Introduction and Syllabus Scope

The RPSC 2026 syllabus for Paper II, Unit 3 (Earth Science) covers mineral resources under Part C. This topic demands knowledge across three axes: classification of minerals (metallic, non-metallic, fuel, atomic), geographical distribution at the district level, and industrial linkages (which mineral feeds which industry). The examiner's lens is always Rajasthan-first — national context serves only to benchmark Rajasthan's position.

The topic's PYQ Tier 1 status (5/5 exams, avg 7.8 marks) makes it among the most reliably tested topics in the unit. RPSC has asked both narrow 5-mark questions (name zinc-producing areas; name rock phosphate areas) and broader 10-mark questions (metallic mineral distribution; mineral-industrial linkage analysis). Students who answer only at the "Rajasthan is mineral-rich" level will score poorly — RPSC wants district names, mine names, operators, reserve figures, and industrial applications.

Adjacent topics to distinguish: Topic #87 (geological structure — Precambrian, Gondwana, Vindhyan formations that host these minerals) provides the structural context; Topic #89 (energy resources — coal, lignite, petroleum, solar) covers fuel minerals separately and should not be confused with the scope here. Topic #90 (industries) covers downstream uses in more detail. Cross-reference both when linking minerals to industries.

This chapter covers: all major and minor minerals found in Rajasthan, their district-wise distribution, the key public and private enterprises operating them, their downstream industrial uses, and the Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024 framework. Petroleum/crude oil receives brief coverage here (its own detailed treatment belongs to Topic #89).

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