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STRATEGY

JUNE 26TH, 2013

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[Strategy] RAS 2013 Prelims: booklist, study material, approach, cutoffs, previous papers, syllabus of
Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam
UPSC vs RAS
Analysis of RAS-2012 prelims
Rajasthans history and culture
Indian History n Culture
Geography
World Geography
India Geography
Geography of Rajasthan
Environment and Biodiversity (EnB)
Economy
Economy of Rajasthan
Polity
Rajasthan state polity/administration
Rajasthan Public Policy
Science & Technology
Current Affairs and PIN
Reasoning & Mental Ability
Mental Ability
Basic Numeracy
Conclusion
Appendix: Free study material, Download links
Exam related Technical details:
2012s prelim paper
Mains papers of 2008 and 2010
Cutoffs for 2012s Prelims
Syllabus
Notification for 2013s Exam
Press Note regarding reforms in RAS exam
RAS Specific Study material
NCERT and NIOS (Essential/Core)
India yearbook
Softwares
NCERT and NIOS (Peripheral)

UPSC vs RAS
first lets see how RAS is different from UPSC preliminary exam.
Exam

UPSC

Rajasthan

Two papers
Prelim

1. General studies
2. Aptitude

Only single paper that contains both General studies + Aptitude questions.
3 hours, 150 questions.

Total 4 hours and 200 questions.

Separate essay paper
1. Separate qualifying paper for

No

Mains

1. Separate qualifying paper for

English
2. Separate qualifying paper
regional language

Single paper thatll contain 120 marks worth Hindi and 80 marks worth
English =total 200 marks.

Four papers of General studies.

4 x 250=1000 marks.

Three papers of general studies. 3 x 200=600 marks.

One optional subject (two papers)

No optional subjects.

No

GS(Mains) paper contains maths, reasoning and statistics in its syllabus.

Analysis of RAS-2012 prelims

Entire question paper available in a separate article click me

Unlike the UPSC CSAT-2013 paper, the RAS-2012 prelims paper had following differences:
Very few Economy questions and all of them based on current affairs, number based.
Very few Qs on polity and all of them centered on current affairs / Rajasthan.
Environment biodiversity matter mostly GK and Rajasthan based.
Science forms a major part, and mostly based on direct theory from conventional books.
Current affairs form a significant part- including person in news, awards, events etc.
Although, this time RAS has changed syllabus, included aptitude within GS Prelims paper. So, it remains to be seen whether they
continue the old ways or not. Anyways, lets see how to approach individual topics as per the syllabus

Rajasthans history and culture

Start with the Social science / history textbooks of Rajasthan State education board.
If you look at the syllabus of history in Rajasthan University, Jaipur:
1. BA History part 1=> paper 2 is about all History of Rajasthan (from Ancient to 1956).
2. MA History paper 5: Main trends in History and Culture of Rajasthan
And as long as there are BA/MA history courses in Government colleges, there will be readymade guidebooks/digests for the
individual papers, right?

So I suggest you visit the bookstores dealing with college books, and inquire for the guidebooks for above papers- that should
serve as your base material.
Since RAS got hundreds of vacancies this time, the unscrupulous elements will recycle the same content from such BA/MA books
and sell it as study-material for Rs.2000/5000/7000 rupees depending on your desperation. So apply your head, always stick to
standard reference books- theyre cheaper and more reliable for competitive exams.
Additional sources:
Visit the sitemap of Rajasthan Governments tourism website. All these topics are covered in detail.
(http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Home/SiteMap.aspx)
Youll also find scattered information in NIOSs culture course, NCERTs, plus in Rajasthan state education boards
textbooks.
Here is the list of syllabus topics that you need to prepare:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Salient features of Architecture Forts and Monuments

Arts, Paintings and Handicrafts.
Fairs, Festivals, Folk Music and Folk Dances.
Rajsathani Culture, Traditions and Heritage.
Important Tourist Places.
Major Landmarks in the History of Rajasthan, Major Dynasties, their Administrative and Revenue System. Socio-cultural
Issues.
Freedom Movement , Political Awakening and Integration
Religious Movements, Saints& Lok devtas of Rajasthan.
Leading Personalities of Rajasthan.
Important Works of Rajasthani literature. Local Dilects

Indian History n Culture

This topic can be subdivided into
Ancient

Harappa, Vedic age etc.

Medieval Delhi Sultanate, Mughal dynasty etc.

Modern

British Raj, freedom struggle etc.

Culture

Jainism, buddism, culture, literature, panting, dance, music etc.

