rajasthan PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (RPSC)
Introduction
- Generally most of the students, while preparing for the Civil Services Examination, also appear in the State Civil Services (PCS) examinations. This trend is mostly seen in the candidates of Hindi speaking states. Apart from the candidates of Rajasthan origin, the exams conducted by Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), are also the main attraction for the candidates of other states preparing for civil services. Despite the difference in the nature and process of questions, the syllabus of the Civil Services Preliminary and Mains Examination has a meaningful role in the Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Examination, so students preparing for the Civil Services Examination also get success in these exams
- The state based government, semi-government, judicial and other subordinate services in Rajasthan are mainly organized by the Ajmer based Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC).
- The most popular examination conducted by this commission is ‘Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Examination’ also known as 'RAS-RTS'.
RAS-RTS Examination Nature:-
This competitive examination conducted by the commissions generally consists of three level’s sequentially:-
Note-Since 2013 Significant changes have been made in the nature and syllabus of the
preliminary and mains examination. Its detailed description is given below.
Exam process
Preliminary Examination Process:-
- First of all, the release related to these examinations is issued by the commission, after that the process of filling the online application form starts. The detailed information regarding the process of filling the form is given under the heading 'How to apply online?' under the 'Release'.
- A detailed description of various aspects related to the said examination is given in the release. Therefore, it is beneficial to study it before filling the form.
- Preliminary examination is usually conducted after 3 to 4 months after the form filling process is over
- This preliminary examination is conducted on the same day at different centers of the state as decided by the commission.
- The nature of this preliminary examination conducted by the commission is objective (multiple choice) in which one has to choose the correct option out of four possible options (A, B, C and D) given for each question.
- OMR given by the commission to be used for filling the selected option related to the question. The selected option has to be filled with black or blue ballpoint pen at the appropriate place in the respective circle given in front of it.
- After the new amendment made in the year 2013, in this preliminary examination, there is only one paper General Knowledge and General Science (Objective) (Earlier there were two papers- 'General Knowledge and General Science' and one ‘optional subject' selected by the candidate from the subjects given in the notification issued by the commission).
- The total number of questions in the preliminary examination are 150 and maximum marks are 200 (all questions carry the same marks). Candidates have to answer this within the time limit of three hours prescribed by the commission.
- There is a provision of negative marking (1/3) for wrong answer.
- If a candidate gives more than one answer to a question, then that answer is considered wrong.
- If a question is not attempted by the candidate, i.e. no answer is given, then there will be no penalty for that question.
- Due to the provision of negative marking, it is generally required to get 40- 50% marks to pass this stage, but sometimes this percentage can be even less considering the difficulty level of the questions.
- The question paper is given in both the languages (Hindi and English) and in case of any dispute regarding the language of the question, preference will be given to the questions printed in English language.
- The preliminary examination is qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in this are not added with the marks of the mains exam or interview.
Mains Examination Process:-
- For the successful candidates in the preliminary examination, the main examination is organized at various centres set by the commission in Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur ,Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur
- In 2013, the syllabus of the RPSC mains exam was changed by the commission. Earlier there were two optional subjects in the mains exam, which has now been removed.
- Now the mains examination consists of four compulsory papers (General Studies First Paper, General Studies Second Paper, General Studies Third Paper and 'General Hindi and General English'), the detailed information of which is given in the 'Syllabus' section of the exam notification.
- The mains exam is descriptive/analytical in nature, having short, medium and long questions with word limit. The answers to all these questions have to be written in the prescribed words in the prescribed place in the answer-book given by the commission within a time limit of not more than three hours.
- After the new amendments, now RPSC’s mains examination is of total 800 marks, in which maximum 200- marks are fixed for each paper.
- Generally 60-65% marks are required to be scored in this stage of the examination.
- The marks obtained in these papers will be added to the merit list as before.
- Credit will be given to the organized, subtle and powerful expression in the least number of words in all the subjects.
Interview Process:-
- The candidates selected in the mains examination have to appear for an interview before the commission after one month ordinarily. The personality of the candidates is tested during the interview.
- The candidates selected in the mains examination have to appear for an interview before the commission after one month ordinarily
- During the interview, the personality of the candidates is tested, in which oral questions are asked by the members of the commission at the designated place in the commission, to which the candidate has to answer orally. This process lasts for more than one day depending on the number of candidates.
