RPSC Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO) Exam 2024: Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) conducts the Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO) examination to recruit qualified candidates for the Fisheries Department of Rajasthan. This exam is a golden opportunity for postgraduates in Fisheries Science or Zoology to secure a government position in Rajasthan. The selected candidates will be entitled to a salary as per Pay Matrix Level L-11 (Grade Pay INR 4,200) and will play a crucial role in the development and management of fisheries resources in the state.

RPSC AFDO Exam Highlights

Quick Links

• RPSC AFDO Exam Overview
• Highlights
• Important Dates
• Eligibility Criteria
• Exam Pattern
• Syllabus
• How to Apply
• Application Fee
• Selection Process
• Salary and Benefits
• Preparation Tips

Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc.) from a recognized university in India.
2. M.Sc. in Zoology with a special paper in Fisheries from a recognized university in India.
3. Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) with a one-year diploma in professional development programme from the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai.

Additionally, candidates must have:

• "O" or Higher Level Certificate Course conducted by DOEACC under the Department of Electronics, Government of India. OR
• Certificate Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) by NIELIT, New Delhi. OR
• Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)/Data Preparation and Computer Software (DPCS) Certificate under the National/State Council for Vocational Training Scheme. OR
• Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Computer Science/Computer Application from a recognized university or institution. OR
• Senior Secondary Certificate with Computer Science/Computer Application as a subject. OR
• Diploma in Computer Science & Engineering from a recognized polytechnic institution. OR
• Rajasthan State Certificate Course in Information Technology (RSCIT) conducted by Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Kota.

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 40 years

Age Relaxation:

Note: For ex-servicemen, the upper age limit after relaxation shall not exceed 50 years (55 years for posts where experience of a lower post is essential).

Other Requirements

• Working knowledge of Hindi written in Devanagari script.
• Knowledge of Rajasthani culture.

Exam Pattern

The RPSC AFDO exam consists of one paper divided into two parts:

Key Points:

• The exam is objective type (Multiple Choice Questions).
• Negative marking is applicable: 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• Each question has five options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Candidates must darken the correct option using a blue ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet.
• If a question is not attempted, candidates must darken the circle ‘5’. Failure to do so will result in a 1/3rd mark deduction for that question.
• Candidates who do not darken any option in more than 10% of the questions will be disqualified.

Syllabus

Part-A: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (40 Questions, 40 Marks)

Unit-I: History, Culture & Heritage of Rajasthan

• Pre and early history of Rajasthan.
• Age of Rajputs: Major dynasties and achievements of prominent rulers.
• Emergence of Modern Rajasthan: Socio-political awakening in the 19th century; peasant and tribal movements in the 20th century; political struggle and integration of Rajasthan.
• Visual Art of Rajasthan:
  • Architecture of forts and temples.
  • Sculpture traditions and schools of painting.
• Performing Arts of Rajasthan:
  • Folk music and musical instruments.
  • Folk dance and folk drama.
• Religious cults, saints, and folk deities of Rajasthan.
• Dialects and distribution in Rajasthan; literature of the Rajasthani language.

Unit-II: Geography, Natural Resources & Socio-Economic Development of Rajasthan

• Geography of Rajasthan:
  • Physical features: Mountains, plateaus, plains, and desert.
  • Major rivers and lakes.
  • Climate and agro-climatic regions.
  • Major soil types and distribution.
  • Major forest types and distribution.
  • Demographic characteristics.
  • Environmental concerns: Desertification, droughts, floods, deforestation, and pollution.
• Economy of Rajasthan:
  • Major minerals (metallic and non-metallic).
  • Power resources (renewable and non-renewable).
  • Major agro-based industries: Textile, sugar, paper, and vegetable oil.
  • Poverty and unemployment.
  • Agro food parks.

Unit-III: Current Events and Issues of Rajasthan and India

• Important persons, places, and current events of Rajasthan.
• National and international events of importance.
• Recent welfare and development schemes in Rajasthan.

Part-B: Concerned Subject (Fisheries) (110 Questions, 110 Marks)

1. Taxonomy and External Characters of Freshwater Food Fishes and Shellfishes

   • Study of species: Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Labeo calbasu, L. bata, Mystus seenghala, M. aor, Tor khudree, Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus, Wallago attu, Ompok pabda, Notopterus notopterus, N. chitala, Channa marulius, C. striatus, Mastacembelus armatus, Freshwater Prawn, Shrimp (L. vannamei).
   • Modern taxonomic tools: Cryotaxonomy and DNA fingerprinting.

2. Biology and Culture of Commercially Important Fishes and Shellfish

   • Indian Major Carps (IMC), exotic carps, tilapia, pangas, freshwater prawn, and L. vannamei.
   • Food and feeding habits.

3. Fish Hatcheries: Operations and Management

   • Types of fish hatcheries.
   • Selection and identification of IMC brooders and brood-stock management.
   • Gonadal development of fishes.
   • Induced breeding: Hypophysation, synthetic hormones, dosage, and methods of hormonal injection.
   • Traditional fish breeding methods: Wet and dry bundh breeding.
   • Environmental factors affecting spawning.

4. Spawn, Fry, and Fingerlings: Counting, Care, and Identification

   • Identification of freshwater culturable fish seed.
   • Transportation of live fish and use of anaesthetics.

5. Fish Farm Design and Construction

   • Survey and selection of sites for freshwater fish farms.
   • Water and soil quality in relation to pond construction.
   • Physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting pond productivity.
   • Types of fish farm ponds and their characteristics.

