Preparing for the UPSC exam can feel like a mountain to climb sometimes. There’s so much to read and remember that picking resources carefully becomes really important.
Newspapers are not like regular books—they are alive with current affairs, keeping you ahead with policies, events, and socio-economic changes.
But you don’t need to read five different ones every day! Let’s have an easy look at the best choices for both English and Hindi language UPSC aspirants.
Best English Newspapers for UPSC
The Indian Express
When I started my preparation, The Indian Express became my go-to resource. It hits the sweet spot between descriptive and to-the-point writing. What I love the most about it is the “Explained” section.
Big debates or policies are broken into clear points here without too much fancy talk. It’s especially good for building ideas for GS II (polity and governance) and GS III (economy and environment).
Good Things about It:
- The “Explained” section is like gold for complex issues.
- Brings a perfect mix of India and global coverage.
The Not-So-Good Part:
- For beginners, the volume of details might feel too much.
- State-wise news is not its strong area at all.
Business Standard
I know, not everyone’s into reading about money and businesses. But, trust me, Business Standard is like your professor when it comes to GS III topics.
Especially if you chose optional economics, this paper is a lifesaver. It doesn’t just state random numbers but tells you why they matter and how policies affect the people.
What Works:
- Great depth when discussing annual budgets, trade policies, GST, etc.
- Real-world examples that make economics feel less textbook-y.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Covers very little about subjects away from economy or business.
BBC
Okay, this is not a newspaper, but I’ll still suggest this to anyone prepping for International Relations. It’s good to see how India is viewed from outside for a change. BBC’s coverage of geopolitics and global organisations is unmatched.
Why You Should Read It:
- It looks at stories from an outsider’s angle.
- Geopolitical trends become quite easy with this.
Why You Might Skip It:
- Not very helpful for Indian topics or GS I.
The Hindu
If we’re talking about reliability, The Hindu wins hands down. It is that old-school reliable resource that UPSC writers and toppers swear by.
Their page on national news deserves special attention. Plus, most questions you see in Prelims or Mains? This paper probably covered their background six months ago! I’d say editorials are its biggest strength.
What’s Good:
- Very balanced opinions in editorials.
- Well-respected for GS II and GS III topics like environment, IR, and policy.
What’s Not So Good:
- The writing style feels heavy sometimes.
- Beginners might need time to get its flow.
The Economic Times
Unlike Business Standard, The Economic Times cottons more to aspirants who want updates on markets and industries. If Mains questions about trade, industries, or budget scare you, this will make things much easier. It’s like a window to corporate India.
Positive Side:
- Helps with understanding startups, trade partnerships, and reforms.
- Easy-to-read articles on banking and government initiatives.
Negatives:
- Social themes and governance topics feel ignored.
The Mint
If you’re bored of super-crowded newspapers, The Mint has a cleaner, modern design that makes it enjoyable to read.
It edges other papers by focusing sharply on public policies and how money flows in the nation. Essays and Ethics case studies can benefit from references collected from this paper.
What You’ll Like:
- Short and precise insights into financial matters and governance.
- Very connected to public policy analysis.
What’s Missing:
- Not much to offer for culture or history enthusiasts.
Best Hindi Newspapers for UPSC
Dainik Jagran
For Hindi language aspirants, Dainik Jagran is like breakfast tea. It gives you news minus the fluff and focuses especially on Indian politics, regional issues, and policies.
Its editorials are detailed without getting too complicated, which is a huge plus for Hindi medium Mains.
Positives:
- Sharp reporting on government schemes and local issues.
- Balanced and detailed analysis.
Negatives:
- Thin coverage of global topics.
Punjab Kesari
It’s not as academic, maybe, but it’s a straightforward platform for regional updates. Aspirants from North India particularly find it helpful. If you’re following states’ policies along with national concerns, this is meant for you.
Why Choose It:
- Covers regional stories in depth.
- Easy to read and follow regularly.
Why Maybe Skip:
- Editorials are not as rich as The Hindu or even Dainik Jagran.
Navbharat Times
Navbharat Times feels like a cousin to The Times of India. Only, it has more focus on Hindi readers. It comes with good analysis on national-level schemes and cultural activities, striking a balance between easy readability and thought-provoking ideas.
What Makes It Good:
- Its simplicity is highly appreciated by Hindi medium aspirants.
- Plenty of information on social policies.
What’s Not So Great:
- Less global coverage might pose a problem for IR study.
Dainik Bhaskar
This newspaper clicks best with students looking for rural issues and the social side of India.
Its extensive reach in small towns gives it a head start over many English dailies when it comes to stories about rural development, public infrastructure, or schemes reaching the grassroots.
The Pros:
- Extremely focused on social issues like women’s safety, rural education, etc.
- Easy flow of writing for casual readers.
The Cons:
- It misses the mark for larger international or historical coverage.
How to Read a Newspaper for UPSC?
It’s easy to get lost flipping through pages, but when you go with focus, everything changes. Every newspaper has both fluff and gems—our job is to filter the latter out.
- Stick to UPSC Topics: Match news articles to your syllabus. If there’s a headline on tribal rights or finance reforms, read it closely. Ignore Bollywood and crime reports.
- Follow Important Sections: Editorials are your life savers for building strong opinions. Pay close attention to national pages and policy-related news.
- Easy Notes: Write the main ideas down in bullet points, not essays. A small diary or digital app works best.
Benefits of Reading Newspapers Daily for UPSC Preparation
- Critical Thinking Grows: In Mains, you’re expected to write answers that dissect issues clearly. Editorials train you for that.
- Simplifies Complex Events: Current affairs magazines summarize the news, but newspapers help make sense of things in real time.
- Gives Essay Ideas: Real-world examples you collect from newspapers can give your papers a strong edge, especially in Ethics and Essay sections.
- Daily Habit with Returns: Spending just an hour on the newspaper daily improves understanding of policies, judgments, and debates.
FAQs on Best Newspaper for UPSC
Which is the best newspaper for UPSC?
The Hindu and The Indian Express are unmatched, without a doubt. Hindi students benefit most from Dainik Jagran.
Which is better, Hindu or Indian Express?
It depends. The Hindu is more detailed, but The Indian Express is easier to read while still offering equally valuable insights.
Is one newspaper enough for UPSC?
It usually is, especially if you back it up with magazines or monthly current-affairs summaries.
Which editorial is best for UPSC?
The Hindu has an edge, but Indian Express editorials come packed with information too.
Should I skip reading newspapers altogether?
Not really. Monthly summaries don’t provide the depth or fresh perspective that newspapers offer.
How much time should I spend on a newspaper?
Around 45 minutes is enough—you’re not here to solve a crossword!
Picking the right newspaper makes all the difference. Find one that reads well for you, stick to it, and track your progress. It’s like planting a tree. Small effort every day can lead to great results in the exam!
