The RPSC Technical Assistant (Geophysics) exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) for recruitment to the Ground Water Department. This guide provides a structured study plan, recommended books, online resources, time management strategies, and exam-day tips to help you prepare effectively.
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| Part-A: General Knowledge of Rajasthan |
40 |
40 |
2.5 Hours (Total) |
| Part-B: Geophysics (Concerned Subject) |
110 |
110 |
|
| Total |
150 |
150 |
2.5 Hours |
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with five options.
- OMR Instructions: Use a blue ballpoint pen to darken the correct bubble. Darken bubble '5' if not attempting a question.
- Eligibility: II Class M.Sc./M.Tech. in Geophysics from a recognized university, with working knowledge of Hindi (Devanagari script) and Rajasthani culture.
- Age Limit: 20 to 40 years as of 01.01.2025 (relaxations apply for reserved categories).
| Phase |
Duration |
Focus Areas |
Daily Study Hours |
| Phase 1 |
Month 1-2 |
Part-A: General Knowledge of Rajasthan (History, Culture, Geography, Economy, Current Affairs) |
3-4 Hours |
| Phase 2 |
Month 3 |
Part-B: Core Geophysics Topics (Mathematical Methods, Solid Earth Geophysics, Signal Processing) |
5-6 Hours |
| Phase 3 |
Month 4 |
Part-B: Applied Geophysics (Seismic Methods, Gravity & Magnetic Methods, Electrical Methods, Well Logging) |
5-6 Hours |
| Phase 4 |
Month 5 |
Part-B: Advanced Topics (Remote Sensing, GIS, Geohydrology, Inversion, Geophysical Equipment) |
5-6 Hours |
| Phase 5 |
Month 6 |
Revision & Mock Tests (Full-length tests, topic-wise revision, error analysis) |
6-7 Hours |
- Monday to Friday: Focus on Part-B (Geophysics) topics with 1 hour dedicated to Part-A (General Knowledge).
- Saturday: Full-length mock test (150 questions) + error analysis.
- Sunday: Revision of weak areas + current affairs update.
| Topic |
Weightage (Questions) |
Suggested Study Days |
| Mathematical Methods in Geophysics |
~10 |
7 |
| Solid Earth Geophysics |
~15 |
10 |
| Geophysical Signal Processing |
~10 |
7 |
| Earthquake Seismology |
~10 |
7 |
| Remote Sensing and GIS Applications |
~10 |
7 |
| Geophysical Well Logging |
~10 |
7 |
| Gravity and Magnetic Methods |
~15 |
10 |
| Electrical Methods |
~10 |
7 |
| Geohydrology |
~5 |
5 |
| Electromagnetic and Magnetotelluric Methods |
~5 |
5 |
| Seismic Method |
~10 |
7 |
| Geophysical Inversion |
~5 |
5 |
| Geophysical Equipment |
~5 |
3 |
| Subject |
Recommended Books |
| History & Culture of Rajasthan |
- Rajasthan History, Art & Culture by Dr. L.R. Meena |
| - Rajasthan Ki Sanskritic Virasat by Dr. Suresh Sharma |
|
| - Rajasthan Ka Itihas by G.N. Sharma |
|
| Geography of Rajasthan |
- Rajasthan Geography by Laxminarayan Nathuramka |
| - Bharat ka Bhugol by Majid Hussain (for broader context) |
|
| Economy of Rajasthan |
- Rajasthan Economy by Dr. B.L. Sharma |
| - India Year Book (Latest Edition) for current schemes |
|
| Current Affairs |
- Pratiyogita Darpan (Monthly Magazine) |
| - The Hindu or Indian Express (Daily Newspaper) |
|
| Topic |
Recommended Books |
| Mathematical Methods in Geophysics |
- Mathematical Methods in Geophysics by Gubbins |
| - Applied Mathematics for Geophysicists by Telford et al. |
|
| Solid Earth Geophysics |
- Introduction to Geophysics by Sharma |
| - The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics by Fowler |
|
| Geophysical Signal Processing |
- Geophysical Signal Processing by Robinson & Treitel |
| - Digital Signal Processing by Proakis & Manolakis |
|
| Earthquake Seismology |
- Introduction to Seismology by Shearer |
| - Earthquakes by Bolt |
|
| Remote Sensing and GIS |
- Remote Sensing and GIS by Lillesand & Kiefer |
| - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing by Joseph |
|
| Geophysical Well Logging |
- Well Logging for Earth Scientists by Ellis & Singer |
| - Borehole Geophysics by Hearst et al. |
|
| Gravity and Magnetic Methods |
- Gravity and Magnetic Methods in Geophysical Exploration by Telford et al. |
