The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) administers the Combined Competitive Examination for recruitment to the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) and associated positions.
- Foundational Resource: Aspirants should anchor their preparation in the officially updated RAS Syllabus and Examination Structure for 2025.
- Current Reference: The Commission has issued revised syllabus guidelines for the current recruitment cycle.
- Strategic Advantage: A thorough comprehension of the exam format and detailed syllabus content enables candidates to develop an effective and targeted preparation strategy.
RAS Selection Process
The RAS Exam Pattern 2024 consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – One Paper (Objective)
- Mains Examination – Four Papers (Descriptive)
- Interview
RAS Exam Pattern Overview 2025
The RAS Exam will take place in three stages, Prelims, Mains and Interviews. The Preliminary stage is qualifying. Candidates who clear the Prelims exam will be eligible to appear in the Mains Exam followed by an interview. Prelims exam consists of 1 papers of 200 marks, whereas RAS Mains exam has 4 papers and the total marks of RAS Mains exam are 800. Candidates who will qualify for both rounds will be then eligible to appear for RAS Interview round. RAS interview round is 100 marks.
| Exam Name | Type of the Exam/Duration | Marks |
| RAS Prelims Exam | General Studies-Objective (2 Hours) | 200 |
| RAS Mains Exam | General Studies-I (3 hours) General Studies-II (3 hours) General Studies-III (3 hours) General Hindi and General English (3 hours) | 200 200 200 200 |
| RAS Interview | Personality Test | 100 |
RPSC RAS Preliminary Examination Structure (2025)
- Format: Single objective-type paper assessing General Knowledge.
- Question Composition:
Total of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
All questions carry equal weightage. - Total Marks: 200 marks (aggregate).
- Negative Marking: A penalty of one-third (⅓) mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
- Stage Purpose: Functions exclusively as a screening mechanism.
- Merit Consideration: Scores obtained do not contribute to the final selection ranking. Performance solely determines eligibility for the Main Examination.
| RAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 | ||||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Negative marking | Duration |
| General Knowledge & General Science | 150 | 200 | 1/3 marks | 3 Hours |
RAS Prelims Syllabus 2025
There will be only one paper in RAS Prelims Exam based on General Knowledge. The candidates will be screened through this stage for Mains Exam. The topics included for the Prelims exam are related to history, art, culture, geography, constitution, economy, and more. Below we have discussed each topic in detail.
History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Rajasthan
- Pre-historical sites of Rajasthan- from Palaeolithic to Chalcolithic and Bronze Age.
- Historical Rajasthan: Important historical centres of Early Christian Era. Society, Religion and Culture in Ancient Rajasthan.
- Political and Cultural achievements of prominent rulers of major dynasties – Guhila, Pratihar, Chauhan, Parmar, Rathore, Sisodiya and Kachchawa. Administrative and Revenue System in Medieval Rajasthan.
- Emergence of Modern Rajasthan: Agents of Social Awakening in Rajasthan during 19th – 20th Centuries. Political Awakening: role of newspapers and political institutions. Tribal and Peasant movements in 20th century, Praja Mandal movements in various princely states during 20th century. Integration of Rajasthan.
- Architectural Tradition of Rajasthan- temples, forts, palaces and man- made water bodies; Various schools of paintings and handicrafts.
- Performing Art: Classical Music and Classical Dance; Folk Music & Instruments; Folk Dances & Drama.
- Language & Literature: Dialects of Rajasthani Language. Literature of Rajasthani language and Folk literature.
- Religious Life: Religious Communities, Saints and Sects in Rajasthan. Folk Deities of Rajasthan.
- Social Life in Rajasthan: Fairs and festivals; Social customs and traditions; attires and ornaments.
- Leading Personalities of Rajasthan.
Indian History
- Cultural Foundations of India – Indus and Vedic Age; Renunciatory tradition and new religious ideas of 6th Century BC- Ajivakas, Buddhism and Jainism.
