HOW TO READ NEWSPAPER
Reading the newspaper is an integral part of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) preparation. In a competitive exam where general awareness and holistic understanding of issues matter, a newspaper can be a goldmine of information—if approached correctly. However, the challenge lies in reading it efficiently, extracting relevant details, and avoiding information overload. Below is a step-by-step guide that addresses every aspect of newspaper reading for UPSC aspirants.
1.Holistic Perspective: UPSC questions often test not only your knowledge of an event but also your understanding of its background, implications, and interlinkages with other areas. Newspapers provide a continuous stream of current affairs that you can connect with static topics (like history, polity, and economics).
2.Building Analytical Skills: Editorials, opinion pieces, and analysis articles sharpen your critical thinking, help you understand multiple perspectives, and develop a balanced viewpoint—essential for the Mains Exam (especially GS Paper II and III) and the Interview.
3.Staying Updated: Newspapers keep you abreast of daily developments in governance, policy, international affairs, economy, social issues, science & technology, environment, etc. These are key areas in both Prelims and Mains.
4.Enhanced Reading and Comprehension: Consistent newspaper reading improves your reading speed, vocabulary, and comprehension—skills that are indirectly tested in the UPSC Mains and Interview.
1.The Hindu: Known for its in-depth analysis and balanced coverage of national and international news. The editorial and op-ed pages are highly regarded for their insight.