Current affairs carries huge weightage in the civil services exam. The biggest challenge for UPSC aspirants is to find the perfect book that serves all their needs of the subject when preparing for UPSC Civils. Selecting the right ensures you have access to up-to-date, verified and accurate information. The cost of relying on the wrong book is high.
So, what is the best current affairs book for UPSC? You must check syllabus coverage, and expert suggestions, take guidance from toppers, reputation, accessibility, cost, etc. We have compiled the list of best current affairs books for UPSC in this article. Check out the list.
Top Current Affairs Book for UPSC
Book Title | Languages | Price | Available at |
Manorama Yearbook | English | ₹341 (Print)₹999/Year (Digital) | https://www.manoramayearbook.in/ |
Mathrubhumi Yearbook | English | NA | https://yearbook.mathrubhumi.com/en/ |
Current Affairs for IAS (PRE) (S. A. Majid) | English | NA | Amazon |
Concise General Knowledge Manual (Barry O’Brien) | English | NA | Amazon |
India Yearbook (Publication Division (GOI)) | English | ₹255 | Amazon |
Economic Survey (Digital Only) | English | Free | https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/ |
Concise General Knowledge Manual (J. K. Chopra) | English | ₹428 | Amazon |
Current Affairs & News in Focus Objective Questions (Vol.1) (Kiran Prakashan) | English | NA | Amazon |
GK and Current Affairs (India) in English (CD) (Practice Guru) | English | NA | Amazon |
Best Current Affairs Magazine for UPSC
Magazine | Focus Area | Language | Subscription Costs |
Yojana (Monthly) | Socio-economic issues, govt. programs | English, Hindi, Regional | Available at yojana.gov.in |
Kurukshetra (Monthly) | Rural development, agriculture, tribal issues | English, Hindi | Available at yojana.gov.in |
EPW (Weekly) | Economic and political issues, research | English | ₹5,500/Year, ₹ 7,760/Year for Digital+Print |
Down to Earth (Fortnightly) | Environmental issues, livelihood, health | English | ₹4,780 (Print+Digital), ₹2,880 (Print), ₹1,500 (Digital) |
Pratiyogita Darpan (Monthly) | Current affairs, employment news, solved papers | English, Hindi | ₹150/edition |
Civil Services Times (Monthly) | National & international affairs, economy | English | ₹2,600 (Annual), ₹3,500 (Practice Papers) |
Geography and You (Bi-Monthly) | Environment, geography, science | English, Hindi | ₹199 (Silver), ₹499 (Gold), ₹899 (Platinum) |
Competition Success Review (CSR) (Monthly) | Current affairs, success stories | English | ₹70/month, ₹1,260/3 years, eMag: ₹70/month, ₹540/2 years |
World Focus (Monthly) | Foreign affairs, international relations | English | ₹1,300/year (Print), ₹800/year (Digital) |
Points to Remember When Selecting Current Affairs Book for UPSC
- Ensure that the best current affairs book covers topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus, including polity, economy, environment, and social issues.
- Choose a book that provides current and timely information, reflecting recent national and international affairs developments.
- Look for books that cover a wide range of topics, including government schemes, socio-economic issues, and significant events.
- Check the credibility of the author or publisher. Reputable authors or organisations often ensure accurate and reliable content.
- Select a book that presents information clearly and concisely, making it easier to grasp complex topics.
- The best current affairs book presents facts, analysis, and context, helping you understand the implications of current events.
- Ensure the book includes practice questions or previous years’ papers, allowing you to apply your knowledge.
- Consider books that come with supplementary online resources or PDFs for additional reading and revision.
- Check the readability and formatting of information for easy consumption, when selecting the best current affairs book.
- Focus on one or two well-reviewed books at a time to avoid confusion and to allow for deeper understanding rather than trying to cover too many sources at once.
- Check reviews or seek recommendations from successful UPSC candidates to find the best current affairs books that have proven helpful.
In the End
While selecting the best current affairs book for UPSC is important, it’s equally imperative to stay consistent with daily updates from reliable newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express. You can also read economic newspapers like The Economic Times, The Financial Express, etc., to gain up-to-date knowledge on the Indian economy.
These resources provide real-time information, which can complement the books you choose. Aspirants should also revise frequently and make concise notes for quick reference during revision. Staying organised with your sources ensures you’re always well-prepared for the dynamic nature of UPSC exams.
FAQs
How can I select the best current affairs book for UPSC?
To select the best current affairs book for UPSC, focus on books that cover the UPSC syllabus, provide recent and reliable information, and offer analysis of key events. Check author credibility, and reviews, and include practice questions for exam preparation.
Which book is best for current affairs UPSC?
For current affairs in UPSC, top books include Manorama Yearbook, India Yearbook, S.A. Majid’s Current Affairs for IAS, and Barry O’Brien’s Concise General Knowledge Manual. Kiran Prakashan’s Current Affairs Objective Questions and Economic Survey are also essential for all-round coverage of economic and political updates.
How to study current affairs for the best results?
For the best results in studying current affairs, focus on daily reading from trusted sources. Revise regularly, link current events with the UPSC syllabus, and practice answering questions. Use monthly magazines, newspapers, and reliable online platforms for updates.
Is current affairs for UPSC difficult?
Current affairs for UPSC can seem difficult due to its vast scope and constant updates. However, with consistent reading, focused revision, and connecting events to the syllabus, aspirants can simplify it and improve their understanding over time.