RSMSSB Surveyor & Mine Foreman (Category-II) Exam 2024: Comprehensive Syllabus and Preparation Guide

Syllabus Overview

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSMSSB) Surveyor & Mine Foreman (Category-II) Exam 2024 is conducted for recruitment to 72 posts (30 for Surveyor and 42 for Mine Foreman) in the Mines & Geology Department, Government of Rajasthan. The exam follows a single-stage written test (Computer-Based Test - CBT) with a total of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying 120 marks. The duration of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the minimum qualifying marks are 40%. Negative marking is applicable, with 1/3rd of the marks deducted for each incorrect answer.

The syllabus is divided into two parts:

1. Part A: General Knowledge (30 questions, 30 marks) – Focuses on Rajasthan’s history, culture, geography, polity, and Panchayati Raj.
2. Part B: Technical Subjects (90 questions, 90 marks) – Covers Mining Engineering (Diploma level) for both posts, with additional Civil Engineering (Diploma level) for Surveyor and Geology (Graduate level) for Mine Foreman.

Subject-wise Syllabus

1. Surveyor Post Syllabus

Part A: General Knowledge (30 Marks)

Part B: Technical Subjects (90 Marks)

A. Mining Engineering (Diploma Level)

• Compass Surveying: True and magnetic meridian, bearing systems, prismatic and surveyor’s compass, local attraction.
• Levelling: Definitions, types of instruments, adjustments, principles of levelling, methods, curvature and refraction, reciprocal levelling, permissible errors.
• Measurement of Area and Volume: Digital planimeter, volume calculation from contour maps.
• Theodolite: Vernier theodolite, temporary and permanent adjustments, measurement of horizontal and vertical angles, traversing.
• Contouring: Characteristics of contours, tachometric contouring, interpolation, plotting, and interpretation.
• Tacheometric Surveying: Principles, types of tacheometers, stadia method, tangential method, merits and demerits.
• Triangulation: Principles, classification, selection of stations, base line measurement, computation, and plotting.
• Plans and Sections: Legal requirements for mine plans, symbols, preparation and preservation, enlargement of plans.
• Stope Survey: Methods (tap triangulation, radial ray method), preparation of stope sheets.
• Modern Surveying Instruments: EDM, GPS, DGPS, GNSS, total station, laser applications in surveying.
• Minor Instruments: Hand level, clinometer, pantograph.
• Global Positioning System (GPS): Types, applications, navigation systems, map preparation.
• GIS and Applications: Introduction to GIS, components, applications in geology and mining.
• Geotechnical Engineering: Rock classification, engineering uses of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• Solid Waste Management: Storage, collection, transportation, composting, disposal techniques.
• Disaster Management: Types of disasters, management cycle, applications of science and technology.
• Mine Management: Role of mining in economic development, project monitoring, training programs.
• Mining: Introduction, stages of mining, drilling methods, explosives, blasting practices.
• Mining Laws: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, Mines Act 1952, Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961, rescue rules, explosive rules.
• Environment and Sustainable Development: Concepts of sustainable development, carrying capacity-based planning.

B. Civil Engineering (Diploma Level)

• Surveying Fundamentals: Chain surveying, compass surveying, levelling, theodolite traversing.
• Contouring and Tacheometry: Principles, methods, and applications.
• Modern Surveying Tools: EDM, total station, GPS, GIS.

2. Mine Foreman (Category-II) Post Syllabus

Part A: General Knowledge (30 Marks)

(Same as Surveyor Post)

Part B: Technical Subjects (90 Marks)

