If we did not have online resources available at our fingertips, I would have said that newspaper reading is a must. But if you believe in working smartly with whatever resources you have, I would like to tell you that reading newspapers is neither necessary nor sufficient to qualify in this exam with good marks.
The “good” online free websites do the hard work of extracting important points from different current affairs sources and compiling them. An aspirant can read and make notes from all these sources by himself. Their compilations are better because they are formulated by experts who know the exact demands of this exam. A new aspirant may be unaware of this and may spend time reading newspapers and making notes.
1. Monthly Magazines – Smart Option for Time Issues
Opt for reputable monthly current affairs magazines that offer concise summaries and analysis of the previous month’s events. These magazines often cover a broad range of topics relevant to competitive exams.
2. Daily/Weekly Review
Dedicate specific time slots for reviewing current affairs, rather than trying to cram everything in one go. Consider daily or weekly review sessions to keep up with the latest developments.
3. Limit Your Sources
Stick to a few reliable sources to avoid information overload. Choose resources that align with your learning style and exam requirements. Some examples that many aspirants use for covering current affairs:
- PIB
- Doordarshan
- Akashvani
- News
4. Summary
Reading newspapers is not essential for exam success if quality online resources are used smartly. Expert-curated platforms and monthly magazines offer concise, exam-focused current affairs. Regular daily or weekly reviews help retention. Limiting sources like PIB, DD News, and Akashvani avoids overload and ensures focused preparation aligned with exam needs.