Optimal Time for Preparing Current Affairs for UPSC Prelims 2021

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is a rigorous process that requires thorough preparation across various domains, including current affairs. Current affairs preparation is crucial as it keeps you updated with the latest news and events, offering a competitive edge. This article will guide you on the optimal month to start your current affairs preparation for the UPSC Prelims 2021 and the resources available to help you succeed.

Starting Current Affairs Preparation

One of the key aspects of UPSC exam preparation is staying current with national and international events. It is essential to start preparing your current affairs from the previous year of your final examination. For the UPSC Prelims 2021, which is scheduled for June 2021, you should start your current affairs preparation in January 2020.

Resources for Current Affairs Preparation

There are various resources available to help you prepare for current affairs. Two of the most effective are DNS Current Affairs videos and FOCUS magazine from Rau’s IAS. These study materials are highly regarded and can significantly enhance your understanding of current events.

DNS Current Affairs Videos: Watch these insightful and detailed videos on the YouTube channel of Rau’s IAS. These videos provide a comprehensive overview of important current affairs topics, making them an excellent source of learning.

FOCUS Magazine: Another invaluable resource is the FOCUS magazine from Rau’s IAS. It offers monthly updates on current affairs, ensuring that you stay well-informed. You can download the free PDF version directly from Rau’s IAS Elearn portal. Accessing these resources regularly will help you stay updated with the latest developments and improve your performance in the UPSC exam.

Depth of Current Affairs Preparation

Ideally, you should prepare for 12-18 months of current affairs. This extensive coverage ensures that you have a strong foundation of knowledge for the examination. However, UPSC tends to ask questions from a more recent past, with most questions being from the last year. Therefore, focusing on the last 12-18 months of current affairs is highly recommended.

Staying Updated with Current Affairs

Staying updated with current affairs is not just beneficial for the UPSC exam; it is essential for any student preparing for government-based competitive exams. Government exams often include a section on current affairs, making it a critical component of preparation.

Sustained Learning and Preparation

To maintain a steady flow of knowledge and stay competitive, it is important to keep updated with the latest news. Reading daily current affairs can provide you with a rich repository of information, enhancing your comprehension and making you more knowledgeable. This is particularly important for candidates preparing for all government exams, where the current affairs section plays a significant role.

Additional Resources and Support

CrackIAS Subject-wise Monthly News is another excellent resource. They offer free access to the last 18 months of current affairs news. Additionally, they provide daily current affairs updates, covering news from 14 different sources such as The Hindu, PIB, Live Mint, PRS, and Indian Express. You can also get subject-wise current affairs news from January to April-end, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topics.

To further assist your preparation, consider downloading the UPSC Pathshala app. This app is designed to guide you through your UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation, from clearing Prelims to getting selected for the Interview. It offers quizzes and mocks to enhance your learning experience and helps you track your progress.

By leveraging these resources and tools, you can ensure a robust and comprehensive approach to your current affairs preparation for the UPSC Prelims 2021.

All the best for your preparations!