Newspapers play an essential role in preparing for the UPSC Exam. In order to get good marks and clear the exam, an aspirant must know how to read newspapers for UPSC and make notes from them. Candidates must understand that reading a newspaper typically and reading a newspaper for UPSC are different and require a strategic approach. Regular newspaper reading is necessary to get practical knowledge of the UPSC CSE Syllabus. The newspaper covers almost all significant events, both national and international, contributing to a better understanding of the subject. The Hindu, the Indian Express, and The Economic Times are some of the best newspapers for UPSC preparation.

Read this Blog further to learn tips and tricks for reading newspapers for UPSC preparation and some strategies for newspaper reading. Here is a thorough guide on how to read newspapers for the UPSC exam. Let us get started without any delay.

Select the Correct Newspaper: Selecting the right newspaper for the UPSC exam is a must to crack the UPSC CSE. There are a number of newspapers in the market, like The Times of India, The Indian Express, and The Hindu. Just do thorough research about the things.

Time Limit for Newspaper: The candidates should allot a specific time in their daily routine. Two hours to two and a half hours is sufficient time to read and finish the newspaper. Do not allocate more time to the newspaper because it will hamper the preparation of other components of the IAS preparation. The candidates should read and finish the newspaper daily. The candidates should not read the previous day’s newspaper the next day. Because it will pile up one day and the candidate will feel the pressure of it.

Important News First:

Candidates should read the national news or the headline news of the newspaper and do a little research on that. The events of national importance are always asked in the UPSC exams. The candidates should always read the current events of national and international importance. It must be covered daily.

After finishing the national news, the candidates should search for any new initiatives of the states or the technology institute so they can be covered and their background should be researched. The candidate should not waste his time on the crime news and petty politics news such as the robbery news, crime news, political statement of leaders.

It is not essential to read the editorial daily because sometimes the editorial is not important from the perspective of the UPSC exam. The candidates should avoid wasting their time on sports news.

Prepare notes from the Newspaper:

The candidates should prepare notes from the Newspaper. The notes can be divided into two parts, objective information and subjective information. The objective information is the factual data provided by the Government of India and various reputed research agencies. Candidates can use these data in substantiating their answers in the IAS main exam. It will be very helpful while writing the essay and the Ethics answers. Subjective information is the personal opinions and critical views of eminent personalities.

Connect with Current Affairs: Relate the article’s content to current affairs and recent developments. Understanding the context of the article’s publication date will help you make relevant connections during revision.

Bringing It to an End:

Reading the newspaper will help you in all the stages of the UPSC IAS exam: the prelims, the mains, and the interview. It is also an excellent habit that will go a long way in making you a well-informed, socially aware, and sensitive human being. Above, we have discussed how to read the newspaper for the UPSC exam. Always remember that becoming an expert newspaper reader is just a tool for your ultimate objective of passing the UPSC exam.