Common time-wasting activities candidates should avoid during UPSC preparation include excessive social media usage and binge-watching television shows or movies. Procrastination can stem from overloading with irrelevant materials instead of focusing on the syllabus. Distracting environments, such as studying in noisy spaces, can also hinder productivity. Frequent distractions from mobile devices or unproductive browsing should be minimized. Therefore, creating structured timelines and adhering to self-set limits on recreational activities can help candidates concentrate better and maximize their study time.