- A total of 100 marks have been fixed for the interview in this examination conducted by RPSC.
- Merit list is prepared on the basis of aggregate of marks obtained in mains examination and interview
- The list of finally selected candidates is released usually one week after the completion of the entire interview.
Strategy
Why the need for Strategy?
- To ensure success in the most popular 'RAS-RTS' exam conducted by Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), Ajmer, there is a need to make proper and dynamic strategy according to its nature.
- This is the first process by which half of your success is ensured in the very beginning itself.
- It is to be noted that this exam is generally conducted in three stages :
1. Preliminary Examination – Objective Nature
2. Mains Examination- Objective & Descriptive Nature
3. Interview - Oral
- In order to reach each next stage, it is necessary to succeed in the previous stage.
- The nature of examination of these three stages is different from each other. Hence, there is a need to make a different strategy to ensure success at each stage.
Preliminary Examination Strategy:-
- Like other State Public Service Commissions, the nature of questions in the preliminary examination of Rajasthan Public Service Commission is also objective (multiple choice) type. Therefore, it requires special attention to the facts. Like;
1. 'Photovoltaic cell' is related to which type of energy?
2. When were the fundamental duties included in the constitution?
3. What is the meaning of 'patta rekh' in the history of Rajasthan?
4. What is the National Bird of Rajasthan? Etc.
- A total of 150 objective type questions are asked in this exam for which maximum 200 marks are fixed. These questions have to be answered within a maximum time limit of three hours.
- As all questions have equal marks and there is a provision of negative marking for wrong answers (one third (1/3) mark is deducted for each wrong answer), candidates are expected to avoid the rhyming method and Solve the questions carefully.
- Generally 40-50% marks are required to pass in this exam due to the provision of negative marking, but sometimes this percentage can be even less considering the difficulty level of the questions. For example, the 'cutoff' of RPSC Preliminary Examination for the year 2018 was 76.6 marks which is less than 40%.
- Mainly in the syllabus of 'General Knowledge and General Science' in the Preliminary Examination of RPSC :
- History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition and Heritage of Rajasthan; History of India (History of Ancient, Medieval and Modern India); Geography (Geography of India, World and Rajasthan); Indian Constitution, Political System and Governance, Political and Administrative System of Rajasthan; Economic Concepts and Indian Economy, Economy of Rajasthan; Science and technology, logical reasoning and mental ability and current events.
- First of all, study the syllabus of the preliminary examination and keeping in mind all its parts and aspects, determine the order of preference according to convenience and interest.
- To ensure success in this stage of the examination, do a thorough review of the questions asked in the preliminary examination in the last 5 to 10 years and pay more attention to the points and titles from which the tendency to ask questions has been more in the previous years.
- A micro-observation of the syllabus of this exam and the nature of questions asked in previous years shows that deep conceptual and factual knowledge of some sections is essential.
- It is clear from the above that in this preliminary examination of RPSC, about 40% questions are asked from the particular state of Rajasthan. Therefore, for success in this examination, it is necessary to study the particular state of Rajasthan through standard books and newspapers and the internet.
- The easiest way to remember and solve these questions is to make short notes related to the factual information of the subject and study them regularly. For example;
1. A question related to Indian Passes was asked, 'In which state is the
Shipki La Pass located?
For its preparation, you should prepare a list of the major passes of India
and the state concerned.
2. Questions related to logical reasoning and mental ability can be practiced
by categorizing the previously asked questions into different sections.
3. The book ’ General Science and Technology' by Various Publication can be
helpful for solving science and 'Computer' based questions.
4. It is beneficial to study NCERT books of class 11 and class 12 for the
remaining sections of general studies.
5. For this, any standard level notes available in the market can also be
studied.
- Considering the nature of RPSC Preliminary Examination, it is beneficial to study the entire syllabus in the context of Rajasthan state.
1. In this examination, the frequency of questions asked from state specific
and current events is high, so they should be studied seriously regularly.
2. Keeping in view the nature and number of questions on current events,
you can regularly study the current affairs points of any daily newspaper
like The Hindu, Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Jagran (National Edition), etc. as
well as available on the Dronacharya Civil Services Academy website &
Facebook page.
3. Apart from this, it will be beneficial to study the standard monthly
magazine ' Current Affairs ' for the preparation of this section.
