Curious about the kind of questions asked in the RAS interview? You might have searched online, asked people, and still not found a clear answer. Since there’s no official list, we’ve analyzed past interviews to give you a structured insight into what to expect.
The RAS interview, conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), is a crucial step in one of the state’s most competitive exams. It goes beyond testing your knowledge—it evaluates your personality, critical thinking, communication skills, and ability to handle real-world administrative challenges.
In this blog, we break down the different types of questions commonly asked in the interview, along with real questions from past candidates. From Rajasthan’s general knowledge and governance-related issues to personal motivations and problem-solving scenarios, this guide will help you prepare with confidence.
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General Knowledge and Current Affairs
A significant portion of the interview revolves around understanding the candidate’s awareness of current events, national and international affairs, and specific issues related to Rajasthan.
Examples:
- Global Issues: “What is the South China Sea, and what issues are associated with it? What is India’s stance on the dispute?” This question tests the candidate’s awareness of international geopolitics and India’s position on critical issues.
- National Issues: “What is India’s current GDP, and how does it reflect the state of the economy? What was the impact of demonetization on India’s GDP?” This assesses the candidate’s grasp of the Indian economy and its developments.
- State-Specific Issues: “What is the biggest problem faced by Rajasthan, and what potential solutions can be implemented?” This question gauges the candidate’s understanding of local governance challenges.
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Rajasthan-Specific Knowledge
A deep knowledge of Rajasthan’s history, geography, economy, and governance is expected. Candidates must be able to discuss Rajasthan’s unique features, as well as the state’s ongoing development challenges and opportunities.
Examples:
- “What are the key geographical features of the Jodhpur region, and how do they impact its development and economy?” This question probes into geographical and economic knowledge specific to Rajasthan.
- “Why is Rajasthan considered a slow-growing state, and what are the key factors influencing its growth?” Here, the question assesses the candidate’s understanding of the state’s economic growth dynamics.
- “What are the benefits of organic farming, especially in Rajasthan, and how can it be promoted further in the state?” This question tests knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices in Rajasthan.
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Administrative and Legal Knowledge
Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the legal and administrative framework of Rajasthan. Questions here often focus on the candidate’s understanding of governance, laws, and the functions of various administrative positions.
Examples:
- “What is Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and how does it relate to maintaining law and order?” This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of legal provisions and their role in maintaining public safety.
- “What is the difference between an SDM and an SDO, and how do their roles complement each other in administration?” This tests knowledge of administrative hierarchy and the duties of specific officers.
- “What is the administrative hierarchy above the Tehsildar in Rajasthan, and how does it affect governance at the local level?” This checks the candidate’s understanding of local governance structure.
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Personality, Motivation, and Career Aspirations Questions
In addition to technical knowledge, the interview panel is keen on understanding the candidate’s personality, motivation, and aspirations. These questions explore personal values, career ambitions, and suitability for the civil services.
Examples:
- “Why do you want to join this service? The government invests a significant amount of money in training; how will you utilize your professional knowledge in the role?” This question is designed to assess the candidate’s motivation and long-term vision.
- “What are your hobbies? How do they relate to your personality and skills, and how can they contribute to your effectiveness in this role?” Here, the panel explores personal interests and how they align with administrative responsibilities.
- “Why do you want to join RAS from the education department? Lecturer are considered a prestigious post too, so why shift to RAS?” This question looks into the candidate’s career choice and aspirations.
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Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
RAS candidates are expected to think critically and solve problems efficiently. The interview questions often test how a candidate would handle real-life administrative challenges, including public safety, crisis management, and social welfare.
Examples:
- “Imagine you are an SDM, and you arrive at the site of a road accident where two people are dead, two are injured, and two are trapped inside a vehicle. What would be your immediate actions in this situation?” This question tests crisis management skills and the ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
- “If you were made an SDM, what actions would you take there?” The interview panel assesses the candidate’s approach to governance and decision-making.
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Ethical and Social Responsibility Questions
Ethical behavior and social responsibility are core components of public administration. Candidates are often asked questions related to their understanding of ethical governance and social issues.
Examples:
- “What is mob lynching, and what are some recent incidents related to it? What steps should the government take to curb such incidents?” This question examines the candidate’s views on social justice and the role of governance in maintaining law and order.
- “Farmers are committing suicides due to financial pressure. What do you think are the causes, and what suggestions do you have to prevent this?” This question addresses socio-economic issues and the candidate’s ability to suggest solutions for improving farmers’ welfare.
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Handling Stress and Overcoming Challenges
The RAS interview also seeks to determine how well candidates handle stress and maintain their composure in high-pressure situations. Some questions can be challenging, designed to gauge how the candidate reacts.
Examples:
- “If you didn’t plan to pursue a job in engineering, why did you choose to study engineering in the first place?” This question might be posed to test how well the candidate reflects on their past decisions and growth.
- “What would have been your next step if you hadn’t cleared the R.A.S. exam this time? And what if you didn’t clear it again in the future?” This tests resilience and a growth mindset in the face of setbacks.
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Knowledge of Historical and Cultural Aspects
Questions on Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, history, and important landmarks are also common. These questions are designed to evaluate the candidate’s general knowledge of the state’s rich heritage.
Examples:
- “Who was the chief guest at the Sahitya Akademi Awards? Which Rajasthani creation won the Sahitya Akademi Award, and for what?” This tests knowledge of Rajasthan’s cultural contributions.
- “What is the significance of the Aravalli range for Rajasthan?” This question explores geographical knowledge specific to the region.
Conclusion
The interview is a comprehensive assessment that tests a candidate’s general awareness, administrative knowledge, personal motivations, ethical stance, and problem-solving abilities. Questions can range from current affairs and legal provisions to personal aspirations and the candidate’s ability to handle administrative duties effectively.
By understanding the types of questions asked in the interview and preparing accordingly, candidates can ensure they present themselves as knowledgeable, capable, and well-rounded individuals suited for a career in public service.