The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) released the shift-wise question papers for the Platoon Commander Direct Recruitment Examination 2025 just hours after the final paper concluded on November 22, 2025. Over 80,000 candidates across Rajasthan sat for the two-part exam — a critical step toward filling 84 vacancies in the state’s Rajasthan Home Defense Services. The move, unusual in its speed, signals a new transparency push by the board, allowing aspirants to dissect the exam’s structure, difficulty, and topic weightage before the next stages begin.
Exam Structure and Timing
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the exam unfolded in two distinct shifts. The first, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, tested candidates on General Hindi — 100 multiple-choice questions worth 200 marks. The second, beginning at 2:30 PM and ending at 5:30 PM, covered General Knowledge and General Science, with another 100 questions carrying the same point value. Each paper lasted exactly two hours, making the total testing window four hours. The marking scheme was strict: +2 for every correct answer, -0.33 for each wrong one. No marks were deducted for unanswered questions, a detail many candidates whispered about in the exam halls.
It was the first time RSSB administered the Platoon Commander exam in two shifts since the 2016 cycle. The decision, officials said, was to accommodate the sheer volume of applicants — 84,312 registered, per RSSB’s final count. The board had opened applications on July 23, 2025, and closed them on August 21, 2025. Admit cards were released on October 15, 2025, and the website Jaipur-based RSSB headquarters reported zero major technical glitches during the process.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scorecard
Platoon Commander isn’t just another government job. It’s a frontline role in Rajasthan’s internal security apparatus — overseeing paramilitary units that assist police in border patrols, riot control, and disaster response. Candidates aren’t just tested on facts; they’re vetted for leadership under pressure. That’s why the selection process doesn’t end with the written exam.
Those who clear the written test — estimated to be around 12,000 based on past cut-offs — will face the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standards Test (PST) in December. The PET includes a 1.6 km run in under 6 minutes, long jump of 3.5 meters, and high jump of 1.2 meters. PST checks height (minimum 165 cm for men, 157 cm for women) and chest measurement. Only after these hurdles come the interview and document verification.
"This isn’t a desk job," said retired Deputy Inspector General Manoj Singh, who served in Rajasthan’s Home Defense for 32 years. "The exam tests knowledge, but the real filter is the physical stage. If you can’t run a kilometer in the desert heat after studying all night, you won’t survive a night patrol in Barmer."
Question Papers: A Window Into the Board’s Mind
The release of shift-wise PDFs — available now on the official RSSB portal — has sparked a wave of analysis among coaching centers. Career Power and Jagran Josh reported that Paper I (Hindi) leaned heavily on grammar and comprehension, with 38% of questions drawn from classical Hindi literature. Paper II (General Knowledge & Science) surprised many: 22 questions focused on Rajasthan-specific geography and history, including the 2024 drought policy and the status of the Indira Gandhi Canal. Only 15% covered national current affairs.
"The board is clearly prioritizing local awareness," noted Dr. Anjali Mehta, a competitive exam analyst at Adda247. "They’re not just hiring someone who can memorize the periodic table. They want someone who knows the water scarcity issues in Jaisalmer or the tribal land rights in Udaipur. That’s the real test."
Previous year papers from 2016 are still circulating online, and many candidates compared them to this year’s. The 2025 exam showed a noticeable uptick in science questions — particularly in environmental science and basic physics — suggesting the board is aligning the role with modern disaster response needs.
What’s Next? The Real Race Begins
Results for the written exam are expected by January 15, 2026. But even before that, candidates are already preparing for PET. Coaching centers in Kota, Jodhpur, and Ajmer have reported a 40% spike in morning running sessions since November 23. Some aspirants are even training in rural areas to simulate desert conditions.
The board has hinted at possible changes for next year’s cycle: a computer-based test format and an optional English proficiency section. But for now, the focus remains on the 84 slots — and whether candidates can prove they’re more than just book-smart.
Background: The Platoon Commander Role in Rajasthan
The Platoon Commander position was created in 1998 under the Rajasthan Home Defense Act to formalize state-level paramilitary support. Before this, local police relied on ad-hoc volunteers. Today, these commanders lead 120-member platoons deployed across 33 districts. They report to the Director General of Home Defense, headquartered in Jaipur, and operate under both police and state home ministry directives.
Historically, recruitment was through internal promotions. But since 2016, RSSB has opened direct entry — a move that democratized access but also increased competition. The 2016 exam saw 112,000 applicants for just 72 posts. This year’s numbers suggest the trend is accelerating.
What’s clear: this isn’t just a job. It’s a gateway into state security infrastructure — and for many young Rajasthanis, a path out of unemployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candidates applied for the Rajasthan Platoon Commander 2025 exam?
A total of 84,312 candidates registered for the exam, according to official RSSB data. This is nearly 20% higher than the 70,500 applicants in 2016, reflecting growing interest in state security roles amid rising youth unemployment in Rajasthan’s rural districts.
What’s the expected cutoff for the written exam?
Based on past trends, the expected cutoff for general category candidates is between 210 and 225 out of 400. For OBC candidates, it’s likely 195–210, and for SC/ST, 170–185. The strict negative marking makes every question count — a single mistake can cost you a seat.
When will the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) take place?
PET and PST are scheduled to begin in mid-December 2025, with centers in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota. Candidates must bring original documents and a medical fitness certificate. The board has warned that no rescheduling will be permitted, even for minor injuries — a rule that’s sparked debate among aspirants.
Are the 2025 question papers really available for download?
Yes. Both shift papers are available as official PDFs on the RSSB website (rssb.rajasthan.gov.in) under the "Examination" tab. The board confirmed they are authentic and unaltered. Many coaching institutes have already published detailed analyses, but candidates are urged to use only the official versions for accurate preparation.
Why is General Hindi weighted so heavily in the exam?
Because Platoon Commanders interact daily with local communities, police personnel, and rural residents who primarily speak Hindi. The exam tests not just vocabulary but clarity in command communication — a critical skill when issuing orders during emergencies. Many candidates fail not from lack of knowledge, but from poor expression under pressure.
Will there be a second recruitment cycle next year?
The RSSB has not officially announced it, but sources within the Home Department suggest a second recruitment drive is likely in mid-2026. With 84 posts filled this cycle, the state plans to expand platoon strength by 25% in the next fiscal year — meaning more openings, but also stiffer competition.
