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General Knowledge or GK is a section of Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) exam. However, this version of GK is unique as compared to GK of other states. Aspirants need not be worried about their GK preparation. The concept is fairly simple; most knowledge that a person comes to know about Rajasthan through schooling and learning will do well in this part of the GK examination. But there is the one section of general knowledge that aspirants are advised to master: And what makes it seem like a huge distinguishing factor is that: The RPSC RAS exam is very State-oriented in the nature of the knowledge examined in this examination. Being a person of Rajasthan, someone who wants to appear in them remotely, having an idea of the depth and weight of Rajasthan GK in RAS will present you with a big advantage.

In RAS Prelims General Knowledge paper is the paper that has both state and national portions. Overall, recent analysis indicates that some 40-50 percent of the prelims questions are Rajasthan-focused, e.g., areas of concern that meet the requirements of the subject, such as topics in history, geography, and economics. It is nearly impossible to clear prelims without the state-oriented preparation. In the Mains, however, weight of Rajasthan GK in RAS cannot be dropped-- it is actually integrated in format through descriptive GS papers, particularly Paper I (History & Culture) and Paper II (Geography & Polity).
In this blog, the following will be broken down:

Exam pattern and GK weightage 

  • The key topic areas you will encounter frequently 
  • The best sources and well-focused strategies
  • An intelligent, practical programme of study
  • An effective high-impact revision checklist

Become an expert in RAS GK or be seasoned prep already, this blog is your guide to conquer Rajasthan GK and a sure shot pass in RAS.

Weight of Rajasthan GK in RAS

Exam Stage Paper Total Marks Rajasthan GK Weightage
Preliminary General Knowledge & General Science 200 (150 MCQs) ~30–35 questions (20–22%)

Prelims OverviewStudyIQ analysis confirms Rajasthan GK and current affairs are the highest-weighted areas in the Prelims paper: missing these can cost you dearly.

Mains & Interview

RAS Mains has got four papers:

  • GS I: Rajasthani history/ culture
  • GS II: Geography and Governance
  • GS III Economy & Current Affairs
  • GS IV: Language paper 

GS papers each contain substantial amounts of Rajasthan-specific material and examiners are looking forward to answers contained rather than answers framed in terms of the world at large.

The Last Interview (Personality Test) is the last door as is often the case with proficiency in issues of Rajasthan, policies, and socio-cultural context is used as the tiebreaker.

Core Areas of Rajasthan GK to Focus On 

  • History & Culture
    • Cover dynasties (Guhilas, Chauhans, Rathores), important movements (Praja Mandal, tribal uprisings), folk cultures, building and design and literature. These are the backbone of GS Paper I.
  • Geography
    • Emphasis on Aravalli Range, Thar Desert, major rivers (Chambal, Luni), irrigation systems, such as, IGNP and ecological areas. Here your best friend is maps.
  • Polity & Governance
    • Learn the politics of Rajasthan:- Governor v/s CM, Panchayati Raj system, state commissions and relationships with the centre. This is what paper II stresses.
  • Economy
    • Highlight agriculture (wheat, bajra), minerals (zinc, marble), tourism, handicraft and important data (GDP share, contribution in sectors and public debt).
  • Current Affairs
    • Monitor key plans (Jal Jeevan Mission, education projects), awards at the state level, population statistics and administration changes. Such are usually Mains applied questions and Interview.
Subject Area Approx. Number of Questions
Current Affairs 33
Geography (India & Rajasthan) 17
Polity 18
Art & Culture 9
History (Ancient & Modern) 12 (Ancient 3 + Modern 9)
Economics 3
Environment 10
Science & Computer 10 (Science 8 + Computer 2)
Miscellaneous (Misc./Other) 4

Also Read: RAS Preparation Blog for your RAS Mains preparation

Rajasthan GK High-Frequency Checklist 

Subject Area Must-Cover Topics
History & Culture Pratiharas, Forts, Freedom leaders
Geography Aravalli, Thar, major rivers
Polity Panchayati system, Assembly structure
Economy Minerals, agriculture, tourism
Current Affairs Modern schemes, policy changes

Top your prep: cover each item at least twice via short revision and MCQ form

Smart Sources for Rajasthan GK 

Books

  • L. Nathuramka, authoritative and exhaustive Rajasthan Adhyayan.
  • Rajasthan History by RAS-- it has plenty of history and accounts.
  • Lucent Rajasthan GK - convenient to give a few minutes revisions and the recall of bullets-point information.

Government Publications

  • Be alert and accurate with references of fact:
  • Rajasthan Economic Survey -is the illustration of the main numbers in the state of development.
  • State Budget Highlights- must be necessary in prelims and in mains.
  • RPSC RAS Syllabus PDFs- specify format and content of exam.

Online Portals & Magazines

  • RASonly- provide GK notes, current affairs and GK-based summary material.
  • RASOnly Daily current affairs is the best site of regular state level news and policy coverage.

