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Starting UPSC preparation can make newspaper reading feel overwhelming. Many initially skim through every page, but it’s essential to ask: Are all pages relevant for UPSC?
Not all pages are important!
Only focus on the first page, national, economy, international, and editorial pages. Each article you read should be mapped to the UPSC syllabus. It’s less about the news itself and more about the information you extract and its relevance to the syllabus.
Example:
For an article on Presidential elections in the U.S. and India, focus on comparing the election processes (Syllabus Mapping: GS2 - Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries).
Minimize resources, maximize utility. Stick to one newspaper (The Hindu or The Indian Express) that you’re comfortable with. Consistency is key, as regular reading enhances analytical skills.
When you first start reading newspapers for UPSC, it may take 2-3 hours as you’re getting accustomed to spotting relevant information. However, as you deepen your familiarity with the syllabus, practice with PYQs, and solidify your understanding of the static content, you'll begin to recognize what’s essential more quickly. With consistent reading, regular revision, and steady completion of your static syllabus, the time you spend on newspapers will gradually reduce. Eventually, you’ll be able to complete a thorough and focused read in about 45 minutes to an hour.
Team SuperKalam has made the process easier for you — catch the weekly news analysis here.
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