There could be many newspapers and channels cited for UPSC current affairs preparation. However, few are productive and contain all-in-one information to go through when preparing for IAS. Among the numerous current affairs resources, The Hindu is preferred by most of the IAS aspirants. The Hindu can be very productive when read efficiently and smartly.
Here we will breakdown some of the best ways to read The Hindu and how you can make the most of it:
Here’s How to Read the Hindu for UPSC Preparation
One will not master the art of extracting relevant information from newspapers, beginners need time. You will gradually learn, and once you have mastered the fundamental concepts, your perspective on the exam and preparation will be turned upside down.
That’ll be the point at which you’ll begin to enjoy the preparation process. Take it slow and enjoy the process rather than treating it as a hectic work only to qualify the exam.This is critical in order to get the most out of this cycle.
It will take a long time at first. It will take 4 to 5 hours per day to study the newspaper alone. Another hour will be spent cutting and filing them. However, you will gradually learn which news is important and which is not. When it comes time for the exam, you will notice that your effort will put you far ahead of the competition in terms of GS score.
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What is the Best Way to Read the Hindu for UPSC?
How can you read The Hindu efficiently? How much time is sufficient for reading The Hindu? Which topics or current affairs sections are relevant from The Hindu? Sit right there because we got all your queries covered up.
Points to Remember
Be Syllabus Aware: In order to read relevant news articles, you must be aware of the UPSC syllabus so you don’t waste your time on irrelevant topics.
Quick Read Up: Skim through headlines and have a piece of overall information regarding what is going around you. Never miss editorials or letters to the editors because they help you form opinions.
Never Leave the Thursday Edition: Currently, the Thursday edition of The Hindu has excellent coverage on science and technology which is asked majorly in Prelims and Mains examination.
Avoid Unnecessary Headlines: Any current affairs based on celebrities or their films won’t help you much for selection, so avoid wasting your time on it.
Focus More on Politics and Parliament: News that holds national and international importance like any verdicts, policies, parliamentary discussions, etc. should be given more significance.
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Some More
Time to Give: This may appear to be a three to four-hour job but you need to cut it down to one-hour daily which will eventually turn into one of your regular reading habits.
Know the Basic Terms: Before reading The Hindu, make sure that your basic foundation is strong so you don’t get confused or worked up while coming across new terms, references, and terminologies in the newspapers.
Make Essential Notes: You are a human being, and you will forget things. To avoid that you must make notes. Make short and brief notes on the important news you regularly read on The Hindu.
These short notes will help you a lot to be handy at the end moment when exams are nearing. We reckon you keep a healthy track of news that concerns more government orders, bills, announcements, major incidents, etc. Avoid writing local news in this and stick to your syllabus.
Plus Points of Reading the Hindu
Reading The Hindu would turn out to be a real plus because it not only makes you worldly aware but also brushes up on your vocabulary. Reading The Hindu will aid your communication and writing skills that you will realize during your interview and Mains examinations. Being updated on current affairs also helps you form an opinion on any issue which can help you to take a thoughtful political stand in the future.
Well not just The Hindu, there can be other newspapers and sources to prepare for UPSC current affairs smartly.
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Which Newspaper is Best for UPSC?
It’s not advisable to focus or rely on just a single newspaper because you will not achieve a broader perspective. To answer your question, which is the best newspaper for UPSC? No newspaper is balanced to be called the best, as everyone has different focus areas, ideologies, and principles they follow or believe.
To gain a complete and honest perspective, you must go through every angle possible only by going through two to three newspapers and sources religiously. However, The Hindu newspaper and Indian Express are the most preferable to opt for.
The Hindu
The best part about The Hindu is that they publish news which matters! It’s away from superficial Bollywood matters or unnecessary sensationalism and believes in focussing in-depth on current headlines, politics, legislation, music, art, cinema, etc.
The Hindu maintains its reputation when it comes to giving qualitative content because it knows that its majority of readers are IAS aspirants.
Indian Express
It’s always important for IAS aspirants to go through this paper because they provide better coverage and insights on the union government and its politics. It has very informative editorials from eminent personalities, discussing major issues that should be brought to light. You must read this paper as they discuss political matters quite widely.
BBC
Through the British Broadcasting Corporation, you can get diverse knowledge about international news, business, weather, documentary programming, etc. It’s a great reading platform for UPSC aspirants because it gives an in-depth analysis of information and the stories behind them. Keeping up with the BBC news is quite a good and suggestible option, especially to keep up with International affairs.
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Business Standard
It’s a daily paper published by Business Standard Ltd since 1975. It will help you gain insights into India’s infrastructure, economy, stock, and currency markets. Through this, you will gain opinions and clarity on international businesses as well. This paper is available in many cities and towns of India; however, you can refer to it through e-papers.
Dainik Tribune
Established in 1978, this Hindi language-based newspaper is a good source for UPSC preparation. This paper holds a neutral stance while reporting news and is not biased in any manner. This will also improve your Hindi vocabulary and speaking skills. It is also available through its online sources.
Conclusion
Newspapers are a great way to boost up your General Studies scores. However, during this process, make sure not to form any partial opinions or strict beliefs regarding the news you read. Fix a specific time for these newspapers and read them religiously for twenty-one days, it will eventually turn into a good habit that will stay with you life-long.
Newspapers and sources mentioned above will give you a good gist of current affairs and regular updates. It is always recommended not to be dependent on just one source and not to clutter up with too many sources. A combination of two-three important, regular sources will keep you well prepared.
We will keep you updated with our regular blogs related to UPSC preparation. Stay tuned with us to know more about the UPSC related content.
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