Mock Tests / PYQs

RASOnly Course Materials

RASOnly provides an independent and cumulative Rajasthan GK learning:

  • RAS 2025 Foundation Batch deals with the GS content that is Rajasthan specific at both the basic and the advanced stage in a complete year of access.
  • Online Coaching on RAS Exam integrates state-specific live/videos, curated PDFS and mock tests based on syllabus changes.
  • Read tips and strategy related to strategic insights on RAS Prelims Preparation Tips & Strategy blog, where smart use of resources, with reference to RASOnly, board books, official publications covering weight of Rajasthan GK in RAS, is discussed.

In this section, we will have a comprehensive resource case compilation: combining the usual study materials, the lordly government publications, local news, and the detailed, Rajasthan disciplined coaching service provision by RASOnly, all with referable sources.

Strategy to Master Rajasthan GK 

The weight of Rajasthan GK in RAS is the difference-maker in the RAS test because almost 40 -45 percent of Prelims questions and a major part of Mains answers need state-specific GK. Success does not just come with mere memorization of facts, and indeed a matching with grander governance, economy, culture, and policy context is the key as well.

Prelims Strategy

  • Study of Previous Papers: Analyzing the last decade of RAS Prelims papers shows that there are patterns. Such as, for instance, forts, folk dances, river basins, historical personalities and the same notions. This aids in the prioritization of geography, polity and culture of Rajasthan which are high yield.
  • Make Flashcards: Group or pair each unfamiliar word or phrase with its meaning, and pin the pair up so you can quickly revise them daily and have a better chance to remember them on the day of an exam.
  • Master Maps:The geography of Rajasthan is distinctive. Using blank maps, the boundaries of districts, rivers such as Chambal, Banas, desert areas like Marusthal, and industrial belts that are very important, should be changed and changed again. The Map practice helps in Prelims as well as enhances diagrammatic pictorial representation in Mains.

Mains Strategy

  • Use GK in Answers: In GS papers, you must always connect answers with Rajasthan. As an example, when writing about climate change, mention such phenomena as desertification of the Thar Desert; in farming refer to such crops as bajra or mustard.
  • Maps & Diagrams Diagram sketched in our own style when giving an answer related to irrigation schemes/industries makes answers become prominent and brings extra points.
  • Tight Openings and Data Points: Begin with a specific quantified fact. An example is to begin with, “Rajasthan accounts for approximately 10 percent of India's mineral outputs”. Arguments can be reinforced by using data on the Rajasthan Economic Survey.

Interview Strategy

  • Current Affairs Mastery: There is frequent mastery of the board in creating awareness of the state problems. Follow the government schemes (e.g. Jal Jeevan Mission in Rajasthan), committees and new policies.
  • Balanced Views: Plan carefully prepared positions on delicate topics such as water insecurity, the conflict between tourism and heritage, renewable energy facilities and land use. Not go to extremes and demonstrate administrative maturity.
  • Custom Preps: In case you are a resident of the region of Rajasthan, expect localized topics questions-history, economy or local culture wise.

Smart 3-Month Study Plan 

Study Plan - Focus Areas
Month Focus Areas
Month 1 History, Culture + Geography
Month 2 Polity, Governance + Economy
Month 3 Current Affairs + Mains/Interview prep

Weekly roadmap:

  • Mon–Wed: One subject deep dive
  • Thu–Fri: Flashcards & map work
  • Sat: Weekly mock questions (prelims focus)
  • Sun: Answer writing (150–200 words state-context)

Conclusion .

Rajasthan GK is not encountered just like any other subject in RAS-it is the make or break. Roughly, almost 50% of the questions of the Prelims examiners will be state-specific-based and leaving it aside will make you pay a heavy price. The thing is, though, that with a targeted approach, a bit of selective learning and rigorous revision, GK will be the thing that gives you the most advantage. Do not attempt to muscle everything, simplify your work by using the best of resources: standard books, government publications, Class24 notes and trustworthy internet portals.

Lastly, brush up your GK on the interview phase by keeping yourself current on the local issues, state budget and new policies. When you are able to argue with accuracy and authority about the problems faced by Rajasthan- such as scarcity of water or control of tourism- then you are not only passing exams successfully, you are demonstrating your readiness to work in administration.

In brief, do not see weight of Rajasthan GK in RAS as a challenge, as the road block on the way to success, but as the gateway to success, as once your conquered, the RAS selection is neither a hypothetical nor an unattainable objective.

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.

Mr. Rakesh Verma

Ex-IAS Officer, B.Tech, MBA, and M.A. (Economics)

  • IAS officer of the 1981 batch and retired in Chief Secretary Rank.
  • Civil servant of high repute and vast experience.
  • Has been teaching UPSC CSE subjects for the last six years.
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