RAS 2026: Exam Date, Registration Process, & Eligibility Criteria

The RAS exam is one of the most competitive state-level civil services exams in India. In the 2024–25 session, nearly 6.75 lakh candidates registered for it, and nearly 3.75 lakh appeared for the Prelims. However, only 21,500 were able to make it to the Mains. 

With competition this intense, starting early and thoroughly understanding the process can give you a real edge. So, here’s a clear and verified overview of the RAS Exam 2026, dates, registration process, and eligibility criteria to help you stay informed way ahead of the notification. 

A Brief on RAS Exam 2026  

The Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) exam is conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) to recruit candidates for various prestigious state government positions. These include posts in the Rajasthan Administrative Service, Rajasthan Police Service, Rajasthan Accounts Service, and several other subordinate and allied roles across different state departments.

Often compared to the UPSC Civil Services Exam at the national level, RAS serves as Rajasthan’s top administrative recruitment exam. It is designed to select officers who will handle crucial policy implementation and governance responsibilities within the state.

The RAS selection process consists of three major stages:

• Preliminary Examination – Objective type, qualifying in nature.

• Main Examination – Descriptive written papers that test in-depth knowledge.

• Interview / Personality Test – The final stage assessing analytical ability, communication, and suitability of the candidature for administrative roles.

Success in all three stages leads to direct recruitment into Rajasthan’s state civil services.

For RAS 2026, the selection process is expected to follow the same three-stage format as previous years, with no official change in the pattern announced yet. Based on the 2024–25 cycle, the Prelims and Mains are likely to be held across cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer, and Bikaner, ensuring wide accessibility. The Prelims will remain a qualifying paper, while the Mains and Interview will determine final merit. 

The official notification, once released, will specify details on vacancies, category-wise reservations, updated exam centre lists, syllabus guidelines, and the complete RAS 2026 schedule. Therefore, candidates should regularly check the RPSC website for verified updates.

RAS Exam 2026: Important Dates

Based on previous exam cycles,  here’s the tentative timeline candidates can expect in the RAS exam 2026. 

• Notification Release Date: March 2026
• Application Window Opens: March 2026 (around the first week)
• Application Window Closes: April 2026 (around the first week)
• Admit Card Rollout Date: May 2026 ( typically 10-15 days before exam)
• Prelims Exam Date: June 2026
• Prelims Result Declaration Date: July 2026 
• Mains Exam Date: November-December 2026
• Mains Result Declaration: February 2027
• Interview / Document Verification: April-May 2027

Also Read: HPSC Exam Pattern  

Registration Process for RAS Exam 2026 

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you register for the RAS Exam 2026. 

Step 1: Go to the official website of RPSC and navigate to the RAS 2026 Application section once it’s live.

Step 2: If you’re a first-time user, register on the Rajasthan Single Sign-On (SSO) portal to generate your unique ID and password. Existing users can simply log in using their credentials.

Step 3: Complete the application form with accurate details like your name, date of birth, contact information, educational qualifications, and category. Double-check before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Attach scanned copies of your photograph, signature, identity proof, and relevant certificates (like category or domicile certificates, if applicable). Ensure the files are in the specified format and size.

Step 5: Submit the examination fee online using credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. Keep the payment confirmation or transaction ID saved for your records.

Step 6: Once all fields are filled in and verified, click Submit. Download and print the completed form or save the confirmation PDF. It will be useful during the admit card download or document verification.

Tip: Avoid filling the form at the last minute, because server issues are common near deadlines. Apply early to ensure a smooth submission process.

Also Read: BCECE Exam Pattern & Syllabus 

Eligibility Criteria for RAS Exam 2026 

Before applying for RAS 2026, candidates must ensure they meet all the eligibility conditions defined by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). Here’s a quick breakdown of the key requirements:

1. Nationality

• The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

• Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan can also apply, provided they have a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India.

2. Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 years

• Maximum Age: 40 years (as on January 1, 2026)

Age Relaxation (as per state norms):

• SC/ST/OBC (Rajasthan domicile): +5 years

• Female (General category): +5 years

• Female (SC/ST/OBC): +10 years

• Persons with Disabilities (PwD): up to +10 years

3. Educational Qualification

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from a recognised university.

• Final-year students can also apply provisionally, but they must produce proof of graduation before the Interview stage.

4. Physical Standards (if applicable)

For certain posts like the Rajasthan Police Service, candidates must meet specific physical and medical fitness standards, which will be detailed in the official notification.

Also Read: IBPS PO Exam 2026 

In a nutshell, the period before the RAS 2026 notification is a valuable time to strengthen core concepts, revisit Rajasthan-specific subjects, and analyse previous papers. Steady preparation during this phase can make the later stages more focused and manageable once the official schedule is released.

To know more, head to: RAS Exam Pattern and Syllabus