The clock has struck midnight on a major opportunity for educators in Rajasthan. Today, September 12, 2025, marks the final day to apply for Rajasthan Public Service Commission’s recruitment of 3,225 School Lecturer (1st Grade Teacher) positions — a hiring drive that could reshape the state’s secondary education landscape. With applications closing at 11:59 PM IST, thousands of qualified candidates are scrambling to submit their forms, while others are left watching from the sidelines. This isn’t just another job posting. It’s a lifeline for aspirants in rural districts where teacher shortages have stretched class sizes beyond breaking point.
Who’s Eligible, and What’s at Stake?
To qualify for these 1st Grade Teacher roles, candidates must hold a Post Graduation degree in the subject they wish to teach — and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) certification. Age? Between 21 and 40. No exceptions. The commission is strict, and for good reason: these aren’t entry-level roles. These are positions that shape how students in Class 9 to 12 understand history, economics, or literature. The subject-wise breakdown reveals where demand is highest: Hindi leads with 710 vacancies, followed by Commerce (430), Political Science (330), Geography (270), English (307), and History (170). The remaining 500+ spots are spread across 21 other disciplines, from Sanskrit to Physics.
But here’s the twist: while 1st Grade applicants need a Master’s degree, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission is also running a parallel recruitment for 6,500 Senior Teacher (2nd Grade) posts — and the bar is lower. Only a Graduation + B.Ed. is required. Applications for these close on September 17, 2025, giving candidates a five-day window to catch up. The largest openings here? Mathematics (1,385) and Science (1,355). It’s clear the state is prioritizing STEM education — and rightly so.
The Application Process: Five Steps, One Deadline
Applying isn’t complicated, but it’s unforgiving. The RPSC laid out a five-step process: first, register on either the RPSC website or the SSO Rajasthan portal. Then, complete One Time Registration (OTR). Log in. Fill the form. And finally — the make-or-break step — upload documents, pay the fee (amount undisclosed but likely between ₹600–1,000), and hit submit. No printout? No backup? That’s a risk. The commission won’t accept late or incomplete applications. And trust me, they’ve seen it all: candidates forgetting their signature, uploading blurry photos, or submitting forms in the wrong subject category. One mistake, and you’re out.
What’s not said in the notification but widely known among coaching centers in Jaipur and Udaipur? The competition is brutal. For every Hindi lecturer vacancy, there are roughly 80 applicants. In rural districts like Jaisalmer or Barmer, where qualified candidates are scarce, the ratio drops — but so do the number of applicants. It’s a paradox: urban centers drown in applications; remote areas starve for talent.
What Happens After September 12?
Now, the waiting game begins. The written exam — two papers, covering subject knowledge and teaching methodology — is scheduled from May 31 to June 16, 2026across Rajasthan. That’s nearly nine months away. Candidates have time — but they’d be foolish to waste it. Past trends show the exam is heavily focused on curriculum alignment with NCERT and state board syllabi. Coaching institutes in Kota and Ajmer are already reporting a 40% spike in enrollments since the notification dropped in July.
After the written test, it’s document verification — no interviews, no viva. Just proof of degrees, caste certificates (if applicable), and teaching experience. Those who clear it will be placed in schools across all 33 districts. The state has allocated 5,804 of the 6,500 2nd Grade posts to Non-Tribal Sub-Plan (Non-TSP) areas, and 696 to Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) regions. That’s not just policy — it’s equity in action. In districts like Dungarpur or Banswara, where schools have gone without a qualified science teacher for over a year, these hires could mean the difference between a student passing or dropping out.
Why This Matters Beyond the Classroom
Behind every vacancy number is a child waiting for a teacher. In 2023, Rajasthan’s secondary education dropout rate hit 18.7% — the highest in North India. Many blame underqualified staff and overcrowded classrooms. This recruitment is the state’s boldest attempt yet to reverse that trend. The Rajasthan Public Service Commission is operating under the Rajasthan Education (State and Subordinate) Service Rules, 2021 — a framework designed to professionalize teaching as a career, not just a job.
And let’s not forget the ripple effect. When a 24-year-old graduate from Bikaner gets hired as a 1st Grade Teacher in Sirohi, they don’t just become a teacher. They become a role model. A community anchor. A reason for parents to believe in public schools again.
What’s Next?
Results for the 1st Grade exam are expected by December 2026. Appointment letters will follow by March 2027. Meanwhile, the 2nd Grade recruitment will conclude with its own exam cycle in early 2027. The RPSC has hinted at a third wave — possibly for Primary Teacher (PRT) posts — by early 2026. But for now, all eyes are on today’s deadline. The system is open. The window is closing. And for those who applied? The real test begins now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both 1st Grade and 2nd Grade Teacher positions?
Yes, candidates can apply for both if they meet the eligibility criteria for each. The 1st Grade requires a Post Graduation + B.Ed., while the 2nd Grade requires only Graduation + B.Ed. However, you must submit separate applications, pay separate fees, and select different subject preferences. Many applicants are doing this as a strategic backup — especially those with Master’s degrees who also qualify for 2nd Grade roles.
What if I miss the September 12 deadline for 1st Grade?
Unfortunately, no late applications will be accepted. The RPSC has historically been rigid about deadlines, even for technical glitches. While the commission occasionally extends timelines for technical issues, no such extension has been announced for this recruitment. Candidates who miss the cutoff must wait for the next cycle, likely in 2026 or 2027. It’s a harsh reality, but one that underscores the importance of planning ahead.
Are there any reservations for tribal candidates in these posts?
Yes. Of the 6,500 2nd Grade Senior Teacher vacancies, 696 are reserved for Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas, ensuring representation in districts like Dungarpur, Udaipur, and Sirohi. Additionally, Rajasthan follows state reservation policies — 16% for Scheduled Castes, 21% for Scheduled Tribes, 5% for Other Backward Classes, and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections. These quotas apply to both 1st and 2nd Grade recruitments, and candidates must upload valid caste/tribe certificates during application.
How tough is the RPSC 1st Grade Teacher exam?
The exam is considered moderately difficult, with Paper I testing subject-specific knowledge (80% of the paper) and Paper II focusing on pedagogy, classroom management, and educational psychology. Past cut-offs for general category candidates hovered around 62–65%, but in high-demand subjects like Hindi and English, they’ve gone as high as 70%. The key is mastering the Rajasthan State Board syllabus — not just NCERT. Many toppers say practicing previous year papers from 2018–2024 gives a decisive edge.
Where will the selected candidates be posted?
Postings are assigned based on district vacancies, candidate preference, and merit. Top scorers get first pick of preferred districts — often urban centers like Jaipur, Jodhpur, or Kota. Lower-ranked candidates may be posted to remote areas like Barmer, Jaisalmer, or Sri Ganganagar. The state mandates that 30% of 1st Grade posts go to rural schools, and many districts have mandatory service bonds of 5 years. It’s not glamorous, but it’s impactful.
Is there any chance of this recruitment being delayed or canceled?
Highly unlikely. The RPSC has already released the exam schedule for May–June 2026, and the state government has allocated ₹420 crore in the 2025–26 budget specifically for these appointments. This isn’t a stopgap measure — it’s part of a long-term plan to reduce the teacher-student ratio from 1:38 to 1:25 by 2028. With political pressure and public scrutiny high, cancellation isn’t on the table. Candidates should prepare, not panic.
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