Hands hold up an open newspaper; over it, bold white text asks, “Which newspaper is the best for UPSC preparation?.
Hands hold up an open newspaper; over it, bold white text asks, “Which newspaper is the best for UPSC preparation?.
Hands hold up an open newspaper; over it, bold white text asks, “Which newspaper is the best for UPSC preparation?.
Hands hold up an open newspaper; over it, bold white text asks, “Which newspaper is the best for UPSC preparation?.

Best Newspaper for UPSC: Expert Tips for IAS Preparation & Current Affairs

Best Newspaper for UPSC: Expert Tips for IAS Preparation & Current Affairs

Best Newspaper for UPSC: Expert Tips for IAS Preparation & Current Affairs

Best Newspaper for UPSC: Expert Tips for IAS Preparation & Current Affairs

Jun 25, 2025
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Which newspaper is best for UPSC Preparation?

Which newspaper is best for UPSC Preparation?

Which newspaper is best for UPSC Preparation?

Which newspaper is best for UPSC Preparation?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India. It demands thorough preparation, covering a wide range of subjects from general knowledge, current affairs, and Indian polity to international relations, economics, and more. Current affairs, in particular, play a critical role in the exam, as they form a major portion of both the Preliminary and Mains exams. As a result, the aspirants need to identify the best newspaper for UPSC preparation. These blogs will help you understand the structure of exam and guide you through your UPSC preparation: 
- How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
- List of exams conducted by UPSC
- UPSC Syllabus 2026: Complete IAS Prelims, Mains & Interview Guide

The UPSC newspapers recommended for preparation should have a balanced mix of information, presenting facts along with well-researched opinions and editorials.The most popular and reliable choices for UPSC aspirants include The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times, Dainik Jagran, and Jansatta. These newspapers not only cover the broad spectrum of relevant topics but also present them in a manner that helps aspirants analyze and understand complex issues effectively.
These blogs will help you enhance your current affairs and GK preparation for UPSC:
UPSC GK Questions – General Knowledge Questions for IAS Prelims and Mains Exam 2025
How to Make Notes for UPSC:  A Complete Guide for Prelims & Mains
How to Prepare Current Affairs for UPSC Exam: A Comprehensive Guide

Which is the best newspaper for UPSC in English?

Which is the best newspaper for UPSC in English?

Which is the best newspaper for UPSC in English?

Which is the best newspaper for UPSC in English?

The Hindu

The Hindu is often regarded as one of the best UPSC newspapers for preparation. Its detailed and analytical approach to current affairs makes it highly valuable for aspirants. The newspaper covers a broad range of topics including national politics, international relations, economics, and social issues. It is particularly famous for its unbiased editorial views, which help develop a critical thinking process-a skill crucial for the UPSC exam.

Pros of The Hindu:
  • In-depth coverage: Provides detailed reports and analysis, especially on socio-political issues, international relations, and Indian polity.

  • Consistent quality: Offers a high level of consistency in quality, making it a reliable resource for current affairs.

  • Editorial insights: The editorial section provides well-researched opinions, critical analysis, and a diverse range of viewpoints.

Cons of The Hindu:
  • Lengthy articles: Sometimes the articles can be long and detailed, which might be time-consuming for some aspirants.

  • Dense language: The language can be a bit formal or complex for some readers, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension.

    Additionally, Padhai.ai (PadhAI app) offers free UPSC newspaper summaries of The Hindu, helping aspirants save time while ensuring they stay updated with the essential news.

The Indian Express

Indian Express is another essential UPSC newspaper for preparation. Known for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting, it offers a comprehensive coverage of national and international news. Its editorial pages are highly regarded for presenting diverse perspectives on key issues, which is crucial for developing a multi-dimensional approach to problem-solving.

Pros of The Indian Express:
  • Comprehensive coverage: Covers a wide range of topics, from national politics and social issues to international relations and the economy.