If you look at the old papers of RAS, the Indian history related MCQs are mostly General knowledge type.
For example who defeated whom and when?
So, in that regard NCERTs (under new syllabus) wont be of much help. Because they dont dwell much into such GK.
(Although there is no harm in reading them, but on has to consider the time constrain).
Besides, youve to Rajasthan state education boards textbooks for social science /history for preparing Rajasthans history
and culture anyways. And even in those Rajasthan state board textbook, Indias history will be covered. If you need
additional reference, consult General studies manual, otherwise just leave it there.
for Indian culture, use NIOS course material.
For modern history, go for A brief History of Modern India by spectrum publication. Itll also help for the mains as well.
same book available in Hindi medium under title Adhunik Bharat Ka Etihas, Spectrum
Bipin Chandra is also good, if youve the time and mood.

Geography
As per upsc syllabus As per RAS syllabus
1. Physical
2. Indian
3. World

1. World Geography
2. Indian Geography
3. Geography of Rajasthan

World Geography
Syllabus

Reference

Broad Physical features

NCERT Class 6: chapter 2 to 6

NCERT Class 11: 3 to 7

Environmental and Ecological Issues. Separate strategy given under the heading Environment and Biodiversity.

Environmental and Ecological Issues. Separate strategy given under the heading Environment and Biodiversity.
International Waterways

NCERT Class 11, Chapter 13 and 14.

Class 12 (Fundamentals of Human Geography) Chapter 8.

Major Industrial Regions

Class 12 (Fundamentals of Human Geography) Chapter 6.

India Geography
Syllabus

Reference
NCERT Class 6, Ch.7
NCERT Class 9, Ch.1, 2 and 4
NCERT Class 11, Ch.1, 2

1. Broad physical features and Major

physiographic divisions.

For this, you should refer following chapters from NCERT Geography
and Science textbooks.
NCERT Geography Class 8 Ch.4
NCERT Geography Class 10 Ch.4
NCERT Geography Class 11 Ch.6
NCERT Geography Class 12 (Funda. in Human geography) ch.5
NCERT Geography Class 12 (India people & Economy) ch.5
NCERT Science Class 7, ch.3 and 9
NCERT Science Class 8, ch.1

2. Agriculture and Agro based Activities.

NCERT Science Class 9, ch.15

3. Minerals Iron, Manganese, Coal, Oil & Gas,
Atomic minerals.

NCERT Geography Class 10, ch.5

NCERT Geography Class 12 (India people & Economy) ch.7

4. Major Industries and Industrial development.

NCERT Class 10 ch. 6 and 8

5. Transportation major transport corridors.

NCERT Class 10 Ch.7

NCERT Class 12 (India people & Economy) Ch.10

6. Natural Resources.

NCERT Class 10 Ch.1

7. Environmental Problems and Ecological Issues.

Separate strategy given under the heading Environment and

Biodiversity.

Geography of Rajasthan
In the NCERTs chapters under Indian geography, youll find scattered information about Rajasthan. Note it down
separately.
India Yearbook: refer to chapter 30: State and union territories =>Rajasthan. Youll find overview of Rajasthans geography,
irrigation etc. But for MCQs, that information alone will not suffice.
Therefore, Use Rajasthan State education board textbooks (preferably from Class 7 to 12) related to Social science and
geography subjects and prepare the following topics.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Broad physical features and Major physiographic divisions.

Natural Resource of RajasthanClimate, Natural Vegetation, Forests, Wildlife and Bio-diversity
Major irrigation projects.
Mines and Minerals.
Population.
Major Industries and Potential for Industrial Development.

Additional preparation for Rajasthan geography:

1. Major irrigation projects.

Chapter 15 Rajasthan State Five year plan.

2. Mines and Minerals.

Raj. Mineral departments official website

http://www.dmg-raj.org/
On the left hand side, there is a menu title mineral information, read the articles
posted under it.
Also prepare the overview/salient features of Rajasthans Mineral Development
policy.

policy.

3. Population.

4. Major Industries and Potential for

Industrial Development.

Prepare the Rajasthan related statistics from Census 2011. available here
http://www.rajcensus.gov.in/Pe_DATA.html
also prepare Rajasthan vs. states (for example literacy, sex ratio) from Census
2011, with the help of internet.
Use google to dig out SEZs and towns of export excellence in Rajasthan.

