How to Use Editorials from The Hindu & Indian Express for Mains
Master UPSC Mains with Editorials | Chetan Bharat Learning
When it comes to passing the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam, response quality is critical. Top performers distinguish themselves by presenting balanced opinions, fresh facts, and real-life examples. This is where daily newspaper editorials, particularly those from The Hindu and The Indian Express, become useful resources for UPSC candidates.
Chetan Bharat Learning, a well-known brand in UPSC coaching Chandigarh, emphasises the strategic application of editorial content in responses rather than merely reading it. Here's how to successfully use editorials to improve your UPSC Mains preparation.
1. Prioritize the Right Sections
Both The Hindu and The Indian Express have dedicated editorial and opinion pages. Focus on:
- Editorials (centered and shorter) – Present balanced, institution-backed views.
- Op-eds – Offer diverse, sometimes expert opinions on complex issues.
- Explained (Indian Express) – Helps simplify current affairs for GS papers.
Avoid getting trapped in local/state news or political misinformation unless it is related to governance or federal issues.
2. Make Notes, Don’t Memorize
Simply reading editorials daily is not enough. Create GS paper-wise notes:
- GS II (Polity & Governance): Look for topics on constitutional issues, judgments, electoral reforms, etc.
- GS III (Economy, Tech, Environment): Focus on editorials about inflation, digital governance, renewable energy, etc.
- GS I (Society, Culture): Articles on gender, caste, and urbanization fit well here.
- GS IV (Ethics): Collect examples of leadership, transparency, or public accountability.
At Chetan Bharat Learning, our mentors assist students in categorize current editorial content based on UPSC Mains requirements, streamlining revision.
3. Extract Arguments, Examples, and Data
Editorials are goldmines for:
- Balanced viewpoints: Most responses require a 'for and against' framework. Editorials serve to shape these viewpoints.
- Recent data: Whether it's NITI Aayog statistics or environmental indicators, editorials frequently provide useful figures.
- Case studies: UPSC values real-world references. Editorials frequently highlight beneficial programs, Supreme Court decisions, and worldwide precedents.
Make a practice of taking 2-3 essential elements from each editorial and writing them in your notes in your own words. This improves retention and guarantees uniqueness.
4. Improve Language and Expression
One overlooked advantage of reading high-quality newspapers is improved articulation. The way editorial writers phrase difficult subjects in simple but effective language might help you unconsciously improve your own writing style. Over time, your Mains responses will become more sophisticated and refined.
At our UPSC Institute in Chandigarh, we propose that students choose one editorial every day and paraphrase its thesis in their own words. This improves comprehension and response writing abilities.
5. Use Them in Essay & Ethics Papers
Editorials are also a great source of information for essays and ethics articles.
- Essays addressing issues such as development, democracy, and women's empowerment benefit from a variety of editorial perspectives.
- Ethics papers may offer examples of ethical quandaries, leadership failures, or public service principles raised in op-eds.
Final Words
Reading editorials correctly is about more than simply being up to date; it is also about creating material for Mains responses. With constant work and a well-planned approach, candidates may turn a 20-minute reading habit into important UPSC Mains scores.
Chetan Bharat Learning incorporates editorial analysis into our classroom lessons and response writing practice. If you're seeking the best UPSC Institute in Chandigarh, join us and discover how to transform newspapers into a daily dose of UPSC enrichment.
Looking to improve your editorial analysis for UPSC 2025? Connect with Chetan Bharat Learning, your reliable UPSC Institute in Chandigarh.