  • Critical analysis: Known for its editorial section that provides a balanced view, helping aspirants develop analytical skills.

  • Investigative journalism: Offers unique investigative reports, helping aspirants gain a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Cons of The Indian Express:
  • Sometimes biased: Although its journalism is generally regarded as balanced, some readers may find it to have slight biases in certain issues.

  • Expensive subscription: The paper is costly compared to others, and daily physical copies may not always be feasible for all aspirants.

Similarly, Padhai.ai (PadhAI app) also provides free UPSC newspaper summaries for Indian Express, so students can easily digest key points and stay on track with their preparation.

Economic Times

For candidates aiming for a deeper understanding of the economy, Economic Times stands out as one of the most reliable UPSC newspapers. It offers extensive coverage of economic and financial news, both national and international. This makes it an essential resource for preparing for subjects like economics, economic development, and financial management.

Pros of Economic Times:
  • Excellent economic coverage: Provides detailed reports on finance, economy, and business, making it ideal for aspirants preparing for economic-related sections of the UPSC exam.

  • Up-to-date with market trends: Regularly publishes news on stock markets, business policies, and government economic strategies.

  • Expert opinions: Offers insights from economic experts, helping aspirants understand complex financial concepts.

Cons of Economic Times:
  • Narrower focus: Primarily focuses on economic and business news, which means it may not be as helpful for topics unrelated to economics.

  • Business jargon: It uses economic and business terminology that can be difficult for aspirants not well-versed in the field.

Business Standard

Business Standard is another excellent choice, while finding the best UPSC newspaper for business, economy, and industry. This newspaper provides valuable insights into government policies, industry trends, and global economic developments. For aspirants preparing for the General Studies Paper 3 (Economic Development), Business Standard offers essential analysis on a range of economic issues including fiscal policies, financial systems, and trade.

Pros of Business Standard:
  • Detailed economic and policy analysis: It gives comprehensive insights into industry news, market trends, and fiscal policies, making it valuable for subjects like economics and business.

  • Clear reporting: The language used in Business Standard is straightforward and relatively easy to understand for most aspirants.

  • Focus on development: It focuses extensively on government economic policies, infrastructure development, and industrial growth, which are vital for UPSC preparation.

Cons of Business Standard:
  • Business-centric: Like the Economic Times, it has a narrow focus on business and economics, which might limit its relevance for general knowledge and other subjects.

  • Limited coverage on political or social issues: While it covers government policies, its focus on political and social matters might not be as extensive as Upsc newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.

Table of content

Summary Table : How to Choose the Best Newspaper for UPSC in English?

Summary Table : How to Choose the Best Newspaper for UPSC in English?

Summary Table : How to Choose the Best Newspaper for UPSC in English?

Summary Table : How to Choose the Best Newspaper for UPSC in English?

Comparison of the best newspaper for UPSC exam preparation

UPSC Newspaper

Pros

Cons

The Hindu

- In-depth coverage: Provides detailed reports and analysis on socio-political issues, international relations, and Indian polity 

- Consistent quality: Maintains a high standard of reporting, ensuring reliability for Prelims and Mains preparation 

- Editorial insights: Offers well-researched opinions and critical analysis, helping aspirants develop nuanced viewpoints 

- Lengthy and time-consuming: Articles can be long, requiring 1–1.5 hours to finish, which may not fit every aspirant’s schedule 

- Sophisticated language: Complex vocabulary can slow comprehension for some readers 

The Indian Express

- Comprehensive coverage: Spans polity, social issues, international relations, and economy with balanced reporting 

- Critical analysis: Editorial section presents diverse perspectives, sharpening analytical skills 

- Investigative journalism: Unique exposés offer deep insights into governance and policy issues 

- Occasional bias: Some topics reflect the paper’s editorial stance, requiring aspirants to cross-verify facts 

- Costly subscription: Yearly UPSC-focused plan starts around ₹1,200–1,800, which can stretch a student’s budget 

