How to read newspapers for UPSC Civil Services Examination | Unoreads

Do you know that while reading newspapers, you should read from the right to the left? Yes, you read it right. And, it’s not because newspaper readers are left-handed. It’s because reading from the right to the left helps you in scanning and reading the newspaper faster and with ease. In fact, many newspaper readers prefer to read from right to left. Also, don’t forget to read the newspaper while sipping a cup of hot tea or coffee. Hot beverages help in digesting the nutrients easily and helps in keeping you alert.

The most important tip for reading the newspaper is to read from beginning to the end. Because, when you read the summary of news on the front page, it is scattered in a lot of paragraphs and sentences. It is very hard for you to understand and comprehend the entire article. But when you read the entire article, you can understand the meaning easily and comprehend it better.

Also, read only the articles which have pictures or illustrations. Because they help in understanding the particular news. Also, don’t read the newspaper in hurry. Take small breaks in between. It helps in retaining the facts and figures.

Read the newspaper daily. It keeps you updated about the current events. Also, it builds your vocabulary. If you want to read the newspaper daily, buy the newspaper on daily basis. Because, you can buy the newspaper for just Rs. 10 a day. Newspapers should be read only after 6 PM. Because, at this time, most of the newspapers come out. Also, read the newspaper in the morning. Because, the morning hours are the best time to concentrate and derive maximum information.

Read the newspaper which has a celebrity column. Because, it keeps you updated with the latest news. Also, you can read the comments about the news. Because, it will help you understand the news better. Newspapers are an integral part of how to UPSC Civil Services preparation as it keeps the aspirants updated on the recent developments and happenings across the country and globe. However, there’s a specific way in which newspapers should be read in order to not waste time. The goal is to read the newspaper in such a way that it aids your preparation without taking a lot of your time.

***“The Hindu” and “The Indian Express” are two of the most recommended newspapers for UPSC preparation. However, now let us discuss what and how to read the newspaper for IAS preparation in order to leverage it to its fullest potential.

How to read Newspaper for IAS Preparation

First and foremost, it is important to note that you should not dedicate more than 60 minutes for newspaper reading. Now, let us go on and discuss what to read for each subject:

• National News
• International News
• Economy
• Polity
• General Knowledge

Important Tips to follow while reading newspapers for UPSC

Last month, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had issued the notification for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018. The examination is scheduled to be held on 1st August 2018. The aspirants appearing for the examination have to think like a journalist and be aware of the current affairs.

The UPSC exam is a pen and paper examination. The aspirants need to read the news (both national and international) and highlight the important events. You need to remember that there are no shortcuts to preparing well for the exam.

The aspirants can, however, save some time and effort by reading newspapers carefully.

So, how do you read newspapers for UPSC?

The key to reading newspapers for UPSC is by understanding the context of each news piece.

1. Read the headlines and first few paragraphs to understand the context of the news piece.
2. Read the editorials, editorials should be written from the viewpoint of an expert and expert advice will help you understand the issue in a better way.
3. Read the article from a neutral viewpoint. Don't get biased.
4. Make notes.
5. Do a Critical analysis of the article.
6. Now, read other articles on the same topic. Understand the topic thoroughly.
7. Read other news pieces on related topics.
8. Read news pieces on similar subjects.
9. Now, go and re-read the editorials. Try to understand the reasons behind the editorials.
10. Read the article again.
11. Now, analyse how the article is framed.
12. Read some other articles on the same topic.
13. Go through the notes you made. Try to recollect the points made in the article.
14. Now, re-read the article.
15. Re-read the editorials.
16. Now, understand the issue in a better way.
17. Try to answer the question: Does the article provide any new insight?
18. Now, attempt the reading comprehension.
19. After reading the comprehension, try answering

We all are aware that current affairs play an important role in UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation as the questions related to current affairs are seen in all 3 stages of exam that are, Prelims, Mains and Interview. Unoreads is one of the top destinations for Online Learning Platforms where we envision empowering young and inquisitive minds to choose the right path for them by learning from our experience created and conducted by the experts of the industry. You can also explore more subjects and important topics and start your preparation. Stay determined, work smart and achieve. Your dedication and the intensity you put in will decide your success.