Winning Strategy for Working Professionals to Crack RAS Prelims
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- 26 Nov 2024
Preparing for the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) while managing a full-time job is a challenging task. Balancing a full-time job with RAS exam preparation comes with challenges like long working hours, mental fatigue, and limited time for focused study often making this journey daunting. In addition to the unpredictability of work demands, access to resources, and the constant pressure to perform both at work and in studies.
As much as managing job and exam preparation is challenging, it is also rewarding enough. In fact, many working professionals have successfully cracked the RAS by adopting a success strategy for RAS, smart time management, and focused preparation. The key lies in balancing your work responsibilities with your study schedule in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you but drives you toward success.
This blog is designed to guide you through Exam Preparation Tips that blends your professional life with your exam preparation effectively. From mastering time management to choosing the right resources, this guide is tailored for Working Professionals who are committed to excelling in the RAS exam alongside their regular job.
Strategy for Working Professionals
To effectively crack the RAS examination as a working professional, for starters, it is essential to first analyze the syllabus and identify the key resources that align with the exam's demands. Here are some key strategies that can help working professionals:
Time Management
- Create a Study Schedule
- Assess Available Time: Identify the hours you can dedicate to studying each day. You should be able to take out at least 3-4 hours.
- Prioritize Topics: Allocate more time to usually considered challenging subjects like Rajasthan history, art & culture, math and reasoning and current affairs.
- Set Daily Goals: Break down your study material into manageable sections and set daily targets. Pick one major subject daily (e.g., History, Polity, Geography) for 2 hours and Rajasthan portion for 1 hour along with newspaper reading.
- Online Course: RAS Prelims Live Online course specifically designed for competitive exams can teach you techniques like prioritization, efficient scheduling, and balancing work and study. Platforms like Drishti PCS offer tailored programs for aspirants managing dual responsibilities. Join now – Drishti RAS Foundation Live Batch!
- Optimizing time during working hours
- Utilize Commute Time: Turn your travel time into productive hours by listening to audio notes, podcasts, or YouTube lectures. Platforms like Drishti PCS provide concise and exam-oriented material to stay updated on current affairs and key topics.
- Micro-Learning: Use short breaks at work to revise flashcards, take quick quizzes, or read summaries. Dedicate 10-15 minutes of your lunch break to revise key points or important facts.
- Digital Notes: Keep e-materials on your phone or tablet for easy access during downtime.
- Utilize Weekends Effectively
- Weekend Power Study Sessions: Use weekends for longer study hours. Attempt mock tests, revise key topics, and deep-dive into difficult subjects during these periods.
- To attempt mock tests, check out Drishti RAS Prelims Test Series 2024!
- Use this time for revision and to catch up on any missed study sessions during the week.
Smart Study Techniques
- Foundation Course
- A Foundation Course like Drishti RAS Prelims course, Drishti RAS Foundation course, RPSC Prelims Course, RAS/RTS Prelims course is essential for building a strong base. It will streamline your preparation. Working professionals can join evening, or weekend classes usually available for RAS.
- Check out Drishti RAS Prelims Course!
- A Foundation Course like Drishti RAS Prelims course, Drishti RAS Foundation course, RPSC Prelims Course, RAS/RTS Prelims course is essential for building a strong base. It will streamline your preparation. Working professionals can join evening, or weekend classes usually available for RAS.
- Pomodoro Technique
- Work for 25 minutes (a "Pomodoro") followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. It boosts focus, prevents burnout, and helps track productivity. Summarize topics in your own words. Use mnemonic devices to remember factual data.
- Visualization
- Use mental images, diagrams, or charts to simplify and retain information. Methods include mind maps, flowcharts, memory palaces, and sketch notes. It boosts understanding, retention, and recall by engaging visual memory.
Resources and Notes Making
- Standard Books: For foundational understanding
- Rajasthan Specific: Rajasthan Adhyayan by Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education.
- Indian Polity: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth.
- Indian Economy: Ramesh Singh or Nitin Singhania’s Indian Economy Notes.
- NCERTs: For history, geography, polity, economy, general science (6th–12th grade).
- Drishti Books – RAS Series:
- Geography of Rajasthan, India & World and Environment & Ecology
- Economy of Rajasthan, India & World
- Indian Polity, World Politics and Public Administration
- GENERAL HINDI & GENERAL ENGLISH
- Sociology, Management, Accounting & Auditing, Administrative Ethics, Behaviour, Law, Sports & Yoga
- History of Rajasthan, India & World and Art & Culture
- Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Online Resources
- RPSC official website for updates
- Drishti RAS
- Drishti PCS YouTube channel for free video lectures
- Notes
- Create crisp, topic-wise notes. Use diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps for better retention.
Leveraging Current Affairs
- Read daily news from Drishti PCS for staying consistently updated with news and for quick revision, refer to monthly compilations offered by Drishti PCS
- Try to solve daily current affair quiz
Practice and Revision
- Previous Year Papers
- Solve last 10 years’ RAS Prelims question papers. Understand recurring patterns and important topics.
- Mock Tests for Prelims and Answer Writing Practice
- Attempt at least one full-length test every week for which you can join Drishti RAS Prelims Test Series 2024. Analyze results to identify weak areas. Learn Time Management for RAS Prelims Examination.
- Focus on Writing Practice for Mains
- Allocate time to practice answer writing. Focus on structure, clarity, and sticking to word limits. To join mains test series check Drishti RAS Mains Test Series
- Revision Strategy
- Revise at least 20% of your notes weekly to retain information.
- Last-Month Focus: Focus only on your notes, previous year questions, and mock test analysis. Revise at least twice before the exam. Use self-made notes for quick reference.
Focus on Rajasthan-Specific Topics
- Prioritize Rajasthan's Geography (deserts, rivers, plateaus, minerals, Important geographic locations), History (dynasties, freedom fighters, Important events) and Culture (folk dances, music, festivals, fairs). Use maps to visualize and remember locations.
Work Life Balance
- Inform your employer or team about your exam preparation. Use flexible work arrangements if possible (WFH or reduced hours). Avoid overtime or additional responsibilities during the preparation phase.
- Stress Management: Practice mindfulness or meditation for 10-15 minutes daily. Avoid negative thoughts and maintain a growth mindset.
- Physical Fitness: Incorporate light exercises or yoga into your routine to stay active. Maintain a healthy diet to boost energy levels.
- Daily Affirmations: Remind yourself why you started this journey. Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated.
- Seek Peer Support and Mentorship:
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with like-minded aspirants to discuss topics and share resources.
- Can also join Drishti RAS Foundation course
Conclusion
Cracking the RAS Prelims for Working Professionals may seem challenging, but with time management for RAS, success strategy, exam preparation tips, smart planning, consistent effort, and the right resources, success is within reach. The secret is to stay disciplined, make the most of your available time, and use technology to your advantage. Remember, it’s not about working hard for hours on end, but working smart and maintaining a steady pace. With perseverance and dedication, you can ace the exam and move one step closer to your dream career in the Rajasthan Administrative Services.
Stay confident and keep moving forward – your dream job is closer than you think!