A. Mining Engineering (Diploma Level) (Same as Surveyor Post)

B. Geology (Graduate Level)

• Mining Geology: Importance of geology in mining, mineral resources of Rajasthan, comparison of underground and surface mining.
• Stratigraphy: Principles, standard stratigraphic scale, correlation, geology of Rajasthan.
• Physical Geology: Origin of Earth, internal structure, weathering, erosion, geological work of wind and rivers, earthquakes, volcanoes.
• Structural Geology: Primary and secondary structures, folds, faults, joints, unconformities.
• Petrology: Rock formation, classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• Mineralogy: Definition of minerals, identification methods, classification of rock-forming minerals.
• Ore Minerals and Genesis: Metallogenic epochs, mineral deposits in Rajasthan (copper, lead, zinc, iron ore).
• Economic Geology: Definition of ore, gangue, tenor, grade, classification of mineral deposits.
• Geological Mapping: Map scales, symbols, surface and underground mapping, computer-based plotting.
• Geological Aspects of Drilling: Drilling methods, core logging.
• Sampling and Reserves Estimation: Methods, importance, classification, and estimation of reserves.
• Rock Indices: Specific gravity, hardness, porosity, moisture content, permeability, strength indices.
• Prospecting Techniques: Methods (trenching, core drilling, geophysical methods).
• Global Positioning System (GPS): Types, applications, navigation, map preparation.
• Remote Sensing and GIS: Fundamentals, aerial photographs, geological map preparation using remote sensing.
• Mine Surveying: Methods of measuring distances, chain surveying, compass surveying, theodolite, total station.
• Contouring and Leveling: Definitions, characteristics, tacheometric contouring, plotting.
• Plans and Sections: Legal requirements, symbols, preparation, and preservation.
• Introduction to Mining: Stages of mining, definitions, types of entries to mineral deposits.
• Surface Mining: Applicability, bench parameters, opening of benches, drilling for blasting.
• Mining Machinery: Dozers, loaders, power shovels, draglines, dumpers, continuous surface miners.
• Transport: Track and trackless systems, mine cars, haulage tracks.
• Explosives: Classification, blasting devices, safety considerations.
• Safety Aspects in Mines: Accidents, causes, prevention, mine safety organizations.
• Metalliferous Mining: Historical development, trends, geographical distribution of minerals.
• Environmental Pollution: Air and water pollution, dust, noise, vibration, preventive measures.

Important Topics (High Weightage)

For Surveyor Post

1. Mining Engineering

   • Compass Surveying and Levelling: Principles, methods, and adjustments (10-12 marks).
   • Theodolite and Total Station: Measurement of angles, traversing, and plotting (8-10 marks).
   • Contouring and Tacheometry: Characteristics, interpolation, and applications (8-10 marks).
   • Modern Surveying Instruments: GPS, GIS, EDM, and their applications (6-8 marks).
   • Mine Plans and Sections: Legal requirements, symbols, and preparation (6-8 marks).

2. Civil Engineering

   • Surveying Fundamentals: Chain and compass surveying (4-6 marks).
   • Levelling and Contouring: Methods and applications (4-6 marks).

3. General Knowledge

   • History and Culture of Rajasthan: Major dynasties, forts, art, and literature (8-10 marks).
   • Geography of Rajasthan: Physical divisions, climate, agriculture, and mineral resources (6-8 marks).

For Mine Foreman Post

1. Mining Engineering

   • Mine Surveying: Methods, instruments, and applications (10-12 marks).
   • Mining Laws and Safety: Mines Act 1952, Metalliferous Mines Regulations, accident prevention (8-10 marks).
   • Surface Mining: Bench parameters, drilling, and blasting (6-8 marks).

2. Geology

   • Physical and Structural Geology: Earth’s structure, weathering, folds, faults (8-10 marks).
   • Mineralogy and Economic Geology: Identification of minerals, ore deposits (6-8 marks).
   • Geological Mapping and Prospecting: Methods, core logging, reserve estimation (6-8 marks).

3. General Knowledge

   • (Same as Surveyor Post)

Preparation Approach for Each Subject

1. General Knowledge (Part A)

• Focus on Rajasthan-Specific Topics: Prioritize history, culture, geography, and polity of Rajasthan. Use standard books like Rajasthan Adhyayan by Dr. Suresh Sharma and Lucent’s General Knowledge.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated with Rajasthan’s recent developments, government schemes, and policies.
• Practice MCQs: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Revision Strategy: Create short notes and mind maps for quick revision.

