Writing RAS in Hindi or English

In most RAS examination centres, the majority of Mains answer sheets are written in Hindi. That is natural in a Hindi-speaking state where most candidates studied in Hindi-medium schools and read Hindi newspapers. But a substantial number of candidates write in English, and many ask whether one medium "scores better". The honest answer is that RPSC evaluates content, accuracy and presentation — not the language. The right medium is the one in which you write most precisely and most quickly.

What the rules allow

• The RAS Mains General Studies papers may be answered in Hindi or English, as permitted by the notification.
• Paper IV tests both General Hindi and General English, whichever medium you choose for the other papers.
• Check the current notification for any rules about using one medium consistently.

How to decide

Ask yourself five questions:

Then take a practical test. Write the same set of questions — five short, three medium and one long — in Hindi one day and in English the next, under time. Compare accuracy, coverage and speed, ideally with a mentor's help. For most candidates the answer becomes clear within a week.

Myths to set aside

• "English answers get more marks." There is no reliable evidence of this.
• "Hindi is easier." Only if your Hindi is precise; loose Hindi loses marks as surely as loose English.
• "Technical units must be written in English." Standard Hindi terms exist for accounting, management, geology and law; learn them.

The special challenge of RAS: technical units

RAS is unusual among state exams in its technical units — accounting and auditing, management, earth science, and behaviour and law. Candidates writing in Hindi need to know the standard Hindi terms; candidates writing in English need to know the English terms that Hindi sources use. A bilingual glossary solves both problems.

Add five terms a week, and use them consistently.

Writing precise short answers in Hindi

Because so many RAS questions are short, precision matters more than style. A common problem in Hindi answers is excessive preamble — a sentence about the importance of the topic before the answer begins. In a 15-word answer, there is no room for that.

Compare two answers to "What is social audit?":

• Weak: "सामाजिक अंकेक्षण एक अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण प्रक्रिया है जो लोकतंत्र को मजबूत बनाती है…"
• Strong: "लाभार्थियों व समुदाय द्वारा सार्वजनिक योजना के क्रियान्वयन की जनसुनवाई व अभिलेख-जाँच के माध्यम से जाँच।"

The second answers the question in the first word.

If you write in English

English-medium candidates have easier access to standard national books and reports, but face two challenges. First, many Rajasthan sources — GK books, newspapers, government publications — are in Hindi, so notes must be made carefully in English. Second, Paper IV still demands good Hindi. Do not neglect it.

Both languages matter

Whatever your medium, Paper IV tests both Hindi and English grammar, comprehension, précis, translation and letter-writing, plus an essay. A candidate who writes GS in Hindi still needs English accuracy, and vice versa. Put a little time into your weaker language every week.

Decide early and stick to it

Make the choice within the first two months and keep your notes in that medium. Switching late costs speed and consistency — and in a paper with forty questions, speed is everything.