For some students, preparing for the CLAT exam can be a daunting task.

They may struggle to find trustworthy sources of information and neglect reading newspapers, as it requires consistent effort and practice. Instead, they may opt for shortcuts like relying on incomplete or irrelevant information from other sources.

To improve your chances of success on the CLAT exam, it's recommended that you make a habit of regularly reading newspapers for current affairs and other relevant subjects. In this article, we will not only discuss the correct way to read newspapers for CLAT exam preparation, but also how to take effective notes.

Best Newspaper for CLAT Preparation

While any newspaper can be helpful for improving current affairs knowledge, there are a select few that are strongly recommended for CLAT aspirants.

1. If you already read The Indian Express, it's recommended that you continue with it for CLAT exam preparation. You can also add The Hindu to your reading list for a broader perspective.
2. For those who are from an English medium background, it's suggested to start with The Indian Express and then switch to The Hindu.
3. If you are from a Hindi medium background, it's recommended to start with the Times of India, then move to The Indian Express, and later switch to The Hindu.

These two newspapers provide comprehensive coverage of related current affairs, eliminating the need for additional resources to stay up-to-date. Additionally, they can help improve skills in the following areas:

• English and Vocabulary
• Current Affairs
• Critical Reasoning
• Legal Reasoning

It's important to read the newspaper every day without fail. By making this a part of your daily routine, you can improve your understanding of current affairs.

What to Read in Newspaper and What to Avoid?

Let’s take a look at the sections you should focus on to prepare for CLAT:

• Front Page
• Editorials
• State News related to important government schemes and events
• Opinions
• World News
• National News Page
• Business News

What you can skip:

• Advertisements
• Entertainment
• Lifestyle
• Sports (prefer a monthly compilation of the important events and tournaments)
• Interviews
• City News

Best Way To Read Newspaper For CLAT Exam and Make Notes

Next, we will discuss the process of reading a newspaper and taking notes for CLAT exam preparation.

1. Research from Previous Year Questions
   To ensure effective newspaper reading, it's crucial to determine what news is essential and what can be skipped. It's important to understand the types of news that are relevant from a CLAT exam perspective. Therefore, it's recommended to review previous years' CLAT exam papers and analyze the GK questions asked. This can provide a better perspective on important news to focus on.
2. Choose The Right Newspaper
   It's not possible to read every newspaper available in India, so it's recommended to pick one and read it daily to stay up-to-date with the latest news.
   For beginners who have never read a newspaper from an exam perspective, The Indian Express is recommended for English medium students, while Times of India is suggested for Hindi medium students.
   If you are already reading The Indian Express, it's best to continue with it. Times of India or Hindustan Times are also good options, but for CLAT exam preparation, The Hindu and The Indian Express are the most comprehensive and informative.
   To learn how to read The Hindu for CLAT, it's recommended to subscribe to Law Prep Tutorial's YouTube channel. They offer videos where experts analyze The Hindu daily and provide insights for note-taking.
3. Set a Time to Read
   It's important to allocate a specific time in your daily routine for reading newspapers and articles. It'sbest to read them when you feel mentally alert and fresh, as this can aid in better understanding and memorization and help with note-taking for the CLAT exam.
   It's recommended to read newspapers early in the morning while having breakfast or during your commute to school or college. It's advisable to set aside 1-2 hours every day specifically for reading newspapers.
4. Make Notes Strategically
   Writing important news facts in your own words can aid in better memorization. It's also crucial to take notes on the research you've conducted for each topic, especially for CLAT exam preparation. Knowing the details of current affairs is essential for CLAT students.
   A useful approach to note-taking is dividing your notes into different sections, such as national, international, and so on. This can help with easy management and revision of notes.

Follow these strategic newspaper reading and note-making tips from Career Launcher Coaching to maximize your learnings from newspapers for CLAT preparation.