Rajasthan CET 2026 Graduate Level Exam Dates Announced: December 1-3

Rajasthan CET 2026 Graduate Level Exam Dates Announced: December 1-3

The Rajasthan Common Eligibility Test (CET) for graduate-level posts has been scheduled for December 1 to December 3, 2026. The announcement, made in December 2025, brings two major changes that will affect every candidate: negative marking and a longer certificate validity.

For the first time in this state-level exam, wrong answers will cost you marks. And instead of the usual one-year validity, the CET scorecard will now be valid for three years. These changes are expected to make the test more challenging and also more valuable for long-term job seekers.

Exam Dates Confirmed: December 1 to 3, 2026

The Rajasthan CET Graduation Level examination will be held over three days. The exact dates are December 1 (Tuesday), December 2 (Wednesday), and December 3 (Thursday), 2026. Candidates must appear for the exam on the date and shift mentioned in their admit card.

The official notification was released by the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSMSSB) in December 2025, giving aspirants nearly a full year to prepare. This early announcement is a departure from previous years when dates were often announced just a few months ahead. The extended preparation time is likely a response to the new negative marking system, which demands more thorough study.

The exam is expected to draw lakhs of applicants, as the CET is the gateway to multiple government jobs in Rajasthan, including positions in departments like education, revenue, and police. In earlier years, the exam had no negative marking, and the score was valid for only one year. That made it easier for candidates to attempt questions with some guesswork. Now, every wrong answer will reduce the total score.

Key Changes for Rajasthan CET 2026: Negative Marking and Extended Validity

The two most important changes in the 2026 exam are negative marking and the extended validity of the scorecard.

Negative marking means that for every incorrect answer, a fraction of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. The exact penalty has not been announced yet, but it is common for such exams to deduct one-third or one-fourth of a mark per wrong answer. This will discourage random guessing and reward candidates who have studied the syllabus thoroughly.

Certificate validity has been increased from one year to three years. Once you take the CET and get a score, that score can be used to apply for graduate-level jobs for the next three years. You do not have to take the exam again every year. This is a big relief for many candidates who previously had to reappear annually just to keep their score active.

These changes were confirmed by multiple sources. NDTV first reported the dates. The Times of India provided the complete schedule. Careers360 highlighted the negative marking and passing marks criteria. Bhaskar English noted that the exam will be tougher overall. All sources agree on these key points.

How the Changes Impact Candidates for Rajasthan CET 2026

The introduction of negative marking will change how candidates prepare and attempt the paper. In earlier years, if you were not sure about an answer, you could guess without penalty. Now, guessing can cost you marks. This means you have to be more careful and only mark answers you are confident about.

Coaching centers in Rajasthan are adjusting their strategies, adding more mock tests that simulate the new pattern with negative marking. Students are advised to focus on accuracy rather than speed alone. Practice with previous year papers will still help, but candidates must now learn to manage the risk of losing marks.

The longer validity of three years changes long-term job planning. Earlier, if you missed the opportunity to apply for a job within one year, your CET score was useless. Now, you have three years to find a suitable opening. This reduces the pressure to immediately get a job after the exam and saves time and money.

However, with more candidates having a valid score for three years, competition for each job may increase. More people will be eligible to apply, making the selection process tougher. Your score needs to be high enough to stand out among a larger pool of applicants.

Rajasthan CET 2026: Complete Schedule and Timing Details

The exact timings for each shift have not been made public yet, but the exam will be conducted in multiple shifts over the three days. The complete schedule with shift timings is available on the official RSMSSB website. Candidates should check their admit card for the specific date, shift, and reporting time.

Usually, the CET is held in two or three shifts per day, with each shift lasting about two to three hours. The exact duration and number of questions will be confirmed in the detailed notification. In past years, the graduate-level CET had 150 questions covering general knowledge, reasoning, mathematics, and language proficiency. The new pattern will likely retain the same number of questions but with the added negative marking.

Passing marks have also been introduced for the 2026 exam. Candidates need to score a minimum percentage to qualify. The exact passing marks will depend on the category and will be announced closer to the exam. This is another change from previous years when there were no prescribed passing marks for the CET.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Rajasthan CET 2026

While negative marking and validity are new, the basic exam structure and syllabus remain largely the same. The CET Graduate Level exam continues to cover the same subjects:

• General Knowledge and Current Affairs
• Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Mathematics and Numerical Ability
• Hindi and English Language Knowledge

The number of questions and the marking scheme (other than the new penalty) are expected to be similar to previous exams. However, the board has not yet released the official detailed notification for 2026. Candidates are advised to study the syllabus from previous years while waiting for the updated brochure.

There is no change in the eligibility criteria: candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Age limits and reservation policies remain as per Rajasthan government norms. The application fee structure is also unchanged.

Effective Preparation Tips for Rajasthan CET 2026

With negative marking, preparation needs to be more focused on accuracy. Here are some practical tips for candidates:

Study the syllabus thoroughly. Do not skip any topic. Now, every correct answer matters, and every wrong answer costs marks.

Practice with mock tests that include negative marking. Take these regularly to get used to the penalty system. Time yourself and aim for a high accuracy rate, even if it means attempting fewer questions.

Focus on weak areas. Use the extended preparation time to strengthen subjects you find difficult. Do not rely on shortcuts that may lead to errors.

Revise current affairs regularly. Make a habit of reading newspapers or monthly current affairs compilations. With negative marking, you cannot afford to guess on current affairs questions. You must know the facts.

Join study groups or coaching if needed. Many coaching centers are updating their courses to align with the new pattern. If preparing on your own, connect with fellow aspirants to share resources and discuss strategies.

Remember, the three-year validity means you do not have to rush. Focus on getting the highest possible score rather than just passing.

Official Links and Next Steps for Rajasthan CET 2026

The official website of the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board is rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in. All official notifications, including the detailed schedule, syllabus, and application form, will be published there. Candidates should regularly check the website for updates.

The application process for the 2026 CET Graduate Level exam is expected to open in mid-2026. Candidates should start gathering required documents: educational certificates, identity proof, category certificate if applicable, and passport-sized photographs.

Admit cards will be released a few weeks before the exam. They will contain the candidate’s roll number, exam center, date, shift, and timings. Make sure to download and print the admit card as soon as it is available. Also, carry a valid photo ID to the exam center.

For any queries, candidates can contact the RSMSSB helpline or visit the board’s office in Jaipur. Social media groups and education news websites will also provide regular updates.

The Rajasthan CET 2026 is shaping up to be a more rigorous test, but the three-year validity offers a longer window for job seekers. Prepare smartly, stay updated, and aim for accuracy. The new rules are meant to select the most deserving candidates, and with disciplined effort, success is within reach.