RPSC Research Assistant Syllabus 2024: Detailed Subject-Wise Topics & Preparation Strategy

Syllabus Overview

The RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024 is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) to recruit candidates for 26 vacancies in the Evaluation Department. The selection process involves a written examination followed by document verification. The exam consists of two objective-type papers with a total of 390 marks and a duration of 5 hours. Negative marking is applicable (1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer).

Key Exam Details:

• Exam Name: RPSC Research Assistant Exam 2024
• Conducting Body: Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC)
• Total Vacancies: 26
• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)
• Total Marks: 390 (Paper I: 180, Paper II: 210)
• Duration: 5 hours (Paper I: 2 hours, Paper II: 3 hours)
• Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer
• Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40% (35% for SC/ST candidates)

Exam Pattern:

Subject-Wise Syllabus

Paper I: General Knowledge (Rajasthan Context)

This paper tests candidates' knowledge of Rajasthan's history, geography, culture, economy, and current affairs. Below is the detailed syllabus:

1. History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Rajasthan

• Major landmarks in Rajasthan’s history (Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods)
• Freedom movement and political integration of Rajasthan
• Salient features of Rajasthan’s architecture (forts, palaces, temples)
• Folk culture, music, dance, and festivals of Rajasthan
• Rajasthani literature and dialects
• Handicrafts, paintings, and folk arts (e.g., Phad, Miniature, Blue Pottery)
• Religious movements, saints, and folk deities of Rajasthan

2. Geography of Rajasthan

• Physical features (Aravalli Range, Thar Desert, rivers, lakes)
• Climate, vegetation, and soil types
• Natural resources (minerals, forests, wildlife)
• Major irrigation projects and water conservation techniques
• Population distribution, density, and urbanization trends
• Environmental issues and conservation efforts

3. Political and Administrative System of Rajasthan

• Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature, and High Court
• District administration and local self-government (Panchayati Raj, Municipalities)
• Public policy and rights-based issues (e.g., Right to Information, Right to Education)
• Administrative setup and reforms in Rajasthan

4. Economy of Rajasthan

• Major sectors (agriculture, industry, services)
• Infrastructure development (roads, railways, airports)
• Poverty alleviation and employment generation schemes
• Economic planning and budgetary policies
• Tourism as an economic driver

5. Current Affairs (Rajasthan and National)

• Recent developments in Rajasthan (government schemes, policies, events)
• National and international events with relevance to Rajasthan
• Awards, honors, and recognitions related to Rajasthan

Paper II: Statistics, Planning & Computer

This paper evaluates candidates' expertise in statistics, economic planning, and computer applications. Below is the detailed syllabus:

1. Statistics (60 Marks)

• Descriptive Statistics: Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), dispersion (range, variance, standard deviation), and skewness
• Probability Theory: Basic concepts, probability distributions (binomial, Poisson, normal)
• Sampling Techniques: Types of sampling, sampling error, and sample size determination
• Statistical Inference: Hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, t-tests, chi-square tests
• Regression and Correlation: Linear regression, multiple regression, correlation coefficients
• Time Series Analysis: Components of time series, moving averages, trend analysis
• Index Numbers: Construction and types of index numbers (Laspeyres, Paasche, Fisher)
• Demography: Population studies, vital statistics, fertility, mortality, and migration

2. Planning (30 Marks)

• Economic Planning in India: Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog, and planning objectives
• Rajasthan’s Economic Planning: State-level planning, flagship schemes (e.g., Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan)
• Project Management: Project cycle, monitoring, and evaluation techniques
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India’s progress and Rajasthan’s initiatives
• Public Finance: Budgetary concepts, fiscal policy, and taxation

3. Computer (30 Marks)

• Basics of Computers: Hardware, software, input/output devices
• Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, and basic commands
• MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (formulas, functions, charts)
• Database Management: Basic concepts of DBMS, SQL queries
• Internet and Networking: Web browsers, email, LAN, WAN, and cybersecurity
• Programming Basics: Introduction to algorithms and flowcharts
• RS-CIT Certification: Basics of Rajasthan State Certificate in Information Technology (RSCIT)

Important Topics (High Weightage)

Paper I: General Knowledge

• History of Rajasthan: Major dynasties (Mewar, Marwar, Jaipur), freedom struggle
• Geography of Rajasthan: Physical divisions, climate, and natural resources
• Economy of Rajasthan: Agriculture, industry, and tourism
• Current Affairs: Recent government schemes and national events

Paper II: Statistics & Planning

• Statistics: Probability distributions, hypothesis testing, regression analysis
• Planning: Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog, and sustainable development
• Computer: MS Excel (formulas, functions), DBMS basics, RS-CIT concepts

Preparation Strategy

1. General Knowledge (Rajasthan Context)

• Study Material: Use NCERT books (Class 6-12) for history and geography. Refer to "Rajasthan Adhyayan" by Dr. Suresh Sharma for state-specific topics.
• Current Affairs: Follow "Pratiyogita Darpan", "Rajasthan Patrika", and RPSC’s official website for updates.
• Revision: Create mind maps and timelines for historical events. Practice previous year papers to identify recurring topics.

2. Statistics

• Study Material: Refer to "Statistics for Economics" by NCERT (Class 11-12) and "Mathematical Statistics" by S.C. Gupta.
• Practice: Solve numerical problems daily. Focus on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
• Mock Tests: Take online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

3. Planning

• Study Material: Read "Indian Economy" by Ramesh Singh and "Economic Survey of Rajasthan" for state-level planning.
• Government Schemes: Memorize key schemes like Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan, Bhamashah Yojana, and Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS).
• Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples of economic planning in Rajasthan.

4. Computer

• Study Material: Use "Computer Fundamentals" by P.K. Sinha and RS-CIT course material.
• Hands-on Practice: Work on MS Office tools (Excel, Word) and practice basic programming concepts.
• Mock Tests: Solve previous year questions to understand the exam pattern.

Preparation Resources

Books

Online Resources

• RPSC Official Website: https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in (for syllabus updates and notifications)
• Test Series: Enroll in RPSC Research Assistant mock tests on platforms like Testbook and Adda247.
• YouTube Channels: Follow channels like Study IQ Education and Unacademy Rajasthan for video lectures.
• Current Affairs: Use apps like Daily Current Affairs and GKToday for regular updates.

Previous Year Papers

• Solve RPSC Research Assistant Previous Year Papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. Download the 2017 paper from Adda247.

Final Tips

• Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and stick to the schedule.
• Revision: Revise important topics weekly to retain information.
• Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
• Stay Updated: Follow RPSC’s official website for exam date announcements and syllabus changes.
• Health and Well-being: Maintain a balanced routine with adequate sleep and exercise.

Source: RPSC Official Notification (Advertisement No. 16/Exam/Research Assistant/RPSC/EP-I/2024-25, Dated 05.10.2024).