RPSC Deputy Commandant Exam Preparation Tips: Study Plan, Books & Strategies
Introduction
Preparing for the RPSC Deputy Commandant Exam requires a structured approach, disciplined study routine, and access to the right resources. This guide provides a realistic study plan, recommended books, online resources, time management strategies, and exam-day tips to help you succeed in this competitive examination.
RPSC Deputy Commandant Exam Overview
The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) conducts the Deputy Commandant exam for recruitment to the Home Guard Department under the Rajasthan Home Defense and Civil Defense Service Rules, 1976. The selection process includes:
- Written Examination (150 Marks) – Objective-type questions covering General Knowledge & General Science.
- Interview (15 Marks) – Assessing personality, communication skills, and subject knowledge.
Key Details:
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks for each wrong answer.
- Exam Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Eligibility: Ex-Captain (Army) with working knowledge of Hindi (Devanagari script) and Rajasthan culture.
- Age Limit: 20–40 years as of 01.01.2026 (relaxations apply for reserved categories).
Study Plan for RPSC Deputy Commandant Exam
A 6-month study plan is ideal for thorough preparation. Adjust the timeline based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1–2)
Goal: Understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and build a strong foundation.
| Week | Focus Areas | Daily Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | - Syllabus analysis - Exam pattern familiarization - Basic GK & Science revision | 4–5 hours |
| 3–4 | - Rajasthan history, culture, and geography - Current affairs (national & state) | 5–6 hours |
| 5–6 | - Indian polity & governance - Basic science (physics, chemistry, biology) | 5–6 hours |
| 7–8 | - Mock tests (1 per week) - Weak area identification | 6 hours |
Tips:
- Use NCERT books (Class 6–12) for foundational concepts.
- Follow daily newspapers (The Hindu, Rajasthan Patrika) for current affairs.
- Create short notes for quick revision.
Phase 2: Advanced Preparation (Months 3–4)
Goal: Deepen subject knowledge and improve answer accuracy.
| Week | Focus Areas | Daily Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9–10 | - Indian history & freedom struggle - World geography & environment | 6 hours |
| 11–12 | - Economy & budget highlights - Science & technology updates | 6 hours |
| 13–14 | - Rajasthan-specific topics (art, literature, festivals) - Mock tests (2 per week) | 6–7 hours |
| 15–16 | - Previous year question papers - Time-bound practice | 7 hours |
Tips:
- Solve at least 10 previous year papers to understand question trends.
- Focus on Rajasthan’s economy, culture, and administrative setup.
- Join online test series for real-time exam simulation.
Phase 3: Revision & Mock Tests (Months 5–6)
Goal: Reinforce learning, improve speed, and build exam confidence.
| Week | Focus Areas | Daily Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 17–18 | - Full syllabus revision - Weak topic reinforcement | 7–8 hours |
| 19–20 | - Mock tests (3 per week) - Error analysis & correction | 8 hours |
| 21–22 | - Current affairs (last 6 months) - Rajasthan-specific updates | 6–7 hours |
| 23–24 | - Final revision - Light mock tests (1 per day) | 5–6 hours |
Tips:
- Revise notes daily to retain information.
- Analyze mock test mistakes and work on them.
- Stay updated with Rajasthan government schemes and policies.
Best Books for RPSC Deputy Commandant Exam
Select books that cover the syllabus comprehensively and are recommended by toppers.
General Knowledge & General Science
| Subject | Recommended Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Indian History | - India’s Struggle for Independence - NCERT (Class 6–12) | Bipan Chandra, NCERT |
| Indian Polity | - Indian Polity - Introduction to the Constitution of India | M. Laxmikanth, D.D. Basu |
| Geography | - Certificate Physical and Human Geography - NCERT (Class 6–12) | G.C. Leong, NCERT |
| Economy | - Indian Economy - Economic Survey of India (Latest) | Ramesh Singh, Govt. of India |
| Science & Technology | - Lucent’s General Science - NCERT (Class 6–12) | Lucent, NCERT |
| Rajasthan GK | - Rajasthan Adhyayan - Rajasthan GK (Arihant) | Dr. L.R. Bhalla, Arihant |
| Current Affairs | - Pratiyogita Darpan - Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazines | PD Group, Govt. of India |
Additional Resources:
- Rajasthan Yearbook (For state-specific updates).
