How to Become a Rural Development Officer

About Rural Development Officer

Villages are the backbone of the Indian economy, and development of villages is one of the major responsibilities of the Indian government. To ensure sustainable development in villages, the government appoints Rural Development Officers (RDO) whose major responsibility is to implement rural development projects. If you are aspiring to become a Rural Development Officer, you will have to clear a recruitment exam conducted by the state governments. The scope for employment in the government sector is high. At the same time, professionals in this field can also work with NGOs. A Rural Development Officer is a person who works at the Tehsil level under the  Rural Development Department of the Government.

A Rural Development Officer plays an important role in handling schemes of rural development like  NREGA, old age pension, farming scheme, schemes for the physically disabled person, health and medical facilities in the areas etc.

A Rural Development Officer has knowledge about the blocks and rural development schemes and functions to work effectively and efficiently

Eligibility to become Rural Development Officer

• Any graduate can apply for the post of Rural Development Officer in the state. The candidate will have to take the Public Service Commission Examination of the concerned state to become a Rural Development Officer.  
• The age limit, as defined to apply for a job role as a Rural Development Officer is between 21 to 37 years. It may vary for reserved category candidates.

Career Path

• A candidate who clears PCS examination is shortlisted for a personal interview. Those who clear the interview are selected for the post of Rural Development Officer in an area.
• After certain years of experience as a  Rural Development Officer (RDO), the candidate can expect promotion as a Block Development Officer (BDO).

Types of Job Roles Rural Development Officer

The major job roles of a Rural Development Officer (RDO) is listed below:

• The primary role of a Rural Development Officer is to look after the Rural Development Programme of rural areas and community.
• They promote local innovation, product services and projects.
• They work closely with the rural development project team to ensure that the work is completed on time.
• They check and complete the paperwork of projects undertaken.
• They create plans and handle obstacles associated with project management

Employment Sector for Rural Development Officer

A Rural Development Officer is appointed for the post under the state government, He/ She is assigned the Village/ Area of supervision after the final selection process through Public Commission Service (PCS) examination.

Pay Scale/Salary of Rural Development Officer

A Rural Development Officer (RDO) can expect a starting salary of Rs 20200 + Grade Pay. The salary is defined under the Pay Commission set up by the Government of India.

Books & Study Material to Become Rural Development Officer

Following are the books to refer to pursue a career as a  Rural Development Officer (RDO) -

• Rural Development - Principles, Policies, and Management by Singh Katar Singh)
• Rural Development  by Mudgal Rahul
• Rural Development In India by K.R Gupta
• DSRVS Practice Test

Pros of becoming a Rural Development Officer

• Rural Development Officer (RDO) is a government job that comes with job security and other benefits.
• After some years, the candidate can apply for a higher post like Block Development Officer (DBO).

Cons of becoming a Rural Development Officer

• The job location is a rural area.
• It is a field job and requires the person to travel in rural areas.
• Starting pay scale is less.