RPSC Assistant Director (Science & Technology) Syllabus 2024 – Complete Exam Guide
Syllabus Overview
The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) Assistant Director (Science & Technology) examination is conducted to recruit candidates for 11 permanent posts in the Science and Technology Department of Rajasthan. The selection process comprises a written examination (200 marks) and an interview (24 marks). The written exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: Subjects Concerned with the Post (150 marks, 3 hours)
- Paper 2: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (50 marks, 2 hours)
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in the written exam to proceed to the interview stage. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the written exam and interview.
Subject-wise Syllabus
1. Paper 1: Subjects Concerned with the Post (150 marks)
This paper evaluates the candidate’s expertise in Science and Technology, aligned with the educational qualifications required for the post. The syllabus is structured around the following key areas:
A. Core Scientific Disciplines
-
Natural Sciences
- Biology (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics)
- Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical)
- Physics (Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Physics)
- Environmental Science (Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution Control)
-
Agricultural Sciences
- Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science
- Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agricultural Engineering
- Biotechnology in Agriculture
-
Engineering and Technology
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Nanotechnology and Material Science
-
Remote Sensing and GIS
- Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Data Analysis
- Applications in Urban Planning, Disaster Management, and Natural Resource Monitoring
B. Research and Development (R&D)
-
Research Methodology
- Experimental Design, Data Collection, and Statistical Analysis
- Scientific Writing and Publication Ethics
-
Industrial and Academic R&D
- Innovation and Technology Transfer
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Patents
- Project Management in R&D Organizations
C. Science and Technology Policy
-
National and State-level Policies
- Rajasthan Science & Technology Policy
- Government Schemes for Scientific Research and Innovation
-
Ethics in Science and Technology
- Bioethics, Environmental Ethics, and Responsible Research
2. Paper 2: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (50 marks)
This paper assesses the candidate’s knowledge of Rajasthan’s history, culture, geography, economy, and current affairs. Key topics include:
A. History and Culture
-
Ancient and Medieval Rajasthan
- Major Dynasties (Mauryas, Guptas, Rajputs, Mughals)
- Forts, Palaces, and Architectural Heritage
-
Modern Rajasthan
- Freedom Struggle and Integration of Rajasthan
- Contribution of Rajasthan in India’s Independence Movement
-
Art and Literature
- Folk Music, Dance, and Festivals
- Rajasthani Literature and Languages
B. Geography and Economy
-
Physical Geography
- Climate, Soil, and Natural Resources
- Rivers, Lakes, and Wildlife Sanctuaries
-
Economic Development
- Agriculture, Industry, and Tourism
- Government Schemes for Economic Growth
C. Polity and Administration
-
State Government and Local Governance
- Structure of Rajasthan Government
- Panchayati Raj Institutions
-
Current Affairs
- Recent Developments in Rajasthan (2023–2024)
- Awards, Honors, and Notable Personalities
Important Topics (High Weightage)
Paper 1: Subjects Concerned with the Post
| Topic | Weightage | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Sensing & GIS | High | Applications in Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Urban Planning |
| Research Methodology | High | Experimental Design, Data Analysis, and Scientific Writing |
| Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering | Medium | CRISPR, Gene Editing, and Agricultural Biotechnology |
| Science and Technology Policy | Medium | Rajasthan State Policies, IPR, and Ethics in Research |
| Environmental Science | Medium | Pollution Control, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development |
Paper 2: General Knowledge of Rajasthan
| Topic | Weightage | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| History of Rajasthan | High | Rajput Dynasties, Freedom Movement, and Cultural Heritage |
| Geography of Rajasthan | High | Natural Resources, Climate, and Wildlife Sanctuaries |
| Economy of Rajasthan | Medium | Agriculture, Industry, and Tourism Policies |
| Current Affairs | Medium | Recent Government Schemes, Awards, and Events (2023–2024) |
Preparation Approach
1. Paper 1: Subjects Concerned with the Post
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Focus on objective-type (MCQ) questions with a penalty for incorrect answers (1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers).
- Study Core Subjects: Prioritize Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Engineering based on your educational background.
- Master Remote Sensing & GIS: Use NCERT textbooks, ESRI GIS tutorials, and Rajasthan-specific case studies.
- Practice Research Methodology: Solve previous years’ question papers and refer to standard books like Research Methodology by C.R. Kothari.
