🔷 Overview: What is RAS Exam?
The RPSC RAS Exam (Rajasthan Administrative Services Exam) is the premier state-level civil services examination conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). It serves as the entry point for candidates aspiring to hold top administrative and executive posts within the state of Rajasthan.
This competitive exam recruits candidates for a wide array of roles including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Assistant Commissioner, Tehsildar, and other Group A and Group B level positions in various government departments. These roles are instrumental in implementing state policies, maintaining law and order, and contributing to the development of the state through strategic governance and public service delivery.
If you’re wondering what is RAS exam, it’s essentially Rajasthan’s version of the UPSC Civil Services Exam, but focused entirely on state-level governance and administration. It’s a prestigious and highly competitive examination that attracts thousands of aspirants every year who aim to make a difference at the grassroots and administrative level.
The RAS exam opens the gateway to prestigious careers in public administration, police services, revenue departments, state accounts, and more. Not only does it offer job security and authority, but also a platform to contribute meaningfully to society.
Many aspirants ask: “Is the RAS exam held every year?” — While the RPSC aims to conduct the RAS exam annually, in reality, it’s not always consistent. Exams have been delayed or skipped in some years due to administrative or political reasons.
Quick Facts About the RAS Exam:
✅ Exam Conducting Authority: RPSC (Rajasthan Public Service Commission)
✅ Level: State Civil Services (Group A & B Posts)
✅ Posts Offered: SDM, DSP, Assistant Commissioner, Tehsildar, Block Development Officer, etc.
✅ Exam Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper-based)
✅ Languages: English & Hindi
✅ Eligibility: Graduates from any stream (refer eligibility section for details)
This post will guide you step-by-step through all aspects of the RAS exam — including eligibility, application process, syllabus, preparation strategies, and more — so you can plan your journey with confidence.
🎯 Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide — we update it regularly when RPSC announces fresh vacancies, dates, and syllabus changes!
🔷 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it’s crucial to understand who is eligible for RAS exam, as defined by RPSC. Eligibility is primarily determined based on nationality, educational qualification, and age limit.
1. Nationality
• The candidate must be a citizen of India. Preference is generally given to candidates with domicile in Rajasthan for certain reservations.
2. Educational Qualification
• A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is the minimum requirement. Final-year students can also apply provisionally, but their degree must be completed before the Mains exam.
3. Age Limit (As per latest RPSC norms)
Category | Age Limit | Relaxation Details |
|---|---|---|
General Category | 21 to 40 years | No relaxation |
Male (SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS) | 21 to 45 years | 5 years relaxation |
Female (SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS) | 21 to 50 years | 10 years relaxation |
Female (General Category) | 21 to 45 years | 5 years relaxation |
Widows and Divorced Women (all categories) | 21 years and above | No upper age limit |
⚠️ Note: The RAS exam age limit for OBC/SC/ST/EWS candidates can vary depending on RPSC guidelines in the specific notification year. Additional relaxations are provided for ex-servicemen, and differently-abled candidates based on category.
It’s recommended to always check the official notification for the most accurate and updated eligibility criteria before applying.
🔷 How to Apply for RAS Exam
The application process for the RAS exam is completely online. Candidates must ensure all personal details, documents, and eligibility criteria are accurate before submission.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply smoothly:
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process:
Visit the official RPSC website:
Go to rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in — this is where all notifications and links for online application are published.Register via One Time Registration (OTR):
First-time applicants need to create an account on the Rajasthan SSO portal (sso.rajasthan.gov.in). During registration, you’ll be asked to enter your Aadhar ID, email ID, phone number, and basic details like name, address, and educational qualification.Log in to the portal:
Once registered, log in with your SSO ID and password to access active recruitment links.Select the RAS/RTS Combined Competitive Exam notification:
Click on the latest RAS exam notification and select “Apply Now.”Fill out the application form:
Carefully enter all required details — including personal information, category/reservation status, education details, and exam center preferences.Upload required documents:
Attach high-quality scanned copies of:Passport-sized photograph
Signature
Thumb impression (as per specified format)
Educational certificates and category-related documents (if applicable)
Pay the application fee:
Pay the exam fee using available online payment modes like debit/credit card, UPI, net banking, etc. The amount varies based on your category.Review and Submit:
Double-check all details before final submission. Once submitted, no changes can be made.Download and Save a Copy:
After successful submission, download and save:Application form PDF
Payment receipt
Acknowledgment number
💡 Pro Tip: Always save a printed copy or digital backup of your form and receipts. These will be required later during admit card download, document verification, and exam center entry.
