Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam

UPSC has been frequently asking questions based on current affairs for years and it has become a trend now. Most of the topics of the mains syllabus are dynamic in nature. These topics require a regular update based on the current developments.

UPSC asks direct questions from newspapers in the Prelims exam. In prelims examination, most of the current affairs questions are fundamental in nature and expect some factual knowledge. Make small notes for current affairs for the Prelims exam.

A lot of questions are asked on various social issues, regional issues and national issues in the mains interview. So always stay updated on current issues. Develop an individual approach on current issues because in interview your personality and opinion is more important rather than knowledge.

‘The Hindu’ newspaper is the best source for current affairs. Aspirants can also choose ‘The Indian Express’.

The Economic times, All business standards are also suitable for economic related issues.

• Newspapers The Hindu
• The Indian Express
• Monthly current affairs magazine- Yojana and kurukshetra
• Niti aayog reports
• Economic and political weekly
• Some genuine resources on the internet
• All India radio

Students will need to prepare other subjects for general studies for the mains exam so it is necessary to read all the relevant news and editorials given in the newspaper.

Read economic news, important national news, international news according to the UPSC mains syllabus. Always keep a copy of the UPSC syllabus while studying current affairs. The Sunday newspaper column of The Hindu is best for science and tech related news.

Read the newspaper first superficially and mark the news which are related to UPSC exams and then again read the complete news carefully. You can also mark important points for making notes for final revision before the examination. Don’t spend more than 1 hour reading the newspaper and making notes. In starting you may consume more time but later decrease this time limit.

Follow the editorial section of the Hindu on a regular basis for mains preparation.

Editorials are written by subject expertise that is why they are more authentic, reliable and beneficial for mains examination’s answer writing. Personal views in news analysis and editorials are not important for UPSC candidates.

UPSC questions are not only interesting but also challenging at the same time. Most of the time UPSC asks some basic fundamental questions derived from current issues.

• Practice 50 MCQs on current affairs daily
• In exam time practice so MCQs daily
• Newspaper reading 30 to 45 minutes daily
• Check the issues and make notes on them.

To identify the keywords make short notes for a topic. Keywords are very important for current affairs so look at the keywords during the preparation of any particular topic. Write down all the keywords related to one topic so that you can relate a keyword directly with the topic. It will make it easy to write in the exam. When you will find a keyword in the question you can relate it to the topic.

There is no need to search a lot about the best current affairs sources. There is actually a need to read them with effort rather than searching for the best websites for current affairs. Don’t read every possible source and make useless notes. Decide on some genuine sources and then stick with them. Some news related to share market, entertainment, sports news and political parties are not important as per the need of UPSC exam.

UPSC asks the question on the issues that are in the news. So always look for something more than the news while preparing current affairs for UPSC. The story behind the news is important. Analyze issues and make notes on them.

You will have to present your ideas (issues) in the exam, not incident (news). While Reading any news check these points:

• Why this topic page in a news
• Background knowledge of the news like reports, facts and data
• What is the current status of the news and what action has been taken by the government
• See both sides of the news pros and cons

Think from your own perspective and add your personal opinion and solution in notes.

To revise current affairs, the best method is writing them again and again. If you have a true desire to clear the UPSC civil service exam then revision is the must. By following these methods you will be able to capture more current affairs in a most relevant way.

For good preparation, it is very necessary to understand the nature and scope of the syllabus . Be clear about what to study and what to study. The questions are asked always within the syllabus so stay tuned with the updated syllabus.