Environment and Biodiversity (EnB)

Unlike UPSC, the RAS doesnt contain separate topic of Environment and Biodiversity, but it is listed as a sub-topic, under
World, Indian and Rajasthans geography.
However, it should be separately prepared because
Even in RAS-prelims-2012, there were quite a few questions from Rajasthan related environment related topics.
it comes again in the mains syllabus and in past mains exams, theyve asked direct questions such as Explain
environmental benefits of organic farming, Explain Eutrophication and so on.
The foundation material for Environment biodiversity is NIOS (National institute for open schooling.)
Also refer to following chapters of NCERT textbooks.
NCERT Geography textbooks
Geography Class6 Ch8
Geography Class7 Ch1 to 6
Geography Class8 Ch 2 and 5
Geography Class9 Ch5
Geography Class10 Ch2
Geography Class11 Ch4 and 5
Geography Class11 Ch 15 and 16

NCERT Other subject Textbooks

Science Class7 Ch7, 16,17 and 18
Science Class8 Ch7 and 18
Science Class9 Ch14
Science Class10 Ch. 14 to 16
Biology Class12, Ch. 13 to 16
Chemistry class11, Ch.14
Economy Class11, Ch.9

Additionally prepare the objective/targets/salient features of following policies:

What?

From where?

Rajasthan State Environment Policy 2010

http://rajasthan.gov.in
Rajasthan State Forest Policy 2010
Rajasthan Solar energy policy

http://www.rrecl.com/Solar1.aspx

Also visit Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporations website (rrecl.com) and make the list of projects and schemes.
for wildlife sanctuaries, national parks list, visit Rajasthan forest Departments page: http://rajforest.nic.in/?q=national-parksand-sanctuaries-in-rajasthan
for information on wildlife in individual national parks: http://www.rajasthanwildlife.in/

Economy
For let me list the unconventional topics from the RAS syllabus (free downloads @bottom)
Accounting
Concept,
Tools and Uses in Administration
e-Commerce

NIOS Accountancy, chapter 1 to 3

IGNOU BA Public Administration chapter on Accountancy in government.
IGNOU MA Public Administration chapter on E-commerce.

Now coming to the conventional topics of economy: For RAS prelims, Economy is subdivided into three parts
1. Basic concepts
2. Indian Economy
3. Rajasthans Economy

For topic #1 and #2, the sources are

1. NCERT Class 11, 12 (free download links @bottom).
2. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (TMH Publication). Same Book in Hindi under title Bhartiya Arthvyavastha, Ramesh
Singh
3. Mrunal.org/economy
4. newspaper, magazines.
Prelim topic

Basic Concepts of
Economics16

Subtopics as per official syllabus

1. Basic Knowledge of Budgeting,
Public Finance, Fiscal policy

NCERT Class 12 Macroeconomics, Chapter 5

Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Chapter on
public finance

2. Banking, Monetary Policies

Ramesh Singh, chapter on Banking

CRR, SLR, NBFC and related current affairs
have been explained in Mrunal.org/economy

3. National Income, Growth and

Development

NCERT Class 12 Macroeconomics, Chapter 2

Ramesh Singh, Chapter 2

4. Stock Exchange and Share Market

Ramesh Singh chapter 2, 12, 13, 14 and 16.

5. Subsidies, Public Distribution System

Ramesh Singh Chapter 21

Mrunals summary of Economic Survey Ch8,
subtopic food Management.

6. Inflation- Concept, Impact and

Control Mechanism

Ramesh Singh Chapter 7

1. 5 Year Plans Objectives, Strategies

and Achievements.

Indian Economic
Development &
Planning

3. Major Sectors of EconomyAgriculture, Industry, Service and

Trade- Current Status.

4. Major Economic Problems and

Government Initiatives.

Human Resource
and Economic
Development

How to prepare?

1. Ramesh Singh ch.5

2. Also chapter 2 of Rajasthan states Five year
plan.
Ramesh Singh ch9 and 10
Mrunals summary of Economic survey chapter
8, 9 and 10.
Contains scattered topics for example inflation, rupee
depreciation, Foreign investment, IIP etc. so go
through:
1. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
2. Mrunal.org/economy
3. keep an eye on newspapers

5. Economic Reforms and Liberalization

NCERT Class 11 Indian Economic Development.

1. Human Development Index

Covered under my summary of Economic Survey

ch13. available on Mrunal.org/economy

2. Poverty and unemployment: Concept,

Types, Causes, Remedies

Ramesh Singh chapter 22

Mrunals summary of Economic survey ch.13.

3. (Poverty removal) Flagship Schemes.

4. Social Justice and Empowerment
5. Provisions for Weaker Sections.

Covered under Mrunals summary of Economic

Survey ch13.

