Reading the newspaper regularly is very important for keeping yourself updated with the current happenings around the world and in the country especially for the preparation of general Studies subject. Besides reading the NCERT textbooks and reference books, it is crucial to daily go through the newspaper. A lot of questions are asked in the examination.

Reading the newspaper daily is, of course, important but it should not be overemphasized. UPSC aspirants should have a clear idea of which type of news is relevant and which news areas they should ignore. This article is giving you a fair idea of the dissection of the newspaper to save your time.

The Most Recommended Newspaper to Read

Here we just don’t mean newspapers. There are many other things. A UPSC student should also read Magazines on Government policies, PIB (Press Information Bureau), and Official websites of the different ministries of India. The best and most recommended newspaper for UPSC aspirants is `The Hindu’. The maximum time one should devote to the newspaper reading us 1 hour daily. You may read magazines and newspapers within 1 hour.

We are here giving you the news section-wise recommendation on what to read and what not read.

Polity Section

Should Read –

• Read about the policies and schemes announced by the government.
• Pending bills and recently passed bills in the parliament.
• Ruling party activities and their cornerstone achievements. Through this, you will come to know all the important economic, political, and social changes in the country.
• News related to the election commission.
• Any milestone and historic changes in the constitution like currently NRC and CAA are being protested all over the country.
• Watch parliamentary debates for the deep-rooted understanding of the subject.
• Significant and historic judgments given by the Supreme court and High Court.
  

Should Not Read –

• Press conference by any political party because you can’t get the complete picture of the actual scenario.
• Who are the new local mayors, who have joined the political parties or disputes among two parties, etc are irrelevant from the exam point of view.

National News

Should Read –

• News that affects the entire nation. It may be economical, social, or any other type of news.
• Any major natural calamity or a mishap in the country like last year’s flood in Kerala or Train accident in Punjab. Here the student should only focus on the major details like the name of the place where it happens instead of focusing on the figure of deaths, etc.
• You should also read the news regarding scientific changes in the country like the latest development by ISRO, etc.
• Read sports news about the Indian cricket team, Indian Tennis Players, Hockey team, etc.
• You should also read about the world record set by the Indian sportsperson.

Should Not Read –

• No need to read about the other teams.
• Do not focus on national political news like politicians are arrested for black money, corruption, the merger of political parties, etc.

Economic News

Should Read –

• Students should read everything about major changes and the activities of the stock market. UPSC aspirants should have information and knowledge about the SEBI, RBI, Banking reforms in the country, agriculture, state of industries, and such other related areas.
• News related to ASSOCHAM and NASSCOM that impacts the regulation of prominent business houses in India.

Should Not Read –

• The basic practical details of share market like the operation related issues, issues related to management, share prices, etc are not worth to read in UPSC exams.

International News

Should Read –

• Tracking the visits of the honorable Primer Minister and the President of the country.
• Reading about the treaties signed by India with the other countries and the emerging issues in the agenda of such bilateral meets of two delegates.
• Read the publications and reports from international organizations like the United Nations, World Health Organization, International Monetary Fund, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, etc. Mainly, you should pay attention to the role of India in these organizations.
• Significant political events and issues emerging around the world like at the moment the world is facing the danger of the Corona Virus. Study the impact of such issues on India.

General News

Should Read –

• Effects of global warming on the world and the effect on India. Also, study the steps taken by India to cope up with such global disasters.
• Top news about the Environment and Ecology.
• News related to Science and Technology like what new inventions the world is up to and the contribution in India.
• Economical conditions of India like unemployment, inflation, rising bank rates, etc.

Should Not Read  –

• Entertainment News is of no use for UPSC exams. Avoid wasting your time reading Bollywood and Hollywood gossips.
• Also, avoid reading sports news. However, if playing sports is your hobby and you have mentioned it, read it.
• Do not read news related to any particular state. Local and regional news is not asked in the exam unless it may affect the nation as a whole.
• Religious and Spiritual news shouldn’t be read at all.

How You Should Read the Newspaper For UPSC Preparation

• First of all, go through the entire headings in the newspaper.
• Read only those news which is relevant to exams. (As mentioned above)
• Do not forget to make notes while you are reading the newspaper.
• Classify news in your notes category wise say economic, social, political, etc.
• Watch T.V News.