- Stay Updated on Policies: Follow Rajasthan Government’s Science & Technology Department for recent policies and schemes.
2. Paper 2: General Knowledge of Rajasthan
- History and Culture: Use NCERT books (Class 6–12) and Rajasthan Adhyayan by Dr. S.L. Sharma.
- Geography: Refer to Rajasthan Geography by Laxminarayan Nathuramka and government reports on natural resources.
- Current Affairs: Read Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhaskar, and PIB Rajasthan for updates.
- Polity: Study Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act and State Government Schemes.
3. Interview Preparation
- Mock Interviews: Practice with peers or mentors to improve communication skills.
- Subject Knowledge: Revise core topics from Paper 1 and stay updated on recent advancements in Science & Technology.
- Rajasthan-Specific Questions: Prepare for questions on state policies, cultural heritage, and current affairs.
Preparation Resources
Books and Study Material
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Remote Sensing & GIS | Remote Sensing and GIS by Basudeb Bhatta, GIS Fundamentals by Paul Bolstad |
| Research Methodology | Research Methodology by C.R. Kothari, Scientific Research by O.P. Agrawal |
| Natural Sciences | NCERT Books (Class 11–12), Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson & Cox |
| General Knowledge of Rajasthan | Rajasthan Adhyayan by Dr. S.L. Sharma, Rajasthan Geography by Laxminarayan Nathuramka |
| Current Affairs | Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhaskar, PIB Rajasthan, Yojana Magazine |
Online Resources
- RPSC Official Website: https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in (for syllabus updates and notifications)
- Testbook: RPSC Assistant Director Mock Tests (for practice papers)
- BYJU’S: Rajasthan GK Notes (for quick revision)
- YouTube Channels: Study IQ, Unacademy Rajasthan (for video lectures)
Previous Years’ Question Papers
- Download RPSC Assistant Director previous years’ papers from the official website or platforms like Testbook.
- Analyze question patterns and high-weightage topics to prioritize preparation.
Key Tips for Success
- Time Management: Allocate 60% of preparation time to Paper 1 and 40% to Paper 2.
- Revision Strategy: Revise high-weightage topics weekly and take mock tests regularly.
- Stay Updated: Follow Rajasthan Government’s official portals for policy updates and current affairs.
- Health and Well-being: Maintain a balanced study schedule with breaks to avoid burnout.
Eligibility Criteria (For Reference)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 1st Class Master’s Degree in Natural/Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, or Technology. OR |
| 1st Class M.Sc/M.Tech in Remote Sensing & GIS (with a graduate degree in Science/Engineering). | |
| Experience | 2 years of specialized experience in R&D/industrial/academic institutions. |
| Language Proficiency | Working knowledge of Hindi (Devnagari script) and Rajasthani Culture. |
| Age Limit | 21–40 years as of 01.01.2025 (relaxations apply for reserved categories). |
Exam Pattern Summary
| Stage | Paper | Marks | Duration | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | Paper 1: Subjects Concerned | 150 | 3 hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper 2: General Knowledge of Rajasthan | 50 | 2 hours | Objective (MCQ) | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 24 | N/A | Viva Voce |
| Total | 224 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the selection process for RPSC Assistant Director?
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination (200 marks): Two papers (Subjects Concerned + General Knowledge of Rajasthan).
- Interview (24 marks): Candidates shortlisted based on written exam performance.
2. Is there negative marking in the RPSC Assistant Director exam?
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for incorrect answers.
3. What are the high-weightage topics for Paper 1?
- Remote Sensing & GIS
- Research Methodology
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
- Science and Technology Policies
4. How can I prepare for the General Knowledge of Rajasthan paper?
- Study history, geography, and culture from recommended books.
- Follow current affairs through newspapers and government portals.
- Take mock tests to assess preparation level.
5. Where can I find the official syllabus for RPSC Assistant Director?
The official syllabus is available on the RPSC website: https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in.
Conclusion
The RPSC Assistant Director (Science & Technology) exam is a competitive opportunity for candidates with a strong background in Science, Engineering, or Technology. Focus on high-weightage topics, practice previous years’ papers, and stay updated on Rajasthan’s current affairs to maximize your chances of success. Utilize recommended books and online resources for comprehensive preparation.
For further updates, visit the RPSC official website or follow ExamGarh for expert guidance and study materials.