Top Mistakes to Avoid in RAS Prelims Preparation 2026

Preparing for the RAS Prelims can be intense, especially with limited time. While following a smart strategy is key, avoiding these common pitfalls can make all the difference. Based on insights from trusted sources like Connect Civils, here’s a curated l

1. Ignoring Rajasthan-Specific Content Many aspirants treat RAS as if it were UPSC and focus mostly on national topics. But RAS gives significant weight to Rajasthan’s history, culture, geography, polity, and state schemes. Overlooking these can cost you many marks. 
2. Treating the Syllabus as Optional / Changing It Midway Some start reading random books or shift topics frequently. This causes loss of focus and overlap. Always stick to the official syllabus and avoid branching out into irrelevant areas. 
3. Delaying PYQs (Previous Year Questions):  Many aspirants postpone solving PYQs until later, thinking they’ll do them after covering all theory. That’s a mistake. PYQs teach you question style, important topics, and depth required. Use them early and often.
4. Not Taking or Ignoring Mock Tests :  No Test Analysis Skipping mocks or treating them casually is dangerous. Mocks help with exam temperament, speed, time management, and exposing weak areas. More importantly — analyze your mocks: find your mistakes, understand why you erred, and correct them. 
5. Poor Time Management: Spending too much time on favorite or easy topics while neglecting others, or not practicing under exam timing — leads to incomplete attempts in the real exam. Distribute your time wisely, and simulate exam conditions.
6. Neglecting Revision or Doing it Irregularly :  Covering topics once and moving on is a big trap. Without revision, facts and concepts fade. You must plan multiple revisions (1 day later, 1 week later, 1 month later) and keep short notes/flashcards to retain.
7. Using Too Many Sources / Overloading Material : Trying to read 5 books per subject, switching notes repeatedly — this causes confusion, contradictions, and poor coverage. Better to master a few trusted sources and revise them heavily.
8. Guesswork / Overattempting :  in Exam Without Strategy In RAS Prelims, wrong answers incur negative marks. Random guessing, overattempting, or getting stuck on tough questions wastes time and may lower your score. Always have an exam strategy: attempt confident questions first, skip doubtful ones, revisit if time allows. 
9. Ignoring Current Affairs : Especially State-level News Many aspirants focus only on national current affairs and ignore Rajasthan’s local developments, schemes, policies, etc. These state-level news items often appear in the exam. Maintain a separate Rajasthan Current Affairs notebook. 
10. Neglecting Health, Stress, or Burnout : Studying long hours without breaks, sacrificing sleep, not exercising — you may burn out, lose focus, or fall ill. A tired brain retains less. Take care of your health, manage stress, take breaks, sleep well.