Best Monthly Magazines for Current Affairs for UPSC: Here’s a List of Magazines to Ace UPSC

You are probably wondering why a topic regarding the best monthly magazines for current affairs for UPSC is being given so much importance. Well, preparing for the UPSC’s Civil Service Exam is clearly no joke. The syllabus released every year is expansive and is capable of giving any potential aspirant constant night terrors.

While many masters have the courage to actually sit down, plan out and study the given syllabus, memory retention still remains a major concern even with the most studious and disciplined of aspirants. And this is exactly where certain magazines for UPSC prove to be crucial.

Let’s take a look at the best magazine for UPSC along with other current affairs sources which will help you prepare better for the exam.

Importance of Current Affairs in UPSC

Magazines are a great way to summarize the week’s or the month’s important events of both national and international importance. Especially from the point of view of CSE preparation, magazines offer an A to Z analysis of whatever has made it to the newspapers, including criticism and discussions.

A good magazine also comes packed with expert advice on exam preparation, success stories and mock tests for practice.

Of course, you must read the newspapers daily, refer to study books and practise the question papers from previous years. But, skipping out on magazines is never advisable.

Reading a magazine is the equivalent of revising what all you’ve read in the newspapers over a period of time. So, thumbs up for memory retention.

How do Magazines Help in UPSC Preparation?

Magazines can be a singular, all-encompassing source of information about a subject, while a newspaper’s grasp of the subject is fragmented. Articles on a particular topic are published by numerous industry professionals in a magazine like Yojana or Kurukshetra, which provides the topic coverage broad and from multiple perspectives, which are extremely important in preparing a Mains response.

The UPSC test is primarily about analysis and conceptualizing, and these UPSC Exam publications make it easier and more understandable to do so.

Reading the newspaper is a fantastic habit, but reading magazines complements it as a revision and retention tool. The UPSC Mains syllabus is wide; anything that is noteworthy in current news may be applicable to any area in the syllabus; periodicals can help you identify this connection, and if used wisely in our Mains solutions, would offer us an advantage over others.

5 Best Magazines for UPSC

Since the UPSC does not release an official list of magazines that must be referred to, here you can get a compiled list of 5 exemplary magazines based on popular opinion, expert reviews and topper recommendations.

Economic and Political Weekly

Popularly known as EPW, this magazine for UPSC is a must-read for every IAS aspirant, especially if you want to ace your mains.

Although a magazine in design, EPW is more like a literary forum where you can find the criticism, discussions and comments by important political leaders, businessmen, academicians, researchers and other notable names in India.

It is a great source to gain knowledge in the subjects of sociology, politics, economics, culture and environment.

Down to Earth

Given the pattern of CSE in the past few years, the topic of the environment has gained noticeable weightage. This fortnightly magazine, Down to Earth will not only help you prepare for topics under the environment, but also any other ones of national interest, including economic security, livelihood, and health.

It is of great help in all three qualifiers.

Yojana Magazine

Undoubtedly, you’ve already heard of this one before you even got here. This magazine is recognised as the best magazine for UPSC.

This current affairs monthly magazine comes packed with genuine facts, as the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting publishes it. This magazine is your one-stop-shop for all events that are of national importance, including various government legislations and initiatives, socio-economic problems, as well as credible criticism of them by the who’s who of the country.

Kurukshetra

This is another one of the best magazines for UPSC published by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. But unlike the former, this specifically covers news and events pertaining to agriculture and rural India.

Although not as crucial as Yojana, Kurukshetra is still mandatory if you want to brush up on your knowledge and assessment of the government’s standpoint.

Monthly Preview by PRS

This magazine is of great help in consolidating the facts related to all government reforms, policies, and bills passed.

Since current affairs maintain high weightage in your examinations, you cannot afford to miss out on the important official policies and programmes initiated in the economy lately.

Other Best Magazines for UPSC

Besides these 5 magazines, there are many other good reading options available in the market. A few of them include the following:

# Science Reporter

# Frontline

# World Focus

# Competition Success Review

# Civil Services Times

# Pratiyogita Darpan

# Geography and You

To crack your prelims, mains, and even the personality test, you must have an all-around knowledge regarding any topic presented to you.

Best Current Affairs Magazine for UPSC

If you are wondering which magazine is best for UPSC, read the following section:

Pratiyogita Darpan

This publication, which is available in both Hindi and English, is one of the most popular among government job applicants. The journal has proven to be of tremendous value for its readers, with an emphasis on current affairs, employment-related events, toppers’ interviews, excellent articles on universal subjects, and solved questions of competitive examinations.

