Hello Everyone, Myself Shubham Bajaj, Currently serving as an IPS officer of the 2021 batch in the West Bengal cadre. I feel incredibly fortunate to have cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in all of my three attempts. I owe immense gratitude to my mentors, whose guidance and unwavering belief in my potential propelled me forward. Hence, it is my sincere desire to share my experiences and insights with aspiring UPSC candidates, hoping to inspire them on their own journeys towards public service.
In this article, I humbly seek to share few insights that I have gathered during my preparation regarding effective newspaper reading. When it comes to reading newspapers for the UPSC exam, it’s important to approach it strategically to maximize your output while minimizing time and effort.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Choose the right newspaper: The Hindu and The Indian Express are two popular newspapers known for their comprehensive coverage of current affairs. Pick only one that suits your preferences and stick to it consistently. In my experience, The Hindu has wider coverage and hence is bit more useful for Prelims exam. However, Hindu at times is over critical of government and its policies which may not be an ideal way to approach Mains exam. For Mains, it is recommended to choose a newspaper that provides balanced opinions and comprehensive coverage of current affairs. The Indian Express is a suitable choice as it offers a nuanced perspective on issues and events.
- Focus on the important sections: For UPSC exam preparation, focus on the following sections:
- Front Page: This section covers major national and international news.
- National News: Look for news related to governance, policies, and social issues.
- Editorial and Opinion Articles: These provide in-depth analysis and different perspectives on important issues. Also effectively use Explained section In Indian Express.
- Economy/Business News: Focus on topics like government policies, budget, economic indicators, etc.
- Science and Technology: Stay updated on the latest scientific developments and their implications, especially if they can have long term impact on India
- International Relations: Pay attention to news related to India’s foreign relations, global affairs, global organizations and regional developments
- Avoid spending time on irrelevant news like politics, celebrity gossip, sports, or entertainment unless it has significant national or international implications.
Key is to keep the UPSC syllabus in mind and target areas which are most relevant to the syllabus.
- Time Management: Limit your newspaper reading time to a maximum of 90 minutes per day. At any cost do not spend more time on newspaper than this. Practice the art of skimming through less important parts of the news.
- Note-taking: While reading newspapers, it is not necessary to make detailed notes. However, you can keep a diary or note book which you can divide into sections based on GS 1, GS 2 GS 3, GS 4, Essay and Optional subject. In this section wise key points, important data, quotes, or examples can be noted down that can be used in your mains answer writing. This practice will help you in providing relevant and well-supported answers during the examination. Kindly understand this is not notes making process from newspaper. This is just for extra content which you may not find in Monthly Magazines. Maximum 8-10 lines can be noted from newspaper not more than that. Ideally try revising this note book once a month.
- Make use of online resources: Initially, you can supplement your newspaper reading with daily newspaper analysis videos from reputed coaching classes like Next IAS, BYJU, Unacademy and OnlyIAS or any others which you find relevant and cpncise. These videos offer insights, explanations, and additional context to help you understand complex issues better especially in initial stages of preparation.
- Follow monthly magazines or compilations: Alongside newspaper reading, it is advisable to follow monthly current affairs magazines such as Vision IAS or any other reliable publication. These magazines provide a consolidated overview of important events and issues. Thus, making it easier to revise and retain information.
- Supplementation with Informative Channels: In addition to reading newspapers, it is beneficial to watch informative programs on channels like Sansad TV, The Print. These channels cover discussions on policy-making, governance, and important parliamentary proceedings. Optimize your time by enjoying videos during your meals or while engaging in physical activities like walking or exercising.
Maintaining a consistent habit of reading newspapers is crucial for UPSC at least in initial phases of preparation.
By remaining committed to daily news reading and building a strong foundation, you will enhance your understanding of current events and be better prepared for the exam. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by lack of knowledge initially, remember that with time and dedication, you will progressively grow and learn. While engaging in discussions with your peers, it’s advisable to avoid unnecessary arguments or debates solely for the purpose of showcasing your knowledge. These discussions can be time-consuming and divert your focus from effective preparation.
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