For UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) preparation, one of the most essential sources of information is the newspaper. Among the various options available, two newspapers stand out for aspirants: The Hindu and The Indian Express. Both have their strengths, and your choice largely depends on what aligns best with your study needs and approach. Here's a breakdown to help you choose between the two.

The Hindu: The Staple Choice for Depth and Analysis

For many UPSC aspirants, The Hindu is the go-to newspaper for consistent and detailed coverage. Known for its in-depth analysis of national and international news, The Hindu provides comprehensive editorials that help you build a critical and analytical approach to various issues.

  • Strengths:
    • In-depth editorials: The newspaper offers detailed opinions and analysis on governance, policies, social justice, economic issues, environmental concerns, and international relations, all of which are relevant across various General Studies papers. 
    • Reliable for Mains and Interview: The detailed coverage of important topics in national and international news helps you not only for prelims but also for Mains and Interview preparation.
    • Balanced Reporting: Its neutral stance makes it suitable for building a holistic view, crucial for developing an informed opinion on various issues.
  • Best for:
    • Aspirants who prefer a comprehensive approach to news and want detailed understanding of issues.

The Indian Express: The Crisp and Focused Approach

On the other hand, The Indian Express is known for its crisp reporting and concise presentation of news. It provides clear and quick summaries of important events, which is great for aspirants who want to cover a broad spectrum of current affairs in a short time.

  • Strengths:
    • Succinct and to the point: The articles in The Indian Express are shorter, making it easier to get through the paper quickly without missing key information.
    • Focus on governance and policy: The Indian Express provides detailed coverage of government schemes, policy shifts, economic reforms, and social issues, which are relevant across all General Studies papers.
    • Editorials and Analysis: While not as lengthy as The Hindu, the editorial section offers quick but insightful views on issues, making it perfect for candidates looking for brief yet relevant perspectives.
  • Best for:
    • Aspirants who prefer concise and clear information.

Why You Should Stick to One Newspaper

While both newspapers have their merits, consistency is key in UPSC preparation. Choose one newspaper and follow it regularly to build a steady flow of current affairs knowledge. Reading from different newspapers can sometimes lead to confusion or overloading of information. By focusing on one, you get used to its style, language, and areas of emphasis, helping you streamline your reading process.

Supplement Your Newspaper with Current Affairs Materials

Even if you choose one newspaper, supplementing it with daily, weekly, or monthly current affairs publications from coaching institutions like is a great idea. These resources provide structured and curated information, ensuring that you don’t miss out on important topics. You can also rely on news articles and analyses from these platforms to clarify complex issues or fill in any gaps from the newspaper.

Weekly news analysis by SuperKalam

Monthly magazines by SuperKalam

Daily news summary by SuperKalam

Conclusion: The Final Choice

Ultimately, whether you choose The Hindu or The Indian Express depends on your personal study style. If you prefer depth and analysis, The Hindu is your best bet. If you’re looking for concise and clear news with a focus on policy and governance, then The Indian Express would suit your needs better.

Whichever you choose, the key is to stick to it and supplement with additional resources like current affairs magazines. Consistency and strategic supplementation will ensure that you are well-prepared for both Prelims and Mains.

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