RPSC Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO) Eligibility Criteria 2024
Introduction
The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) conducts the competitive examination for the post of Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO) in the Fisheries Department. This document outlines the detailed eligibility criteria, including age limits, educational qualifications, nationality, age relaxation, and other specific requirements for the RPSC AFDO exam.
Age Limit for RPSC AFDO 2024
The age limit for candidates applying for the RPSC Assistant Fisheries Development Officer post is as follows:
- Minimum Age: 21 years (as of 01.01.2025)
- Maximum Age: 40 years (as of 01.01.2025)
Note:
- Candidates who were overage as of 01.01.2020 (for the 2019 advertisement) but meet the age criteria as of 01.01.2025 are eligible for a 3-year age relaxation as per service rules.
- Age is calculated based on the secondary examination certificate.
Educational Qualification for RPSC AFDO 2024
Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications to be eligible for the RPSC AFDO post:
Primary Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc.) from a university established by law in India.
- M.Sc. in Zoology with a special paper in Fisheries from a recognized university.
- Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) with a one-year diploma in Professional Development Programme from the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai.
Computer Qualification
Candidates must also possess one of the following computer qualifications:
- "O" or Higher Level Certificate course conducted by DOEACC under the Department of Electronics, Government of India.
- Certificate Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) by NIELIT, New Delhi.
- Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) or Data Preparation and Computer Software (DPCS) certificate under the National/State Council of Vocational Training Scheme.
- Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Computer Science/Computer Application from a recognized university or institution.
- Senior Secondary Certificate with Computer Science/Computer Application as a subject.
- Diploma in Computer Science & Engineering from a government-recognized polytechnic institution.
- Rajasthan State Certificate Course in Information Technology (RSCIT) conducted by Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Kota.
- Any equivalent or higher qualification recognized by the Government.
Language Proficiency
- Working knowledge of Hindi written in Devanagari script.
- Knowledge of Rajasthani culture.
Note:
- Candidates appearing for the final year of the required qualification are eligible to apply but must provide proof of qualification before the RPSC AFDO examination.
Nationality and Domicile Requirements
To apply for the RPSC AFDO post, candidates must meet the following nationality and domicile criteria:
- Indian Citizenship: Mandatory for all applicants.
- Domicile of Rajasthan: Required for candidates seeking reservation benefits under the following categories:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- More Backward Classes (MBC)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Ex-Servicemen (for state-specific relaxations)
Note:
- Candidates from other states can apply but will be considered under the General (Unreserved) category and are not eligible for reservation benefits.
- Women married to Rajasthan domiciles are not eligible for SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS reservations unless they are native residents of Rajasthan.
Age Relaxation for RPSC AFDO 2024
Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories and specific groups as per Rajasthan government rules. The relaxation is non-cumulative, meaning only one relaxation can be availed.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Male candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS of Rajasthan | 5 years |
| Female candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS of Rajasthan | 10 years |
| General (Unreserved) category women | 5 years |
| Widow and Divorcee women (with valid proof) | No upper age limit |
| Ex-Prisoners (substantive service before conviction) | Relaxation equal to imprisonment term |
| Cadet Instructors (NCC service) | Relaxation equal to NCC service term |
| Temporary government employees (if within age limit at initial appointment) | Deemed within age limit |
| Persons serving in State/Panchayat Samiti/Zila Parishad/State PSUs in substantive capacity | Upper age limit: 40 years |
| Released Emergency Commissioned Officers/Short Service Commissioned Officers | Deemed within age limit |
| Ex-Servicemen (including reservists and defense personnel transferred to reserve) | Upper age limit: 50 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (as per Rajasthan Civil Services Rules, 1988) | 15 years (max age: 50 years) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 5 years |
Notes:
- Ex-Servicemen: Must be native residents of Rajasthan to avail relaxation benefits.
- PwBD: Relaxation applies to candidates with 40% or more disability certified by a competent medical authority.
- Widow/Divorcee: Must provide a death certificate (for widow) or divorce decree (for divorcee) issued by a competent authority.
Other Requirements for RPSC AFDO 2024
In addition to the above criteria, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Physical Fitness
- Candidates must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Rajasthan government.
- A medical certificate from a competent authority must be submitted post-selection.
Character Certificate
- A character certificate from the last attended educational institution must be submitted, stating the candidate’s character as "Good."
Police Verification
- Post-selection, candidates must submit a police verification certificate confirming no criminal record that would disqualify them from government service.
Marital Status
- Candidates with more than two children as of 01.06.2002 are ineligible for appointment, except for:
- Widows
- Divorcees
- Women with children from a previous marriage (counted as one unit)
- A self-declaration regarding marital status and number of children must be submitted.
Reservation-Specific Documents
Candidates availing reservation benefits must submit the following documents:
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS | - Caste certificate issued by a competent authority (must be issued on or before the last date of application). |
- For OBC/MBC: Certificate must specify non-creamy layer status and parental income.
- For EWS: Income & Asset Certificate issued by a competent authority. | | Ex-Servicemen | - Discharge certificate.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer (if currently employed).
- Proof of native residency in Rajasthan. | | PwBD | - Disability certificate (40% or more) issued by a competent medical authority.
- Certificate specifying the type of disability (e.g., blindness, locomotor disability). | | Widow/Divorcee | - Death certificate of husband (for widows).
- Divorce decree issued by a competent court (for divorcees).
- Affidavit stating no remarriage (for both categories). | | Scheduled Area Candidates | - Domicile certificate proving residency in a scheduled area of Rajasthan.
- Preference must be clearly stated in the application for scheduled/non-scheduled area posts. |
Additional Notes
- Government Employees: Must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer if already in government service.
- Sports Quota: Outstanding sportspersons may avail relaxation as per Department of Personnel (DoP) notifications dated 15.03.2013 and 21.11.2019.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Candidates must complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the SSO Rajasthan portal before applying.
Important Instructions for Candidates
-
Application Process:
- Applications must be submitted online through the RPSC official website.
- The application fee is non-refundable.
- Application Fee:
- General/OBC (Creamy Layer)/EWS (Creamy Layer): ₹500
- SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/MBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS (Non-Creamy Layer): ₹400
- PwBD: ₹400
-
Document Verification:
- Shortlisted candidates must submit original documents for verification post-examination.
- Failure to produce valid documents will result in disqualification.
-
Disqualification:
- Providing false information or suppressing facts may lead to disqualification and legal action under Indian Judicial Code (BNS) Section 217.
- Candidates found ineligible during any stage of the selection process will be debarred for one year from future RPSC examinations.
-
Exam Pattern:
- The RPSC AFDO exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into:
- Part-A: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (40 questions, 40 marks)
- Part-B: Concerned Subject (Fisheries) (110 questions, 110 marks)
- Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- The RPSC AFDO exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into:
-
Admit Card:
- Admit cards will be available online on the RPSC website.
- Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam center.
Conclusion
Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and ensure they meet all requirements before applying for the RPSC Assistant Fisheries Development Officer (AFDO) 2024 exam. For the latest updates and notifications, regularly visit the official RPSC website.
Best of luck with your preparation!