RPSC Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam 2024: Preparation Guide

Introduction

The RPSC Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam 2024 is a prestigious examination conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for recruitment to 1096 vacancies across State Services (428 posts) and Subordinate Services (668 posts). This guide provides a structured approach to cracking the exam with a realistic study plan, recommended books, time management strategies, and exam-day tips.

RPSC Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Exam 2024: Study Plan

Exam Structure

The exam is conducted in two stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type, 200 marks, 3 hours)

   • Subject: General Knowledge & General Science
   • Purpose: Screening test (marks not counted for final merit).

2. Main Examination (Descriptive Type, 800 marks total)

   • Papers:
     • Paper I: General Studies-I (200 marks, 3 hours)
     • Paper II: General Studies-II (200 marks, 3 hours)
     • Paper III: General Studies-III (200 marks, 3 hours)
     • Paper IV: General Hindi & General English (200 marks, 3 hours)
   • Qualifying Marks: Minimum 10% in each paper and 15% aggregate (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates).

3. Personality & Viva-Voce Test (100 marks)

   • Focus: Character, personality, knowledge of Rajasthan culture, and N.C.C. ‘C’ Certificate (preference for Rajasthan Police Service).

6-Month Study Plan

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-2)

• Focus: Cover basic concepts of General Studies (GS) and Rajasthan-specific topics.

• Daily Routine:

  • 6-8 hours/day (adjust based on personal schedule).
  • Morning (3 hours): GS Paper I & II (History, Polity, Economy, Geography).
  • Afternoon (2 hours): GS Paper III (Science, Environment, Current Affairs).
  • Evening (1-2 hours): General Hindi & English (Sr. Secondary level).
  • Weekends: Revise notes, solve MCQs, and take mock tests.

• Key Topics:

  • History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India; Rajasthan History.
  • Polity: Indian Constitution, Governance, Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan.
  • Economy: Indian Economy, Rajasthan Economy, Budget, and Five-Year Plans.
  • Geography: Physical and Human Geography of India and Rajasthan.
  • Science & Environment: Basic concepts, recent developments, and environmental issues.
  • Current Affairs: National and international events (last 12 months).

Phase 2: Advanced Preparation (Months 3-4)

• Focus: Deep dive into Rajasthan-specific topics, analytical skills, and answer writing practice.

• Daily Routine:

  • 7-9 hours/day.
  • Morning (3 hours): GS Paper I & II (Rajasthan focus).
  • Afternoon (3 hours): GS Paper III (Science, Environment, and Current Affairs).
  • Evening (2 hours): General Hindi & English (essay writing, précis, grammar).
  • Weekends: Full-length mock tests and answer writing practice.

• Key Topics:

  • Rajasthan Culture: Art, Literature, Festivals, and Heritage.
  • Rajasthan Polity: State Government, Administrative Structure, and Local Governance.
  • Rajasthan Economy: Agriculture, Industry, and Infrastructure.
  • Rajasthan Geography: Physical features, climate, and natural resources.
  • Current Affairs: Focus on Rajasthan-specific news and government schemes.

Phase 3: Revision & Mock Tests (Months 5-6)

• Focus: Revision, mock tests, and time management.

• Daily Routine:

  • 8-10 hours/day.
  • Morning (3 hours): Revise weak areas and notes.
  • Afternoon (4 hours): Solve mock tests and previous years' papers.
  • Evening (2 hours): Analyze mistakes and improve answer writing.
  • Weekends: Full-length mock tests under exam conditions.

• Key Activities:

  • Mock Tests: Take at least 2 mock tests per week (Prelims and Mains).
  • Answer Writing: Practice descriptive answers for Mains (focus on clarity and structure).
  • Current Affairs: Revise last 6 months' news and updates.

Best Books for RPSC Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Exam 2024

General Studies (Prelims & Mains)

• Rajasthan History: Rajasthan Adhyayan by Dr. Suresh Sharma
• Modern India: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra | | Polity | - Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
• Rajasthan Polity by Dr. Dinesh Kumar
• NCERT (Class XI-XII) | | Economy | - Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
• Rajasthan Economy by Dr. L.R. Meena
• Economic Survey of India & Rajasthan | | Geography | - NCERT (Class VI-XII)
• Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
• Rajasthan Geography by Dr. S.K. Bhandari | | Science & Environment | - NCERT (Class VI-X)
• Environment by Shankar IAS
• Science & Technology by Ravi Agrahari | | Current Affairs | - The Hindu / Indian Express (Daily)
• Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazines
• RPSC Current Affairs Compilation (Monthly) |

