RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026 Subject Wise Coverage for All Sections

RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026 with PDF and Detailed Subject Wise Coverage

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The RPSC RAS Prelims Exam 2026 will assess candidates on General Knowledge, General Science, and Rajasthan-specific topics like History, Geography, Culture, and Economy. It consists of a 200-mark, objective-type paper with 150 questions. The exam serves as a screening stage, and marks are not included in the final merit list.

The RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026 for the RPSC RAS Exam has been officially revised under the new exam pattern notified by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission. Candidates preparing as per the updated RAS pre syllabus and RAS exam syllabus must clearly understand the latest prelims syllabus, exam pattern, and subject-wise changes to plan their preparation effectively.

A thorough understanding of the RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026 is essential for aspirants aiming to clear the RAS Prelims exam and qualify for the Mains stage. This page provides the complete RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus, exam pattern, key changes, and subject-wise details as per the latest notification.

Understanding these changes is essential for candidates preparing for the RAS Prelims 2026 and adjusting their study plan according to the RAS Notification 2026.

RAS Exam Pattern Overview 2026

Understanding the RAS prelims exam pattern along with the RAS prelims syllabus 2026 helps candidates manage time, marks, and question attempts effectively. The prelims syllabus and exam pattern together define the structure of the RAS pre exam. The RPSC RAS Exam 2026 (Rajasthan Administrative Service) will take place in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Preliminary stage is a qualifying exam. Candidates who clear the RAS Pre Exam 2026 will be eligible to appear in the RAS Mains Exam, followed by the Interview round.

The Prelims exam consists of one paper of 200 marks, whereas the RAS Mains exam has four papers with a total of 800 marks. Candidates who qualify for both the Prelims and Mains rounds will then be eligible to appear for the RAS Interview round, which carries 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 Syllabus 2026 under the new RAS syllabus pattern is the removal of the Sports and Yoga section.

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 %)	New 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?

Despite recent updates, the core areas of the RAS pre syllabus remain unchanged in the RAS prelims syllabus 2026. Subjects like history, polity, geography, economy, and current affairs continue to form the foundation of the RAS exam syllabus.

The objective nature of the test
Core areas like Indian polity, history, geography, economy, and current affairs
Strong emphasis on Rajasthan's history, culture, and governance
Questions still predictively cover national, state, and international issues

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

RPSC RAS Prelims Syllabus PDF 2026

Candidates can download the official RAS Prelims Syllabus PDF 2026 to understand the complete RAS pre exam syllabus and topic-wise coverage as prescribed by RPSC.

RAS Prelims Syllabus PDF 2026

RAS Prelims Syllabus Changes (2024 → 2026)

Below is the detailed RAS Prelims syllabus covering Rajasthan History, Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Reasoning, and Current Affairs as per the latest RPSC notification.

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 the 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 the 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 the 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” is explicitly listed in the 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

RPSC RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026

Pre-historical sites of Rajasthan – from Palaeolithic to Chalcolithic and Bronze Age, Society and Culture of ancient Rajasthan.
Sources of Rajasthan History: Archaeological, Archival, Literary, and Numismatic.
Political and Cultural achievements of prominent rulers of major dynasties – Cooperation and Resistance with central power, Administrative and Revenue System in Medieval Rajasthan.
Political and Social conditions in the 18th–19th Century, Peasant and Tribal movements in the 20th century, Praja Mandal movements and Mass awakening, Integration of Rajasthan.
Architectural Tradition of Rajasthan – temples, forts, palaces, Monuments, man-made waterbodies, Various schools of paintings and handicrafts; Performing Art: Folk Dances & Drama. Music (Classical and Folk) & Instruments.
Language & Literature: Dialects of the Rajasthani Language. Literature of the Rajasthani language and Folk literature, Religious Life: Religious Communities, Saints and Sects in Rajasthan. Folk Deities of Rajasthan. Religious practices.
Social Life in Rajasthan: Fairs and festivals; Social customs and traditions; attires and ornaments.
Leading Personalities of Rajasthan.

