Smart Preparation Strategy for RJS Prelims: Bare Acts, PYQs & Mocks

The Rajasthan Judicial Service (RJS) Preliminary Examination for 2025 is scheduled for 27th July 2025. The RJS preliminary examination is not just a test of memory but of smart legal understanding, time management, and strategic preparation. With the Prelims acting as the first filter for judicial aspirants, a targeted approach focusing on Bare Acts, Previous Year Questions (PYQs), and Mock Tests can significantly boost your chances of success. 

In this blog, we outline a smart preparation strategy that is focused, efficient, and rooted in the actual demands of the RJS Preliminary Exam. 

Bare Acts: The Cornerstone of Legal Preparation 

Importance of Bare Acts: 

The RJS Prelims is largely objective in nature, with a strong emphasis on direct legal provisions. Understanding and memorizing the Bare Acts is non-negotiable. Questions are frequently lifted directly from statutory language or closely paraphrased. 

What to Focus On: 

Important Laws for RJS Prelims: 

• Constitution of India, 1950 
• Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 
• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 
• Civil Procedure Code (CPC), 1908 
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872 
• Indian Contract Act, 1872 
• Transfer of Property Act, 1882 
• Specific Relief Act, 1963 
• Limitation Act, 1963 
• Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023   
• Bhartiya Sakhsya Adhiniyam, 2023   
• Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023   
• Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 
• Hindu Adoption & Maintenance Act, 1956 
• Hindu Succession Act, 1956 
• Hindu Minority & Guardianship Act, 1956 
• Partnership Act, 1932 
• Registration Act, 1908 
• Minor and Local Laws 

How to Approach Bare Acts Smartly: 

• Underline Key Sections: Focus on definitions, powers, procedures, time limits, exceptions, and provisos. 
• Use Color Codes: Differentiate between frequently asked sections and lesser-important ones. 
• Daily Revision: Read at least 2 Bare Acts every day, rotating them weekly. 
• Charts & Tables: Summarize procedural timelines, differences (e.g., summons vs warrant cases), and hierarchies of courts.

PYQs: Your Blueprint to Understand the Exam Pattern 

Importance of PYQs: 

PYQs (Previous Year Questions) reveal the examiner’s mindset, frequently asked themes, and legal provisions most often tested. 

What to Do with PYQs: 

• Solve last 10 years of RJS Prelims questions. 
• Make a question-wise and subject-wise logbook — jot down sections frequently tested. 
• Identify repeated sections or pattern shifts. 
• Use them to cross-check your understanding of Bare Acts. 
• Time yourself while solving PYQs to simulate exam pressure. 

PYQ Integration: 

• After reading a section from the Bare Act, immediately solve related PYQs. 
• Mark questions you got wrong and revise those sections again.

Mock Tests: The Practice Ground 

Importance of Mock Tests: 

Mocks simulate the real exam environment and help you master: 

• Time Management 
• Question Prioritization 
• Accuracy 
• Endurance for a 2-hour paper 

Smart Mock Strategy: 

• Start Weekly: Begin with one mock test per week. 
• Increase Frequency: Gradually move to 2–3 mocks per week in the last month. 
• Analyze every test thoroughly — find out why you made errors. 
• Build a "Mistake Notebook" for silly mistakes, tricky options, and overlooked sections. 

Real-Time Simulation 

• Always take mocks in the actual exam slot to train your biological clock. 
• Avoid distractions and simulate real exam pressure.

Integrated 3-Phase Study Plan 

Phase 1 (Days 1–15): Foundation Building 

• Focus on reading Bare Acts – 3 major laws per day. 
• Solve PYQs after each Act. 
• Attempt 1 mock test per week. 

Phase 2 (Days 16–30): Reinforcement 

• Begin second reading of Bare Acts with short notes. 
• Revise PYQs. 
• Attempt 2 mocks per week. 
• Start using charts, timelines, and flowcharts for procedural laws. 

Phase 3 (Days 31–45): Final Boost 

• Focus on revision and error correction. 
• Attempt 3 full-length mocks/week. 
• Revise important landmark judgments and static GK. 
• Quick brush-up of sections with high question frequency. 

Final Tips 

• Consistency beats intensity: Read and revise every day. 
• No substitute for Bare Acts: Keep them at the center of your preparation. 
• Keep stress at bay: Practice mindfulness or short breaks for clarity. 
• Stay Exam-Oriented: Focus only on what’s relevant for RJS. 

Resources You’ll Need 

• Standard Bare Acts  
• PYQ Compilations (RJS Specific) 
• Mock Test Series 
• Revision Notebooks 
• Landmark Judgment Summaries (optional for Prelims) 

Conclusion

The RJS Preliminary Exam rewards smart preparation, not just hard work. By anchoring your strategy around Bare Acts, PYQs, and Mocks, you can align yourself with the exam’s expectations and drastically improve your chances of success. 

Remember, every correct answer in the prelims is a step closer to the Bench. So, prepare smart, stay consistent, and trust the process.