Aspiring civil servants know that cracking the UPSC exam is no cakewalk. Enacting this exam requires immense dedication, discipline, and a well-rounded preparation strategy. One aspect that plays a crucial role in this preparation is staying updated with the latest current affairs. The UPSC exam is not merely a test of academic knowledge but also one’s awareness and understanding of the world around them.
Current affairs cover many topics, including politics, economics, science, and sports. Knowing the latest happenings around the world helps answer direct questions related to current affairs but also helps in developing a broader perspective and analytical thinking ability.
In this blog, we will focus on the role of current affairs in cracking the UPSC IAS exam and explore how staying updated with the latest news and events can give you an edge over other candidates.
Importance of current affairs in the exam
Current affairs are significant in the UPSC IAS exam. It is a source of direct questions and helps answer questions in other subjects like history, geography, and international relations. Understanding current affairs helps develop a comprehensive and holistic view of the world, an essential trait for a civil servant. Moreover, current affairs are an integral part of the UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus. The exam tests the candidates’ knowledge of current events in India and the world.
Many questions are asked about current affairs yearly, and the trend will likely continue. Therefore, keeping oneself updated with the latest happenings is critical for success in the UPSC exam. Lastly, the importance of current affairs does not end with the exam. A civil servant’s job requires staying updated with the latest developments in their work area. Therefore, developing the habit of reading and analyzing current affairs regularly during preparation will help in the long run.
How to stay updated with current affairs
Staying updated with current affairs can be challenging, given the overwhelming amount of information available. However, it can be a manageable and enjoyable with the right approach and resources. These are several ways to keep up with current events:
● Reading newspapers and magazines
Reading newspapers and magazines is the most traditional and effective way of staying updated with current affairs. Newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline cover various national and international news, analysis, and opinions. Reading newspapers and magazines daily will help develop a comprehensive understanding of current affairs.
● Watching news channels
Watching news channels is another way of staying updated with current affairs. Channels like NDTV, CNN-News18, and India Today cover current events 24×7. Watching news channels can provide a quick and concise understanding of current affairs.
● Listening to podcasts
Podcasts are a new and exciting way of staying updated with current affairs. Many podcasts like All India Radio’s Spotlight, The Big Story, and The Hindu’s In Focus cover current events engaging and informatively. Listening to podcasts is a convenient way of staying updated, especially for those who prefer audio over text and video.
● Other sources for current affairs preparation
Apart from traditional sources like newspapers, magazines, and news channels, several other sources can help prepare for current affairs. Some of these sources are:
How current affairs are tested in the UPSC
The UPSC exam tests the candidates’ knowledge of current affairs in several ways. The questions can be direct, asking for specific information, or indirect, testing the candidates’ understanding of the issue. Some of the common ways in which current affairs are tested in the UPSC exam are:
● Prelims
Current affairs questions are asked as multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the prelims exam. The questions can be related to national and international events, government policies, and programs. The candidates are expected to have a basic understanding of the issue and the latest developments.
Mains
In the mains exam, current affairs questions are asked in the form of essay and descriptive questions. The candidates must understand the issue in-depth and provide a well-analyzed and articulated answer. The questions can be related to politics, economics, international relations, and social issues.
● Interview
In the interview round, the candidates are expected to understand current affairs comprehensively. The panel can ask questions about the candidates’ opinions on current events, their analysis of the issue, and their understanding of government policies and programs.
Tips to remember and retain current affairs
Remembering and retaining current affairs information can be challenging for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. However, with the right approach and techniques, it can be manageable. Making notes is the most effective way of remembering and retaining current affairs information. Writing down important points, keywords, and analysis in a notebook or a digital document can help revise and recall the information.
Revising the current affairs information regularly is essential for remembering and retaining it. Setting aside a fixed time every day or week to revise the notes can help develop a habit and ensure one does not fall behind. Mnemonics are memory aids that help in remembering and retaining information. Creating mnemonics for essential keywords, names, and dates can help you recall them quickly during the exam.
Conclusion
Staying updated with current affairs is critical for success in the UPSC civil service exam. It is a source of direct questions and helps develop a comprehensive and holistic view of the world. Reading newspapers, watching news channels, and listening to podcasts are ways to stay updated with current affairs. Remembering and retaining current affairs information can be challenging but manageable with the right approach and techniques.
FAQs
Q1. How much time should one devote to current affairs preparation?
One should devote no fixed time to preparing current affairs. However, it is recommended that one should spend at least 2-3 hours daily on current affairs preparation.
Q2. Can current affairs be prepared in the last few months before the exam?
It is not advisable to rely solely on last-minute preparation for current affairs. However, one can revise the critical topics and issues in the last few months before the exam.
Q3. Is it necessary to remember dates and figures in current affairs?
Remembering dates and figures are not necessary. However, having a general understanding of the timeline and context of the issue is essential.
