RPSC has gone ahead with conducting the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) Mains Examination 2025 on June 17, despite widespread protests and demands from students to delay the exam. Thousands of aspirants gathered at exam centres across the state early this morning to appear for the first session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while the second session is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
The decision to conduct the exam as per the original schedule has sparked reactions across the student community, especially as protests, hunger strikes, and public appeals had intensified over the past week. Aspirants expressed disappointment that their concerns were not addressed by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), which released admit cards on June 14, confirming the exam dates.
“We were hoping for a postponement given the circumstances. But now we just want to focus and do our best,” said one candidate outside a Jaipur exam centre.
Ongoing Protests and Legal Backdrop
Protests began earlier this month with students demanding that the RAS 2023 cycle be concluded before starting the 2024–25 process. Many claimed that uncertainty around the pending results had affected their preparation. In some regions, students launched hunger strikes to intensify their demands, with several being hospitalized due to health complications.
Anticipating legal action, the RPSC filed a caveat in the Rajasthan High Court. This move ensures that the commission must be heard before any court decision is made regarding a stay or postponement of the exam.
What the Students Want: Four Key Demands
The protesting aspirants have listed four primary demands:
- Declare RAS 2023 Results First
Students insist that the previous recruitment cycle must be completed before a new one begins, to avoid overlap and confusion. - Access to Answer Sheets from RAS 2023 Mains
Aspirants are seeking transparency by requesting their evaluated answer sheets from the previous cycle. - Defer Mains for Armed Forces and Border Candidates
Many candidates from military backgrounds and remote areas are struggling with travel and connectivity. They’ve asked for a fair chance through postponement. - Annual Exam Calendar
The demand for a fixed calendar is gaining ground. Aspirants want RPSC to release a predictable schedule for all recruitment exams to better plan their studies and timelines.
Key Details of RAS 2025
- Prelims Date: February 2, 2025
- Vacancies: Increased from 733 to 1,096
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- Mains Dates: June 17 and 18, 2025
- Exam Timings:
- Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
All candidates were instructed to report at least one hour before the scheduled time. Entry was strictly closed once the exam started, in accordance with RPSC guidelines.
The Road Ahead
Although the RPSC has moved ahead with the examination, the larger concerns raised by the aspirants remain unresolved. The demand for transparency, fairness, and structured scheduling continues to echo across social media and student forums. As the Mains examination enters its final day on June 18, all eyes will be on the Commission’s next steps—and whether it chooses to engage with the concerns of thousands of hopeful candidates across Rajasthan.
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