RAS Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims, Mains, Interview, Marking Scheme & Paper Pattern

If you're planning to appear for the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) Examination, understanding the RAS Exam Pattern 2026 should be one of your first steps. Knowing the exam pattern helps you understand how the examination is conducted, what type of questions you can expect, how marks are awarded, and how much time you'll have for each paper.

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) conducts the RAS exam in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage tests different skills, from general awareness and analytical ability to writing skills and personality traits. A clear understanding of the exam pattern allows you to prepare with confidence and create an effective study plan.

RAS Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

Before you begin your preparation, take a look at the key highlights of the latest RAS Exam Pattern 2026.

RAS Exam Pattern 2026: Stage-Wise

The RPSC RAS selection process is conducted in three stages. You must qualify at each stage to move to the next round.

Stage 1: RAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process. It is a qualifying examination designed to shortlist candidates for the Mains.

The key features of the RAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 are:

• One objective-type paper

• 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Marks: 200

• Exam Duration: 3 Hours

• Subjects: General Knowledge and General Science

• Offline examination

The Preliminary exam is meant only for screening candidates. The marks obtained in this stage are not considered while preparing the final merit list.

Negative Marking in RAS Prelims

The RPSC follows a negative marking system in the Preliminary Examination.

You should remember the following rules:

• One-third (⅓) mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.

• A fifth option is provided on the OMR sheet.

• If you leave a question unanswered without marking the fifth option, one-third of the mark will be deducted.

• Leaving more than 10% of the questions unanswered without selecting the fifth option may result in disqualification.

Attempt questions carefully to avoid unnecessary loss of marks.

Stage 2: RAS Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Mains.

The RAS Mains Exam Pattern 2026 consists of four descriptive papers that assess your analytical ability, writing skills, and subject knowledge.

Total Marks: 800

Since the Main Examination is descriptive, answer writing practice, structured presentation, and effective time management play an important role in scoring well. 

You will be required to write short, medium, and long answers based on the questions asked.

The General Hindi and General English paper is set at the Senior Secondary level.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in RAS Mains

To qualify for the Interview stage, you must secure:

• At least 10% marks in each paper

• A minimum of 15% marks in aggregate

Candidates belonging to the SC and ST categories are provided relaxation as per the rules prescribed by the Commission.

Stage 3: RAS Interview Pattern 2026

The Interview is the final stage of the RAS selection process.

Candidates who clear the Mains Examination are invited for the Personality Test.

The Interview carries 100 marks.

During the Interview, the panel evaluates your:

• Personality

• Communication skills

• Leadership qualities

• Decision-making ability

• General awareness

• Administrative aptitude

• Confidence and overall suitability for public service

The marks obtained in the Mains Examination and Interview together determine your final selection.

RAS Marking Scheme 2026

Understanding the marking scheme will help you attempt the examination more strategically.

Prelims

• Total Marks: 200

• Objective-type questions

• One-third negative marking for every wrong answer

• Unanswered questions without marking the fifth option also attract negative marking

Mains

• Four descriptive papers

• Each paper carries 200 marks

• Marks are awarded based on the quality, accuracy, presentation, and completeness of your answers

Interview

• Total Marks: 100

• Evaluates personality and administrative suitability

RAS Exam Stage-wise Marks Distribution

The RAS exam has mainly three stages: Prelims, Mains and Interview. The marks distribution for all these stages are as follows:

Important Points About the RAS Exam Pattern 2026

While preparing for the examination, keep these important points in mind:

• The Preliminary Examination is only a screening test.

• Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit list.

• Every Mains paper has a duration of three hours.

• Candidates receive additional time in the Prelims to fill the OMR sheet.

• Leaving more than 10% of the questions unanswered without selecting the fifth option may lead to disqualification.

• Mains papers include short, medium, and long-answer questions.

• Good answer writing skills are essential to score well in the Mains Examination.

Related Resources

• RAS Officer Salary 

• RAS Exam Pattern 

• RPSC RAS Eligibility Criteria 

• RPSC RAS Previous Year Question Paper 

• RAS Selection Process