- Achievements of prominent rulers of major dynasties: Maurya, Kushan, Satavahan, Gupta, Chalukya, Pallava and Chola.
- Art and Architecture in Ancient India.
- Development of Language and Literature in Ancient India: Sanskrit, Prakrit and Tamil.
- Sultanate Period: Achievements of prominent Sultanate Rulers. Cultural achievements of Vijaynagar.
- Mughal Period: Political challenges and reconciliation- Afghan, Rajput, Deccan States & Maratha.
- Development of Art & Architecture, Paintings and Music during medieval period.
- Religious & Literary contribution of Bhakti & Sufi movement.
Modern Period (from early 19th century to 1964):
- Evolution of Modern India & Emergence of Nationalism: Intellectual awakening; Press; Western education. Socio- religious reforms during 19th century: various leaders and institutions.
- The Freedom Struggle & Indian National Movement- its various stages, streams and important contributors, contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-independence Nation Building: The linguistic reorganisation of the states, Institutional building during Nehruvian age, Development of science and technology
Geography of World and India
World Geography:
- Major Landforms- Mountains, Plateaus, Plains & Deserts
- Major Rivers & Lakes
- Types of Agriculture
- Major Industrial Regions
- Environmental Issues- Desertification, Deforestation, Climate Change & Global Warming, Ozone Layer Depletion
Geography of India:
- Major Landforms- Mountains, Plateaus, Plains
- Mechanism of Monsoon & Rainfall distribution
- Major Rivers & Lakes
- Major Crops- Wheat, Rice, Cotton, Sugarcane, Tea & Coffee
- Major Minerals- Iron ore, Manganese, Bauxite, Mica
- Power Resources- Conventional & Non-Conventional
- Major Industrial Regions.
- National Highways & Major Transport Corridors
Geography of Rajasthan
- Major physiographic regions and their characteristics
- Climatic characteristics
- Major Rivers & Lakes
- Natural Vegetation & Soil
- Major Crops- Wheat, Maize, Barley, Cotton, Sugarcane & Bajra
- Major Industries
- Major Irrigation Projects & Water Conservation Techniques
- Population-Growth, Density, Literacy, Sex-ratio & Major Tribes
- Minerals- Metallic & Non-Metallic
- Power Resources- Conventional & Non-Conventional
- Biodiversity & its Conservation
- Tourist Centres & Circuits
Indian Constitution, Political System & Governance
Indian Constitution: Philosophical Postulates-
- Constituent Assembly, Salient features of Indian Constitution, Constitutional Amendments.
- Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties.
Indian Political System:
- President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Parliament, Supreme Court & Judicial Review.
- Election Commission of India, Comptroller and Auditor General, NITI Aayog, Central Vigilance Commission, Lokpal, Central Information Commission, National Human Rights Commission.
- Federalism, Democratic Politics in India, Coalition Governments, National Integration.
Political and Administrative System of Rajasthan
State Political System:
Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, Legislative Assembly, High Court.
Administrative System:
District Administration, Local Self Government, Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Institutions:Rajasthan Public Service Commission, State Human Rights Commission, Lokayukt, State Election Commission, State Information Commission.
Public Policy & Rights:Public Policy, Legal Rights and Citizen’s Charter
Economic Concepts and Indian Economy
Basic Concepts of Economics
- Basic Knowledge of Budgeting, Banking, Public Finance, Goods and Service Tax, National Income, Growth and Development
- Accounting- Concept, Tools and Uses in Administration
- Stock Exchange and Share Market
- Fiscal and Monetary Policies
- Subsidies, Public Distribution System
- e-Commerce
- Inflation- Concept, Impact and Control Mechanism
Economic Development & Planning
- Major Sectors of Economy: – Current Status, Issues & Initiatives of Agriculture, Industry, Service and Trade sectors
- Major Economic Problems and Government Initiatives. Economic Reforms and Liberalization
Human Resource and Economic Development
- Human Development Index
- Happiness Index
- Poverty and Unemployment: – Concept, Types, Causes, Remedies and Current Flagship Schemes.
