⚖️ Rajasthan APO Exam Scheme & Syllabus 2026
Master the New Criminal Laws (BNS/BNSS/BSA) alongside IPC/CrPC/Evidence Act
📅 Syllabus Released: 19 June 2026📄 View Official Syllabus PDFs
The Home Department (Prosecution), Government of Rajasthan, has officially published the comprehensive scheme of examination and detailed syllabus for the recruitment of Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO). This recruitment is a golden opportunity for law graduates aspiring to serve in the state prosecution wing. The syllabus, dated 19 June 2026, outlines a rigorous two-stage selection process that requires deep knowledge of both the historical and contemporary criminal justice systems.
What makes this notification unique? Unlike standard law exams, the Rajasthan APO syllabus explicitly mandates the study of both the new penal codes (BNS, BNSS, BSA enacted in 2023) and their older counterparts (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act of 1860/1872/1973). This is a deliberate and intelligent move by the examination board to test a candidate's grasp of the legal transition period. Candidates preparing for this exam must adopt a comparative study approach to succeed.
In this detailed guide, we break down the exact exam scheme for the Preliminary and Main Examinations, provide a section-wise syllabus roadmap, highlight the key differences between the old and new laws, and offer a strategic preparation plan.
📋 Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Home Department (Prosecution), Government of Rajasthan |
| Post Name | Assistant Prosecution Officer |
| Exam Stages | Preliminary (Objective) & Mains (Written) |
| Prelims Total Marks | 100 (Law 70 + Language 30) |
| Mains Total Marks | 400 (Law 300 + Language 100) |
| Qualifying Marks (Mains) | 40% (35% for SC/ST) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd marks deducted per wrong answer in Prelims) |
| New Criminal Laws Covered | BNS (2023), BNSS (2023), BSA (2023) |
| Old Criminal Laws Covered | IPC (1860), CrPC (1973), Evidence Act (1872) |
| State & Special Acts | Rajasthan Excise Act, SC/ST Act, POCSO, JJ Act, Arms Act, Unfair Means Acts, Probation of Offenders Act |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Detailed Syllabus & Scheme | 19 June 2026 |
| Release of Official Recruitment Notification | To be notified (Check Rajasthan Government official portals) |
| Start of Online Application | To be notified |
| Preliminary Examination Date | To be notified |
| Main Examination Date | To be notified |
Note: The dates are not yet published in the syllabus PDF. Candidates should regularly monitor the official Rajasthan government job portals.
📊 Scheme of Examination – Preliminary (Objective Type)
The Preliminary Exam is designed to screen candidates based on their fundamental legal knowledge and basic language proficiency. Marks scored in the Prelims are NOT counted towards the final selection. It is purely a qualifying stage.
| Part | Subject | Marks | No. of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Law | 70 | 70 | 2 Hours |
| Part B | General Hindi | 15 | 15 | |
| Part B | General English | 15 | 15 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Negative Marking Rule: For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks prescribed for that particular question shall be deducted.
📚 Syllabus – Preliminary Examination
📌 Part A: Law (70 Marks)
The Law portion of the prelims focuses on the core fundamentals of criminal jurisprudence, covering both the newly enacted Bharatiya laws and the historic British-era codes.
- BNS 2023 (Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita): Preliminary (S1-3), General Exceptions (S14-44), Offences against Woman & Child (S63-99), Offences against Human Body (S100-146), Offences against Public tranquility (S189,190,191,194), Offences against Property (S303-334).
- IPC 1860: Introduction (S1-5), General Explanation (S6-52A), General Exceptions (S76-106), Principle of Joint Liability (S34, 149), Offences affecting Human Body (S299-377), Offences against Property (S378-462).
- BNSS 2023 (Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita): Preliminary (S1-5), Constitution of Criminal Courts (S6-20), Powers of Courts (S21-25), Arrest of Persons (S35-62), Process to Compel Appearance (S63-93), Security for Peace (S125-129), Maintenance of Wives/Children (S144-147), Public Order (S152-167), Investigation Powers (S173-196).
- CrPC 1973: Preliminary (S1-5), Courts (S6-25A), Powers (S26-31), Arrest (S41-60A), Appearance (S61-90), Security for Peace (S106-110), Maintenance (S125-128), Public Order (S133-148), Investigation (S154-176).
- BSA 2023 (Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam): Preliminary (S1-2), Relevancy of Facts (S3-9, 12,13, 22-24, 26, 39-45, 47-49), Oral Evidence (S54-55).
