How to Approach Newspaper Reading for UPSC Exam – Part 2

In the first part of this article, ‘rewise UPSC online Coaching’ team pointed out the difference of reading newspaper between a casual reader and for IAS exam. It talked about the purpose, objective, reason for reading the newspaper varies between casual readers against an IAS aspirant.

In this part of the article, which is also its second consecutive part, we will talk about how to learn from newspaper or learn how the newspaper should be read to extract knowledge for ‘IAS’ exam.

Note: The best newspaper to be taken for reading to prepare for ‘IAS exam’ are ‘Indian Express, The Hindu, and The Tribune’. These three are deemed to be the best newspapers, and are often referred to students appearing competitive exams like banking exam, UPSC exam, Postal exam, defense exam, etc.

Let’s focused in the core of the topic, how to learn from newspaper or learn how to read newspaper.

1. First Page is Significant:

One should always start reading newspaper from its first page. Every one normally read newspaper from the first page; but as an IAS aspirant you should make it your thumb rule to start reading from first page.

The reason being all relevant current affairs, events, top stories, breaking news, and headlines of importance are found one first page.

Example of Relevant News on First Page for IAS Preparation:

Shri Ranjan Gogoi sworn in as Chief Justice of India – Polity

Railway Unions Calls Strike – Governance

Article 377 Hearing Today – Polity

India to Buy Oil from Iran despite US Sanctions – Bilateral Issues (International Trade)

Muzzaffarpur Abuse Case – Child Abuse and Rights

2. Points to Remember:

The 2nd page is nothing, but it continues the top stories from the first page of the newspaper.

Remember, the 3rd and 4th pages are publishing only local news of the city. It actually consists of news for your local city. The best UPSC Online Coaching experts advise to read it at last or give a glance if one wishes.

The reason being 3rd and 4th pages is not considered significant from ‘IAS preparation’ concerned.

3. Points to Focus Before Reading Editorial Page:

Polity and Governance (must follow, and note)

International Affairs,

Bilateral Agreement / Issues

Agriculture

Environment and Climate Change (Summit etc.)

Special Emphasis and Focus on Economic and Monetary Issues (Banking etc.)

Women and Child Rights

Internal Security

International Trade

Natural Disasters

Science and Technology

Sports

Health and Nutrition

Wildlife and Habitat

We must remember, these points should be covered comprehensively while preparing for ‘IAS Exam’. They are of great significant, and cover important part of the ‘UPSC’ syllabus.

4. Topics to go for At a Glance:

Politics and polity are different (Don’t give much focus on politics)

Local Issues will not be of much importance

Glamor and Social Media are to be completely ignored

Cartoons and Horoscope (Don’t waste your precious time)

Petty Crimes are not going to be included in ‘UPSC’ syllabus

You should not focus much on the above topics, as these are not going to come in ‘UPSC Exam’. It will only distract your preparation for ‘IAS’ exam. It will also waste your time, which otherwise you can devote towards preparing for ‘IAS’ exam’s vast syllabus.

5. Editorial Page Insights:

This page is of great importance while preparing for ‘IAS’ exam. It should be paid extra attention, while reading newspaper. You should not miss the editorial page; rather you should make it a habit to read it on a daily basis.

Remember, editorial is a complex section of the newspaper. So, you should not get bored or suffer from monotony when you begin to read this section. At first it may even seem to be quite useless to read editorial page. But, with time you will not only develop the habit of reading it, but will also understand the importance of it.

So, make sure to read the editorial page on daily basis.

You can also keep an eye over the editorial, as many times important topics are not being published. You can skip them, but make sure to put a glance every day, to watch for topics of significance.

In our third part, we will write more about how to read, and learn from newspaper reading daily for ‘IAS’ preparation.