4. It is beneficial to read the brief description of 'Bharat' (India Year Book)
available in the market, published by the Publications Division, for the
questions asked from institutions, etc. in these examinations.
- It is generally beneficial to attempt the practice papers 15-20 days before the preliminary exam date and to solve the questions asked in the preliminary examination in previous years within the prescribed time limit (Usually 03 Hours.)
1. While solving these questions develops the understanding of the subject, it becomes easier to solve the repetitive questions in these exams.
Mains Examination Strategy:-
- The preparation strategy for the main exam is different from that of the preliminary exam as it is written (Descriptive) in nature.
- While the preliminary examination is qualifying in nature, the marks obtained in the main examination are added to the final merit list. Hence, this stage of the examination is very important and crucial to a great extent.
- In the year 2013, the syllabus of main examination of RPSC was changed.
1. According to the new amendment, there are now four compulsory papers
(General Studies First Paper, General Studies Second Paper, General
Studies Third Paper and 'General Hindi and General English') in the main
examination.
2.The detailed information titled 'Syllabus' is given in 'advertisement'.
3. Recently, under the subtle changes made in the general studies third
paper of RPSC main examination, the title 'behavior' and 'law' have also
been added in administrative ethics.
- The main exam is descriptive/analytical in nature, consisting of short, medium and long word-limit questions.
1. The answers to all these questions have to be written in the prescribed words in the prescribed place in the answer-book given by the commission within a time limit of not more than three hours.
- After new amendments in RPSC Now this main examination is of total 800 marks, in which maximum 200-200 marks have been fixed for each paper.
- In the first paper of General Studies, questions will be asked from History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition and Heritage of Rajasthan. Therefore, it is necessary to make short notes of the state of Rajasthan after doing special study
1. The first question paper includes 'Indian History and Culture' (Ancient,
Medieval and Modern India) as well as the history of the modern world.
2. Apart from this, questions related to 'Economy' (Indian Economy, Global
Economy and Economy of Rajasthan) 'Sociology, Management and
Accounting and Audit' will be asked.
3. It is clear that a factual and in-depth study of the traditional course along
with Rajasthan's special is necessary. Also, practice of related questions is
a necessary condition for concise and concise writing skills.
- In the second paper, 'Administrative Ethics', 'General Science and Technology', agriculture-science, horticulture, forestry, dairy and animal husbandry are also included in this paper with special reference to Rajasthan.
1. Therefore, it is necessary to have updated and traditional information
about the particular state of Rajasthan.
2. Also, the study of 'Earth Science (Geography and Earth Sciences)' asked in
the second paper is necessary in the context of the world, India and
Rajasthan.
- The third paper of General Studies includes 'Indian Political System, World Politics and Current Affairs', 'Concepts, Issues and Dynamics of Public Administration and Management' and 'Sports and Yoga, Practice and Law'.
1. The nature of this paper is analytical as well as demands updated content.
2. Therefore, it is necessary for the candidates to know the updated details
of related developments through newspapers, monthly magazines and
the internet, which will be helpful in understanding the nature of
questions.
- In the main examination, the fourth paper is related to linguistic knowledge, in which questions are asked in relation to 'General Hindi and General English'.
1. Under General Hindi, where Hindi grammar, abbreviation, letter-writing
and essay writing are included, under General English, English grammar,
comprehension, translation, precise writing, letter writing etc. are
included.
2. The level of 'General Hindi and General English' will be of Senior
Secondary level. So it should be practiced regularly.
- Generally 60-65% marks are required to get success in this stage of the exam.
- Credit will be given to the organized, subtle and powerful expression in the least number of words in all the subjects of the examination.
1. It is known that the answers of the descriptive nature papers have to be
written in the answer-book, so while writing the answers to such
questions, special attention should be paid to the writing style and
accuracy as well as time management.
2. The development of writing style and consistency comes from constant
practice, for which a comprehensive understanding of the subject is
essential.
Interview Strategy:-
- The test will relate to the matter of general interest, keeping the matter of academic interest in view and for general awareness, intelligence, character, expression power/personality and general suitability for the service.
- Interview or Personality Test is the last and important stage of any examination.
- Less in terms of marks but it has a special contribution in the final selection and posts determination.
- A total of 100 marks have been fixed for the interview in the RPSC examination
- Your final selection is done on the basis of a merit list prepared on the basis of the aggregate of marks obtained in the main examination and interview.
