Jaipur, Oct 30 (IANS): Women candidates set to take the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) exam can appear only if they are wearing a salwar suit or saree, a directive issued by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has said.

The RPSC has issued the manadatory dress code for men as well, saying: "The boys appearing in the competitive examination would only be allowed to appear in half sleeve shirts and slippers (chappals) or sandals without socks," an RPSC official said.

"The full sleeve shirts are not allowed, so are the shoes," he added.

Similarly, girls appearing in exam can only be dressed in a salwar suit or saree and "for them too only slippers or sandals are allowed" he said.

The move is intended to curb possibilities to cheat in exams, the official added.

Besides, at least 17,000 invigilators have been deputed to keep a close watch on the candidates appearing in exam in 1,232 centres spread all over the state.

Over 4.07 lakh are appearing in the exam and at least 7,000 police personnels have been deployed to conduct the exam in a peaceful manner. A total of 200 flying squads would be pressed into service to conduct surprise checks.