6. Soil and Water Quality Management for Aquaculture

7. Fish Feeds and Feeding Methods

   • Types of natural and supplementary feeds.
   • Methods of fish feed formulation.

8. Diseases of Fish and Prawn

   • Pathogenic, parasitic, nutritional, and environmental diseases.
   • Management and treatment of diseases.

9. Fisheries of Important Reservoirs in Rajasthan

   • Conservation measures in reservoir fisheries.
   • Fish stocking in reservoirs.

10. Ornamental Fishes: Trade, Biology, and Breeding

    • Fabrication and maintenance of aquaria and accessories.

11. Aquatic Plants in Freshwater Pond Ecosystems

    • Control measures for common aquatic plants.

12. Pre and Post Stocking Management

    • Nursery, rearing, and stocking ponds.

13. Fishing Crafts and Gears in Rajasthan

    • Materials and maintenance of common freshwater fishing crafts and gears.

14. Handling and Preservation of Freshwater Fishes and Shrimps

    • Methods of fish preservation for marketing.

15. Recent Advances in Aquaculture

    • Cage culture, pen culture, biofloc technology, integrated aquaculture systems, RAS, and aquaponics.

16. Fisheries Administration and Policies in Rajasthan

    • Central and state responsibilities for fisheries development.
    • Organizational setup of fisheries administration in Rajasthan.
    • Recent policies and schemes in the Rajasthan fisheries sector.
    • Functions and powers of the Department of Fisheries, corporations, and cooperatives.
    • Central and Rajasthan fisheries institutions.

17. Fisheries Acts and Environmental Laws

    • Salient features of the Rajasthan Fisheries Act, 1953 and Rajasthan Fisheries Rules, 1958.
    • Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.

Fundamentals of IT & Computer Application

• Information Technology and its importance.
• Computer fundamentals: Hardware and software, input and output devices.
• Operating systems: Introduction to Windows and Linux.
• Networking: LAN, WAN, Internet, and World Wide Web.
• HTML and IP.
• Introduction to MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Audio-visual aids: Definition, advantages, classification, and choice.
• Web browsing and creation/operation of email accounts.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Registration:

   • Visit the RPSC official website.
   • Click on the "Apply Online" link.
   • Select the "Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO)" exam.
   • Click on "New Registration" and fill in the required details (name, father’s name, date of birth, gender, secondary exam details, and ID proof such as Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License).
   • Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process.

2. Fill the Application Form:

   • Log in using your OTR credentials.
   • Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
   • Select your category (e.g., General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.).
   • Choose your preference for Non-Scheduled or Scheduled Areas (if applicable).

3. Upload Documents:

   • Upload a recent passport-sized photograph (live photo).
   • Upload a scanned signature and left thumb impression.

4. Pay the Application Fee:

   • Pay the fee online using net banking, credit card, or debit card.
   • Save the payment receipt for future reference.

5. Submit the Application:

   • Review the application form carefully.
   • Click on "Submit" to complete the process.
   • Take a printout of the application form for future reference.

Application Fee

Note: Candidates from states other than Rajasthan belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories will be treated as General candidates and must pay the General category fee.

Selection Process

The selection process for the RPSC AFDO exam consists of the following stages:

1. Written Examination:

   • Objective type exam with 150 questions (150 marks).
   • Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
   • Negative marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.

2. Document Verification:

   • Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for document verification.
   • Original documents must be presented for verification.

3. Final Selection:

   • The final selection will be based on merit in the written examination.
   • Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria to be considered for final appointment.

Salary and Benefits

• Pay Scale: Pay Matrix Level L-11 (Grade Pay INR 4,200).
• Basic Pay: As per the 7th Pay Commission guidelines.
• Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits as per government norms.
• Job Security: Permanent government job with pension benefits.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for promotions and professional development.

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern:

   • Go through the syllabus thoroughly and understand the weightage of each topic.
   • Focus on Part-B (Fisheries) as it carries 110 marks.

2. Create a Study Plan:

   • Allocate dedicated time slots for each subject.
   • Include regular revision and mock tests in your study plan.

3. Refer to Standard Books and Resources:

   • Use recommended books for Fisheries Science and General Knowledge of Rajasthan.
   • Refer to online resources and previous year question papers.

4. Practice Mock Tests:

   • Solve mock tests and previous year papers to improve time management and accuracy.
   • Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:

   • Read newspapers and current affairs magazines regularly.
   • Focus on Rajasthan-specific current events and government schemes.

6. Revise Regularly:

   • Revision is key to retaining information.
   • Make short notes for quick revision before the exam.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• OMR Sheet Instructions:

  • Use a blue ballpoint pen to darken the correct option.
  • Darken only one circle per question.
  • If a question is not attempted, darken the circle ‘5’ to avoid negative marking.
  • Ensure that no more than 10% of questions are left without any option darkened.

• Admit Card:

  • The admit card will be released on the RPSC official website.
  • Download and print the admit card well in advance.
  • Carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.

• Exam Day Guidelines:

  • Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
  • Do not carry electronic gadgets, calculators, or study materials to the exam hall.
  • Follow the instructions given by the invigilator.

Conclusion

The RPSC Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO) Exam 2024 is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to build a career in the fisheries sector in Rajasthan. With 8 vacancies available, candidates must prepare diligently to secure a position. Focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing mock tests, and staying updated with current affairs to enhance your chances of success.

For the latest updates, visit the RPSC official website regularly and keep track of important dates and notifications.

Best of luck with your preparation!