A complete and practical guide to crack RAS Prelims 2026 under the new exam pattern. Covers syllabus changes, exam structure, phased study plan, subject-wise priorities, mock test strategy, revision system, and last 30-day action plan to maximize prelims score and qualify for RAS Mains.

The Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Preliminary exam in 2026 follows the updated syllabus and scheme released by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission on January 9, 2026. The Prelims is a single objective paper of 200 marks and functions as a screening test. Knowing the pattern precisely and building a systematic plan are essential to convert preparation into a high Prelims score and a place in the Mains list.

Below is a step-by-step, practical strategy you can implement right away. It covers daily routine, subject-wise priorities, test-taking tactics, revision cycles, and last-minute plans - all tuned to the new 2026 pattern.

RAS Exam Pattern Overview 2026

The RPSC RAS Exam 2026 (Rajasthan Administrative Service) is scheduled in three sections, which include Prelims, Mains and Interview. The Preliminary stage: is a qualifying examination. The top achievers in RAS Pre Exam 2026 will be in a position to undertake the RAS Mains Exam and finally the Interview.

Prelims exam is a single paper containing 200 marks (versus four papers containing 800 marks in RAS Mains exam). The qualifiers in the Prelims and Mains rounds will then be allowed to attend the RAS Interview round bearing 100 marks.

Exam Name	Type of the Exam / Duration	Marks
RAS Prelims Exam	General Studies – Objective (2 Hours)	200

Key Changes in RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026

1. Sports and Yoga Section Removed

One of the most noticeable changes in the RAS Prelims New Exam Syllabus 2026 is the removal of the Sports and Yoga section, which earlier carried 20 marks.

What was removed?

• Sports and Yoga module
• All questions related to sports achievements, yoga concepts, and physical education theory

This section accounted for about 5% of the total Prelims marks in the old pattern.

Now: Sports and Yoga is entirely removed from the Prelims syllabus, reducing emphasis on general fitness topics in objective questions.

2. Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022 Added

In place of the removed section, the Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022 has been incorporated into the RAS Prelims 2026 syllabus.

What has been added?

• Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022 (provisions, objectives, legal framework)
• Key administrative and legal issues related to public service examinations

This new topic carries weightage that replaces the previously removed section, making up roughly around 5–7% of Prelims total marks based on typical weightage patterns.

Percentage of Syllabus Changed (Approximate)

Although exact proportions may vary depending on how RPSC sets questions each year, here’s an approximate view of the syllabus changes:

Component	Old Pattern (Approx %)	RAS New Exam Pattern (Approx %)
Sports & Yoga	~5%	0% (Removed)
Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022	0%	~5–7% (Added)
General Studies & Other Sections	~95%	~93–95% (Unchanged core areas)

Net Change: Around 5% syllabus reduction (sports removed), with 5–7% new content added (Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022).

What Has Not Changed in RAS Prelims 2026?

In spite of such updates, a number of sections of the RAS Prelims syllabus have not been altered:

• The objective character of the test
• Core areas like Indian polity, history, geography, economy, and current affairs
• Strong emphasis on Rajasthan history, culture, and governance
• The national, state, and international issues are still predictively covered by questions.

These unaltered areas continue to account for the largest share of marks in RAS Prelims 2026.

RPSC RAS Prelims Syllabus PDF

RAS Prelims Syllabus Changes (2024 → 2026)

