RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024-25: Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The RPSC Research Assistant Exam is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) to recruit candidates for the post of Research Assistant in the Evaluation Department of the Rajasthan government. This exam is a golden opportunity for postgraduate candidates seeking a stable government job in Rajasthan. The selection process includes a written examination followed by document verification. This guide provides all essential details about the RPSC Research Assistant Exam, including eligibility, important dates, application process, exam pattern, and more.

RPSC Research Assistant Exam Highlights

Quick Links

• RPSC Research Assistant Overview
• RPSC Research Assistant Highlights
• RPSC Research Assistant Important Dates
• RPSC Research Assistant Eligibility Criteria
• RPSC Research Assistant Vacancy Details
• RPSC Research Assistant Application Process
• RPSC Research Assistant Exam Pattern
• RPSC Research Assistant Syllabus
• RPSC Research Assistant Admit Card
• RPSC Research Assistant Result

Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess the following qualifications to be eligible for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam:

1. Postgraduate Degree: At least a First Class Postgraduate degree in one of the following disciplines:

   • Economics
   • Economics and Public Administration
   • Public Administration
   • Sociology
   • Mathematics
   • Commerce
   • Statistics

   Note: Candidates with a Postgraduate degree in Mathematics or Statistics must have had Economics or Sociology as one of the subjects at the Bachelor’s level.

2. RS-CIT Certificate: A certificate from the RS-CIT course conducted by Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation Limited (RKCL) or any equivalent certificate recognized by the Department of Information Technology and Communication, Government of Rajasthan.

3. Language Proficiency:

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

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)

Note:

• *For ex-servicemen, the upper age limit is 50 years. However, if the permissible age after relaxation exceeds 50 years, the upper age limit will be 50 years (or 55 years for direct recruitment where experience in a lower post is mandatory).
• Age relaxation is non-cumulative. Candidates can avail relaxation under only one category.
• Additional 5 years of age relaxation is provided to PwBD candidates over and above the relaxation applicable to their category.

Vacancy Details

A total of 26 vacancies have been announced for the RPSC Research Assistant post. The category-wise distribution of vacancies is as follows:

Note:

• Vacancies are subject to change based on departmental requirements.
• Horizontal reservations (e.g., PwBD, Ex-Servicemen) are adjusted within the vertical reservations.

Exam Pattern

The RPSC Research Assistant Exam consists of two papers, both of which are objective-type (multiple-choice questions). The details are as follows:

Key Points:

• Total Marks: 390 (Paper I: 180 + Paper II: 210).
• Minimum Qualifying Marks:
  • General Category: 40% aggregate (both papers combined).
  • SC/ST Category: 35% aggregate.
  • Ex-Servicemen and PwBD: Relaxation as per RPSC rules.
• Marking Scheme: +3 marks for each correct answer; -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
• OMR Instructions: Candidates must darken only one circle per question. If no circle is darkened, 1/3 mark will be deducted.

Syllabus

The detailed syllabus for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam will be released on the official RPSC website. Below is an overview of the topics covered in each paper:

Paper I: General Knowledge (Rajasthan Context)

• History, Art, and Culture of Rajasthan:
  • Major dynasties and their contributions.
  • Freedom movement and political awakening in Rajasthan.
  • Folk arts, music, dance, and handicrafts.
  • Festivals, fairs, and traditions.
• Geography of Rajasthan:
  • Physical features, climate, and vegetation.
  • Natural resources (minerals, water, forests).
  • Wildlife and sanctuaries.
• Economy of Rajasthan:
  • Agriculture, industry, and trade.
  • Major economic sectors and policies.
  • Poverty alleviation and employment programs.
• Polity and Administration of Rajasthan:
  • State governance structure.
  • Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies.
  • Current affairs related to Rajasthan.

Paper II: Statistics & Planning

• Statistics:
  • Descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency, dispersion).
  • Probability theory and distributions.
  • Sampling techniques and hypothesis testing.
  • Correlation and regression analysis.
  • Time series and index numbers.
• Planning:
  • Concepts of economic planning.
  • Five-year plans in India and Rajasthan.
  • Sustainable development and inclusive growth.
  • Government schemes and policies.
• Computer:
  • Basics of computer and operating systems.
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Internet and email.
  • Database management systems.

Note: The detailed syllabus will be updated on the RPSC website. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the most accurate and updated syllabus.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. One-Time Registration (OTR):

   • Visit the RPSC official website: https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in.
   • Click on the "Apply Online" link.
   • Select "One Time Registration (OTR)" and fill in the required details:
     • Name, father’s name, date of birth, gender.
     • Secondary examination details.
     • Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License details.
   • Upload the necessary documents and complete the OTR process.

   Note: OTR details (name, father’s name, date of birth, gender) cannot be modified later.