- Indian Evidence Act 1872: Preliminary (S1-4), Relevancy (S5-11, 14,15, 24-30, 32, 45-51, 53, 53A, 54), Oral Evidence (S59-60).
- Special & State Acts: SC/ST Act 1989 (S1-2, S3-9), Arms Act 1959 (S1-2, S3-12), Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (S1-2, S4-9, S10-26), Rajasthan Excise Act 1950 (S1, S3-7, S8-10A, S11-15), POCSO Act 2012 (S1-2, S3-12), RP Unfair Means Act 1992 (S1-8 & Schedule), RP Unfair Means Act 2022 (S1-10, Schedules I & II), Probation of Offenders Act 1958 (S1, S2, S3, S4, S6).
📌 Part B: Language (30 Marks)
General Hindi (15 Marks): Vilom Shabd, Upsarg, Vakyansh ke liye Sarthak Shabd, Sandhi & Sandhi-Vichchhed (excluding exceptions), Parishibhashik Shabdavali (English to Hindi), Shabd Shuddhi, Vakya Shuddhi.
General English (15 Marks): Tenses, Active-Passive Voice, Determiners, Prepositions, Modals (Obligation, Request, Permission, Prohibition, Intention, Condition, Probability, Possibility, Purpose, Comparison, Contrast, Concession), One Word Substitution.
📊 Scheme of Examination – Main (Written)
The Main Examination is the decisive stage. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in both papers to be considered for the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Law | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Language (General Hindi 50 + General English 50) | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 400 |
Minimum Qualifying Marks: The minimum qualifying marks for each paper shall be 40%. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), this qualifying percentage is relaxed by 5%, bringing it to 35%.
📚 Syllabus – Mains (Paper I: Law – 300 Marks)
The Law paper in Mains is exhaustive and demands detailed knowledge of the specific chapters and sections mentioned. The syllabus is divided into 4 major parts covering the new and old codes, along with special acts.
📌 Part-A: BNS (Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023)
Candidates must cover Chapters I to XX explicitly, including the following sections:
- Ch-I Preliminary (S1-03)
- Ch-II Punishments (S04-13)
- Ch-III General Exceptions (S14-44)
- Ch-IV Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy & Attempt (S45-62)
- Ch-V Offences against Woman & Child (S63-99)
- Ch-VI Offences affecting Human Body (S100-146)
- Ch-VII Offences against the State (S152)
- Ch-XI Offences against Public Tranquility (S189-197)
- Ch-XII Offences by/relating to Public Servants (S198, 199, 200, 202, 204)
- Ch-XIII Contempt of Public Servants (S206, 208-213, 217, 221, 223, 224, 226)
- Ch-XIV False Evidence & Offences against Public Justice (S227-235, 238-240, 249, 250, 253, 254, 257, 259-263, 266, 267, 269)
- Ch-XV Offences against Public Health/Safety/Morals (S270, 281, 286-288, 291, 294-296)
- Ch-XVII Offences against Property (S303-334)
- Ch-XVIII Offences related to Documents & Marks (S335-338)
- Ch-XIX Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Defamation (S351-356)
- Ch-XX Repeal and Savings (S358)
📌 Part-B: Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Ch-I Introduction (S1-5)
- Ch-II General Explanations (S6-52A)
- Ch-III Punishments (S53-75)
- Ch-IV General Exceptions (S76-106)
- Ch-V Abetment (S107-120)
- Ch-V-A Criminal Conspiracy (S120A & B)
- Ch-VIII Offences against Public Tranquility (S141-160)
- Ch-XVI Offences affecting Human Body (S299-377)
- Ch-XVII Offences against Property (S378-462)
- Ch-XX-A Cruelty by Husband/Relatives (S498-A)
- Ch-XXIII Attempt to Commit Offences (S511)
📌 Part-C: BNSS & CrPC
BNSS (Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023): Covers Chapters I to XX, XXIII, XXVI, XXIX, XXXI, XXXII, XXXIII, XXXV, XXXVI, XXXVII, XXXIX.
CrPC 1973: Covers Chapters I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI, XXIV, XXXIII.
📌 Part-D: BSA & Evidence Act
BSA (Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023): Covers Chapters I, II, III, IV, V, VII, IX, X, XI, XII and the Schedule.
Indian Evidence Act 1872: Covers Definition (S1-4), Relevancy (S5-55 excluding certain sections), Oral Evidence (S59-60), Documentary Evidence (S61-75, 85A-C, 88A, 89, 90, 90A), Burden of Proof (S101-114A), Witnesses (S118-134), Examination of Witnesses (S135-161), Improper Admission/Rejection of Evidence (S167).
