IASbaba - IAS preparation & resources

Founded with the goal of "giving individuals in the most isolated areas an opportunity to achieve AIR 1 in IAS," IASbaba has rapidly emerged as one of the leading online platforms in India for IAS exam preparation. It promotes a learning methodology that is innovative, smart, and analytical. IASbaba.com is the brainchild of alumni from esteemed institutions (IIT/IIMs) in India and is backed by professionals from services such as IAS and IRS, aiming to offer more effective and intelligent ways to prepare for this challenging examination. The platform offers a comprehensive solution for the Civil Services Examination, encompassing the Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages. IASbaba™ also has an official mobile application where users can access a majority of daily initiatives free of charge. At IASbaba, we are committed to offering equal opportunities to candidates who may not have access to coaching, thereby providing them with a strategic advantage at every stage of UPSC preparation and fulfilling the promise of being 'One stop Destination for UPSC preparation.'

Subscribers of the Integrated Learning Program (ILP) 2021, All India Prelims Tests, e-CLP Programme, among others, can participate in the Prelims Test Series through the IASbaba app.

Additionally, other users will have access to the following complimentary initiatives offered by IASbaba:

· Daily Current Affairs

· All India Radio - Discussions

· Press Information Bureau (PIB)

· RSTV Big Picture - Discussions

· Monthly Yojana

· Current Affairs Monthly Magazine

· Motivational Articles

Now, let us understand the way to read The Hindu: Only an example

1. Introduction

2. Front Page

3. National

4. International

5. Opinion and Editorials

6. Economics and Business

7. Sports

8. Science and Agriculture

Introduction

We will try to address it from Prelims, Mains and Interview point of view so that it becomes easy for your future preparation.

In a day you have 24 hours and loads of stuffs to prepare. Newspapers are very important part of your preparation and a significant one considering the amount of time one consumes while studying from it. Those who have understood the syllabus and pattern of the examination well, have less worries but a beginner (having less understanding of syllabus and pattern) takes substantial time to read and prepare from it.

A person just started with UPSC preparation always finds it difficult and complains about spending too much time reading the newspapers. And it is a genuine concern because if one spends 4-5 hours for newspapers, then his/her concern is justified.

Honestly, one has to be very well versed with the syllabus and pattern of UPSC before jumping to prepare from newspapers. We suggest you to read the syllabus thoroughly, because – 

It will help you in picking-up the right articles/issues from the Newspaper, while leaving out irrelevant ones from the exam perspective.

It will also reduce your time spent on the Newspapers, as you will know which articles to read and which articles to skip.

If one has poor understanding of basic economics, Polity etc, then how can you expect him/her to understand any ongoing issue?

For example, if the article is about ‘crude oil price cut and its impact on India and the world’, then basic economy is required to understand it in a better way. Also, with clarity of concepts it will be very easy for you to go through newspapers in less time. It is not advised neither encouraged to read from newspapers to learn basic concepts. It will kill you preparation and confidence.

Anyways, we have tried to consider all the aspects from beginner’s as well as from the veteran’s point of view. Let us start.

Some tips to follow

Never focus on political news as- Janta Parties are finally a Parivar

Never read political remarks

Always focus on socio-economic issues like Women issues, Education or Health related issues, Issues or policies affecting vulnerable sections etc.

Always focus on issues of national and international importance.

Focus should be on political issues related to Indian Constitution, Legislative and Administrative processes

Focus on Supreme Court or High Court verdicts

Do not pay attention to deaths, awards or sports section unless significant- Just a formal read

Always read the syllabus of Prelims and Mains-Time and Again until you memorize it. Take a glance at Mind Maps of the Mains Syllabus at IASbaba.com. This is done for your convenience 🙂

This will make sure that you are not missing topics related to your syllabus.

As a sample, we have taken The Hindu dated 16th April. Here is the link for the front page

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-index/?date=2015-04-16

Front Page

If you click on the link, it leads to front page of The Hindu- 16th April. Now go through the titles and analyze them. What topics are worth studying? Or Reading? There is a difference in studying and reading!!

Now let us check the news on front page…

After split verdict, larger SC Bench to take a call on Bhavani Singh

Is it important? It is a political news– Jaylalitha case? We should neglect it!!!

Yes it is but if you are following her case, it is about judiciary and Indian Justice System. It is regarding appointment of Special Public Prosecutors.

Now this is important for you. How?

Focus:

Prepare about SPP

His appointment, role and responsibilities

What Indian Constitution says about SPP?

Whether it is mentioned in the Constitution?

This can be asked in Prelims.

Do not write a story of the case in point. Focus on the required stuff that is important for you and move on.