2. Fill the Online Application Form:

   • Log in using your SSO ID and password.
   • Select "Recruitment Portal" under Citizen Apps (G2C).
   • Choose the RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024-25 and fill in the application form with accurate details.
   • Upload a live photograph and signature in the prescribed format.

3. Pay the Application Fee:

   • The application fee varies by category:

     Category	Fee
     General/OBC (Creamy Layer)/EBC (Creamy Layer)	₹600
     SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/Saharia	₹400
     Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)	₹400

   • Payment can be made online using debit card/credit card/net banking.

4. Submit the Application:

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

5. Application Correction:

   • Candidates can edit their application form within 10 days of the last date of application by paying a fee of ₹600.
   • OTR details (name, father’s name, date of birth, gender) cannot be modified.

Important Notes:

• Candidates must ensure that their Aadhar card details (name, father’s name, date of birth, gender) match the details filled in the application form.
• Live photograph must be uploaded as per the instructions.
• No offline applications will be accepted.
• Incomplete applications or applications with incorrect details will be rejected.

Document Verification

Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for document verification. The following documents must be submitted in original along with self-attested copies:

1. Educational Certificates:

   • Postgraduate degree and mark sheets.
   • RS-CIT certificate or equivalent.
   • Secondary examination certificate (for age verification).

2. Category Certificates (if applicable):

   • Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS) issued by the competent authority.
   • Note: Certificates must be issued on or before the last date of application.
   • For OBC/MBC candidates, the certificate must mention non-creamy layer status.
   • For married women, caste certificates must be in their father’s name.

3. Age Relaxation Certificates (if applicable):

   • Ex-servicemen: Discharge certificate and NOC (if applicable).
   • Widows/Divorced Women: Death certificate of husband (for widows) or divorce decree (for divorced women).
   • PwBD: Disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority.

4. Other Documents:

   • Aadhar card or any other valid ID proof.
   • Domicile certificate (for Rajasthan state candidates).
   • Character certificate from the last attended institution.
   • No Objection Certificate (NOC) for government employees.

Note: Failure to produce original documents during verification will result in disqualification.

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:

   • Go through the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
   • Focus on high-weightage topics and Rajasthan-specific subjects.

2. Refer to Standard Books and Resources:

   • For General Knowledge of Rajasthan, refer to books like:
     • Rajasthan Adhyayan by Dr. Suresh Sharma.
     • Lucent’s General Knowledge (Rajasthan Section).
   • For Statistics and Planning, refer to:
     • Statistics for Economics by NCERT.
     • Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh.

3. Solve Previous Year Papers:

   • Practice previous year question papers to understand the exam trend and difficulty level.
   • Focus on time management and accuracy.

4. Take Mock Tests:

   • Attempt mock tests to assess your preparation level.
   • Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:

   • Read newspapers and follow Rajasthan-specific current affairs.
   • Focus on government schemes, policies, and economic developments in Rajasthan.

6. Revise Regularly:

   • Make short notes for quick revision.
   • Revise important formulas, dates, and facts regularly.

FAQs

1. What is the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

The RPSC Research Assistant Exam is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) to recruit candidates for the post of Research Assistant in the Evaluation Department of the Rajasthan government.

2. How many vacancies are available for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024-25?

A total of 26 vacancies have been announced for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024-25.

3. What is the eligibility criteria for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

Candidates must have:

• A first-class postgraduate degree in Economics, Public Administration, Sociology, Mathematics, Commerce, or Statistics.
• An RS-CIT certificate or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of Hindi (Devnagari script) and Rajasthani culture.
• Age between 18 to 40 years (relaxation applicable for reserved categories).

4. What is the selection process for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

The selection process consists of:

1. Written Examination (Objective Type).
2. Document Verification for qualified candidates.

5. What is the exam pattern for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

The exam consists of two papers:

• Paper I: General Knowledge (Rajasthan Context) – 180 marks (2 hours).
• Paper II: Statistics & Planning – 210 marks (3 hours).

6. Is there negative marking in the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

Yes, 1/3 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

7. How can I apply for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

Candidates can apply online through the RPSC official website (https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in) from 15 October 2024 to 13 November 2024.

8. What is the application fee for the RPSC Research Assistant Exam?

• General/OBC (Creamy Layer)/EBC (Creamy Layer): ₹600.
• SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS/Saharia: ₹400.
• PwBD: ₹400.

9. When will the RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024-25 be conducted?

The exam date will be announced soon. Candidates are advised to check the official RPSC website for updates.

10. Where can I find the RPSC Research Assistant Syllabus?

The detailed syllabus will be available on the official RPSC website. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the most accurate syllabus.

Conclusion

The RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024-25 is a prestigious opportunity for postgraduate candidates to secure a government job in Rajasthan. With 26 vacancies available, candidates must prepare diligently to meet the eligibility criteria, understand the exam pattern, and follow the application process carefully. Stay updated with the official RPSC website for the latest announcements regarding exam dates, admit cards, and results. Good luck with your preparation!