Current Affairs is a vital component of both GPSC Prelims and Mains. Whether it’s national schemes, Gujarat-specific developments, international relations, or environmental updates — staying up to date is non-negotiable.
This guide provides a complete strategy for preparing current affairs for GPSC, including the right sources, note-making techniques, and a monthly revision plan — all based on government-compliant and verified information. No fake or promotional sources included.
📌 Importance of Current Affairs in GPSC
Prelims: 15–25% of questions can be current-affairs-based.
Mains: General Studies papers contain issue-based descriptive questions linked to recent events.
Interview: Most questions are asked from current national or Gujarat-specific topics.
📚 Best Sources for GPSC Current Affairs (100% Reliable)
📰 Newspapers
The Indian Express – For analytical and editorial views
Gujarat Samachar / Sandesh – For state-specific news
The Hindu (Optional) – High-quality editorials
✅ Tip: Read one national + one regional newspaper daily.
📖 Government Websites & Reports
| Platform | Content |
|---|---|
| PIB | Official press releases (national) |
| Vibrant Gujarat | State economy and investment updates |
| Gujarat Government Portal | Policies, schemes, updates |
| India.gov.in | National policies & digital India resources |
| PRSIndia.org | Latest bills and acts |
| Economic Survey & Union Budget | Crucial for economy-related questions |
🗞️ Monthly Magazines
Yojana (English/Gujarati) – Government policies explained in detail
Kurukshetra – Rural development and schemes
Lokrajya (Published by Gujarat Govt) – State-specific magazine
📱 Online Portals & Apps (Authentic Only)
| Portal | Use |
|---|---|
| PIB Summary App | For daily summaries of government press releases |
| Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs | Compiled PDFs (only trusted if verified) |
| StudyIQ / BYJU’S (Govt-aligned) | For quick recaps (cross-verify facts) |
⚠️ Avoid random Telegram PDFs or unauthenticated sources. Stick to official or verified providers.
📝 How to Make Current Affairs Notes (Effective & Easy)
✅ 1. Use the 5W1H Method
What, Why, When, Where, Who, How
Example:
What: Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Why: To improve water conservation
Where: All water-stressed districts
When: Started in 2019
How: Via rainwater harvesting, watershed dev.
✅ 2. Make Notes Monthly, Not Daily
Saves time and allows better topic tracking
Use digital tools like Google Docs, Notion, or physical notebooks
✅ 3. Categorize Notes Topic-wise
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Government Schemes | PM Awas Yojana, Gati Shakti |
| Economy | RBI policy, Gujarat budget |
| Environment | Cyclone updates, Forest Acts |
| Gujarat State | Gyan Kunj Project, Garib Kalyan Mela |
| International | G20 Summit, WHO reports |
🗂️ Sample Format for Notes
Topic: Digital Gujarat Portal
Launch: 2017 by Govt of Gujarat
Purpose: To provide online citizen services
Features: Scholarships, e-certificate downloads, utility bill payments
Relevance: Digital Governance (GS Paper 2)
🔁 Current Affairs Revision Strategy (Monthly Plan)
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Read current news (newspaper + PIB) |
| Week 2 | Categorize & write monthly notes |
| Week 3 | Revise previous month’s current affairs |
| Week 4 | Practice MCQs & answer writing |
🧠 Tip: Revise at least 6 months of current affairs before the GPSC Prelims and 1 year’s worth for Mains.
📘 Practice Questions: Prelims + Mains
✳️ Prelims (MCQ Example)
Q: Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched to:
a) Improve employment
b) Ensure crop insurance
c) Conserve water resources
d) Increase sugarcane production
✅ Answer: c) Conserve water resources
✳️ Mains (Descriptive Example)
Q: Discuss the impact of government digital initiatives like ‘Digital Gujarat’ in improving public service delivery in the state.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad |
|---|---|
| ❌ Reading 5+ sources | Leads to confusion and repetition |
| ❌ Skipping note-making | You’ll forget what you read |
| ❌ Not linking current with static | Weak understanding in Mains |
| ❌ Over-reliance on coaching PDFs | May include outdated or false info |
✅ Final Checklist: GPSC Current Affairs Prep
Stick to 2 newspapers (1 national, 1 regional)
Read Yojana + Lokrajya monthly
Follow only authentic websites
Make monthly topic-wise notes
Revise monthly + quarterly
Practice both MCQs and descriptive answers