RSMSSB LDC Exam: Pattern, Typing Test, Eligibility, Rajasthan GK and Preparation

The selection has two steps, and both matter.

The written exam carries the merit. The typing test is qualifying: a candidate who fails to reach the required speed is out, whatever the written score. Candidates are called to the typing test in a fixed multiple of the vacancies, category by category.

The number of questions, marks, duration, negative marking and the typing speed are printed in each advertisement and have changed between cycles. Plan from the latest one.

The written exam has been made up of two objective papers of equal marks.

Paper I - General knowledge has covered the history, art, culture, geography and economy of Rajasthan, Indian polity and the national movement, and current affairs. Everyday science has covered the physics, chemistry and biology of daily life. Mathematics has covered number systems, percentage, profit and loss, ratio, average, simple and compound interest, mensuration and basic algebra.

Paper II - Hindi has covered sandhi, samas, upsarg, pratyay, paryayvachi, vilom, muhavare, vakya shuddhi and shabd shuddhi. English has covered tenses, voice, narration, articles, prepositions, synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution and error spotting.

Negative marking has applied, usually a third of a mark per wrong answer. Both papers count equally, so weak Hindi or English costs as much as weak GK.

This is where the LDC exam differs from most clerk exams. Candidates who clear the written cut-off are called for a computer typing test in both Hindi and English.

• A fixed typing speed in words per minute has been required in each language, with a time limit for each passage.
• The Hindi test has used a prescribed keyboard layout, such as Devanagari Inscript or Kruti Dev, as stated in the advertisement.
• An efficiency test has also been part of this stage, covering basic word processing such as formatting a letter or a table.

The test is qualifying. Marks from it have not been added to the merit in recent cycles, but a candidate must pass it to be selected.

The required speed, layout, duration and whether the test carries marks are fixed in each advertisement. Start typing practice from day one, not after the result.

The academic requirement has been senior secondary (12th) from a recognised board. In addition, a computer qualification has been required - such as the RSCIT certificate, an O-level or higher certificate from NIELIT, a diploma in computer science or applications, or a degree with computer science as a subject.

In recent cycles, Rajasthan has made the Common Eligibility Test (CET) at the senior secondary level a gateway for this post. Only candidates with a qualifying CET score have been allowed to apply for the LDC recruitment. The Rajasthan CET guide explains that exam.

Candidates must have working knowledge of Hindi in Devanagari script and knowledge of Rajasthani culture, as the state rules require.

The age limit is counted on a date stated in the advertisement, with relaxations for reserved categories, women and other groups under Rajasthan rules. Reservation benefits apply to candidates belonging to the reserved categories of Rajasthan.

The qualification, computer certificate list, CET rule, age band and vacancies are set in each advertisement. Check them before applying.

Rajasthan questions form the largest block of Paper I. Treat the state as a subject in itself.

• Formation - Rajasthan was formed through the integration of princely states in seven stages between 1948 and 1956. 30 March 1949, when Greater Rajasthan was formed, is celebrated as Rajasthan Day. Jaipur is the capital.
• History - the Chauhans and Prithviraj III, Mewar and Maharana Pratap, the Battle of Haldighati (1576), Rana Sanga and the Battle of Khanwa (1527), the Rathores of Marwar, the Kachwahas of Amber, and the 1857 revolt in Kota and Auwa.
• Geography - the Aravalli range and Guru Shikhar, the Thar desert, the Luni, Chambal and Banas rivers, Sambhar lake, the Indira Gandhi canal and the climate zones.
• Heritage - the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Jantar Mantar and the walled city of Jaipur, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Keoladeo National Park.
• Culture - Ghoomar and Kalbelia dances, folk deities such as Pabuji and Tejaji, fairs such as Pushkar, Rajasthani painting schools, Dingal and Pingal literature.
• Wildlife - Ranthambore and Sariska tiger reserves, the Desert National Park and the Great Indian Bustard.
• Economy and administration - minerals such as zinc and marble, tourism, the state budget and schemes, the Vidhan Sabha and the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur.

District counts and scheme names have changed in recent years. Verify them from official state sources close to the exam.

Give each of the five subjects a fixed slot in the week, and keep typing practice daily.

Rajasthan GK first. It is the biggest block in Paper I. Use a standard state GK book and keep a notebook of dates, dynasties, rivers and dances.

Maths and science. Solve a timed set of maths every day from a standard clerk-level book, and revise everyday science from NCERT class 6 to 10.

Hindi and English. Paper II carries half the marks. Work through grammar topic by topic and solve previous papers.

Typing from day one. Practise Hindi and English typing on a computer for 30 minutes daily in the prescribed layout. Speed builds slowly.

Current affairs. Follow national news and Rajasthan news together, especially schemes, awards and the state budget.

In the final months, solve previous RSMSSB papers and full mocks under exam timing. For other Rajasthan exams, see the Rajasthan CET, Rajasthan Patwari and Rajasthan VDO guides.

1. Leaving typing for later. The typing test fails more candidates than the written exam.
2. Skipping CET. Without a qualifying CET score, you cannot apply in recent cycles.
3. Ignoring Paper II. Hindi and English carry half the marks.
4. Guessing freely. Negative marking turns guesses into lost marks.
5. Using an old pattern. RSSB changes the scheme between advertisements; work only from the current one.