Demand To Postpone RAS Mains Exam Grows; Candidates Continue Hunger Strike In Jaipur
The call to delay the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Mains Exam 2024 is gaining widespread attention, with protests intensifying across Jaipur. Hundreds of aspirants have taken to the streets, urging the Rajasthan government to defer the scheduled exam dates of June 17 and 18, 2024, to September 2024, citing inadequate preparation time and administrative delays as major concerns.
Aspirants Protest Outside Rajasthan University and Government Offices
For the past several days, aspirants have been staging a hunger strike outside Rajasthan University in Jaipur. The protest, now drawing support from various sections, centers around one primary demand — that the RAS Mains examination be postponed by at least three months.
Candidates argue that due to the delayed announcement of the RAS 2023 final results, many students are caught in limbo. These aspirants, still awaiting confirmation of their selection in the previous cycle, are now also compelled to prepare for the 2024 exam under pressure. This overlap, they say, is unfair and could result in duplicate selections, pushing out deserving candidates from both years.
Why Aspirants Want the Exam Postponed
The core reasons behind the demand include:
- Pending RAS 2023 Results: Many aspirants who appeared in the previous cycle are still unsure of their outcome, yet they are expected to sit for the 2024 Mains without closure.
- Insufficient Preparation Time: Due to the uncertainty surrounding results and lack of timely announcements, candidates say they haven’t had adequate time to prepare for one of the state’s most competitive exams.
- Administrative Overlap: Students worry that those selected in both years may consume double the opportunity, which could impact fairness and merit-based selection.
The protestors are advocating that the state government allow at least a three-month buffer before conducting the exam to ensure transparency and preparedness.
Political Support Builds as Leaders Write to CM
The movement has not gone unnoticed in the state’s political circles. Over a dozen MLAs have reportedly written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, appealing for the exam to be deferred.
The leaders argue that the students’ concerns are valid and merit urgent attention. They emphasized that a well-prepared, mentally composed candidate is essential for efficient civil service, and rushing through the examination process could compromise the selection of the best talent for Rajasthan’s administrative framework.
Foot March, Peaceful Protests Gain Momentum
On May 27, 2024, RAS aspirants organized a peaceful foot march from Gopalpura to Riddhi-Siddhi in Jaipur. The march was part of a larger non-violent protest strategy aimed at drawing attention to their plight.
Lakshya Pratap Singh, a prominent student representative, voiced the collective sentiment, stating, “This government has always been sensitive to students’ concerns. We are hopeful that under the Chief Minister’s vision of ‘Ram Rajya,’ the demands of the students will be met with compassion and urgency.”
He further reminded the administration of how the previous government had accommodated a similar request during the RAS 2023 cycle, setting a precedent for positive action in student welfare.
Visit to Cabinet Minister and BJP Office Highlights Urgency
Earlier in the week, protestors also approached Cabinet Minister Kirodi Lal Meena’s residence to express their distress. Following that, they took their appeal directly to the BJP state office, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
Aspirants stressed that the short interval between Prelims and Mains, compounded by the pending result issue, makes it nearly impossible to compete effectively. Their message is clear: “We are not against the exam. We just want a fair chance to perform.”
Government Yet to Announce a Final Decision
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) or the state government regarding the possible rescheduling of the RAS Mains exam. However, with growing political backing and continuous public demonstrations, authorities may soon be compelled to respond.
Aspirants and activists alike are hoping for a swift and student-friendly resolution that balances administrative needs with academic fairness.
What’s at Stake?
The RAS examination is a gateway to prestigious positions in the state’s civil services, and lakhs of candidates prepare over several years for this opportunity. With so much riding on a single test, even minor changes in schedule or policy can have significant consequences.
The students are not merely asking for a delay; they are demanding a just and equitable evaluation system, where every deserving candidate has an equal chance to succeed.
Final Word: A Call for Compassionate Governance
The hunger strike and peaceful protests echo a larger sentiment — that aspirants are not protesting against the system, but asking for a fair shot at their dreams. With voices from students, legislators, and civil society now chiming in, the government is at a crucial juncture.
The decision to postpone the RAS Mains 2024 exam may not just affect an exam calendar, but could reflect the administration’s approach to youth, education, and opportunity in Rajasthan.