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science by Richard Saferstein. |
2. Online Resources
- RPSC Official Website: https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in (for syllabus updates and notifications).
- NIST Forensic Science: https://www.nist.gov/forensics (standards and guidelines).
- FBI Forensic Resources: https://www.fbi.gov/services/laboratory (trace evidence, DNA databases).
- SWGDRUG: https://www.swgdrug.org (drug analysis guidelines).
- CODIS: https://www.fbi.gov/services/laboratory/biometric-analysis/codis (DNA database protocols).
3. Government Publications
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (for legal aspects of forensic evidence).
- NDPS Act, 1985 (for narcotics analysis).
- POCSO Act, 2012 (for DNA evidence in sexual assault cases).
4. Laboratory Training
- Internships: Apply for internships in State/Central Forensic Science Laboratories.
- Workshops: Attend workshops on DNA analysis, chromatography, and toxicology.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX offer forensic science courses (e.g., Introduction to Forensic Science by Nanyang Technological University).
Additional Tips
- Stay Updated: Follow RPSC notifications for syllabus changes or exam pattern updates.
- Join Study Groups: Engage with forensic science communities (e.g., Reddit’s r/forensics, LinkedIn groups).
- Practice OMR Sheets: Familiarize yourself with OMR answer sheet filling to avoid errors during the exam.
- Health & Stress Management: Maintain a balanced study schedule with breaks to avoid burnout.
Disclaimer
- The syllabus is based on the educational qualifications and experience requirements mentioned in the RPSC notification. For the detailed syllabus, refer to the official RPSC website when available.
- Negative marking is applicable, so answer questions carefully.
- Working knowledge of Hindi (Devanagari script) and Rajasthan culture is mandatory for all posts.
Source: RPSC Notification No. 14/Exam/AD&SSO/Home(Gr.-I)/RPSC/EP-I/2025-26 dated 23.12.2025.