Social Justice and Empowerment
Provisions for Weaker Sections
Economy of Rajasthan
- Macro overview of Economy.
- Major Agricultural, Industrial and Service Sector Issues.
- Growth, Development and Planning.
- Infrastructure & Resources.
- Major Development Projects.
- Major Welfare Schemes of State Government for SC/ST/Backward Classes/ Minorities/ Disabled Persons, Destitute, Women, Children, Old Age People, Farmers & Labourers.
Science and Technology
- Basics of Everyday Science.
- Computers, Information and Communication Technology.
- Defence Technology, Space Technology and Satellites.
- Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.
- Food and Nutrition, Blood Groups and Rh Factor.
- Health care; Infectious, Non-Infectious and Zoonotic diseases.
- Environmental and Ecological Changes and their Impact.
- Biodiversity, Conservation of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
- Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry with special reference to
Rajasthan. - Development of Science and Technology with special reference to Rajasthan.
Reasoning and Mental Ability
Logical Reasoning (Deductive, Inductive, Abductive)
- Statement and Assumptions
- Statement and Argument
- Statements and Conclusion
- Statement and Courses of Action
- Analytical Reasoning
Mental Ability:
- Number /Letter sequences
- Coding/Decoding
- Problems related to Relations
- Direction sense test
- Logical Venn diagram
- Mirror / Water images
- Shapes and their sub sections
Basic Numeracy:
- Ratio, Proportion and Partnership
- Percentage
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Perimeter and Area of Plane figures
- Data Analysis (Tables, Bar diagram, Line graph, Pie-chart)
- Mean(Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic), Median and Mode
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability (Simple Problems)
Current Affairs
- Major Current Events and Issues of Rajasthan, India and International Importance.
- Persons, Places and Institutions in News.
- Games and Sports related activities.
RPSC RAS Main Examination Structure (2025)
- Eligibility: Successful candidates from the Preliminary Examination progress to the Main Examination stage.
- Candidate Shortlisting: The number of aspirants admitted to the Mains phase will be 15 times the total available vacancies.
- Assessment Format: All papers require comprehensive written responses (descriptive/essay format).
- Paper Composition:
Four (4) compulsory papers
All papers must be attempted - Merit Determination: Scores achieved in the Main Examination critically determine the final selection ranking.
- Question Framework (Per Paper):
a. Typically includes:
2 Short-answer questions
5 Medium-length questions
10 Long-answer/essay questions
| RAS Mains Exam Pattern 2025 | ||
| RAS Mains Paper | Total Marks | Total Time |
| Paper-1: General Studies-I | 200 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper-2: General Studies-II | 200 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper-3: General Studies-III | 200 marks | 3 hours |
| Paper-4: General Hindi and General English | 200 marks | 3 hours |
| Total | 800 marks | |
RAS Mains Exam Syllabus 2025
The Mains Syllabus for RAS Exam includes 4 Papers. The candidates have to attempt all papers compulsory as there is no optional paper. The RAS Syllabus is vast for Mains Exam and we have discussed the paper-wise syllabus here.
Paper-I General Knowledge and General Studies Syllabus
RAS Mains Paper-I has been divided into 3 sections: History, Economics, and Sociology, Management, Accounting & Auditing.
Unit-I History
Part A: History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition, and Heritage of Rajasthan
- Major landmarks in the History of Rajasthan from Prehistoric time to close of 18th Century, Important dynasties, their administrative and revenue system.