Youll have to again face these topics as GS Mains paper 1 under Economic Concepts and Indian
Economy. Although in mains some new topics will also come for example Issue of NPA, Financial
Inclusion, Tax Reforms in India, concept of Money supply. But pretty much all of them covered in the
combination of: NCERT, Ramesh singh, Mrunal.org/economy

Economy of Rajasthan
For this, primary reference sources are
1. Budget speech of CM
2. Rajasthans Five year plan documents.
3. Newspaper.
Additionally prepare the salient features of following:
1. Rajasthan Industrial and Investment Policy
2. Policy for the Registration and Protection of Geographical Indications of Goods in Rajasthan
3. Rajasthans Mineral Development policy
While you read these topics, do make notes because same content is repeated in the syllabus of GS (Mains) paper 1 and 3.
Prelim topics

How to prepare?
Goto Rajasthan Government s finance department website and Read following PDFs from Budget
2013-14:

Macro overview of
Economy.

1. Budget at a glance
2. Budget speech of CM
Also Chapter 1 of Rajasthan state five year plan.

Major Agricultural,
Industrial and
Service Sector
Issues.

Chapter 10,11 and 15-18 of Rajasthans Five year plan.

Growth,
Development and
Planning.

Chapter 2,3 and 4 of Rajasthan state five year plan.

Infrastructure &
Resources.

10, 16, 17, 18

Major Development
Projects.

Chapter 7 and 8 of Rajasthan state five year plan.

Programmes and
Schemes-

this topic also re-appears in GS Mains paper 3 under the title Current sensitive issues.
This includes Government Welfare Schemes for SC/ST/Backward Class/Minorities/Disabled
Persons, Destitute, Women, Children, Old Age People, Farmers & Labourers.
Refer to chapter 14, 20-28 of Rajasthan state five year plan, and prepare micro-notes or mindmaps
containing following details about every scheme: 1)which department/ministry implements it? 2)
who is the target beneficiary 3) salient features/benefits offered.
State government would publish big colourful ads in the newspapers (usually before any elections),
showing their achievements and schemes. do note down the information from there too.

Polity
As per the RAS prelims syllabus, polity can be further classified into
1. Indian Constitution related conventional topics e.g. Government of India Acts: 1919 and 1935, Nature of Indian Constitution;
Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State, Fundamental Duties, Federal Structure, Constitutional
Amendments, etc.

Amendments, etc.
2. Indian Political System and Governance e.g. CVC, NHRC etc.
3. Rajasthan state related polity e.g. CM, state assembly, HC etc.
For topic #1 and 2 listed above, read Indian polity by M.Laxmikanth. For Hindi medium, the same book is
available under the title Bharat ki Rajyavyavstha, M.Laxmikanth.
How to efficiently read M.Laxmikanth?

8.
9.
10.
11.

1. First you read the chapter on President, Vice President and immediately move to the chapter on governor.
Then read on Emergency provisions.
2. Read chapter on PM and cabinet, then move to CM and state council of Ministers.
3. Chapter on Parliamentary system and then directly to parliament, but after budget topic is done pause this
chapter and move to on CAG. Then come back and resume the chapter on parliament.
4. Once parliament is finished, move to State legislative assembly.
5. Supreme Court and then High court, tribunals.
6. Attorney Gen =>Advocate General
7. UPSC =>State PSC
Finance Commission =>Planning Commission=>National Development council
Now Centre State relation and Interstate relations.
Election Commission=> chapter on election, Anti-defection
All the National Commissions on Women, SC, ST,OBC, CVC, Lokpal and so on.

Once ^this is done. Move to

1.
2.
3.
4.

Citizenship, Fundamental rights, DPSP, duties.

Amendment of Constitution=> preamble
Jammu Kashmir => Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
UT, Panchayati Raj, municipalities

After ^this is done. Read whatever chapters are remaining. Ultimately

Appendix for union-state-concurrent list, table of precedence etc.
the mock MCQ questions given in Laxmikant.

Rajasthan state polity/administration

It includes
1. Governor
2. Chief
Minister
3. State
Assembly
4. High Court
5. Rajasthan
Public
Service
Commission
6. State Human
Rights
Commission
7. State
Election
Commission
8. State
Information
Commission

The basic theory regarding power, function, appointment etc. remain one and same for all states, so
refer to the relevant chapters in Indian polity by M.Laxmikanth.
Also go through the Rajasthan state education boards social science / civics textbooks and prepare
the relevant chapters.
Sometimes the state PCS exams ask GK type questions from these topics also. For example who is
the current State election Commissioner or How many judges are there in Rajasthan High Court etc.
For such GK/current affairs, visit the official websites of those bodies and click on About us. but
do that exercise, after youve finish the basic syllabus for the preliminary exam.

