What is the expected cut-off for RPSC RAS Prelims 2026?

For RPSC RAS Prelims 2026 (out of 200 marks for 150 questions), the expected safe score target is 106+ for General, OBC, and EWS categories (due to parity under commission norms), 96+ for SC, and 97+ for ST candidates.

What was the RPSC RAS Prelims previous year cut off (2024, 2023, 2021, 2018, 2016)?

The official RPSC category-wise cutoffs were: 2023/2024 (General: 100.69, OBC: 100.69, EWS: 100.69, SC: 91.49, ST: 94.25); 2021 (General: 84.72, OBC: 84.72, EWS: 84.72, SC: 72.69, ST: 76.85); 2018 (General: 76.06, OBC: 76.06, SC: 68.01, ST: 73.38); and 2016 (General: 62.74, OBC: 62.74, SC: 54.34, ST: 59.18).

How can candidates practice free RPSC RAS mock tests and solved past papers on TestMeNow?

TestMeNow offers 100% free online access to full-length 150-question RAS Prelims mocks, Rajasthan Special GK drills, and authentic 2016–2024 solved official papers with 1/3rd negative marking simulation and verified bilingual explanations. No paid subscription or app installation is required.

What is the exact marking scheme and 5th option rule in RPSC RAS Prelims?

The exam carries 150 questions for 200 marks (each correct answer awards +1.333 marks). Incorrect answers incur a 1/3rd deduction (-0.444 marks). RPSC has mandated a 5th option (E) for unattempted questions; candidates who fail to darken any option for more than 10% of questions face disqualification.

What is the subject-wise question weightage in RPSC RAS Prelims?

Rajasthan GK (History, Art, Culture, Geography, Economy, Polity) constitutes 65–75 questions (nearly 45–50% of the paper). Indian History, Polity & Economy account for ~30 questions, General Science & Tech ~20 questions, Mental Ability & Reasoning ~20 questions, and Current Affairs ~20 questions.

What is the format of the RPSC RAS Prelims examination?

It consists of a single objective paper titled 'General Knowledge and General Science' carrying a maximum of 200 marks for 150 questions, with a duration of 3 hours.

What is the penalty for incorrect answers in the RAS Prelims?

RPSC implements a negative marking scheme where 1/3rd (0.33) of the marks allotted to a question are deducted for every wrong answer.

Is there a separate CSAT paper in the RAS Prelims?

Unlike UPSC, the RAS Prelims features only one composite paper that blends General Studies, Science, Mental Ability, and Reasoning.

What percentage of questions typically cover Rajasthan-specific topics?

Roughly 40% to 50% of the paper concentrates heavily on Rajasthan’s history, art, culture, literature, geography, economy, and polity.

What is the eligibility age range for the RAS exam?

Candidates must generally be between 21 and 40 years of age, subject to standardized category-wise age relaxations.

Are candidates from states other than Rajasthan eligible for reservations?

No. Out-of-state applicants are treated strictly as General/Open category candidates with no claim to state reservations.

What is the qualifying nature of the RAS Prelims?

Prelims is purely a screening test. Marks obtained in Prelims are not added when calculating the final merit score for interview selections.

How many candidates are typically shortlisted for the RAS Mains exam?

RPSC typically qualifies roughly 15 times the total declared vacancies across various categories, depending on commission guidelines.

Is graduation mandatory to appear for the RAS Prelims?

Yes, a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification is compulsory.

Can final-year college students apply for the RAS exam?

Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they produce proof of passing before the Mains cutoff dates.

How does TestMeNow help Rajasthan RAS aspirants in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota?

TestMeNow provides dedicated Rajasthan Special test series covering Rajasthan Art & Culture, Economic Review, State Budget, and official RPSC previous year papers with instant rank analytics.

Are the Rajasthan Current Affairs and GK tests on TestMeNow updated for the 2025/2026 exam cycle?

Yes, all Rajasthan static and monthly current affairs tests on TestMeNow reflect the latest administrative districts, government schemes, and economic data.

Can I solve RAS / RPSC Prelims mock tests and past papers on mobile without installing an app?

Yes. TestMeNow requires zero app downloads. Aspirants can attempt 150-question 3-hour RAS simulations, complete with Rajasthan GK and economic review questions, directly on any smartphone browser.

In the Rajasthan Budget 2026–27, which developmental sector received the highest schematic budgetary outlay?

A: Education & Knowledge Economy

Under the 'Water-Energy-Agriculture Nexus', how does an unmetered agricultural power subsidy negatively affect Rajasthan's natural resource sustainability?

B: It accelerates groundwater extraction and deep aquifer depletion

A: It incentivizes shifting from tube wells to canal irrigation

B: It accelerates groundwater extraction and deep aquifer depletion

C: It eliminates DISCOM debt obligations completely

D: It reduces fertilizer and pesticide consumption in arid zones

Which of the following policy initiatives is recommended to decouple agricultural power support from groundwater over-exploitation in Rajasthan?

