When the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) announced a last-minute shift in its First Grade Teacher Recruitment Exam 2025 schedule, thousands of aspirants in Rajasthan breathed a sigh of relief. The original dates — June 23 to July 4 — had clashed head-on with the UGC NET exam, scheduled for June 25–30. For candidates juggling both exams, it wasn’t just a scheduling headache — it was a career crisis. Many had invested months, sometimes years, preparing for both. And now, thanks to public pressure and judicial intervention, RPSC has moved three key papers to avoid the overlap.
Why the Clash Mattered
The UGC NET isn’t just another test. It’s the gateway to university lectureships and assistant professorships across India. For many in Rajasthan, qualifying for UGC NET isn’t just about a job — it’s about professional validation. Meanwhile, the RPSC exam opens doors to government school teaching roles, a coveted position in a state where public sector jobs carry deep social prestige. When RPSC initially refused to budge on June 19, citing "administrative finality," the backlash was immediate. Students flooded social media with #FixRPSCSchedule. Protests erupted in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot weighed in: "Other states adjusted. Why can’t RPSC?" His words echoed in classrooms and coaching centers alike.
The Revised Schedule: What Changed
After the Supreme Court took notice — though no formal order was issued — RPSC quietly revised its calendar on June 24. Here’s what shifted:
- Sanskrit (Group-A): Moved from June 25 to July 5, 9 AM–12 PM. (General Knowledge paper was already completed on June 23.)
- Sociology (Group-B): Shifted from June 29 to July 5, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. (General Knowledge paper held on June 26 as planned.)
- Political Science: Moved from June 26 to July 6, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM. The General Knowledge paper for this subject was postponed indefinitely, pending further notice.
Crucially, the General Knowledge papers for Sociology and other Group-B subjects remained on June 26 at 10 AM, avoiding overlap with UGC NET’s morning sessions. The adjustment means candidates now have a full 24–48 hours between UGC NET and their RPSC papers — enough time to rest, review, and travel if needed.
Behind the Scenes: A System That Ignored Reality
RPSC had initially claimed it couldn’t reschedule because "examination logistics are fixed." But that’s not true. In 2023, Madhya Pradesh delayed its teacher exams by a week when they clashed with UGC NET. Uttar Pradesh did the same in 2022. Even Tamil Nadu adjusted its TET dates in 2021. So why did Rajasthan resist? The answer lies in bureaucratic inertia — and a disconnect between planners and candidates. Admit cards were already printed. Exam centers were locked in. But no one had counted how many students were sitting for both exams. Estimates suggest over 40,000 candidates were affected. For many, UGC NET was their primary goal. RPSC was a fallback. But the old schedule forced them to choose — and lose.
What This Means for Future Exams
This isn’t just about Rajasthan. It’s a wake-up call for every state commission running competitive exams. The UGC NET is now held twice a year. So are state teacher exams. The overlap isn’t a fluke — it’s becoming the norm. RPSC’s reversal sets a precedent. If public pressure and media scrutiny can force a change, then other commissions must now anticipate this conflict. Future exam calendars should be coordinated nationally, not locally. The University Grants Commission could play a mediating role — but it hasn’t yet. For now, candidates in Rajasthan have won a battle. The war for systemic reform is still ongoing.
Logistics and Timing: The Fine Print
RPSC issued city-wise exam center details on June 16 — seven days before the first paper. Admit cards were released on June 20, three days before the earliest scheduled exam. That’s standard. But with the new schedule, some candidates now have to travel from Jaipur to Jaisalmer for the July 5 exam, after sitting for UGC NET in Delhi or Lucknow. The commission hasn’t clarified whether travel allowances or accommodation support will be provided. That’s the next question.
For 2,202 teaching positions, the stakes are high. But beyond the numbers, this episode reveals something deeper: the human cost of rigid bureaucracy. One student from Bharatpur told me, "I studied 16 hours a day for six months. I didn’t sleep for three days before UGC NET. If I had to pick one exam, I’d pick NET. But now, I can do both. Thank you, RPSC — but why did it take a court’s shadow to make you listen?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RPSC papers were rescheduled, and why?
RPSC moved the Sanskrit, Sociology, and Political Science papers to avoid clashing with UGC NET (June 25–30). Sanskrit shifted to July 5, Sociology to July 5, and Political Science to July 6. These were the only subjects whose main papers overlapped with UGC NET’s morning sessions. General Knowledge papers for most subjects were already completed before the conflict became critical.
How many candidates were affected by the schedule clash?
An estimated 40,000+ candidates in Rajasthan were preparing for both the RPSC First Grade Exam and UGC NET. Many had already booked travel, paid for coaching, and taken leave from jobs. The original schedule forced them to risk burnout or abandon one exam — a choice no student should face.
Why didn’t RPSC change the dates earlier?
RPSC claimed logistical constraints and finalized planning. But other states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh had already adjusted their calendars in prior years. The delay suggests a lack of coordination between state commissions and UGC, and an underestimation of candidate needs. Public protests and media pressure were the real catalysts for change.
Will RPSC coordinate with UGC NET in the future?
There’s no formal mechanism yet. UGC NET is held in June and December. State exams often follow the same calendar. Without a national advisory body to align schedules, clashes will keep happening. Candidates should expect this pattern unless RPSC and other commissions publicly commit to calendar coordination.
What about the postponed Political Science General Knowledge paper?
RPSC has not announced a new date for the Political Science General Knowledge paper. Candidates are advised to monitor the official RPSC website daily. Delays in this paper could affect final merit lists, so the commission is under pressure to resolve this quickly — likely before July 15.
Can candidates still appear for both exams now?
Yes. With the new schedule, UGC NET ends on June 30, and the earliest rescheduled RPSC paper is July 5. That gives candidates five full days to rest, travel, and prepare. For the first time since the conflict began, aspirants can realistically attempt both exams without compromising their performance.