Prepare the basic concepts, prepare chapter 15 to 18 from IGNOU BA Public Administration course code:
BPAE-102. Because the same concent will also re-appear under GS Mains paper 1, subtopic
Administrative System of Rajasthan.
Also using internet find following:

District
Administration

Also using internet find following:

Find the total no. of districts in Rajasthan.
recently created/merged/renamed districts
5th Schedule areas in Rajasthan.
Cities of Rajasthan under Police Commissioner system.

After independence, many parts were merged in Rajasthan state during 48-56.
RAS-prelims-2012, also contained question about it. So, prepare that list from:
http://rajforest.nic.in/?q=formation-of-rajasthan

Rajasthan Public Policy

For preliminary exam, public policy is a very vague topic for framing MCQs, unless they enter in GK type question for
example: Rajasthan Forest policy was enacted in which year?
or they might ask you MCQs from salient features of various policy but then there are so many polices, it starts becomes
very time consuming to finish the syllabus.
However, keeping the other topics from prelims and mains in mind, I would suggest you atleast prepare the salient features of
policies given below.
Economy related
1. Rajasthan Industrial and Investment Policy
2. Policy for the Registration and Protection of Geographical Indications of Goods in Rajasthan
3. Mineral Development policy
Environment related
1. Rajasthan State Environment Policy 2010
2. Rajasthan State Forest Policy 2010
3. Policy for providing generation of Electricity from Biomass
Agriculture/ rural Development related:
1.
2.
3.
4.

State Water Policy

State Livestock Development Policy
Policy for Promotion of Agro-Processing and Agri-Business, 2010
Sector Policy for Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation
Sci-tech related

1. Rajasthans Biotech Policy

2. Rajasthans IT Policy
you can download policy documents from www.rajasthan.gov.in/rajgovt/actnpolicies/actnpolicies.html
You dont have to read the entire policy documents, just concentrate on the overview/salient-features/objectives of said
policy and prepare notes out of it, for quick revision during Mains preparation.
Lets move to next subtopic under polity:
Rajasthan Citizen charter and Legal rights
For Legal Rights,
Prepare the salient features/overview/objectives of following:
1. Rajasthan Guaranteed Delivery of Public Services Act, 2011
2. The Rajasthan Right to Hearing Act, 2012
For Citizen Charter
basics explained here
http://mrunal.org/2013/03/polity-citizens-charter-bill-2011-salient-features-issues-criticism-explained.html
And for Rajasthan so far 32 departments have already issued such charters. And Divisional Commissioner is empowered to
transfer an employee, if he/she is found negligent in implementation of citizen charters. (Although itd be waste of time to prepare
32 departments citizen charters for prelims, so better just ignore or may be prepare a few big ones example state department for
agriculture, social-justice, tourism etc. keeping the mains syllabus in mind.)

Science & Technology

The science technology (including environment-biodiversity), forms a significant part of Prelims as well as mains.

The science technology (including environment-biodiversity), forms a significant part of Prelims as well as mains.
In the RAS mains exam syllabus, GS Paper II worth 200 marks revolves around just two topics 1) Aptitude 2) Science-Tech.
anyways, for the moment lets just concentrate on the topics to be prepared for prelims:
Sources
1.
2.
3.
4.

NCERT Class 7 to 10 science textbooks

Mrunal.org/snt
relevant chapters in Rajasthans five year plan and policies.
(optional) Spectrums book on Science and Technology. Also available in Hindi medium under the title Vigyan Evum
Prodhyogiki, Spectrum Editorial board

Official syllabus topic

How to prepare?

Basics of Everyday
Science.

For this refer to NCERT science textbooks class 7 to 10

For more reference, you may refer to NIOS course material for Science.

Electronics, Computers,
Information and
Communication
Technology (ICT).

Lot of stuff related to e-governance and ICT projects has been covered in my economy survey
chapter 10 (part 3 of 5) article. available on mrunal.org/economy.
for Rajasthan State governments e-governance projects e.g. E-SANCHAR, Aarogya Online
etc. refer to Chapter 27 of Rajasthan states five year plan and simultaneously prepare notes on
it because theyll be extremely useful for the mains.
for more reference: chapter 9 and 10 for Spectrums book on Science and Technology.
Space-tech related Current affairs compilation from 2012 to March 2013, already given in

Space Technology
including Satellites.

mrunal.org/snt
Copy paste its content in MS word file. Then whatever new thing happens, you update it in
your word file.