| - Potential Theory in Gravity and Magnetic Applications by Blakely |
|
| Electrical Methods |
- Electrical Methods in Geophysical Prospecting by Keller & Frischknecht |
| - Applied Geophysics by Telford et al. |
|
| Geohydrology |
- Groundwater Hydrology by Todd & Mays |
| - Hydrogeology by Fetter |
|
| Electromagnetic Methods |
- Electromagnetic Methods in Applied Geophysics by Nabighian |
| - The Magnetotelluric Method by Simpson & Bahr |
|
| Seismic Method |
- Exploration Seismology by Sheriff & Geldart |
| - Seismic Data Analysis by Yilmaz |
|
| Geophysical Inversion |
- Inverse Problem Theory by Tarantola |
| - Geophysical Inverse Theory and Regularization Problems by Zhdanov |
|
| Geophysical Equipment |
- Geophysical Field Theory and Method by Kaufman & Keller |
| - Manufacturer manuals for specific instruments (e.g., gravimeters, magnetometers) |
|
| Resource Type | Platform/Link |
| Online Courses | - Unacademy RPSC Courses
| - BYJU'S Exam Prep |
| Test Series | - Adda247
| - Oliveboard |
| Books & Study Material | - Amazon India
| - Flipkart |
- Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a 15-30 minute break.
- Topic Prioritization: Focus on high-weightage topics first (e.g., Solid Earth Geophysics, Gravity & Magnetic Methods).
- Active Recall: Use flashcards or self-quizzing to reinforce concepts.
- Spaced Repetition: Revise topics at increasing intervals (e.g., Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, Day 14).
- Weekly Goals: Set achievable targets (e.g., "Complete 2 units of Geophysical Signal Processing this week").
- Time Allocation:
- Part-A (General Knowledge): 40 minutes (1 minute per question).
- Part-B (Geophysics): 110 minutes (~1 minute per question).
- Review & Buffer Time: 20 minutes.
- Question Strategy:
- First Pass: Answer all easy questions (flag difficult ones).
- Second Pass: Tackle medium-difficulty questions.
- Third Pass: Attempt difficult questions (educated guesses if unsure).
- Negative Marking: Avoid random guessing. Eliminate 2-3 options before guessing.
- OMR Sheet: Fill bubbles every 10 questions to avoid last-minute rush.
- Documents to Carry:
- Admit Card (E-Admission Certificate).
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License).
- Blue Ballpoint Pen (2-3 extra pens).
- Transparent water bottle.
- Mask and hand sanitizer (if required).
- Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid accessories or jewelry.
- Sleep & Diet: Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before. Eat a light, protein-rich meal (e.g., eggs, nuts, fruits).
- Location Check: Visit the exam center 1 day prior to avoid last-minute confusion.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Understand the OMR sheet filling rules and negative marking.
- Stay Calm: If stuck on a question, move on and return later.
- Time Management: Stick to the time allocation plan (e.g., 1 minute per question).
- Review Answers: Use buffer time to review flagged questions and OMR sheet.
- Avoid Post-Exam Discussions: Do not discuss answers with peers to prevent stress.
- Analyze Performance: Note difficult topics for future revision.
- Relax: Take a break and reward yourself for the effort.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for doubt resolution and motivation.
- Use Mnemonics: Create memory aids for complex formulas or concepts (e.g., "ROYGBIV" for electromagnetic spectrum).
- Practice with Past Papers: Solve at least 5-10 previous year papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Stay Updated: Follow RPSC notifications on their official website.
- Health & Wellness: Exercise regularly and take short breaks to avoid burnout.
The RPSC Technical Assistant (Geophysics) exam requires a structured approach, consistent effort, and smart time management. By following this study plan, utilizing the recommended books and resources, and adhering to exam-day strategies, you can maximize your chances of success. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and good luck with your preparation!