While preparing for one of the most important exams in India, it is important that you leave no stone unturned. The UPSC encompasses a vast syllabus and it has been observed that quite a few questions come from newspapers, especially The Hindu. You can get Prelims, Mains and even a few interview questions from these newspapers. Therefore, if you are looking for a few handy tips on how to prepare for an IAS examination through newspaper editorials, then stick to the end of the article as we share all the details.
Preparation Initiation
Before you start your preparation from a newspaper editorial, go through your UPSC syllabus thoroughly. You should go through previous years' question papers to understand the question patterns generally repeating and have the basic knowledge of the topics that are usually covered in the news. An hour every day should be allotted for preparation from the newspaper.
Topics to focus on
Newspapers encompass a plethora of information and it is extremely beneficial if you can incorporate those pieces of information while answering.
However, while preparing from newspapers, extra attention should be given to
Judgment or ruling passed by the Supreme Court or High Court.
Identification of social issues and challenges (caste riots, restriction on freedom of speech, moral policing, etc). Instances of recent social outrages and weighing the pros and cons of the situation
Issues and reforms discussed by the Government/ Ministries and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the situation
Developing answers
If you are preparing for UPSC prelims from newspaper editorials, then major schemes, policies and initiatives taken by the Government should be studied in detail. Points like objectives of the policy, the departments partaking in the policy, salient features of the policy, members involved and relation of any constitutional provisions.
On the other hand, if you are preparing from UPSC mains, then apart from the points mentioned above, attention should be given to understanding the pros and cons of the situation and forming a definitive opinion on the situation.
Upon reading an editorial, it is important to understand the issues foremost. News editorials can be biased and differ from your opinion. Therefore, first, identify points supporting or against the situation and frame your answer accordingly. This practice will help in developing qualitative answers in Mains examinations.
Quick tips
While you continue preparing from newspaper editorials, there are a few tips that can aid your address.
Always focus on the underlying issue below the news. For example, a member is removed from an important position in the Government. Apart from just learning who was removed and why, understand the different aspects of the situation, including how can the person be removed from the position, what are the provisions of the Constitutions and future effects the decision holds.
Next, you can divide and categorize the news. Organizing the news into different headings will help in keeping a track of development and will aid to retrieve information faster. If you are intrigued to know more about the topic, you can always search the net to develop a more researched opinion on the subject.
Bottom Line
Now there you go, hopefully, the article was able to shed some light on how to prepare from newspaper editorials for the UPSC examination.
To encapsulate, always look for high court or supreme court judgments and editorials related to government policies. Reading letters to the Editors can help you to understand the situation better as well. It helps in acquiring important public insights on important development taking place in the country.
Importance should also be given to global news as well, especially alliances with your country. Having information on your local public welfare opinions will also help you in the long run as well, especially during the Interview round. While making notes, focus on underlying issues along with the news. Develop overall views and always gather points to help in developing a definitive opinion on any issue.