Defense Technology

Defense related Current affairs compilation from 2012 to March 2013, already given in
mrunal.org/snt
Copy paste its content in MS word file. Then whatever new thing happens, you update it in
your word file.

Nanotechnology

Topic available in General studies manual And or chapter 9 and 10 for Spectrums book on
Science and Technology.
OR just google it. All you need is definition, principle and applications.
Lot of Nano-tech applications already given under my Hindu-science tech summary articles,
available on mrunal.org/snt

Human body, Food and

Nutrition, Health care

This already covered under NCERT science textbooks from class 7 to 10.
Union governments schemes related to public health, already covered under three part article
series in Mrunal.org/snt
for Rajasthan governments schemes on public health (e.g. Mukhya Mantri Nishulk Dava
Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Balika Sambal Yojana etc.) refer to Chapter 21 and 26 of Rajasthan
states five year plan and simultaneously prepare notes on it because theyll be extremely useful
for the mains.

Environmental and
Ecological
Changes and its
Impacts.
Biodiversity
Biotechnology and
Genetic Engineering
Agriculture,
Horticulture,
Forestry
Animal Husbandry
with special

Strategy already given under the topic title environment and biodiversity. Foundation from
NCERT+NIOS.
Koyoto and various summits covered under mrunal.org/enb
Chapter 12 of Rajasthan states five year plan and simultaneously prepare notes on it because
theyll be extremely useful for the mains.
NCERT Botany class 12
Chapter 17 of Spectrums book on Science and Technology.

Overlaps with Geography chapters that I suggested earlier.

Chapter 10, 11 and 12 of Rajasthan states five year plan and simultaneously prepare notes on it
because theyll be extremely useful for the mains.

because theyll be extremely useful for the mains.

For additional reference: Chapter 5 of Spectrums book on Science and Technology.

with special
reference to
Rajasthan.

Development of Science
and Technology in
Rajasthan.

Chapter 19 Rajasthan states five year plan

Keep an eye on newspapers.
Also the Rajsthan Sci-tech departments website http://dst.rajasthan.gov.in/
Also prepare salient-features/objectives of following policies
3. Rajasthans Biotech Policy
4. Rajasthans IT Policy

Current Affairs and PIN

Official syllabus mentions following:
1. Major Current Events and Issues of State(Rajasthan), National and International
2. Persons and Places in recent news
3. Games and Sports related Activities
In 2012s RAS prelims paper, we can see lot of current affairs questions were asked.
How to prepare national/international current affairs?
Goto library, read whatever competitive magazine you get (CST, Pratiyoigta, Chronicle, Wizard) and note down important
things in loose pages then file them under separate categories (person in news, books-authors, sports, international summit
etc.).
Ive already published compilation for important persons in news, books-authors and sport from 2012 upto March 2013.
http://mrunal.org/2013/02/misc-gk-persons-in-news-2012-13-sports-books-awards-for-ssc-cgl-sbi-po-upsc-csat.html
copy paste it in MS Word file and keep editing, updating as new developments take place.
Current Affairs Rajasthan
for this, you should follow a local daily newspaper.
but in such newspapers, usually they tend to focus on masala and gossip news, cricket,Bollywood,local politics etc. but from
exam point of view such things are not very important.
from the newspaper, keep a habit of noting down following things in a separate file:

Government related

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Creation/merger of departments/ministries/government organizations.

New policies, schemes for agriculture, weaker section, education etc.
Allocation by planning Commission.
Any landmark judgments of the high court.
any new bill/act in the state legislative assembly

Economy

1.
2.
3.
4.

New government initiatives to bring more investment and boost economy, tourism.
Signing of MoUs,
New oil/gas plants or pipelines etc.
SEZ allocation, building of new national highway/expressway etc.

Environment/science
related

1. News related to wildlife, seasonal migration of birds etc.

2. news related to launching of projects for renewable energy, soil conservation, combating
desertification etc.

Persons/places in news

1. Any athlete from the state, participating in an international level sporting event.
2. Any author/artist/sportsman from the state, getting state, national or international level
award.
3. Death of any important person. (Business tycoon, author, dancer, writer etc.)
4. Location of any city where international or national level conference/event is being held.
5. Location of any place where military exercise is taking place.

Reasoning & Mental Ability

Reasoning & Mental Ability

For reasoning, the book remains same as usual:
A modern Approach to Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning by Dr. RS Aggarwal (S.Chand Publication).
First finish the topics listed in the official syllabus:
Logical Reasoning (Deductive, Inductive, Abductive)
Topics as per official syllabus.