General Hindi & English

• Hindi Vyakaran by Kamta Prasad Guru
• Previous Years' RPSC Papers | | General English | - Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
• High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin |

Online Resources for RPSC Exam Preparation

Free Resources

• ExamGarh (Study Material, Mock Tests)
• ClearIAS (GS Notes, Current Affairs) | | YouTube Channels | - Study IQ Education (GS Lectures)
• Unacademy RPSC (Rajasthan-Specific Topics)
• BYJU’S Exam Prep (Mock Tests & Strategy) | | Mobile Apps | - RPSC Exam Prep (Mock Tests, Notes)
• GKToday (Current Affairs)
• Gradeup (Live Classes, Quizzes) |

Paid Resources

• BYJU’S RPSC Course (Structured Learning)
• Testbook RPSC (Mock Tests, Study Material) | | Test Series | - Vision IAS RPSC Test Series (Prelims & Mains)
• Drishti IAS RPSC Test Series (Comprehensive Coverage) |

Time Management Strategies for RPSC Exam

Prelims-Specific Tips

1. Time Allocation:

   • 3 hours for 150 questions (1.2 minutes per question).
   • First 30 minutes: Solve easy questions (50-60% of the paper).
   • Next 90 minutes: Tackle moderate questions.
   • Last 60 minutes: Attempt difficult questions and review answers.

2. Negative Marking:

   • 1/3rd mark deducted for incorrect answers.
   • Avoid guesswork: Skip questions if unsure.

3. OMR Sheet Instructions:

   • Use blue ballpoint pen to darken circles.
   • Darken only one circle per question.
   • Darken circle ‘5’ if not attempting a question.
   • 10-minute extra time for filling OMR sheet.

Mains-Specific Tips

1. Answer Writing:

   • Structure: Introduction → Body (Points + Examples) → Conclusion.
   • Word Limit: Adhere to prescribed limits (e.g., 200 words for 10-mark questions).
   • Handwriting: Ensure legibility (deductions for poor handwriting).

2. Time Allocation per Paper:

   • 3 hours per paper (180 minutes).
   • First 30 minutes: Read questions carefully and plan answers.
   • Next 120 minutes: Write answers (prioritize high-weightage questions).
   • Last 30 minutes: Review and refine answers.

3. Language Papers (Hindi & English):

   • General Hindi: Focus on grammar, essay writing, and précis.
   • General English: Practice comprehension, letter writing, and grammar.

Daily Study Schedule

Exam Day Tips for RPSC Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Exam

Before the Exam

1. Documents to Carry:

   • Admit Card (E-Admission Certificate).
   • Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License).
   • Passport-sized photographs (as per instructions).

2. Stationery:

   • Blue ballpoint pen (for OMR sheet).
   • Pencils, erasers, and sharpeners (for rough work).

3. Dress Code:

   • Wear comfortable clothing (avoid accessories or items with metal).

4. Last-Minute Revision:

   • Revise key formulas, dates, and facts (avoid new topics).

During the Exam

1. Prelims:

   • Read instructions carefully (e.g., marking scheme, negative marking).
   • Start with easy questions to build confidence.
   • Manage time effectively (1.2 minutes per question).
   • Review answers before submitting the OMR sheet.

2. Mains:

   • Plan answers before writing (use bullet points for clarity).
   • Prioritize high-weightage questions (e.g., 20-mark questions).
   • Write legibly and adhere to word limits.
   • Use diagrams/charts where applicable (e.g., Geography, Economy).

After the Exam

1. Avoid Post-Exam Discussions:

   • Focus on next steps (e.g., Mains preparation if Prelims is cleared).

2. Analyze Performance:

   • Identify weak areas and revise accordingly.

3. Stay Updated:

   • Check RPSC website for results and further notifications.

Special Tips for Reserved Categories

1. Eligibility:

   • SC/ST/OBC/EWS: Must submit valid caste/income certificates (issued before the application deadline).
   • Women Candidates: Additional age relaxation (5-10 years).
   • Ex-Servicemen: Age relaxation (10 years for State Services, 15 years for Subordinate Services).
   • Divyangjan (PwD): 5-year age relaxation + scribe facility (if eligible).

2. Document Verification:

   • Carry original certificates (caste, income, disability, etc.) for verification.

Final Words

The RPSC Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam 2024 is a gateway to prestigious government positions in Rajasthan. With a structured study plan, right resources, and effective time management, you can crack this exam. Stay focused, consistent, and motivated throughout your preparation journey.

For the latest updates, always refer to the RPSC Official Website.

Good luck!