How to read newspaper for civil service ias exams?

Knowledge of happenings around us is a must for IAS exams. This knowledge needed for ias exams are often categorised into – national, international, science and technology etc.

A large number of aspirants spend hours (about 4 to 5) reading newspaper and making notes from it. This news reading consumes the early hours when mind is fresh and inquisitive. After this exercise he/she is left with very little time to cover any topic. This much time (4 to 5 hrs) is often taken since the aspirant is confused what to read?

Firstly, start with the most important pages. It is better to start with the national or international news page. Some aspirants read the local news and start thinking about it. These may never be asked. In case you want to deliver maximum in minimum time, then focus on topics that are needed.

Secondly, All editorials/articles are not needed. In newspaper there will be some writers who write on same topic again and again. You will see the same stuff packed in different packages in all articles written by them. Do scan the article before going into it. The authors often revolve their writing around the same topic. The newspapers have to fill their spaces, that doesn't mean you have to fill your time reading same stuff again and again. Take this paragraph for instance. Reading the first two lines and the next two would convey the same meaning!!. Hope you got it :-)

Thirdly, Have a balanced view. After reading certain popular papers many may get the idea than US is all evil and ‘China’ is so sweet or vice versa. The newspaper or the news is not the last word. The writer and the newspaper would have its own ideologies, strategies to keep its readers. You must not get carried away with these ideas. ‘The hindu’ is one of the most favoured newspapers by ias aspirants especially in south india. Be careful especially when it comes to international affairs. The newspaper may speak of an ideal world and all blah blah. Think about the practicality and also view other sources in case you doubt the authenticity.

Be attentive when a new discovery is made, a new government scheme comes, important personalities die, latest developments in the S&T etc.

Combine newspapers with magazine you are comfortable with. Web is a great source of news especially when you are in a remote area where neither hindu or times of India reaches on time.