✅ It’s recommended to use a desktop or laptop for filling out the application form to avoid formatting issues and ensure better control over document uploads.
📚 RAS Exam Pattern – How Many Papers in RAS Exam?
If you’re wondering how many papers are there in the RAS exam or searching for “RAS exam pattern in Hindi” (Click language switch icon “Hindi” at top right corner of the page), here’s a clear breakdown of the latest structure:
1. 📘 Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Prelims is the first stage of the RAS selection process.
Paper: General Knowledge & General Science
Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Duration: 3 hours
Total Marks: 200
🔹 Note: The Preliminary exam is a qualifying paper—its marks are not counted in the final merit list. However, it’s essential to clear this stage to move forward to the Mains.
2. 📕 Main Examination (Mains)
Candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible for the Mains, which is descriptive in nature and plays a crucial role in the final merit.
Number of Papers: 4
General Studies Paper I
General Studies Paper II
General Studies Paper III
General Hindi & General English
Marks: Each paper carries 200 marks
Total Marks: 800
Check latest RAS Syllabus here:- https://rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in/syllabus
🔸 The Mains test your in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, writing ability, and understanding of issues related to Rajasthan and India.
3. 🗣️ Interview / Personality Test
Total Marks: 100
Focus Areas: Personality traits, communication skills, leadership qualities, awareness about current affairs, and understanding of administrative responsibilities.
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined score of the Mains (800 marks) and the Interview (100 marks) — a total of 900 marks.
✅ Summary:
To become a RAS officer, you’ll need to clear:
1 Preliminary exam (qualifying only)
4 Main exam papers (descriptive)
1 Interview round (personality test)
📚 Recommended Books for RAS Preparation
Sr. No. | Book Name | Specifications | Buy on Amazon.com |
1. | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth | Key for Prelims & Mains GS II, covers constitution & polity | Buy now in (English) (Hindi) |
2. | Spectrum Modern History by Rajiv Ahir | Best for Modern Indian History (GS I) | Buy now in (English) (Hindi) |
3. | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Covers static GK: history, geography, science, polity | Buy now in (English) (Hindi) |
4. | Arihant’s RAS Prelims Practice Set | With MCQs & Solved Papers | Buy now in (Hindi) |
5. | NCERT Books (Class 6–12) | Must for fundamentals: History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Science | Buy now in (English) (Hindi) |
6. | Essay Writing for Mains | Helps with format, sample essays & structure | Buy now in (English) (Hindi) |
7. | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh | Essential for understanding GS III economics topics | Buy now in (English) (Hindi) |
Explore other exams conducted by RPSC:- Click here.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The RAS exam, or Rajasthan Administrative Service exam, is a prestigious state civil service exam conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). It recruits candidates for top administrative and allied services posts in the Rajasthan government.
To be eligible for the RAS exam, a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and be between 21 and 40 years of age (general category). Age relaxations apply for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, women, and PwD candidates.
The RAS exam pattern includes three stages:
Preliminary Exam (objective-type, screening test)
Main Exam (descriptive papers)
Interview/Personality Test
Only the marks from the Mains and Interview are counted for final selection.
There is 1 paper in Prelims and 4 papers in Mains.
Prelims: One objective paper (General Knowledge & Science – 200 marks)
Mains: Three General Studies papers and one paper for General Hindi & English (each 200 marks, total 800 marks.)
Yes, the RAS exam is generally held once every year, depending on the vacancy and notification issued by RPSC. However, exact frequency can vary based on administrative decisions.
The minimum age to apply for the RAS exam is 21 years. The upper age limit varies by category:
General Category (Male): 40 years (no relaxation)
Male (SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS): 45 years (5 years relaxation)
Female (General): 45 years (5 years relaxation)
Female (SC/ST/OBC/MBC/EWS): 50 years (10 years relaxation)
Widows and Divorced Women: No upper age limit
👉 Always check the latest RPSC notification, as age limits and relaxations are subject to change.
The RAS syllabus covers Rajasthan-specific topics (history, geography, culture), Indian polity, economy, general science, current affairs, reasoning, and English/Hindi grammar. RPSC provides a detailed syllabus PDF in the official notification.
Click here to check on RPSC’s official website.
The RAS exam fee varies by category:
General: ₹600
OBC/EWS (Non-creamy layer): ₹400
SC/ST and PwD: ₹400
Final fees and exemptions should always be confirmed from the latest notification.