RPSC Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam Pattern 2024
Exam Pattern Overview
The RPSC Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam (RAS/RTS) is conducted in two successive stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type, Screening Test)
- Main Examination (Descriptive/Analytical Type)
- Personality and Viva-Voce Examination (Interview)
The final selection is based on the combined marks of the Main Examination and the Interview. The Preliminary Examination serves as a qualifying test, and its marks are not counted for the final merit.
Paper Structure
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of a single paper:
| Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & General Science | 200 | 3 Hours |
Key Points:
- Objective-type questions (multiple-choice).
- Standard: Bachelor’s Degree Level.
- Serves as a screening test for the Main Examination.
- Marks obtained are not counted for the final merit.
Main Examination
The Main Examination consists of four descriptive/analytical papers, each carrying 200 marks and lasting 3 hours.
| Paper No. | Subject | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies-I | 200 |
| Paper II | General Studies-II | 200 |
| Paper III | General Studies-III | 200 |
| Paper IV | General Hindi & General English | 200 |
Key Points:
- Candidates must obtain minimum 10% marks in each paper and 15% in aggregate to qualify for the Interview.
- Relaxation of 5% in minimum marks is provided for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other reserved categories.
- The standard of General Hindi and General English is of Senior Secondary Level.
Personality and Viva-Voce Examination (Interview)
- Carries 100 marks.
- Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are summoned for the Interview.
- Marks are awarded based on character, personality, address, physique, and knowledge of Rajasthan culture.
- Preference is given to candidates with an ‘C’ Certificate of N.C.C. for selection to the Rajasthan Police Service.
Marking Scheme
Preliminary Examination
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question for incorrect answers.
- Unattempted Questions: If no option is marked, 1/3rd of the marks for that question are deducted.
- Disqualification: Candidates who leave more than 10% of questions unmarked (no option selected) are disqualified.
Main Examination
- Total Marks: 800 (4 papers × 200 marks each).
- Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- 10% in each paper (20 marks per paper).
- 15% in aggregate (120 marks out of 800).
- Relaxation: 5% relaxation in minimum marks for SC/ST candidates.
Interview
- Total Marks: 100
- Final Merit: Marks obtained in the Main Examination + Interview.
Time Duration
| Examination Stage | Duration per Paper | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Main Examination | 3 Hours per paper | 12 Hours |
| Interview | Not Applicable | Varies |
Exam-Day Tips
Before the Exam
-
Document Verification:
- Carry the e-Admit Card and a valid photo ID (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID/Driving License).
- Ensure the photograph on the admit card matches the ID proof.
-
Stationery:
- Use a blue ballpoint pen for filling OMR sheets.
- Carry extra pens and pencils.
-
Prohibited Items:
- Do not carry electronic gadgets, calculators, study material, or any communication devices.
-
Dress Code:
- Wear comfortable clothing and avoid accessories like belts with metal buckles or jewelry.
-
Special Provisions:
- Visually Impaired (Blindness), Locomotor Disability (Both Arms), and Cerebral Palsy candidates are eligible for a scribe and compensatory time.
- Candidates must submit medical certificates and affidavits as per RPSC guidelines at least 2 days before the exam.
During the Exam
-
OMR Sheet Instructions:
- Each question has 5 options (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Darken only one circle for the correct answer.
- If a question is unattempted, darken circle ‘5’ to avoid negative marking.
- Extra time of 10 minutes is provided to review and fill the OMR sheet.
-
Time Management:
- Allocate 1.5 minutes per question in the Preliminary Examination.
- Prioritize easier questions first and return to difficult ones later.
-
Negative Marking:
- Avoid random guessing. Only answer questions you are confident about.
-
Answering Strategy for Main Examination:
- Read questions carefully and plan answers before writing.
- Use bullet points, diagrams, and flowcharts where applicable for clarity.
- Maintain legible handwriting and concise language.
After the Exam
-
Avoid Discussions:
- Do not discuss answers with other candidates to prevent unnecessary stress.
-
Check Official Website:
- Regularly visit the RPSC Official Website for updates on results, answer keys, and further instructions.
-
Prepare for Next Stage:
- If qualified for the Main Examination, start preparing immediately using the prescribed syllabus.
Important Notes
-
Eligibility:
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Age limit: 21 to 40 years as of January 1, 2025 (relaxations apply for reserved categories).
-
Reservation:
- Reservations are applicable for SC, ST, OBC, MBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
- Horizontal reservation for women, ex-servicemen, and PwD candidates.
-
Disqualification:
- Use of unfair means during the exam can lead to disqualification and legal action under the Rajasthan Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2022.
-
Document Submission:
- Candidates must submit original certificates for verification at the time of the Interview.
- Failure to produce valid documents may result in cancellation of candidature.
Contact Information
For any queries, candidates can contact:
- RPSC Helpline: 0145-2635212, 2635200
- Email: Helpdesk available on the RPSC Recruitment Portal
- Address: Secretary, Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Ajmer.