Quick answerThe 2026 RAS pattern begins with a 150-question, 200-mark objective Prelims paper lasting three hours, with one-third negative marking; it is a screening test. Mains has four descriptive papers of 200 marks and three hours each. Qualified candidates proceed to the interview under the applicable RPSC rules.
Selection journeyRPSC RAS examination stages
Official Prelims schemeRAS Prelims: screening stage
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time | Wrong answer |
|---|
| General Knowledge and General Science | 150 MCQs | 200 | 3 hours | One-third deduction |
The official 2026 scheme states that Prelims serves as a screening test and its marks are not counted for final order of merit.
Official Mains schemeRAS Mains: four descriptive papers
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Time |
|---|
| I | General Studies I | 200 | 3 hours |
|---|
| II | General Studies II | 200 | 3 hours |
|---|
| III | General Studies III | 200 | 3 hours |
|---|
| IV | General Hindi and General English | 200 | 3 hours |
|---|
All papers are descriptive/analytical and use brief, medium, long-answer and descriptive questions under the official scheme.
Personality stageRAS interview
Candidates who qualify under the Mains rules proceed to the interview. The interview examines personality, Rajasthan awareness, communication, judgement and suitability for state services. Verify interview marks, ratio, dates and document instructions for the applicable cycle.
Merit logicHow screening and merit connect
Prelims
Filters candidates for Mains; its marks are excluded from final merit under the official 2026 scheme.
Mains
Four written papers create the main descriptive merit score and test Rajasthan-specific depth.
Interview
Adds personality assessment under the interview and final-selection rules for the cycle.
The official RPSC notification and scheme override older coaching summaries if the pattern changes.
Frequently asked questionsRPSC RAS Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the RAS Prelims pattern for 2026?
One objective General Knowledge and General Science paper with 150 questions, 200 marks, three hours and one-third negative marking.
How many papers are in RAS Mains 2026?
There are four compulsory descriptive papers, each carrying 200 marks and lasting three hours.
Are RAS Prelims marks counted in final merit?
No. The official 2026 scheme describes Prelims as a screening test and excludes its marks from final order of merit.
What comes after RAS Mains?
Candidates who qualify under the commission’s rules proceed to the personality-test or interview stage.
Can the RAS pattern change?
Yes. Always use the current official RPSC notification, scheme and syllabus for the applicable examination.