Subject (within Paper: GK & GS)	What has been removed / not explicitly mentioned in 2026 (was in 2024)	What has been included / newly added in 2026 (not explicit in 2024)
History, Art, Culture, Literature, Tradition & Heritage of Rajasthan	“Important historical centres of Early Christian Era”; explicit list of dynasties (Guhila, Pratihar, Chauhan, Parmar, Rathore, Sisodiya, Kachchhwaha); “Agents of Social Awakening (19th–20th)”; “role of newspapers and political institutions”; explicit “Classical Dance” wording	“Sources of Rajasthan History: Archaeological, Archival, Literary and Numismatic”; “Cooperation and Resistance with central power”; “Political and Social condition in 18th–19th Century”; “Mass awakening”; “Monuments” added in architecture line; “Religious practices” explicitly added
Indian History (Ancient – Medieval + Modern)	“Renunciatory tradition and new religious ideas of 6th Century BC”; explicit “Development of Language and Literature – Sanskrit, Prakrit and Tamil”; Mughal line framed as “Political challenges and reconciliation – Afghan, Rajput, Deccan States & Maratha”; Modern period cutoff “to 1964”	“Art and Architecture & scientific development in Ancient India”; “Indian Knowledge and Value System: Varna Ashram, Purushartha, Sanskrit, Philosophy and Education System”; Modern period extended “to 2000”; explicit themes like British imperialism and resistance (Maratha, Mysore, Sikh), Revolt of 1857, British political, economic and administrative policies, partition-related movements, planning and economic reforms
Geography of World	Mainly restructured; earlier short listing like “Types of Agriculture” without extra qualifiers	“Natural Vegetation”; “Transport Network”; agriculture described as “Type, Distribution & …”
Geography of India	“Mechanism of Monsoon & Rainfall distribution”; explicit crop list (Wheat, Rice, Cotton, Sugarcane, Tea, Coffee); explicit mineral list (Iron ore, Manganese, Bauxite, Mica); “Power Resources – Conventional & Non-Conventional”; “National Highways & Major Transport Corridors” explicitly under India section	“Physiographic division”; “Climate”; “Irrigation”; minerals presented as “Metallic and Non-Metallic”; “Important industries” (phrasing change)
Geography of Rajasthan	Explicit crop list (Wheat, Maize, Barley, Cotton, Sugarcane, Bajra); “Major Industries”; “Major Irrigation Projects & Water Conservation Techniques”; “Power Resources”; “Tourist Centres & Circuits”; “Major Tribes” listed inside population bullet (reframed)	“Rajasthan: Location, Extent and Physiography”; “Livestock”; “Urbanization” explicitly added; tourism presented as a standalone topic (“Tourism”)
Indian Constitution, Political System & Governance	Explicit “Philosophical Postulates”; explicit listing of “Supreme Court & Judicial Review”; explicit mention of “Comptroller and Auditor General”; explicit “Coalition Governments” mention	“Citizenship”; “Union-State Relations”; “Emergency provisions”; “Urban and Rural Local Government”; institutions newly/explicitly listed: “Union Public Service Commission”, “National Commission for Women”, “National Commission for Protection of Child Rights”; “Social Audit and Grievance Redressal system” explicitly included
Political & Administrative System of Rajasthan	“State Human Rights Commission” explicitly listed in 2024 institutions; shorter administrative outline (only district administration/local self government/PRI); “Legal Rights” phrasing shown separately	Expanded coverage of state governance: “Subordinate Courts and other judicial bodies, Advocate General”; detailed administrative structure (Chief Secretary/Secretariat/Directorates/Divisional Commissioner/Collector-SP/SDO/Tehsildar); added bodies like “Rajasthan State Women Commission” and “Board of Revenue”; explicit “Administration of Panchayati Raj and Municipalities”
Economic Concepts & Indian Economy	Explicit “Accounting—Concept, Tools and Uses in Administration”; “Stock Exchange and Share Market”; “e-Commerce”; “Inflation—Concept, Impact and Control Mechanism”; explicit “Subsidies, Public Distribution System”; explicit “Happiness Index” in HRD section; earlier itemized “Basic Knowledge of Budgeting, Banking, Public Finance, GST, National Income…” list	Added/expanded macro-policy framing: “Environmental Degradation and Sustainable Development”; “Recent Budget and Resource Mobilization”; “Fiscal Federalism – Centre-State Financial Relations and Finance Commission”; agriculture and industry framed via reforms and challenges; “Skill Development and Employment Generation – Programmes and Policies”
Economy of Rajasthan	“Infrastructure & Resources”; explicit “Major Development Projects”; detailed beneficiary-wise welfare scheme listing	Added specificity: “State budget”; “Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and State Finance Commission”; “Basic Social Services – Education and Health”
Science & Technology	Explicit “Space Technology and Satellites”; explicit “Blood Groups and Rh Factor”; explicit “Development of Science and Technology with special reference to Rajasthan”	Added: “Key Government Programs & Policies related to Science & Technology in Rajasthan and India”; “Recent Scientific & Technological advancements”; “Contribution of Indians…”; “Indigenization…”; “Inheritance and variation”; “Public Health Programs”; “Impact assessment” wording
Reasoning & Mental Ability (incl. Basic Numeracy)	“Mirror / Water images”; Basic Numeracy did not explicitly include “Profit and Loss”	Added: “Critical Reasoning” (as “Analytical Reasoning / Critical Reasoning”); “Ranking and Sitting Arrangement”; “Profit and Loss” added in Basic Numeracy
Current Affairs / Current Affairs & Issues	Explicit phrasing “Rajasthan, India and International importance”; “Persons, Places and Institutions in News” (as a separate bullet)	Reframed as “with special reference to Rajasthan”; added explicit areas: newly launched schemes/programs; major economic & political developments; awards/publications/authors; Rajasthan Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2022 added explicitly