Economic Times

- Excellent economic coverage: Detailed reports on finance, business, and government economic strategies 

- Up-to-date market trends: Real-time updates on stock markets and policy changes 

- Expert opinions: Insights from industry experts help demystify complex financial concepts 

- Narrow focus: Primarily business-oriented, offering less on polity, social issues, or environment 

Business Standard

- Detailed economic & policy analysis: Comprehensive insights into fiscal policy, infrastructure, and industry developments 

- Clear reporting: Accessible language makes complex topics understandable 

- Development focus: Emphasizes government schemes and infrastructure projects, vital for UPSC’s economic development section

- Business-centric: Limited coverage of political or social issues compared to The Hindu/IE 

- Less variety: Doesn’t delve into non-economic current affairs, requiring supplementary sources 

Best Newspaper for UPSC Preparation - Hindi

Best Newspaper for UPSC Preparation - Hindi

Best Newspaper for UPSC Preparation - Hindi

Best Newspaper for UPSC Preparation - Hindi

Jansatta

Jansatta is one of the leading choices for the best newspaper for UPSC in Hindi, widely known for its objective journalism and unbiased reporting. Its coverage of national, international, political, and social news makes it an essential resource for Hindi-medium aspirants. 

Pros & Cons of Jansatta:
  • Balanced and neutral reporting: Jansatta is known for its impartiality and balanced coverage, which is important for developing a fair perspective on current affairs.

  • In-depth editorials: The editorial section of Jansatta is known for its critical and analytical content, helping aspirants develop their own opinions and deepen their understanding of political and social issues.

  • Wide coverage of social issues: It regularly covers a range of social issues such as education, health, and poverty, which are integral to the UPSC syllabus.

  • Limited international coverage: While Jansatta excels at national news, its coverage of international affairs is not as extensive as English-language newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.

Dainik Jagran

Dainik Jagran is one of the most widely read Hindi newspapers in India. It covers a wide range of topics including current affairs, government policies, and social issues..

Pros & Cons of Dainik Jagran:
  • Wide reach: It has a large readership and provides extensive national and international coverage.

  • Easy-to-understand language: It presents news in simple, clear language, making it accessible for aspirants of all backgrounds.

  • Regular updates on government policies: It regularly covers developments in government policies and schemes.

  • Limited in-depth analysis: While it provides news updates, it does not always provide in-depth analysis like English-language newspapers.

Navbharat Times

Navbharat Times is another excellent Hindi newspaper that covers a wide variety of topics relevant to UPSC preparation. It is known for its balanced coverage of national and international news, and its editorial section offers critical opinions on contemporary issues.

Pros & Cons of Navbharat Times:
  • Balanced news coverage: Offers a good mix of national and international news, helping aspirants stay updated with global affairs.

  • Good editorial section: Provides editorials and opinions that encourage analytical thinking, a skill required for UPSC.

  • Clear and concise language: The language is simple and suitable for Hindi-medium aspirants.

  • Not as comprehensive as English newspapers: It may lack the depth of coverage seen in papers like The Hindu and Indian Express.

Summary Table : How to Choose the best newspaper for UPSC in Hindi?

Summary Table : How to Choose the best newspaper for UPSC in Hindi?

Summary Table : How to Choose the best newspaper for UPSC in Hindi?

Summary Table : How to Choose the best newspaper for UPSC in Hindi?

Comparison of the best newspaper for UPSC exam preparation in Hindi? 

UPSC Newspaper

Pros

Cons

Jansatta

- Balanced Reporting: Fair perspective on current affairs.

- In-depth Editorials: Sharpens critical analysis.

- Social-Issue Coverage: Aligns with syllabus.

- Limited International News: Less coverage than English dailies.

- Less Economic Depth: Shallow business coverage.

Dainik Jagran

- Massive Reach: Extensive policy and scheme coverage.

- Easy Language: Simplifies complex topics.