Civil Services Times

It gathers research materials from the most reputable sources, such as government agencies’ and ministries’ websites, the media information bureau (PIB), and so on. The in-depth articles on different topics are written using questions from past examinations as a guide. This exam-focused magazine addresses all of the exam’s important topics, including national, international, and international relations, technology and science, and the economy.

Geography and You

Geography and You (in English) and Bhugol Aur Aap (in Hindi) are bi-monthly magazines that cover many aspects of science, technology, and sociology from across the world. This magazine is useful for answering questions on the environment and geography in the Prelims and Mains. This has been one of the most popular publications among candidates interested in geography.

Also Read: What is the Bhoodan Movement? History, Philosophy, Aim and Key Points for UPSC 2021

Competition Success Review

It is a hugely popular magazine amongst students studying for competitive tests in several fields, and it is sometimes shortened to CSR. Because of its all-encompassing format—both for Prelims and Mains—it is considered necessary by the majority of civil service hopefuls. Every issue includes a summary of events happening around the world and at home. It is a constant element of interviews for civil service candidates. It also features CSE toppers’ success stories, which are beneficial to hopefuls.

World Focus

Since 1980, it has been a leading Indo-centric international affairs publication. It examines and debates global topics from an Indian viewpoint. Every month, policy analysts, legislators, experts, diplomats, prominent researchers, decision-makers, and people of eminence submit to World Focus.

Current events, India and world relations, economic diplomatic, foreign policy, and national security problems are covered in the World Focus. It is beneficial to candidates in the Preliminary and the Mains General Studies 2 exam, as well as the Personality Test.

Chronicle

Chronicle is another brand name that is well-known among students and in the industry. The book is well recognised for UPSC Civil Services and other comparable competitive exams and is popularly known as Civil Services Chronicle, the name under which it was initially published.

This monthly magazine assists candidates in being more exact in their preparation and adjusting to a time zone that best suits their needs. For improving competitive preparation level, there are many tests, suggestions, and unique features such as mock exams and do’s and don’ts in interview sessions.

Another notable characteristic of this publication is that it is created with the reader in mind.

LearnEnglish Magazines by British Council

LearnEnglish is an online platform run by the prestigious British Council where young learners may improve their English speaking, writing, and listening abilities. E-magazines in both general and business English are available on the website.

A student will be able to increase his or her vocabulary and comprehension skills by understanding and studying a range of subjects. Furthermore, the e-magazine includes a collection of activities that aid in the understanding and efficient use of the language.

Samanya Gyan Darpan

Pratiyogita Darpan and Samanya Gyan Darpan are both from the same book. Only general knowledge and economics are covered in the magazine. It’s difficult to get an English edition of this magazine because it’s primarily published and sold in Hindi. As a result, it is one of the most popular general knowledge and current events magazines in Hindi for competitive examinations.

The Economic Times

The Economic Times magazine is another excellent resource for individuals taking undergraduate or postgraduate examinations. The journal, as its name suggests, focuses on economic concerns and potential or complete remedies.

The material is a trustworthy source and is delivered in an organized and well-structured style since it is produced by a respected news organisation. The magazine also includes some op-ed pieces that may be used to prepare for civil service interviewing and other competitive exams.

Also Read: Cryptocurrency in India: Here’s Every Information About its Rise and Significance for UPSC

Magazines Recommended by IAS Toppers

Yojana

Whether it’s freshly announced government initiatives or the YOJANA, one of the finest UPSC publications, the word “Yojana” is an important component of UPSC preparation.

It is strongly recommended due to its legitimacy since it is printed by the  Government of India.

Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is a monthly periodical produced by the Government of India’s Ministry of Rural Development. It is mostly concerned with concerns of rural development.

This magazine is now one of the finest monthly publications for UPSC preparation since it primarily provides a government’s viewpoint on an issue along with essential facts and analysis.

Down to Earth

We’ve seen that most nations and international bodies, including the UPSC, have expanded their attention and focus on the ecosystem and climate change.

The Centre for Science and Environment contributes to this biweekly journal on environmental politics and development, which may be used as a reference for significant themes in both the Prelims and Mains Syllabus.

Economic and Political Weekly

EPW is also distinctive and the best available affairs magazine for UPSC preparation since it is the outcome of a forum where ideas from various social science fields are exchanged – political scientists discuss with economic experts, social scientists read what statisticians have to say, historians research what economic experts have to say, and many more.