Build a realistic study calendar (6–9 month model)

Important point: Break preparation into three phases — Foundation, Consolidation, and Revision & Testing.

Phase 1 — Foundation (Months 1–3)

• Read NCERTs (class 6–12) for basics in History, Geography, Economics, and Polity.
• Complete one standard Rajasthan history and geography book.
• Daily current affairs: 30–45 minutes (editorial + state news).
• Make short, handwritten notes for quick revision.

Phase 2 — Consolidation (Months 4–6)

• Finish advanced books and state-specific notes.
• Start practicing previous year questions and topic-wise quizzes.
• Join a structured test series and take sectional tests.
• Begin answer framing for mains topics (this improves conceptual clarity).

Phase 3 — Revision & Testing (Months 7–9 or last 90 days)

• Full-length mock tests twice weekly, followed by detailed analysis.
• Frequent short revisions of Rajasthan facts, key dates, schemes.
• Focus on accuracy, elimination techniques, and time management.

Important point: Adapt the length of each phase to your remaining time and baseline level. If you have only 3 months, compress the foundation into 4–6 weeks and increase mock frequency.

Subject-wise priorities and study approach

Important point: Prioritize topics by weight and scoreability — some topics are high-yield and easily mastered with consistent revision.

Rajasthan-specific subjects

• History of Rajasthan: rulers, movements, forts, art and architecture.
• Geography: physical features, rivers, mineral wealth, and agriculture.
• Economy & schemes: state budget highlights, flagship welfare schemes.
• Administrative structure: state administration, local governance, Panchayati Raj.

How to study:

• Create one-page mind maps for each historical era and for physical geography zones.
• Use map drills weekly for rivers, districts, and physical features.
• Maintain a running document of state government schemes with dates and objectives.

Indian polity & governance

• Focus on Constitution basics, center–state relations, important articles and schedules.
• Study recent amendments and landmark judgments that are frequently asked.

How to study:

• Make flashcards for articles and key terms.
• Solve MCQs after finishing each topic to reinforce recall.

Modern Indian history & freedom movement

• Emphasize movements, leaders, and events with dates and outcomes.
• Note Rajasthan’s role in the freedom struggle.

Economy & environment

• Basics: inflation, fiscal terms, and budget concepts.
• Environment: biodiversity hotspots, major national policies, and climate issues affecting Rajasthan.

How to study:

• Practice economy MCQs and one-page summaries for important schemes.
• Read state-level environment reports or summaries to get local context.

General Science & Technology

• Focus on basic concepts and recent developments relevant for competitive exams.
• Prioritize applications, national programs, and key scientific discoveries.