📌 Part-E: Special & State Acts (Detailed Mains Syllabus)
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Ch-I, Ch-II (S3-9), Ch-IV (S14, 14A, 15), Ch-IV-A (S15A), Ch-V (S18-20).
- Arms Act, 1959: Ch-I, Ch-II (S3-12), Ch-III (S19-24B), Ch-IV (S25-33), Ch-V (S34-41, 45, 46).
- Rajasthan Excise Act, 1950: Ch-I (S1, 3-7), Ch-II (S8-10A), Ch-III (S11-15), Ch-IV (S16-24, 26-27), Ch-VIII (S43-53), Ch-IX (S54-70), Ch-X (S71), Sch-II.
- POCSO Act, 2012: Ch-I (S1-2), Ch-II (S3-12), Ch-III (S13-15), Ch-IV (S16-19), Ch-V (S20-23), Ch-VI (S24-27), Ch-VII (S28-42).
- RP Unfair Means Act, 1992: S1-8 & Schedule.
- RP Unfair Means (Recruitment) Act, 2022: S1-17 & Schedules I & II.
- Probation of Offenders Act, 1958: S1-17.
- Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Ch-I (S1-2), Ch-II (S4-9), Ch-III (S10-26), Ch-IV (S27-30), Ch-V (S39-55), Ch-VI (S74-89), Ch-VII (S90-107).
📚 Syllabus – Mains (Paper II: Language – 100 Marks)
The Language paper tests the candidate's proficiency in official drafting, translation, grammar, and comprehension—skills essential for a prosecuting officer.
📌 General Hindi (50 Marks)
- Idioms & Proverbs: Meaning and usage of Muhavare and Lokokti.
- Translation: Translation of given English sentences and legal/administrative terms into Hindi.
- Precis & Heading: Summarizing a 200-word prose passage with an appropriate title, plus one comprehension-based question.
- Official Drafting: Drafting official letters, office orders, circulars, economic letters, tenders, notifications, press advertisements, and Vakalatnama (Power of Attorney).
- Essay Writing: An essay on a contemporary topic of about 250 words.
📌 General English (50 Marks)
Part A – Grammar & Usage: Tenses, Determiners, Phrasal Verbs, Subject-Verb Agreement, Words Often Confused/Misused, Synonyms, Antonyms, Modals (Obligation, Request, Permission, Prohibition, Intention, Condition, Probability, Possibility, Purpose, Comparison, Contrast, Concession).
Part B – Comprehension & Precis: Unseen Passage (approx. 300 words) with 6 questions (5 based on the passage + 1 based on vocabulary). Precis Writing.
Part C – Composition & Notice: Paragraph writing (approx. 250 words). Notice writing (approx. 100 words).
🧠 Key Insight: Prepare for the Criminal Law Transition
This syllabus is a masterclass in legal transition. The exam board has explicitly required candidates to master both the traditional framework (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act) and the modern framework (BNS, BNSS, BSA). This is not an oversight; it is a deliberate design.
Why is this critical?
- Comparative Questions: Expect questions that ask you to compare provisions (e.g., the changes to the law of bail, arrest, or evidence under BNSS vs CrPC).
- Section Numbers: Candidates must be careful. The section numbers in BNS have changed from IPC. For example, Section 302 of IPC (Murder) corresponds to Section 103 in BNS. Memorizing both section mappings is essential.
- Practical Application: An Assistant Prosecution Officer will be handling cases in court where both old and new cases are being tried. Thus, the exam tests your ability to apply the law across both eras.
Preparation Strategy for the New Laws:
- Read the original bare acts of BNS, BNSS, and BSA at least twice.
- Prepare a comparison chart mapping the key changes (e.g., punishment enhancements, new offences, new procedural rights).
- Study the state-specific acts (Rajasthan Excise, Unfair Means Acts) diligently, as these provide a unique advantage over candidates from other states.
⚠️ Critical Warnings for Aspirants
- Negative Marking in Prelims: Do not guess blindly. 1/3rd marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Only answer questions you are confident about.
- Mains Qualifying Marks are Strict: You must secure at least 40% in each Mains paper (Law and Language). If you fail to meet the cut-off in even one paper, you will be disqualified, regardless of your total score.
- SC/ST Relaxation: SC/ST candidates have a lower qualifying standard of 35%, but they must still prepare equally well to compete in the final merit list.
