Are RDO and deputy collector posts the same (APPSC Group 1)?


RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) and Deputy Collector posts are not the same, but they are related positions within the administrative and revenue departments of the government. In the context of the APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission) Group 1 exam, both RDO and Deputy Collector positions might fall under the same examination, as they are often part of the same administrative cadre.

Here's a brief overview of both positions:

  1. Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO): An RDO is a government official responsible for the administration and revenue collection of a specific revenue division. They handle various administrative and revenue-related functions within their jurisdiction, which may include land administration, revenue collection, law and order coordination, disaster management, and more. The RDO is a crucial position in the district administration hierarchy.
  2. Deputy Collector: The Deputy Collector is another important position within the district administration. They have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include revenue administration, land management, law and order maintenance, public welfare initiatives, implementation of government policies, and more. Deputy Collectors often play a key role in the overall administration and development of a district.

In some cases, the responsibilities and duties of RDO and Deputy Collector may overlap, and the specific titles and responsibilities can vary from state to state in India. Both positions usually require candidates to clear competitive examinations conducted by the respective state public service commissions.

In the context of the APPSC Group 1 examination, candidates might be aspiring to enter into the administrative services and could be considered for both RDO and Deputy Collector positions, among other administrative roles, depending on their performance in the examination and the preferences they express during the selection process.

The selection process involves multiple stages, including a preliminary exam, a main exam, and an interview. Aspiring candidates should understand that the roles of RDO and Deputy Collector are multifaceted and demanding. They require individuals to possess a diverse set of skills, including strong leadership abilities, effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and a thorough understanding of administrative and revenue-related matters. To enhance their chances of getting selected for these positions, candidates should focus on the following:

  • Candidates need to thoroughly prepare for all stages of the examination, including the preliminary and main exams. This involves a deep understanding of subjects like Indian Polity, History, Economy, Geography, and Current Affairs, which are essential for General Studies papers.
  • Candidates should also have a strong grasp of subjects related to administration, governance, and revenue management. This knowledge will be vital for performing well in the interview stage, where they might be asked about their understanding of administrative challenges and potential solutions.
  • The interview or personality test stage is a critical part of the selection process. Candidates should be well-prepared to discuss their motivations for entering the administrative services, their understanding of current affairs, and their problem-solving approach.
  • During the selection process, candidates are usually allowed to express their preferences for various administrative positions. Careful consideration should be given to choosing the desired positions based on personal interests and strengths.
  • In addition to academic knowledge, candidates should focus on their overall personality development. Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, ethical values, and the ability to handle stress and challenging situations are all vital attributes for administrative positions.

The APPSC Group 1 examination offers candidates the opportunity to enter prestigious administrative roles like RDO and Deputy Collector, where they can make a significant impact on governance and development. The online courses by Achievers Academy for theses positions can be very helpful. These courses can provide valuable guidance and resources to help candidates excel in competitive exams like this. Good Luck.


Deep Shikha