- Salient events of the 19th & 20th centuries: Peasant & Tribal Movements. Political Awakening, Freedom Movement, and Integration
- Heritage of Rajasthan: Performing & fine Art, Handicraft and Architecture; Fairs, Festivals, Folk Music and Folk Dance
- Important works of Rajasthani Literature and Dialects of Rajasthan
- Saints, Lok Devtas and eminent personalities of Rajasthan
Part B: Indian History & Culture of Indian heritage
- Fine Art, Performing Art, Architecture & Literature from Indus Civilization to British Era
- Religious Movements and religious philosophy in Ancient and Medieval India
- History of Modern India from the beginning of 19th Century to 1965 AD: Significant events, personalities, and issues
- Indian National Movement- Its various stages & streams, important contributors and contributions from different parts of the country
- Socio-religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th Century
- Post Independence consolidation and reorganization – Accession of princely states & Linguistic reorganization of the states
Part C: History of Modern World (up to 1950 AD)
- Renaissance and Reformation
- Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution
- Imperialism and colonialism in Asia and Africa
- Impact of World Wars
Unit-II Economics
Part A: Indian Economy
- Agriculture growth and productivity trends in Indian agriculture. Food processing sector and food management. Agricultural reforms and challenges.
- Trends in Industrial Sector- Industrial Policy and Industrial Finance. Liberalization, Globalization, Privatization and economic reforms. Infrastructure and economic growth.
- Inflation, Prices and demand/supply management.
- Centre-State financial relations and Latest Finance Commission. Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management Act and fiscal reforms in India. •
- Budgetary trends and fiscal policy. Tax reforms in India. Subsidies- cash transfer and other related issues. Trends in revenue and expenditure.
- Role of Government in economic activities. Private, Public and Merit Goods.
- Social Sector- poverty, unemployment and inequality. Healthcare and Education Policy. Problem of regulatory effectiveness. Redefining the role of state in economic development
Paper-II General Knowledge and General Studies
RAS Mains Paper-II has been divided into 3 units: Administrative Ethics, General Science & Technology, Earth Science, and Earth Science (Geography & Geology). Read the unit-wise topics from below sections.
Unit I- Administrative Ethics
- Ethics and Human Values: Lessons from lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators. Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
- Ethical concepts- Rit and Rin, concept of Duty, concept of Good and Virtue.
- Ethics in private and public relationships- Behaviour, Moral and Political attitudes of administrators, Philosophical basis of Integrity.
- Ethics of Bhagavad Geeta and its role in administration.
- Gandhian Ethics.
- Contribution of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India & World.
- Ethical concerns, dilemmas and challenges in administration.
- Ethical decision-making and contributing factors; social justice, humanitarian concerns, accountability in governance and code of ethics.
- Case Studies on above mentioned topics.
Unit II- General Science & Technology
- Chemistry in everyday life; States of Matter; Atomic Structure; Metal, NonMetal and Metalloids, Metallurgical Principles and methods, Important ores and alloys; Acid, Base and Salts, concept of pH and Buffers; Important Drugs (Synthetic and Natural), Antioxidants, Preservatives, Insecticides, Pesticides, Fungicides, Herbicides, Fertilizers, Binders and Sweeteners; Carbon, its compounds and their domestic and industrial applications; Radioactivity – concepts and applications.
- Physics in everyday life; Gravitation; Human eye and Defects; Heat; Static and Current Electricity; Magnetism, Electro-Magnetism, Sound and ElectroMagnetic Waves, Magnetic resonance imaging and Nuclear magnetic resonance; Nuclear fission and Fusion.
- The Cell; Control and Coordination, Reproductive, Excretory, Respiratory, Circulatory and Digestive systems in Human being; Blood groups, Composition and Functions of blood; Hormones; Genetics and Lifestyle Diseases; Human diseases- Communicable and Non-communicable, Endemic, Epidemic, Pandemic their Diagnosis and Control, Immunization and Vaccination; Drugs and Alcohol abuse. Plant parts and their functions, Plant nutrition, Plant growth regulators, Sexual and asexual reproduction in plants, Important medicinal plants with special reference to Rajasthan; Organic farming; Biotechnology and its applications
Paper-III General Knowledge and General Studies
RAS Mains Paper-III has been divided into three units- Indian Political System, World Politics and Current Affairs, Concepts, Issues and Dynamics of Public Administration and Management, Sports and Yoga, Behavior and Law. Below we have provided detailed syllabus for Paper-III.