Approach

1. Statement and Assumptions,

2. Statement and Argument,
3. Statements and Conclusion,

RS Aggarwals book: Section II (Logical deduction), chapter No. 2 to 8.

4. Courses of Action.
5. Analytical Reasoning.
If the time permits, also go through the first chapter (logic/syllogism)
If youve already MK Pandeys Book (analytical reasoning) as part of your SBI PO preparation, then first understand the
theory from part I of his book and then use RS Aggarwal as practice work.
For additional practice, you may also use previous years IBPS/Bank PO papers.

Mental Ability
Topics as per official syllabus.

Approach (RS Aggarwals book)

1. Number series

1, 16

2. Letter series

10

3. Odd man out

Chapter 3

4. Coding-Decoding

Chapter 4

5. Problems relating to Relations

Chapter 5 and 6

6. Shapes and their sub sections. Non-verbal reasoning section: chapter 4,7,14.
In above topics, there is hardly any theory or formulas. The only way to attain speed and accuracy is through practice. So do
all the sums from those chapters of his book.
Once this is done, also get an overview of other chapters of his book as well.
Reasoning For GS Mains!
Curiously, RAS even has reasoning topic in its GS (Mains) Paper 2 syllabus.
It contains all of the topics mentioned above + Venn Diagrams.
For Venn Diagrams, do following Chapter #9 of RS Agarwal. But it only deals with Logical venn diagram and not maths
based venn diagrams (e.g. in a society 30 people drink coffee and 40 drink tea then..) so for that type maths based Venn
diagrams, either refer NCERT maths class 11 chapter 1 or go through your quantitative aptitude book.

Basic Numeracy
The syllabus mentions very basic level topics.
Use whatever book youve for quantitative aptitude (RS Aggarwal, Tyra, Sarvesh Kumar anything is fine) and prepare topic
listed in the official syllabus viz.
Official syllabus
Elementary knowledge of

What to prepare?
Practice BODMAS, surds-indices related questions

Elementary knowledge of
Mathematical analysis.

Practice BODMAS, surds-indices related questions

Statistical Analysis

Averages. + Basic formulas for mean, median and mode and definition based question. For this
refer NCERT Class 11 Statistics, Chapter 1 to 4.

Number System

HCF, LCM, remainders.

Order of Magnitude

Comparison of fraction. NCERT Class 7 Chap 2, 9.

Ratio and Proportion

NCERT Class 8 Chap 13. then practice sums from your quantitative aptitude book.

Percentage, Simple and

Compound Interest

All these can be easily solved once your basic concepts of % is clear. go through
Mrunal.org/aptitude

Data Analysis (Tables,

Bar diagram, Line graph,
Pie-chart).

This portion doesnt have much theory or formulas. (Except for the pie-charts).
Hence the only way to improve speed and accuracy is through practice.
So, Practice the Data interpretation (DI) cases from previous years SSC CGL and BankPO
question papers. The DI questions BankPO require very lengthy calculations, but I dont think
thatll be the case with RAS.

Do not just stop ^here. Because the RAS Mains GS paper II also has maths topics in its syllabus- Including Time and Work,
Time, Speed and Distance, area-volume-perimeter! So while youre in the momentum, try to finish them as well.
Dont just read the sums, solve them on your own. Otherwise in the exam, youll make silly mistakes while plugging the
values in the equations and silly mistakes in calculations.
do maintain a diary: whatever formulas, shortcut techniques, special type of questions you come across, note them here.
Even note down whatever mistakes you make while solving sums- to prevent them from happening in future.

Conclusion
1. Good or bad, whatever was your experience with UPSC CSAT 2013, leave it there and start preparation with a fresh mind.
2. Dont be in overconfidence that just because Ive cracked xyz exam earlier so this is a pappu exam for me. Competition is
merciless, reading-revision is necessary.
3. If youve applied for this exam, then focus on your studies only. Dont waste time in day-dreaming, facebook, orkut, random
net surfing, chatting, TV, cricket, weddings of distant relatives etc. Time-pass activities will always be there, but once you
cross the age-limit, there is no restart button. (This rule applies to all competitive exams.)
4. When you get bored reading General studies, then solve maths / reasoning questions. when you get bored with maths /
reasoning, then resume your General studies preparation.
5. I cant do maths or I cant do science, yeh mujse nahi hoga, woh mujse nahi hoga= these are all losers excuses. Im not
from a good college/ Im not from English medium =these are all inferiority complexes. Success in Government recruitment
exams only depends on your score in written exam and interview. So, avoid losers excuses and inferiority complexes and
commit yourself to the hardwork and leave rest in the hands of God.

