Preparing for the UPSC exam is not an easy task, especially with the many things that you have to study. One of the primary aspects of this examination is the current affairs section. But how do youprepare for the current affairs section of the IAS examinations? What is the importance of newspapers in the preparation journey? And which is the best newspaper that will keep you updated on world events? Let us find out the answers to these questions and discuss some valuable tips in this article. Read on!

The Best Ways to Prepare for Current Affairs as an IAS Aspirant

If you are someone willing to prepare for the current affairs section of the IAS exam , then here are some of the best ways to do so:

• Read the Newspaper Regularly: Reading the newspaper is one of the best things you can do in order to prepare for current affairs. You will get a detailed view of the news and the happenings around the world. Try to choose a good newspaper after thorough analysis and ask the experts which is the best one for this purpose.
• Study the Past and Future Prospects of the News:When reading news, also try to read the back story of the news and try to understand the future prospects that it holds. You can use the Internet for this. An analysis of whatever you are reading is a good way to prepare for current affairs.
• Make Short Notes:You must also note down the important details of the news you are studying. This will be a good help for future reference, and writing it down may help you remember the information for a longer period of time.
• Revise Regularly:You must also go back and open the notes you have prepared so that you can revise what you have learned in the past months of your preparation journey. Revision is one of the most important things.
• Take Test Series: Lastly, you must also take test series that focus on current affairs. This will help you analyse your preparation level, and you will also get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Using this knowledge, you can devise your preparation strategy accordingly.

Why is it Important to Read Newspapers for Current Affairs?

There are many reasons why you must read newspapers regularly if you are preparing for the IAS examination. Firstly, they give you details about the ongoing events and issues in the country and across the globe. You will also get details about the development across different sectors. These include political, social, environmental, and economic. Secondly, you will be able to enhance your general knowledge. Thirdly, it will help you develop strong analytical skills. This will be very helpful for you if you are willing to take the UPSC entrance examination.

Furthermore, you will develop an understanding of the different schemes and policies of the government. An understanding of national affairs is another added perk of reading newspapers. Lastly, you will also be able to enhance your reading and comprehension skills. All these things will not only benefit you in a specific exam but also contribute to your success in the future.

Some of the Best Newspapers One Can Read for IAS Preparation

Now that you are aware of the benefits of reading newspapers in general as well as for your IAS preparation, you must be curious about which is the best newspaper for you. Let us find out! Here are some of the most trusted newspapers for IAS students , especially for their current affairs preparation:

• The Hindu

  If you want to know the latest national news and science and technology, The Hindu is one of the best newspapers for you. This newspaper was launched in the year 1878. The business section, editorial section, and art and culture section of this paper are of paramount importance. The Hindu is good for not only the UPSC prelims examination but also the main exam.

• The Economic Times

  The Economic Times is one of the most popular English-language business newspapers in the world. Started in 1961, it has a readership of more than 3.7 million. This paper is known for its authenticity and the way it puts forth the most interesting news from the business and economic world. Hence, it is a good newspaper for current affairs preparation.

• The Indian Express

  The Indian Express is known for relaying news and information in a clear manner. It is an unbiased and analytical newspaper that is considered reliable by many IAS aspirants. Founded in 1932 by Shri Ramnath Goenka, this paper is especially for those with a unique point of view. If you wish to provoke independent thinking, The Indian Express is a must-read newspaper for you.

• Dainik Jagran

  Dainik Jagran is a reputed newspaper that is known to provide accurate and reliable news. They cover news from every corner of India, ensuring that you get detailed information about current affairs. There are a wide range of topics that they cover, from business and entertainment to sports and politics. Hence, it is considered the best newspaper of IAS preparations.

• Business Standard

  Another daily business that is widely preferred for knowing about current affairs. So, if you want to score well in the UPSC IAS exam, then you must definitely start reading this one. The genuine information available and the accuracy make it one of the most trusted newspapers for many. Moreover, Business Standard and its journalists are also known for their ethical conduct and approach.

Best Tips for Reading Newspapers for a UPSC Aspirant

Of course, reading the newspaper is essential for success as a UPSC aspirant. But this is only possible when you are using the right methods for studying. What are these methods, and what are the best tips for reading newspapers as an IAS exam aspirant? Let's find out:

Things to Keep in Mind While Reading

Here are a few tips to better retain the information while reading NCERT books for your UPSC syllabus. Make sure you follow these tips during your prep for better results.

• Start by summarising the key points so that you are able to revisit them when you are revising.
• You must also ensure that your notes are well-organised. You can use different coloured pens, highlighters, or underlining patterns when writing your notes. Write them in a pointwise manner as well to ensure clarity and quick revision in the future.
• Don’t forget to note down and memorise the facts and figures related to the news article that you are reading. These will be a piece of great evidence when you add them to your written answers.
• It is also important to establish connections between the different current affairs that you are reading. This detailed and analytical approach is necessary to understand the news better. Keep checking for recent developments about the news you read a few days or weeks ago.
• Lastly, keep reviewing your notes and revising in order to get better at preparing for current affairs. Make sure you are revisiting older notes after regular intervals so that you are ready to score high!

If you follow these tips, you will definitely be able to score well and outrank your fellow competitors.

Conclusion:

That brings us to the end of this article about preparing for the current affairs part of the UPSC examination. We have discussed the best newspapers you can read and also the best approach to doing so. Hence, we hope that they prove to be of help to you in your IAS preparation journey so that you are able to pass with flying colours. All the best!