- Don't Ignore the Old Codes: Many candidates make the mistake of focusing solely on BNS/BNSS/BSA. The syllabus is clear: IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act are mandatory.
- Language Paper is Decisive: The language paper is worth 100 marks. Candidates who ignore it often lose out on crucial points. Practice official drafting and précis writing rigorously.
- Beware of Unfair Means: The syllabus explicitly includes the Rajasthan Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Acts. It is a clear warning that any malpractice will result in severe penalties, including a lifetime debarment.
📋 Special Dashboard – Official Syllabus PDFs
Download the official syllabus and scheme documents issued by the Rajasthan Home Department:
📄 Download Prelims Syllabus PDF
These PDFs contain the full text of the examination scheme and the detailed section-wise syllabus for the Preliminary and Main Examinations.
🔗 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Prelims Syllabus (PDF) | Download PDF |
| Mains Syllabus (PDF) | Download PDF |
| Rajasthan Govt. Jobs Portal | https://rajasthan.gov.in |
| Rajasthan Home Department | https://home.rajasthan.gov.in |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the selection process for the Rajasthan APO exam?
The selection process consists of two stages: an objective-type Preliminary Examination (100 marks) and a written Main Examination (400 marks).
Q2: What is the exam scheme for the Preliminary Examination?
The Prelims is an objective type test with 70% weightage to Law and 30% to Language (15 marks Hindi + 15 marks English). It has 100 questions to be answered in 2 hours, with a negative marking of 1/3rd for wrong answers.
Q3: What is the exam scheme for the Main Examination?
The Mains consists of a Law paper (300 marks, 3 hours) and a Language paper (100 marks, 2 hours). The minimum qualifying marks are 40% (35% for SC/ST).
Q4: Which new criminal laws are part of the syllabus?
The syllabus explicitly covers the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023.
Q5: Do I need to study the old IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act?
Yes. The syllabus explicitly mandates both the new acts (BNS/BNSS/BSA) and the older ones (IPC/CrPC/Evidence Act). A comparative understanding of both is crucial for the exam.
Q6: What topics are covered under the Law paper in Mains?
The Mains Law paper covers BNS, IPC, BNSS, CrPC, BSA, Evidence Act, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Arms Act, Rajasthan Excise Act, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, RP Unfair Means Acts, and the Probation of Offenders Act.
Q7: What is covered in the Language paper of the Mains?
Hindi covers idioms, legal translation, précis, official drafting, and essays. English covers grammar, comprehension, précis writing, and paragraph/notice writing.
Q8: Are the Preliminary marks counted in the final selection?
No. As per the scheme, the marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be counted towards the final selection. It is purely a screening stage.
Q9: Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable. For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks prescribed for that particular question will be deducted.
Q10: Where can I download the official notification for this post?
The official notification is available on the official website of the Rajasthan Home Department. The detailed scheme and syllabus PDFs are linked in the Special Dashboard section of this post.
📌 Conclusion – Your Roadmap to Cracking the APO Exam
The Rajasthan APO Exam Scheme and Syllabus 2026 is a well-structured, comprehensive blueprint for selecting top-tier legal talent for the state's prosecution wing. The biggest takeaway for aspirants is the dual emphasis on old and new criminal laws. This is not an exam you can crack by memorizing only the bare acts; it requires a strategic, comparative, and analytical understanding of how India's criminal justice system is evolving.
Your 4-Step Success Strategy:
- Master the Transition: Start by creating a side-by-side comparison of IPC vs BNS, CrPC vs BNSS, and Evidence Act vs BSA. Understand the conceptual changes.
- Hone the Language Skills: The Language paper accounts for 130 marks across Prelims and Mains. Practice official Hindi drafting and English comprehension daily.
- Prioritize the Special Acts: The Rajasthan Excise Act and the Unfair Means Acts are state-specific. Since the exam is for Rajasthan, these carry significant weight and can be high-scoring areas.
- Mock Tests & Time Management: The Prelims has negative marking. Practice mock tests to master time management and accuracy. The Mains requires deep writing skills; practice answering 300-mark law questions within 3 hours.
We at Sarkari Nokrii are committed to providing you with the most accurate and actionable exam insights. Stay tuned for detailed study material, previous year question analyses, and strategic articles to help you ace this examination. Good luck, and may your legal career take a brilliant flight!
Disclaimer: This post is based on the official syllabus and scheme documents released by the Rajasthan Home Department (Prosecution) on 19 June 2026. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official Rajasthan government portals. Sarkari Nokrii does not provide any legal or career advice. The information is for informational purposes only.