PRS Legislative Research

The goal of this monthly publication is to improve the legislative process by making it more informed, transparent, and interactive.

The material of this magazine provides ready-to-use information for UPSC students interested in keeping track of laws and policies that have been passed or are ongoing in the legislature.

Best Current Affairs Apps

Current Affairs 2019 General Knowledge Quiz

When it refers to GK and current events, this is among the most talked-about applications. You have the right to obtain the most up-to-date news and answers to your queries on the move because the app is updated on a regular basis.

India GK

India GK is one of the most comprehensive Current Affairs apps, with over 20,000 questions and answers covering a wide range of topics.

Crazy GK Trick

If you’re searching for a knowledge bank that will allow you to take away well-referenced material on a variety of topics, Crazy GK Trick is the way to go.

Daily Current Affairs 2019

This is another remarkable Current Affairs app with a fluid layout and easy navigation. There is a slew of additional useful features in the Daily Current Affairs Edition 2019.

World GK Quiz App

This GK quiz app is well-known for its useful material, which aids users in improving their general knowledge about our country and the rest of the world.

India GK Questions and Answers – Quiz Test

If you’re searching for a great app to help you learn more about sports, history, literature, notable individuals, and states, this is the application for you.

GK Today – Current Affairs and GK

GK Today, it is one of the most well-known and widely used platforms for publishing GK and Current Affairs for competitive exams such as UPSC Civil Services, SSC, Banking, NDA, IBPS and others.

Current Affairs 2019 (eBook and Quiz)

Current Affairs 2019 is a good place to start if you need reliable knowledge about current events for examinations (eBook and Quiz).

News by TOI (Times of India)

The Times of India app is among the most effective venues for users to get the most up-to-date English news, important news, political news, Bollywood trivia, pictures, and more.

FAQs

Which Magazine is Best for UPSC Current Affairs?

If you’re short on time and need to select one of the many publications available on the internet, go for Yojana magazine without thinking much. It is crucial for both UPSC Prelims and IAS Mains because of the India-centric themes and trustworthy facts and statistics.

Which Current Affairs Magazine is Best for UPSC?

Yojana magazine is the best for the UPSC exam. You can also go for Pratiyogita Darpan which is available in both English and Hindi.

Which Newspaper is Best for UPSC?

The Hindu or The Indian Express have typically been applicants’ preferred newspapers for UPSC preparation. Other publications, such as Livemint or the Economic Times, can be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Also Read: National AYUSH Mission: Important Topic for UPSC GS Paper III Notes

Is Kurukshetra Important for UPSC?

Kurukshetra is an essential publication for UPSC preparation. However, because the journal exclusively covers rural development concerns in India, applicants should consult at least one other publication for current events.

What are Some Good Quotations for GS and Essay papers in the UPSC Main Examination?

Using quotations in your UPSC Mains answers or essays may offer a lot of value. Aspirants for the IAS should compile a compilation of quotes from notable historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Gautam Buddha, and others.

How Do You Take Notes for UPSC Current Affairs from a Newspaper?

Focus on UPSC syllabus-relevant editorials, economic news, constitutional amendments, defence-related news, and foreign events.

What is the Best News Channel for UPSC Preparation?

For UPSC preparation, IAS aspirants use the government network Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV). Here is a list of programs:

# The Big Picture

# Bharat Ek Khoj

# Sarkaar ki Duniya

# Policy Watch

# Science Monitor

# State of the economy

How Many Months of Current Affairs are Required for the IAS Exam?

For the UPSC test, a typical rule is to refer to at least 12 to 15 months of news or current affairs. For example, the UPSC Prelims 2021 will be held in June, therefore candidates should begin studying current affairs in March or June 2020 as part of their IAS preparation.

Which Monthly Magazine is Best for UPSC?

Yojana magazine, which is published by the Indian Government, is the best magazine for UPSC preparation.

Conclusion

UPSC is not your average entrance examination where you simply put your knowledge to the test. It demands the application of the knowledge you’ve gained from your study conceptually and diagnostically.

These are the best monthly magazines for current affairs for UPSC, that will help an aspirant like you gain that all-encompassing information and its related perspectives.

If you want a full-stacked course for current affairs, you can check out UPSC Pathshala’s Pathshala Express: Current Affairs Program.

Also Read : CSAT Books for UPSC: An Effective Strategy for UPSC Prelims CSAT Preparation