B: Solar feeder separation and mandatory micro-irrigation linkages

A: Increasing tubewell subsidies without metering

B: Solar feeder separation and mandatory micro-irrigation linkages

C: Banning all agricultural electricity connections permanently

D: Replacing drip irrigation with flood irrigation methods

Module 2 • Allocations & Fiscal PolicyOctober 202614 min read

Budget Allocations 2026–27, Fiscal Management & Debt Servicing

Target Exam: RPSC RAS / RTS Combined Competitive Examination•Official Sources: Rajasthan State Gazettes, Budget & Official ReleasesRajasthan State Gazettes, Budget & Official Releases

Budget Allocations 2026–27, Fiscal Management & Debt Servicing

The expenditure architecture of Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 reflects an intentional strategic pivot toward productive capital accumulation, water infrastructure, human development, and social security. The schematic outlay of approximately ₹2.63 lakh crore directs unprecedented resources toward long-term asset creation.

1. Sectoral Schematic Allocations (2026–27 Budget at a Glance)

Developmental Sector	Allocation (2026–27 BE)	Strategic Focus Area
Core Infrastructure	₹58,460 crore	Highways, ROBs, expressways, logistics, and power grids
Education & Knowledge Economy	₹46,017 crore	School infra, university reforms, digital education, GCC skills
Rural Development	₹33,419 crore	Rural connectivity, Panchayati Raj, livelihood self-help groups
Social Empowerment & Inclusion	₹28,489 crore	SC/ST welfare, pensions, Kanyadan, Divyangjan allowances
Health & Well-being	₹27,069 crore	Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana, medical colleges, PHCs
Urban Development	₹20,324 crore	AMRUT 2.0, metro expansion, drainage, smart traffic systems
Water Security	₹17,220 crore	Jal Jeevan Mission, ERCP-PKC integration, canal linings
Agriculture & Food System	₹14,398 crore	Micro-irrigation, seed hubs, farm mechanisation, agro-processing
Environment & Climate Resilience	₹4,537 crore	Afforestation, grassland revival, desertification mitigation

2. Fiscal Deficit vs Debt Servicing: A Critical Conceptual Distinction

For RPSC/RAS Prelims and Mains, understanding the structural distinction between debt servicing and annual borrowing is paramount:

•

Fiscal Deficit (₹79,493 crore / 3.7% of GSDP): Represents the net borrowing requirement incurred by the state to bridge the gap between aggregate receipts (excluding debt) and total expenditure in FY 2026–27.

•

Principal Debt Repayment (₹2.05 lakh crore): Represents the redemption of accumulated past market borrowings, central loans, and institutional debt falling due. When debt repayment exceeds new net borrowing, the state manages rollover liquidity through debt refinancing.

•

Revenue Deficit Containment (₹24,314 crore / 1.1% of GSDP): Marks a dramatic improvement from 2025–26 (₹31,009 crore / 1.7% of GSDP), reflecting expenditure rationalisation and improved own-tax revenue collection.

3. The Energy Subsidy Dilemma: ₹29,432 Crore Grant

The 2026–27 Budget allocated ₹29,432 crore as state grants and subsidies to power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to absorb electricity tariff freezes for farmers and domestic consumers.

The Mains Analytical Debate: Equity vs Efficiency

Positive Welfare Effects: Protects farm incomes, cushions rural households from tariff shocks, and ensures affordable agricultural pumping during dry seasons.

Negative Fiscal & Ecological Costs:

•

Heavy fiscal burden crowding out capex in secondary healthcare and higher education.

•

Chronic DISCOM operational losses and delayed maintenance.

•

Groundwater Depletion Nexus: Free and unmetered agricultural power encourages unconstrained pumping from deep tube wells, worsening the over-exploitation of Rajasthan's fragile aquifers.

Policy Solution: Solar feeder separation under PM-KUSUM, mandatory micro-irrigation linkages, and direct DBT power subsidy transfers.

Key Examination Takeaways:

Core Infrastructure received the highest schematic allocation in Budget 2026–27 at ₹58,460 crore, followed by Education at ₹46,017 crore.
Rural Development commanded ₹33,419 crore, Social Empowerment ₹28,489 crore, and Health ₹27,069 crore, demonstrating strong human capital investment.
Dedicated allocations for Water Security stood at ₹17,220 crore and Agriculture at ₹14,398 crore.
The state allocated ₹29,432 crore as power tariff subsidy grants to maintain tariff relief, highlighting the vital Water-Energy-Agriculture nexus.

Budget Allocations 2026–27, Fiscal Management & Debt Servicing

Budget Allocations 2026–27, Fiscal Management & Debt Servicing

1. Sectoral Schematic Allocations (2026–27 Budget at a Glance)

2. Fiscal Deficit vs Debt Servicing: A Critical Conceptual Distinction

3. The Energy Subsidy Dilemma: ₹29,432 Crore Grant

The Mains Analytical Debate: Equity vs Efficiency

Rajasthan Special 15-Question Practice Set