Unit I- Indian Political System, World Politics and Current Affairs
- Constitution of India: Framing, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure.
- Ideological Contents: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties.
- Institutional Framework- I: Parliamentary System, President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Parliament.
- Institutional Framework- II: Federalism, Centre-State relations, Supreme Court, High Courts, Judicial Review, Judicial Activism.
- Institutional Framework- III: Election Commission of India, Comptroller and Auditor General, Union Public Service Commission, NITI Aayog, Central Vigilance Commission, Central Information Commission, National Human Rights Commission.
- Political Dynamics: Role of Caste, Religion, Class, Ethnicity, Language and Gender in Indian Politics, Political Parties and Electoral Behaviour, Civil Society and Political Movement, Issues related to National Integrity and Security, Potential areas of Socio-Political conflicts.
- State Politics of Rajasthan: Party System, Political Demography, Different phases of Political competition in Rajasthan, Panchayati Raj and Urban Self Government Institutions.
- Emerging World Order in the post Cold War era, USA’s hegemony and its resistance, UN and Regional Organizations, Dynamics of International Economy, International Terrorism and Environmental issues.
- Foreign Policy of India: Evolution, Determinants, India’s relations with USA, China, Russia, European Union and Neighbouring Countries, India’s role in UN, NAM, BRICS, G- 20, G- 77 and SAARC.
- Geo-political and Strategic issues in South Asia, South East Asia, West Asia and Far- East and their impact on India.
- Current Affairs: Current events, persons and places of Rajasthan, National and international importance, recent activities related to games and sports
Unit II- Concepts, Issues and Dynamics of Public Administration and Management
Administration and Management: Meaning, nature and significance. Its role in developed and developing societies. Evolution of Public Administration as a discipline, New Public Administration, Approaches to the study of Public Administration.
Paper-IV General Hindi and General English
RAS Mains Paper-IV consist of English and Hindi language.
सामान्य हिन्दी
General English (Total marks 80)
Part A- Grammar & Usage (20 Marks)
Correction of Sentences: 10 sentences for correction with errors related to:
- Articles & Determiners
- Prepositions
- Tenses & Sequence of Tenses
- Modals
- Voice- Active & Passive
- Narration- Direct & Indirect
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
- One Word Substitute
- Words often Confused or Misused
Part B- Comprehension, Translation & Precis Writing (30 Marks)
- Comprehension of an Unseen Passage (250 Words approximately) 05 Questions based on the passage. Question No. 05 should preferably be on vocabulary.
- Translation of five sentences from Hindi to English.
- Precis Writing (a short passage of approximately 150-200 words).
Part C- Composition & Letter Writing (30 Marks)
- Paragraph Writing- Any 01 paragraph out of 03 given topics (approximately 200 words).
- Elaboration of a given theme (Any 1 out of 3, approximately 150 words).
- Letter Writing or Report Writing (approximately 150 words)
RPSC RAS Personality Test (Interview) 2025
- Stage Progression: Candidates clearing the Main Examination advance to the final Personality Test (Interview) stage.
- Assessment Weight: The Interview carries a total of 100 marks.
- Final Merit Calculation: The combined scores from the Main Examination and Interview determine the candidate’s position on the final selection list.
- Syllabus: The Commission does not prescribe specific subject matter for the Interview.
- Evaluation Focus: The panel assesses candidates on:
Communication effectiveness & clarity
Overall presence and demeanor
Professional aptitude and grasp of relevant domains
Awareness of Rajasthan’s socio-cultural heritage