The RPSC RAS Selection Process 2026 consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. While the Prelims is only a qualifying screening test, the final selection depends on the combined marks obtained in the Mains (800 marks) and Personality Test (100 marks). Candidates who qualify all stages must also complete document verification and fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions before appointment.
Before applying for the examination, candidates should understand the complete recruitment process and the stages involved.
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RPSC RAS Selection Process 2026 Overview |
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Particulars |
Details |
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Exam Name |
Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Examination |
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Conducting Body |
Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) |
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Posts |
Rajasthan Administrative Service, Rajasthan Subordinate Services and Allied Services |
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Selection Process |
Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test |
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Preliminary Exam |
Objective Type (Qualifying) |
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Main Examination |
Descriptive |
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Interview |
Personality Test |
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Final Merit |
Based on Mains and Interview Marks |
The RPSC RAS recruitment process is conducted in three separate stages. Each stage serves a different purpose and candidates must qualify one stage before appearing for the next.
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process. It is conducted as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. The marks obtained in the Prelims are not included in the final merit list.
The paper consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions covering General Knowledge and General Science. Questions are asked from subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, Science, Reasoning, and Rajasthan-specific topics.
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RPSC RAS Prelims Exam Pattern |
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Particulars |
Details |
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Paper |
General Knowledge and General Science |
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Total Questions |
150 |
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Maximum Marks |
200 |
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Duration |
3 Hours |
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Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions |
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Negative Marking |
One-third mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
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Nature of Exam |
Qualifying |
Candidates should prepare the complete syllabus thoroughly, as questions are asked from a wide range of subjects and Rajasthan-related topics carry significant importance.
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination. This is the most important stage of the recruitment process because the marks obtained in the Mains are counted towards the final merit list.
The Main Examination is descriptive in nature and evaluates a candidate's conceptual understanding, analytical skills, writing ability, and knowledge of administrative issues.
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RPSC RAS Mains Exam Pattern |
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Paper |
Subject |
Marks |
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 |
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Total |
Written Examination |
800 Marks |
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The General Studies papers cover subjects including History, Geography, Indian Polity, Governance, Economy, Science and Technology, Ethics, Rajasthan Administration, and Social Issues. The language paper assesses grammar, comprehension, essay writing, précis writing, translation, and vocabulary.
Candidates who clear the Main Examination are invited for the Personality Test, which is the final stage of the selection process.
The interview is conducted to assess whether a candidate possesses the qualities required for administrative responsibilities. Apart from academic knowledge, the interview panel evaluates communication skills, leadership ability, confidence, decision-making, awareness of current affairs, administrative aptitude, and overall personality.
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RPSC RAS Interview Pattern |
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Particulars |
Details |
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Maximum Marks |
100 |
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Nature |
Personality Test |
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Purpose |
Assessment of administrative suitability |
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Conducting Body |
Rajasthan Public Service Commission |
Candidates should stay informed about current national and state-level developments, government policies, and Rajasthan-related issues before appearing for the interview.
The final selection is based on the combined marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test. Since the Preliminary Examination is only a qualifying stage, its marks are not included in the final ranking.
Candidates are allotted services according to their overall score, category, available vacancies, and preferences submitted during the recruitment process.
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RPSC RAS Final Merit Calculation |
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Stage |
Marks |
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Preliminary Examination |
Not Counted |
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Main Examination |
800 Marks |
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Personality Test |
100 Marks |
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Total |
900 Marks |
Candidates should carefully follow all the rules prescribed by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission throughout the recruitment process.
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria relating to age, educational qualification, nationality, and other conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates must qualify each stage of the selection process to be eligible for the next stage.
The Preliminary Examination is conducted only for shortlisting candidates and does not contribute to the final merit list.
Reservation benefits, age relaxation, and other concessions are provided according to the applicable Government of Rajasthan rules and must be claimed correctly during the application process.
The use of unfair means, impersonation, or violation of examination rules may result in disqualification and other disciplinary action.
Document verification is carried out before final appointment, and candidates must produce all required certificates in the prescribed format.
Final appointment is subject to successful document verification, medical fitness, and fulfilment of all eligibility conditions.