RPSC RAS Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide to Prelims, Mains & Interview
The Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS/RTS) Combined Competitive Examination conducted by RPSC evaluates candidates through three progressive stages. With 4 standardized descriptive Mains papers and a heavy emphasis on Rajasthan General Knowledge and General Hindi/English, here is the complete breakdown of papers, marks, and official RPSC rules.
Preliminary Exam
(Screening)
- 1 Single Paper (Objective MCQ)
- 200 Marks · 150 Questions
- 3 Hours Duration
Main Examination
(Counted Merit)
- 4 Papers (Descriptive / Written)
- 800 Counted Marks (200 each)
- 3 Hours per paper
Personality Test
(Viva-voce)
- 1 Board Interview
- 100 Marks
- ~25 to 30 minutes
Preliminary Examination — Pattern & Structure
The RPSC RAS Prelims consists of a single objective paper carrying 200 marks. It tests General Knowledge and General Science with significant weightage given to the History, Art, Culture, Literature, Geography, Economy, and Polity of Rajasthan.
General Knowledge and General Science
Core Subject Breakdown: History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Rajasthan; Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern); Geography of World, India, and Rajasthan; Indian Constitution, Political System & Governance; Administrative & Political System of Rajasthan; Economic Concepts and Indian Economy; Economy of Rajasthan; Science & Technology; Reasoning & Mental Ability; Current Affairs (National, International & Rajasthan State events).
Critical RPSC 5th Option Rule: Every question on the OMR sheet contains 5 options (A, B, C, D, E). If you do not wish to attempt a question, you must darken Option 'E'. Failing to darken any circle attracts a penalty of ⅓ mark. Leaving more than 10% (15+ questions) completely blank results in automatic disqualification.
Main Examination — 4 Papers, 800 Counted Marks
The RAS Mains is descriptive and analytical in nature. There are no optional subjects; all four papers are compulsory. Questions range from Short Answer (2 marks / 15 words), Medium Answer (5 marks / 50 words), to Long Analytical Essays (10 marks / 100 words).
| Paper | Subject Composition | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies - I (History, Economics, Sociology, Management, Accounting & Auditing) | 200 | 3 hrs | Counted in Merit |
| Paper-II | General Studies - II (Administrative Ethics, General Science & Tech, Geography - World/India/Rajasthan) | 200 | 3 hrs | Counted in Merit |
| Paper-III | General Studies - III (Indian Political System, Public Administration, Sports & Yoga, Behavior, Law) | 200 | 3 hrs | Counted in Merit |
| Paper-IV | General Hindi (120 Marks) & General English (80 Marks) | 200 | 3 hrs | Counted in Merit |
| Total Written Merit | 800 | + Interview 100 = 900 Total | ||
Why Paper IV (Hindi & English) is the Rank Decider
Paper IV carries 200 marks (25% of written marks) and directly creates the largest score differences among top rankers:
- General Hindi (120 Marks): Part A (50 Marks) tests grammar, sandhi, samas, upasarg, pratyay, idioms, and corrections. Part B (50 Marks) tests sankshepan, pallavan, formal letter drafting, and translation. Part C (20 Marks) requires writing a structured Hindi essay on contemporary/thematic issues.
- General English (80 Marks): Part A (20 Marks) tests standard English grammar and vocabulary. Part B (30 Marks) covers comprehension, precis writing, and formal business/government correspondence. Part C (30 Marks) covers paragraph and short essay writing.
Personality Test (Interview) — 100 Marks
- Board Panel: Conducted by the RPSC Board at Ghoogra Ghati, Ajmer.
- Marks Allotment: Carries 100 marks (representing 11.11% of the final 900 merit score).
- Focus Areas: Mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, logical exposition, balance of judgement, leadership qualities, moral integrity, and deep awareness of Rajasthani dialects, customs, socio-economic challenges, and government initiatives.
- No Minimum Qualifying Mark: Marks obtained in the interview are added directly to the Mains score to determine final merit.
Negative Marking & Key Examination Rules
- Prelims Negative Penalty: ⅓ (0.33) marks deducted for every incorrect response.
- 5th Bubble Rule: 10 extra minutes are given after the exam to verify that all questions have at least one darkened circle (A, B, C, D, or E).
- Mains Medium: Candidates can write GS Papers I, II, and III in either Hindi or English. Paper IV requires answers in the respective language script.
- Final Rank Formula: Mains (800) + Interview (100) = 900 Marks determine final ranks for SDM, Dy.SP, Accounts Service, Tehsildar, and Allied services.
How the Final Merit of 900 Marks is Built
| Component | Marks | Counts in Merit? |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims (GS & GK Paper) | 200 | No — Screening Gate Only |
| Mains Paper I (GS-I) | 200 | Yes (22.22%) |
| Mains Paper II (GS-II) | 200 | Yes (22.22%) |
| Mains Paper III (GS-III) | 200 | Yes (22.22%) |
| Mains Paper IV (General Hindi & English) | 200 | Yes (22.22%) |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 100 | Yes (11.11%) |
| Final Merit Total | 900 | Mains (800) + Interview (100) |
Merit Weightage Distribution
RPSC RAS Eligibility: Age Limits & Domicile Rules
Aspirants must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University. Candidates from other states are eligible under the General (Unreserved) category without reservation benefits.
| Category | Age Range (Min–Max) | Attempt Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS (Male - All India) | 21 to 40 Years | No limit (until upper age) |
| SC / ST / OBC / MBC / EWS (Male - Rajasthan Domicile) | 21 to 45 Years (+5 yrs) | No limit (until upper age) |
| General Category Female (All India) | 21 to 45 Years (+5 yrs) | No limit (until upper age) |
| SC / ST / OBC / MBC / EWS (Female - Rajasthan Domicile) | 21 to 50 Years (+10 yrs) | No limit (until upper age) |
| Widow and Divorced Women | No Upper Age Bar | No limit |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD - Rajasthan) | +10 Years Relaxation | No limit |
Note: Age is calculated as of January 1st of the year following the notification date. Final year college students can appear for Prelims but must submit proof of graduation before the Mains examination.