General knowledge is broad knowledge and information on various topics. It is not specialized information on a specific topic, rather, it is about every aspect of human life- current affairs, health, art, science, and technology.
When it comes to UPSC preparation, general knowledge and current affairs can be the game-changer. For static part once completed, it remains the same and only needs to be revised from time to time, but general knowledge has to be updated regularly and periodically.
Not only for CSE but general knowledge also plays an important role in other exams such as CDS, SSC CGL and State PSCs.
Note: – You have to be very well versed with the syllabus and pattern of UPSC before jumping to prepare for current affairs and general knowledge. The best way to achieve it is to read the syllabus uploaded by UPSC multiple times till it gets memorized. This is important because –
- It will help you in picking up the right articles/issues from the newspaper and magazines while leaving out irrelevant ones from the exam perspective. It will help you in separating grain from the chaff.
- It will also reduce your time spent on the Newspapers, as you will know which articles to read and which articles to skip. Thus, you can spend the left time on other subjects or your hobby. After all, UPSC is not only about hard work but also smart work.
Best Ways to Keep up With General Knowledge
Here are some of the best ways to keep up with the general knowledge which will help you to crack the various exams-
The Power of Reading a Newspaper Daily
Reading a newspaper builds an important base for knowledge. Reading a daily such as The Hindu is extremely useful for all UPSC exams. It gives you a critical analysis of the hot topics which with the static i.e. the basic portion and helps you in the further correlative linkage. It is recommended to have a pen or marker with you while reading a newspaper.
Underlining the information and news helps you to remember them more easily. Further, after reading the newspaper completely, you can quickly glance over the underlined things to absorb the crux in five minutes.
Magical Magazines
Magazines such as Yojana, Kurukshetra, Frontlineare useful for current affairs. Solving the questions given at the end of the magazines is very important as it helps you to evaluate yourself.
Rajyasabha and Loksabha TV Discussions
are very beneficial in understanding and analysing government policies.
PIB
Press Information Bureau gives a good insight about various schemes launched by various government ministries.
Daily Current Affairs MCQs
uploaded by various portals are a good way to check your knowledge and get a better idea about how questions can be framed.
Pocket Diary
It may seem old fashioned, but pocket diaries can be very useful. Each time you find out something new, take out your pocket diary and write it down. You can centralize all the data you gathered in a format you find easier to handle.
If you are tech-savvy and do not want to use an old fashioned diary, you can write down the information in the notes on your mobile or tablet using note-taking apps.
Mobile Phones
If you can’t access a hard copy of newspaper or magazines, you can access the soft copy of the same on your mobile. The apps of various newspapers and online preparation portals help you to access information anywhere and anytime. You can utilise your travelling time and another time window which you get here and there. These small steps and learning can take you a long way in building a very strong current affairs base.
Any Issues Related to Geography or International Affairs
You should make sure to prepare this area keeping a map aside. This will help you to understand and analyse the issues with the neighbouring countries as well as you will get a complete picture of political, geographical or societal problems faced by the people regionally.
Discussion with Peer Group
Knowledge increases by sharing. So, the next time you read anything new, share it with your peer group or family and you will notice that you will retain it for a longer period.
The more you have updated the better your knowledge and also in UPSC Preparation it helps in writing quality answers in the Mains exam. So, stay updated on all current issues.