- Regular Policy Updates: Keeps you informed on govt initiatives.

- Shallow Analysis: Lacks depth for Mains answers.

- Regional Bias: Focus on state-level news.

Navbharat Times

- Balanced News: Mix of global and national affairs.

- Insightful Editorials: Encourages analytical thinking.

- Concise Language: Ideal for note-making.

- Less Depth than English Papers: Not as comprehensive.

- Limited Economics Coverage: Less detailed business news.

How to read newspapers for UPSC?

How to read newspapers for UPSC?

How to read newspapers for UPSC?

How to read newspapers for UPSC?

  • Develop a strategic focus-ask which newspaper is best for UPSC, then zero in on relevant sections: national, international, economy, polity, editorials-skipping entertainment or state-level news.

  • Read actively and critically, focusing on understanding and analyzing key points. Make concise notes of important facts, figures, names, and key points related to the UPSC syllabus. These notes will go a long way and help you integrate these facts in your UPSC Mains answers.

  • Pay attention to editorials, opinion pieces, and in-depth articles that provide analysis and multiple perspectives on current affairs. This will help you frame an independent analytical perspective in writing your Essays and Mains answers.

  • Review and update your notes from time to time and revise the important points regularly. This will help reinforce your understanding and aid in retention.

Which Newspaper is best for UPSC? - Toppers’ Insights and Tips

Which Newspaper is best for UPSC? - Toppers’ Insights and Tips

Which Newspaper is best for UPSC? - Toppers’ Insights and Tips

Which Newspaper is best for UPSC? - Toppers’ Insights and Tips

  • Stay updated-daily reading ensures comprehensive awareness of national & international affairs, economic issues, and current events.

  • Enhance analytical and writing skills-editorials and opinion pieces sharpen reasoning and provide examples for essays and mains answers.

  • Improving language skills-habitual reading bolsters comprehension, vocabulary, and clarity in expression, aiding both prelims and mains.

  • Support interview preparation by building informed opinions on government policies and current affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which newspaper is considered the best newspaper for UPSC?
A. Most toppers and UPSC experts recommend The Hindu and The Indian Express as the best newspaper for UPSC, due to rich editorial coverage and balanced reporting.
Q. Is reading only one newspaper enough for UPSC preparation?
A. Yes-focusing on one high-quality source like The Hindu or IE is sufficient. UPSC experts suggest adding a business daily like ET or Business Standard for economics coverage to utilise the sections from the best newspaper for UPSC. 
Q. How should I read a newspaper effectively for UPSC?
A. Read with purpose: start with the syllabus, focus on editorials/national/international/economy sections, and make crisp notes in your own words from the best newspaper for UPSC preparation according to your needs. 
Q. Which newspaper is best for UPSC according to toppers?
A. Toppers consistently highlight The Hindu and The Indian Express as which newspaper is best for UPSC by toppers, thanks to their analytical depth and reliability
Q. What content should I ignore while reading newspapers for UPSC preparation?
A. Avoid state-level crime, company profiles, sports unless syllabus-relevant. For your UPSC preparation focus on issues tied to polity, international affairs, economy, science, and environment which are provided in the above list on the best newspaper for UPSC preparation. 

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

In conclusion, reading newspapers is an essential part of UPSC preparation. The best newspaper for UPSC preparation can be: The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times, Business Standard, Jansatta, Dainik Jagran and Navbharat Times- which provide comprehensive coverage of the key topics in the syllabus. To maximize the benefits of  UPSC newspaper reading, develop a strategic approach, focus on relevant sections, and make concise notes.

With the help of Padhai.ai (PadhAI app), which provides free newspaper summaries, aspirants can save time while staying updated on current affairs, ultimately strengthening their preparation. Stay committed, stay analytical, and stay focused—newspaper reading is a crucial step towards acing the UPSC exam. This means they do not have to get into the quarrel of finding which newspaper is best for UPSC preparation and get the jist of them all. 

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