An in-depth guide to the complete RAS Subject List — covering Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages — with practical preparation insights for serious RPSC aspirants.
theIAShub | 10 Nov, 2025 | 2037 | 0 |
The RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Service) exam is a three-stage process: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview (Personality Test). Each stage covers specific subjects which overlap in nature. The Prelims is a single 200‑mark objective paper (General Knowledge & General Science) having 150 questions and serves as a screening test. The RAS Mains stage has four descriptive papers of 200 marks each covering various General Studies topics and language, with no optional papers. The final Interview is worth 100 marks and has no fixed syllabus but assesses the candidate’s personality, leadership, and knowledge of current affairs, especially Rajasthan-related issues.
The Prelims syllabus is divided into Rajasthan ‑ specific topics and general topics. It includes, for example:
|
Rajasthan-Focused Topics |
General India/World Topics |
| Literature, culture, art, history and heritage of Rajasthan | Indian history (ancient, medieval, modern) |
| Geography of Rajasthan | Geography (India and world) |
| Rajasthan’s administration and political system | Indian polity, constitution and governance |
| Economy of Rajasthan | Economic concepts and the Indian economy |
| Current affairs (Rajasthan-focused) | Science & technology; reasoning and mental ability; current affairs |
Each area is covered by objective questions in the Prelims paper. For example, questions may test knowledge of Rajasthan’s monuments and festivals, Indian historical events, major geographic features, basic economics, science concepts, and recent news.
The RAS Mains exam consists of four papers (800 marks total). Each paper is descriptive (essay-type) and must be attempted by all candidates (no optional subject). The four papers are:
|
Paper |
Subjects / Topics Covered |
| Paper I – General Studies I | History (Rajasthan, Indian and world)
Economics (India, world and Rajasthan) Sociology Management Accounting & Auditing |
| Paper II – General Studies II | Administrative ethics (values, integrity, case studies)
Science & Technology (basic science, environment, bio-tech, etc.) Geography/Geology (world, India, Rajasthan) |
| Paper III – General Studies III | Indian polity and governance (Constitution, institutions, state politics)
World politics & current affairs Public administration (administrative theory, Rajasthan administration) Sports & yoga Human behavior (psychology) and law (social, cyber and Rajasthan-specific laws) |
| Paper IV – General Hindi and General English | Language skills: grammar, comprehension, essay, précis writing, translation and letter writing in Hindi and English. |
A well-chosen set of books helps cover the entire RAS Subject List efficiently. Below are standard and reliable resources aligned with the RPSC syllabus. These books are used by toppers and serious aspirants for both RAS Prelims and RAS Mains preparation.
The RAS Prelims Book List covers essential resources for preparation of the Rajasthan Administrative Service Preliminary Exam. It includes standard texts for General Studies and Rajasthan-specific subjects.
|
Subject |
Recommended Books |
| Rajasthan Specific GK | Rajasthan Adhyayan (Parishkar / PD / Lakshya) |
| Indian History | Spectrum – Modern India by Rajiv Ahir |
| Ancient & Medieval History | Old NCERT History (RS Sharma, Satish Chandra) |
| Geography | Certificate Physical Geography by G.C. Leong; NCERTs (6–12) |
| Indian Polity | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh or Sriram IAS Notes |
| Science & Technology | NCERTs (6–10); Current Affairs Notes |
| Environment & Ecology | Environment by Shankar IAS Academy |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu, PIB, PRS, and Vision IAS Monthly |
The RAS Mains Book List provides standard reference books and Rajasthan-focused materials for all four papers. These books help build depth, clarity, and precision for effective mains answer writing.
|
Paper |
Recommended Books |
| General Studies Paper I (History, Culture, Geography) | NCERTs (6–12), Spectrum, Rajasthan Adhyayan, G.C. Leong |
| General Studies Paper II (Administration, Polity, Ethics) | Laxmikanth, Public Administration Notes, Lexicon for Ethics |
| General Studies Paper III (Economy, Science, Technology, Environment) | Ramesh Singh, Shankar IAS Environment, Economic Survey, Science Reporter |
| General Studies Paper IV (Current Affairs, Decision Making) | Yojana, Kurukshetra, RPSC Previous Papers |
| General Hindi & English | SP Bakshi English Grammar, Samanya Hindi by Dr. Vasudev Nandan Prasad |
The Book List for RAS Subject List is most effective when used with a clear study plan. Focus on understanding concepts, revising regularly, and linking Rajasthan-specific topics with General Studies.
The RAS Subject List requires a structured and consistent preparation strategy. Begin with studying the official syllabus, build strong fundamentals, and integrate Rajasthan-specific topics with general studies for balanced coverage.
|
Preparation Step |
Key Focus Areas |
| Study the Official Syllabus | Download the detailed RPSC RAS syllabus from the official website. Organize topics into a study plan covering both Rajasthan-specific and general subjects. |
| Strengthen Fundamentals | Use NCERT textbooks for general topics (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science). Refer to Rajasthan Board books and guides (e.g. Rajasthan Adhyayan series) for state-specific content. |
| Current Affairs | Read newspapers and magazines daily. Focus on Rajasthan-related events, policies, festivals, and environment along with national and international news. Maintain short notes on key issues and schemes. |
| Practice Tests | Solve past RAS papers to understand the exam pattern. Take regular Prelims mock tests to build speed and accuracy. For Mains, practice answer writing within time limits. |
| Answer Writing | Write answers that are clear and structured with introduction, body, and conclusion. Include Rajasthan-specific examples where relevant. |
| Language Skills | Improve Hindi and English grammar and writing for Paper IV. Practice essays, letters, and translations regularly. |
| Interview Preparation | Stay updated on Rajasthan’s current issues. Review your background and hobbies. Attend mock interviews to improve confidence, clarity, and calmness. |
| Time Management and Revision | Follow a balanced schedule, revise regularly, and use notes, charts, or mind maps to recall facts. Maintain consistency and a positive mindset. |
By covering each RAS subject systematically and practicing extensively, candidates can build confidence across all stages of the RAS exam.
The RAS Mains Subject List includes four General Studies papers and one General Hindi & English paper, totaling five descriptive papers.
The RAS Subject List for the Interview stage does not include set topics, but focuses on personality, current affairs, and understanding of state and national issues.
You can access the official RAS Subject List on the RPSC website under the syllabus or exam notification sections.
Knowing the RAS Subject List helps candidates break down their study plan by topic and prioritize high-weightage areas in each stage of the exam.
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