<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>0003.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
<TEXT>


                                                            Exhibit 23.1
          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 1998 Indian Stock Option Plan of Rational Software
Corporation of  our report dated April 18, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial  statements and schedule of Rational Software
Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form  10-K) for the year ended March
31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California
August 4, 2000


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>