2. Mining Engineering (Part B - Common for Both Posts)

• Conceptual Clarity: Focus on fundamentals of surveying, levelling, and contouring. Use textbooks like Surveying Vol. I & II by B.C. Punmia and Mining Engineering by D.J. Deshmukh.
• Modern Instruments: Understand the working principles of GPS, GIS, EDM, and total station. Refer to manufacturer manuals and online tutorials.
• Mine Plans and Safety: Study legal requirements for mine plans and safety regulations under the Mines Act 1952.
• Problem-Solving: Practice numerical problems related to levelling, contouring, and traversing.

3. Civil Engineering (Part B - Surveyor Post)

• Surveying Fundamentals: Master chain surveying, compass surveying, and levelling techniques. Refer to Surveying and Levelling by T.P. Kanetkar.
• Modern Tools: Familiarize yourself with EDM, total station, and GPS applications in civil engineering.
• Practical Applications: Focus on real-world applications like road alignment, building layout, and contour mapping.

4. Geology (Part B - Mine Foreman Post)

• Physical and Structural Geology: Understand Earth’s structure, weathering processes, and structural features like folds and faults. Use Principles of Physical Geology by Arthur Holmes.
• Mineralogy and Petrology: Learn identification techniques for common minerals and rocks. Refer to Mineralogy by Dexter Perkins.
• Economic Geology: Study ore deposits, metallogenic epochs, and mineral resources of Rajasthan.
• Geological Mapping: Practice interpreting geological maps and cross-sections. Use Geological Maps by B.C. Mears.
• Field Techniques: Understand prospecting methods, core logging, and reserve estimation.

Preparation Resources

Books

Online Resources

• RSMSSB Official Website: http://rssb.rajasthan.gov.in (for syllabus, notifications, and previous papers).
• YouTube Channels: NPTEL, Unacademy, and Byju’s for video lectures on surveying and geology.
• Mock Tests: Practice on platforms like Testbook, Gradeup, and Adda247.
• Government Reports: Study reports on Rajasthan’s mineral resources and mining policies from the Department of Mines & Geology, Rajasthan.

Coaching Institutes

• Rajasthan: Abhigyan Coaching (Jaipur), Parishkar Coaching (Jaipur), Utkarsh Classes (Jodhpur).
• Online: Unacademy, Byju’s, and Gradeup offer specialized courses for RSMSSB exams.

Exam Day Tips

1. Time Management: Allocate 1.5 minutes per question (90 minutes for 60 questions in Part B and 60 minutes for 30 questions in Part A).
2. Negative Marking: Avoid guesswork; attempt only those questions you are confident about.
3. Document Verification: Carry admit card, photo ID, and required documents (Aadhar card, passport-sized photograph).
4. Dress Code: Follow the RSMSSB dress code (avoid jewelry, electronic gadgets, and inappropriate clothing).
5. Stay Calm: Read questions carefully and avoid last-minute rushes.

Post-Exam Process

1. Answer Key: RSMSSB releases the answer key on its official website. Candidates can raise objections within a specified period.
2. Result Declaration: Results are published on the RSMSSB website. Selected candidates undergo document verification.
3. Document Verification: Candidates must present original certificates for educational qualifications, caste, domicile, age, and experience.
4. Final Selection: Based on written exam performance and document verification, the final merit list is prepared.

Key Takeaways

• The RSMSSB Surveyor & Mine Foreman Exam 2024 is a single-stage CBT with 120 MCQs and 40% minimum qualifying marks.
• Part A (General Knowledge) focuses on Rajasthan’s history, culture, geography, and polity.
• Part B (Technical Subjects) covers Mining Engineering (Diploma level) for both posts, with Civil Engineering for Surveyor and Geology (Graduate level) for Mine Foreman.
• High-weightage topics include surveying, levelling, contouring, mining laws, and geology.
• Preparation strategy should include conceptual clarity, problem-solving, and regular revision.
• Mock tests and previous papers are crucial for improving speed and accuracy.

For the latest updates, visit the RSMSSB official website: http://rssb.rajasthan.gov.in.