RAS Exam Pattern 2026 for Pre and Mains Marking Scheme, Syllabus
RAS exam pattern is important for candidates who are appearing for RPSC RAS exam. It provides a clear roadmap for preparation. Knowing the marking scheme, number of questions, sections, exam duration, and mode helps candidates plan their strategy effectively. This knowledge allows for focused study and better time management during the actual examination.
RAS Exam Pattern Overview
RPSC RAS examination is a single-stage screening test followed by a descriptive written test conducted annually. It assesses candidates on various skills required for a career in state administration. The exam uses multiple-choice questions in the first stage and descriptive answers in the second. This structure ensures a comprehensive evaluation of aspirants.
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RAS Exam Pattern Overview |
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Field |
RPSC RAS Exam Pattern |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen & Paper-based) |
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Number of Stages |
3 (Prelims, Mains, Interview) |
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Total Number of Papers |
Prelims: 1 | Mains: 4 |
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Types of Questions |
Prelims: MCQs | Mains: Descriptive |
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Duration of each paper |
3 Hours per paper |
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Total Marks |
Prelims: 200 | Mains: 800 |
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Medium of exam |
Hindi & English |
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Negative marking |
Yes (0.33 Marks in Prelims) |
Detailed RAS Exam Pattern (Stage-Wise)
The RAS exam pattern consists of multiple stages. It includes an objective test, descriptive papers, and a personality assessment. This section provides a clear breakdown of each stage.
Stage 1 RAS Prelims Exam Pattern
The Ras Pre Exam pattern is a single-paper, objective-type test. It serves as a screening round.
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Total Questions: 150
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Total Marks: 200
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Duration: 3 Hours
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Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
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Subjects Covered: General Knowledge, General Science
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Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3 mark for each wrong answer. A 5th option is available for unanswered questions. Not marking any option attracts 1/3 negative marks. More than 10% unanswered questions lead to disqualification.
Stage 2 RAS Mains Exam Pattern
Candidates who clear the Prelims qualify for the Mains exam. The Mains exam is descriptive and analytical. It has four papers. Questions include brief, medium, and long answer types. The General Hindi and General English standards are at the Senior Secondary level.
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Stage 2 RAS Mains Exam Pattern |
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Subject Names |
Total Marks |
Exam Duration
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Paper I: General Studies - I |
200 |
3 Hours |
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Paper II: General Studies - II |
200 |
3 Hours |
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Paper III: General Studies - III |
200 |
3 Hours |
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Paper IV: General Hindi and General English |
200 |
3 Hours |
For Main Examination qualification, candidates must score minimum 10% in each paper. They also need 15% marks in aggregate. A 5% relaxation is given to SC/ST categories.
Stage 3 RAS Interview Exam Pattern
The Interview is the final stage of the RPSC RAS selection process. Only candidates qualifying in Prelims and Mains attend this round.
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Total Marks: 100
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Assessment: Personality, communication, confidence, and administrative suitability.
The final merit list uses marks from the Mains examination and the Interview.
RAS Marking Scheme
The RAS exam follows a strict marking system across its stages. It includes negative marking in Prelims.
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RAS Marking Scheme |
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Aspect |
Details
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Marks for Correct |
Prelims: Specific marks per question (e.g., 1.33 marks per question for 150 questions, 200 marks). Mains: Varies by question type (brief, medium, long answer). |
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Negative Marking |
Prelims: 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer. Not selecting any option also leads to a 1/3 mark deduction. |
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Sectional Weightage |
Prelims: General Knowledge and General Science contribute to 200 marks. Mains: Each of the four papers carries 200 marks. |
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Minimum Qualifying |
Prelims: No minimum qualifying marks are mentioned, but a cut-off score determines eligibility for Mains. Mains: 10% in each paper and 15% in aggregate (5% relaxation for SC/ST). |
Check: RAS Officer Salary
Important Points Related RAS Exam Pattern
Candidates must know specific rules about the RAS exam pattern. These help in proper preparation and exam attempt.
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OMR Sheet Filling: Candidates get 10 extra minutes in Prelims to fill the OMR sheet. This is to mark chosen options or the 5th option.
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Unanswered Questions (Prelims): Leaving over 10% of questions unanswered without marking the 5th option results in disqualification.
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Prelims Marks: Prelims scores are for qualification only. They do not count in the final merit list.
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Mains Question Types: Mains papers include short, medium, and long answer questions. This tests comprehensive understanding.
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Language Standards (Mains): General Hindi and General English papers require Senior Secondary level proficiency.