Indian History

Ancient & Medieval Period:

Cultural Foundations of India – Indus and Vedic Age; 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 & scientific development in Ancient India.
Indian Knowledge and Value System: Varna Ashram, Purushartha, Sanskara, Philosophy and Education System.
Sultanate Period: Achievements of prominent dynasties, Political & Cultural achievements of the Vijaynagar empire.
Mughal Period: Administration and various policies; Marathas.
Development of Art & Architecture, literature, Paintings and Music during the medieval period.
Religious movements and the contribution of the Bhakti & Sufi movements.

Modern Period (from the early 19th century to 2000):

British Imperialism and Resistance – Maratha, Mysore, Sikh. Revolt of 1857. British Political, Economic and Administrative policies. Emergence of Nationalism, Socio-religious movements.
The Freedom Struggle & Indian National Movement – Evolution, stages and major events. Revolutionary and various regional movements towards freedom and partition.
Post Independent Nation Building (up to 2000), Reorganization of state, Institutional building during Nehruvian age, Planning & Economic reforms, development of Science and Technology.

Geography of the World and India

World Geography:

Physical Aspects – Mountains, Plateaus, Plains & Deserts
Major Rivers & Lakes
Natural Vegetation
Agriculture: Type, Distribution, & Important Crops
Major Industrial Regions and Industries
Transport Network
Environmental Issues – Desertification, Deforestation, Climate Change & Global Warming, Ozone Layer Depletion

Geography of India:

Physiographic division
Climate
Major Rivers and Lakes
Irrigation
Agriculture: Important Crops
Minerals – Metallic and Non-Metallic
Major Industrial Regions and Important Industries

Geography of Rajasthan

Rajasthan: Location, Extent and Physiography
Rivers and Lakes
Climatic characteristics
Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity & Conservation
Soil
Agriculture
Livestock
Irrigation
Population – Growth, Density, Literacy, Sex-ratio
Urbanization
Tribes
Minerals – Metallic & Non-Metallic
Tourism

Indian Constitution, Political System & Governance

Framing of the Constitution, Preamble, Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties
Union Government – Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
Union–State Relations, Emergency provisions
Urban and Rural Local Government
Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and NITI Aayog
Public Policy, Citizen Charter, Social Audit, and Grievance Redressal System
Lokpal, Central Vigilance Commission, Central Information Commission

Political and Administrative System of Rajasthan

Governor, Chief Minister, and Council of Ministers, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, the Rajasthan High Court, Subordinate Courts, and other judicial bodies, Advocate General
Chief Secretary, State Secretariat, Directorates of various departments, Divisional Commissioner, District Collector/District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Sub-divisional Officer, Tehsildar
Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Rajasthan State Election Commission, Rajasthan Information Commission, Rajasthan State Women Commission, Board of Revenue, Lokayukt
Administration of Panchayati Raj and Municipalities in Rajasthan

Economic Concepts and the Indian Economy

Economic Growth and Development; Environmental Degradation and Sustainable Development
Measurement of Development – Conventional Methods, Human Development Index, and Related Indices
Role of Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Economic Development; Recent Union Budget and Resource Mobilization
Fiscal Federalism – Centre–State Financial Relations and Finance Commission
Agricultural Development – Institutional and Technological Aspects; Reforms, Challenges and Government Initiatives
Industrial Growth, Pattern and Policy; Industrial Reforms and Economic Reforms – Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization
Role of Service Sector in Economic Growth – Challenges and Opportunities; Energy, Transportation, and Communication
Skill Development and Employment Generation – Programmes and Policies; Social Justice and Empowerment

Economy of Rajasthan

Macro Overview of Economy and State Budget
Current Status, Issues and Government Initiatives in Agriculture, Industry and Service Sector
Infrastructure Development – Energy, Transportation and Communication
Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and State Finance Commission
Basic Social Services – Education and Health
Major Welfare Schemes of the Government of Rajasthan

Prelims Free Mock Test Series 2026

Science & Technology

Basics of Everyday Science
Computers, Information and Communication Technology
Defence and Space Technology with special reference to India
Inheritance and Variations; Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
Human Health Care; Food and Nutrition; Diseases and Public Health Programmes
Environmental and Ecological Changes and their Impact Assessment
Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry with special reference to Rajasthan
Key Government Programmes and Policies related to Science and Technology in Rajasthan and India
Recent Scientific and Technological Advancements; Contribution of Indians in Science and Technology; Indigenization of Science and Technology

Reasoning & Mental Ability

Reasoning (Deductive, Inductive, Abductive):