Free study material, Download links

RAS Exam related Technical details:
courtesy: Mr.csl80 for these details.

2012s prelim paper

click me
https://files.secureserver.net/0sU4TvbvGiB72C

Mains papers of 2008 and 2010

Cutoffs for 2012s Prelims
Syllabus

Go to this link and download whatever PDFs you require:

https://files.secureserver.net/0fHXKGPK4piZyE

Notification for 2013s Exam

Press Note regarding reforms in RAS exam

RAS Specific Study material

1.Rajasthans Five year plan document

https://files.secureserver.net/0sTWYRF8vkNc6J

2.Rajasthans Budget
3.Accountancy and related material

https://files.secureserver.net/0s15UHzeMgVVFs

3.Accountancy and related material

https://files.secureserver.net/0s15UHzeMgVVFs

4.District Administration

NCERT and NIOS (Essential/Core)

Go to following link: https://files.secureserver.net/0fHCh0CLd6Az63
Youll find the material organized in various folders. Click on individual folder and download zip files. Here is the description
about the contents of individual folder:
Folder

Comment

History

Contains NCERT history chapters from class 7 to 12, in three zip files: ancient, medieval and Modern
+NIOS Culture material

Science

Contains class 7 to 10 NCERT Science in three zips: physics, chemistry, biology.

+NIOS Science material. (although there will be lot of overlapping)
Class 11, 12 Science books given in the peripheral section below.

EnB

Economy

Contains selective chapters from class 6 to 12 from science and geography textbooks that are relevant
for Environment and biodiversity.
+NIOS material for environment and biodiversity EnB.
Contains NCERT class 11 + NCERT 12 Macro economics
+NIOS economy material.
Class 12 Micro-economics not included because not worth the time for CDS. Although download link
in the peripheral section below.

Geography

Contains NCERT class 6 to 12 in five zip folders: physical, India, World, Agro and glossary.
+NIOS material on geography (although lot of overlapping)

India yearbook
Earlier government used to upload free PDF files for India yearbook (e.g. India 2010, India 2011 etc.)
But for the RAS prelims, you should prepare a few static topics for it, from MCQ point of view. so, just download the India
2011 edition click me
And read chapter following chapters
1.Land and the People
2.National Symbols
3.The Polity (for polity)
20 Justice and Law (for polity segment)
30. State and UT (for geography related questions, also give specification attention to Rajasthan topic under it.)

Softwares
1. Majority of these PDF files provides direct copying of text. => That means you can use Mrunals autonotemaker to quickly
make notes and mindmaps out of it, just use mouse cursor to highlight a particular line /phrase and my software will copy its
text in a separate file. for more instructions click me
2. Foxit PDF reader. (necessary prerequisite for using Mrunals autonotemaker) click me

NCERT and NIOS (Peripheral)

Read these if depending on your time and mood.
NIOS

Single folder contains many courses from NIOS: sociology, political science etc. download as per your
time, mood and requirement.
NCERTs

Biology

12 Biology

Download

Chemistry

12 Chemistry 1

Download

Chemistry

12 Chemistry 2

Download

Download

Chemistry

12 Chemistry 2

Download

Economics

12 Introductory Microeconomics

Download

Economics

10 Understanding Economic Development Class X Social Science Download

Economics

Physics

12 Physics 1

Download

Physics

12 Physics 2

Download

Economics for Class 9

Download

Political Science 12 Contemporary World Politics Political Science Class 12

Download

Political Science 12 Political Science 2 for Class 12

Download

Political Science 11 Political Theory Political Science Class 11

Download

Political Science 11 Indian Constitution at Work Political Science Class 11

Download

Political Science 7

Social and Political Life Part 2 Class 7

Download

Political Science 8

Social and Political Life Class 8

Download

Social sci.

10 Democratic Politics Part 2 for Class X Social Science

Download

Sociology

12 Sociology Indian Society

Download

Sociology

12 Sociology Social Change and Development in India for

Download

Sociology

11 Introducing Sociology Class 11

Download

Sociology

11 Understanding Society Sociology Class 11

Download

World history

Download

World history

10 India and the Contemporary World 2 Class X Social Science

India and Contemporary World 1 for Class 9

Download

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72 comments to [Strategy] RAS 2013 Prelims: booklist, study material, approach, cutoffs, previous
papers, syllabus of Rajasthan State & Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Exam

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Siddharth
Reply to this comment
thank you in advance for your much awaited article on UPSC mains

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