What is a Better Way to Read Current Affairs for Any Competitive Exam?

Introduction

In today’s competitive world, staying updated with current affairs is no longer a choice—it's a necessity, especially for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, APPSC, TSPSC, and others. With the flood of information available online and offline, students often ask: What is the most effective way to read and retain current affairs?

At HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, we’ve guided thousands of aspirants towards success, and one common trait among high achievers is their smart strategy for reading and revising current affairs. Here’s a structured guide to help you master current affairs in a better, faster, and more focused way.

📍 Why Current Affairs Matter in Competitive Exams

Before we dive into methods, let’s understand why current affairs are crucial:

• Weightage in Exams: In many exams like UPSC Prelims, Banking Mains, and State PSCs, current affairs can carry 20–40% of the total marks.

• Interview Rounds: Questions related to recent developments are often asked during interviews to assess awareness and opinion-making skills.

• Essay & Descriptive Writing: Real-time events help in giving relevant examples and arguments in written exams.

• Wider Perspective: It broadens your knowledge base, connecting static subjects with dynamic news.

✅ A Better Way to Read and Learn Current Affairs

1. Follow a Trusted Source – Don’t Overcrowd Your Table

The first mistake many aspirants make is trying to read 4–5 newspapers or apps daily. This causes confusion, repetition, and exhaustion. Choose ONE or TWO reliable sources and stick to them. For example:

• The Hindu or Indian Express (for UPSC-level exams)

• PIB (Press Information Bureau) for government updates

• Monthly current affairs magazines (like Vision IAS, Byju’s, or a HAREESH ACADEMY compilation)

• Reliable YouTube updates (like HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY’s daily news analysis sessions)

✨ Pro Tip from Hareesh Sir: “Be selective. Not everything in the newspaper is important for your exam. Learn to filter.”

2. Use the 'Issue-Based' Approach, Not the 'Event-Based' Approach

Instead of memorizing hundreds of random news stories, focus on issues.

📌 For example:

• Instead of just reading that “India launched a new satellite,” understand:
  → What is the purpose of the satellite?
  → Which organization launched it?
  → How does it relate to India’s space program?

This deeper context helps you connect facts and improves retention. At HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, our faculty trains students to decode news this way during daily and weekly classes.

3. Make Short Notes or Mind Maps

Information is of no use if you cannot recall it during the exam. The best way to retain current affairs is to summarize them in your own words.

✅ How to make effective notes:

• Use a notebook or digital app like Notion, Evernote, or OneNote.

• Create daily, weekly, and monthly compilations.

• Use mind maps, flowcharts, and one-liners for revision.

At our academy, we provide ready-made handouts and visual notes to ease your revision workload.

4. Revise Frequently – The Rule of Repetition

Reading once and forgetting is a common pain point. To convert short-term memory into long-term memory, follow the 3R method:

• Read → first time to understand.

• Review → after 7 days to recall.

• Revise → at the end of the month before tests.

We conduct weekly quizzes, monthly mock tests, and revision classes to keep students on track. Remember, without revision, even the best reading habits will not help.

5. Join a Guided Program for Consistency

Consistency is key, and often difficult to maintain if you’re preparing alone. That’s why structured guidance helps.

At HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, we offer:

• Daily current affairs sessions (online and offline)

• Weekly current affairs tests

• Monthly magazine compilations

• Mains answer writing using current examples

• Interview practice with real-time issues

These programs are tailor-made to ensure you don’t just read the news but understand, analyze, and retain it.

🧠 How to Make Current Affairs a Part of Your Daily Routine

Here’s a sample daily routine:

This structured routine ensures you don’t spend too much time yet remain fully updated.

💬 Final Thoughts from HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY

This article in the sanfranciscodaily360 must have given you clear idea about Reading current affairs for competitive exams is not about knowing everything under the sun. It’s about knowing the right things, at the right time, in the right way.

At HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, we’re committed to making your preparation smart, structured, and stress-free. With our expert faculty, curated materials, and result-driven strategies, you can transform current affairs from a burden to a scoring asset.

📢 Ready to Boost Your Current Affairs Game?

👉 Join HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY today for:

• Daily current affairs classes

• Monthly compilations

• Personalized mentorship

• Online + Offline hybrid options

Visit our website or call now to book your FREE DEMO CLASS and experience the best way to master current affairs.

Because at HAREESH THE BEST ACADEMY, we don’t just teach—we transform aspirants into achievers. 🌟