- RPSC Previous Year Papers (For exam pattern familiarity).
Online Resources for RPSC Deputy Commandant Preparation
Leverage free and paid online resources to supplement your preparation.
Free Resources
-
Websites:
- RPSC Official Website (For syllabus, notifications, and updates).
- BYJU’S Exam Prep (Free study material & quizzes).
- Gradeup (Free mock tests & current affairs).
-
YouTube Channels:
- Study IQ Education (General Knowledge & Current Affairs).
- Unacademy RPSC (Rajasthan-specific topics).
- Dr. Roman Saini (Science & Polity).
-
Mobile Apps:
- GKToday (Daily current affairs & quizzes).
- Rajasthan GK App (State-specific GK).
- Testbook (Mock tests & exam analysis).
Paid Resources
-
Online Courses:
- Unacademy RPSC Deputy Commandant Course (Live classes & doubt clearing).
- BYJU’S Exam Prep RPSC Course (Structured video lectures).
-
Test Series:
- Testbook RPSC Test Series (100+ mock tests).
- Gradeup RPSC Test Series (Topic-wise & full-length tests).
Time Management Strategies
Effective time management is critical for success in the RPSC Deputy Commandant exam.
Daily Study Schedule
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Current Affairs + Newspaper Reading |
| 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Strong Subject (e.g., Polity or History) |
| 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Short Break |
| 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Weak Subject (e.g., Science or Economy) |
| 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Revision + Note-making |
| 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Short Break |
| 3:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Mock Tests / Previous Year Papers |
| 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM | Error Analysis & Correction |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Light Revision (Rajasthan GK) |
| 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Quick Revision Before Sleep |
Exam-Specific Time Management
-
Written Exam (150 Questions, 150 Minutes):
- First 30 Minutes: Solve easy questions (50–60 questions).
- Next 60 Minutes: Tackle moderate difficulty questions (60–70 questions).
- Last 60 Minutes: Attempt tough questions (20–30 questions) and review answers.
-
Negative Marking Strategy:
- Skip questions you are unsure about to avoid negative marking.
- Guess wisely if you can eliminate 2–3 options.
Exam Day Tips for RPSC Deputy Commandant
Follow these last-minute tips to perform your best on exam day.
Before the Exam
-
Documents to Carry:
- Admit Card (Printed copy).
- Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- Passport-sized Photographs (2–3 copies).
-
Stationery:
- Blue Ballpoint Pen (For OMR sheet).
- Pencil & Eraser (For rough work).
- Transparent Water Bottle (No labels).
-
Dress Code:
- Wear comfortable clothing (Avoid heavy jewelry or accessories).
-
Sleep & Diet:
- Sleep 7–8 hours the night before the exam.
- Eat a light, nutritious meal (Avoid heavy or oily food).
During the Exam
-
Read Instructions Carefully:
- Understand the OMR sheet filling rules (Darken only one circle per question).
- Mark unattempted questions as ‘5’ to avoid negative marking.
-
Time Management:
- Stick to the time plan (30-60-60 minutes).
- Do not spend more than 1 minute per question.
-
Answering Strategy:
- Start with easy questions to build confidence.
- Flag tough questions and return to them later.
-
Stay Calm:
- Take deep breaths if you feel anxious.
- Avoid last-minute guesses unless you can eliminate options.
After the Exam
-
Avoid Post-Exam Discussions:
- Do not discuss answers with peers to prevent unnecessary stress.
-
Plan for the Interview:
- Start preparing for the interview round (15 marks).
- Focus on personality development, communication skills, and current affairs.
Final Preparation Checklist
✅ Syllabus Coverage: Ensure 100% syllabus completion 1 month before the exam. ✅ Mock Tests: Take at least 20 full-length mock tests. ✅ Revision: Revise notes daily and focus on weak areas. ✅ Current Affairs: Stay updated with last 6 months’ news. ✅ Exam Day Readiness: Keep admit card, ID proof, and stationery ready. ✅ Health & Mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and healthy routine.
Conclusion
The RPSC Deputy Commandant Exam is competitive, but with a structured study plan, right resources, and effective time management, you can crack it successfully. Stay disciplined, revise regularly, and practice mock tests to build confidence. Good luck with your preparation!
For the latest updates, visit the RPSC Official Website.