Current Affairs

• Important point: Current affairs must be read with a state filter. Many prelim questions ask about central schemes with state-level implementation details or Rajasthan-specific facts.
• Maintain monthly one-page summaries and a 90-day revision list for the last 3 months.

Test practice: how to use mock tests effectively

Important point: Mock tests are non-negotiable. Quality analysis of tests matters more than test count.

How to schedule:

• Start with sectional tests (one subject at a time).
• Move to full-length mock tests after you have covered at least 60% of the syllabus.
• In the last 60 days, take 2–3 full-length mocks per week.

How to analyze:

• Do not just see the score. For every test, record:
  • Questions attempted, attempted-correct ratio.
  • Time spent per section and per question type.
  • Topics of wrong answers and reasons (silly mistake, conceptual gap, lack of revision).
  • Questions you guessed and whether the guess paid off.

Important point: Build an error log and revisit that specific set weekly. If a topic repeatedly causes errors, pause new topics and strengthen fundamentals for that area.

Test-taking technique

• First 40–50 minutes: Solve all confident questions (high accuracy).
• Next 60 minutes: Attempt moderate-difficulty questions with elimination.
• Last 40–60 minutes: Re-attempt flagged and tough questions; avoid wild guesses because of negative marking.
• Use the “positive attempt” principle: attempt only when you can eliminate at least one distractor or are reasonably sure.

Time management and exam-day tactics

Important point: Your practice must replicate exam conditions. Time management is a skill developed only under simulated pressure.

During preparation:

• Use a timer for every sectional test.
• Train to maintain a steady pace - do not spend more than 2–3 minutes on a single objective question in Prelims.

On exam day:

• Read the entire paper once and mark high-confidence questions.
• Avoid getting stuck on very tough questions early on.
• Keep buffer time to re-check calculation- or interpretation-based answers.

Important point: Carry a printed admit card, valid ID, and stationery. Avoid new food or sleep changes before the exam.

Smart revision system

Important point: Revision beats raw study. Use a layered revision plan: daily, weekly, and monthly.

Layered revisions:

• Daily: 30-minute quick revision of yesterday’s notes.
• Weekly: One day for consolidated revision of all notes made that week.
• Monthly: Full syllabus sweep with 1–2 mock tests and review.

Make revision aids:

• One-liners for facts and dates.
• Map bank for quick visual recall.
• 20–30 flashcards for must-remember Rajasthan facts and national schemes.

Resource list (books and materials, 2026-focused)

Important point: Rely on the latest RPSC syllabus list and prefer updated editions (2025–2026) for current affairs and state facts. Official RPSC notifications and RPSC syllabus are primary sources.

Core resources:

• RPSC official syllabus PDF (official).
• NCERTs (Class 6–12) as basic building blocks.
• One or two standard books for Rajasthan history and geography.
• A current affairs monthly magazine and a reliable daily editorial source (digital).
• Good quality test series that updates questions to the 2026 syllabus.

Optional but useful:

• Compilation of previous year question papers.
• Rajasthan government budget summary and latest state reports.

Last 30 Days Plan for RAS Prelims Exam

Important point: The last month is for consolidation, not new topics.

30-day checklist:

• Daily: 1 full-length mock test or 3 equivalent sectional tests.
• Revise one-liners and flashcards twice daily.
• Finalize an error log and go through it every other day.
• Avoid heavy reading of new materials; focus on high-yield facts and state-specific items.
• Sleep and health: ensure 7 hours of sleep and light exercise to maintain alertness.

Conclusion

Cracking the RAS Prelims under the 2026 pattern is achievable with a clear roadmap that balances content, practice, and targeted revision. Prioritize Rajasthan-specific topics, use mock tests intelligently, analyze errors to create high-impact revisions, and maintain steady progress. If you follow the phased plan above and remain disciplined in test practice, you give yourself the best possible chance to clear Prelims and move confidently into Mains.

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