Statement and Assumptions
Statement and Argument
Statements and Conclusion
Statement and Courses of Action
Analytical Reasoning / Critical Reasoning

Mental Ability:

Number / Letter Sequences
Coding / Decoding
Problems related to Relations
Direction Sense Test
Logical Venn Diagram
Ranking and Sitting Arrangement
Shapes and their Sub-sections

Basic Numeracy:

Ratio, Proportion and Partnership; Profit and Loss
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 & Issues (with special reference to Rajasthan)

Important personalities, places, and contemporary issues of relevance
Newly launched schemes, programmes, and initiatives pertaining to welfare and development
Major economic and political developments
Significant events and achievements related to sports and games
Major awards, publications, and distinguished authors
Rajasthan Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2022

RPSC RAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The RAS Prelims Exam 2026 will have Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) carrying a total of 200 marks. There will be one paper in the Preliminary Exam – General Knowledge and General Science, consisting of 150 questions. Each question carries equal marks.

The questions in the RAS Prelims Exam will be Multiple-choice questions of 200 marks.
There will be only one paper in the RAS Preliminary Exam - General Knowledge, consisting of 150 questions carrying 200 marks.
There will be 150 multiple-choice questions (Objective Type), carrying equal marks.
There will be negative marking 1/3 of a mark will be deducted for each wrong answer
The marks scored in the prelims exam will not be counted in the merit list, as this is the screening stage for selecting candidates for the Mains Exam.

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Negative marking	Duration
General Knowledge & General Science	150	200	1/3 marks	3 Hours

The marks scored in the RPSC RAS Prelims Exam 2026 will not be counted in the final merit list, as this stage only serves to screen candidates for the RPSC RAS Mains Exam 2026.

Why These Changes Matter for Aspirants

The updates in the RAS Prelims Exam Syllabus 2026 reflect a shift toward:
Administrative relevance (legal framework with Rajasthan Examination Act)
Clarity and objective evaluation
Reduced emphasis on topics not directly linked to governance (like Sports & Yoga)
This means candidates should now:
Stop preparing for Sports and Yoga topics
Focus on legal and examination integrity issues via the Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022
Strengthen conceptual clarity across the core Prelims syllabus

RAS Prelims 2026: What to Focus On Now

To align with the RAS New Exam Pattern 2026, aspirants should:

✔ Thoroughly review the RAS Prelims 2026 syllabus PDF from the RAS Notification 2026

✔ Develop a study plan focused on the revised syllabus

✔ Practise objective questions based on Rajasthan-centric administrative and legal issues

✔ Prioritize high-weightage sections such as polity, geography, and current affairs

This focused approach will improve readiness for the RAS Prelims 2026 exam under the revised pattern.

Conclusion

A clear understanding of the RAS Prelims Syllabus 2026, combined with regular practice and mock tests, is essential to clear the RAS prelims exam. Aspirants should align their preparation strictly with the updated RAS exam syllabus and exam pattern to move confidently toward the Mains stage.

FAQ

Sports and Yoga removed; Rajasthan Public Examination Act, 2022 added with approximately 5–7% syllabus weightage.

RAS Prelims 2026 has one objective paper consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 200 marks.

Yes, one-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every wrong answer in the RAS Prelims exam.

No, the RAS Prelims exam is only a qualifying screening test, and its marks are not included in the final merit list.

Aspirants should prioritize Rajasthan history, polity, geography, economy, current affairs, and the Rajasthan Examination Act, 2022.

RPSC RAS Exam Pattern 2026 – Prelims, Mains & Interview (Complete Details)

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RASonly Interview Guidance Program

Mr. Ashok Jain

Ex-Chief Secretary Govt of Rajasthan

IAS officer of the 1981 batch, Rajasthan cadre.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation of RAS officers with real-world insights.
Got retired in Dec 2017 from the post of Chief Secretary of the state of Rajasthan.

Mr. Guru Charan Rai

Ex-ASP / SP in Jaisalmer

Guru Charan Rai, IPS (Retd), retired as Inspector General of Police (Security), Rajasthan, Jaipur in 2017.
Served as ASP and SP in Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Sri Ganganagar, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, Sikar, and Karauli.
He also held key positions as DIGP and IGP in the Law and Order division.