Reading the Hindu vs Indian Express for CLAT - Which Is Better?
- himanshilawprep
- 22 hours ago
- 6 min read
When you're preparing for the CLAT exam, one of the most commonly repeated pieces of advice is-read the newspaper daily. And not just any newspaper, but one that helps you improve your general knowledge, build vocabulary, and understand current issues in depth.
But that leads to the next question: Which one should you read-The Hindu or The Indian Express?
Both newspapers are highly respected and regularly recommended by toppers, mentors, and coaching institutes. But each one has a different style, and the right choice depends on your reading ability, learning preference, and where you are in your CLAT journey.
If you’re stuck between these two options, don’t worry. You don’t need to waste days trying to figure it out. In this blog, we’ll compare both newspapers across 10 important factors-specifically from a CLAT student’s point of view-o help you decide which one to stick with.
Let’s dive in.
1. Why Reading a Newspaper Daily Actually Helps in CLAT
Before choosing the newspaper, it's important to understand why you need one in the first place.
CLAT doesn't test you on plain current affairs. Instead, it gives passage-based questions that test your comprehension, analysis, and awareness of contemporary issues. This applies to both the Current Affairs and English Language sections.
Reading a good newspaper regularly:
Improves your reading speed and concentration
Builds a strong vocabulary naturally
Develops your understanding of legal, social, and political topics
Helps you form opinions and analyse arguments
In other words, newspaper reading isn’t just for general knowledge it trains your brain to read and think like a law student. Along with these benefits, it also helps you stay updated on all details about CLAT 2026 for better preparation, without feeling overwhelmed by last-minute current affairs revision.
2. The Hindu: For Depth and Formal Language
The Hindu has long been a favourite among students preparing for competitive exams. It’s known for its detailed reporting, strong editorial content, and formal language.
If you want to build your comprehension ability, strengthen your vocabulary, and get used to academic-style writing, this is a solid choice.
What you’ll find useful:
The editorials are analytical and thought-provoking.
Articles often discuss legal cases, government policies, and international relations in detail.
The language helps prepare you for tougher CLAT passages.
However, be ready for some initial struggle. The writing style can feel a bit heavy at first, especially if you’re not used to reading serious texts. But once you develop a habit, it becomes easier and more enjoyable.
3. The Indian Express: For Simplicity and Clarity
The Indian Express is equally respected but has a slightly different style. Its language is more accessible, and its layout feels less dense.
If you’re someone who finds The Hindu too complex or is just starting out with newspaper reading, this is the better option to begin with.
Here’s what makes it special:
The Explained section is excellent. It breaks down complex topics like Supreme Court judgments or new laws in a student-friendly way.
The writing is clear and precise, helping you grasp topics faster.
It covers the same legal and political issues but in a simplified manner.
It may not give you the same vocabulary push as The Hindu, but it offers better clarity, especially when you're in a hurry or revising topics quickly.
4. Editorials: Formal vs Friendly
Editorials are crucial in CLAT prep, especially for improving your English comprehension and understanding multiple viewpoints on a topic.
In The Hindu, editorials are:
Longer and more academic
Use advanced vocabulary
Often refer to constitutional or policy debates in depth
In The Indian Express, editorials are:
Shorter and more reader-friendly
Easier to understand without losing meaning
Often more focused on immediate context
If you’re confident with formal English, go for The Hindu. But if you're looking for smoother reading with solid insight, Indian Express is a great pick.
5. Legal and Constitutional Coverage
Both papers cover legal developments extensively, which is great for CLAT.
What The Hindu offers:
In-depth analysis of court rulings, legal challenges, and policy decisions
Articles that explore the legal reasoning behind judgments
A neutral and precise tone
What Indian Express offers:
More student-friendly explanations
Legal content that is connected to current affairs
Examples that help you understand the implication of legal changes
If you want to read like a law student and don’t mind a challenge, go with The Hindu. But if your goal is to understand things quickly and clearly, Indian Express may suit you better.
Consider joining CLAT coaching in Kolkata or any reputable institute nearby for expert guidance and effective preparation.
6. Vocabulary Building
This is one of the hidden benefits of newspaper reading. Both papers help improve your vocabulary, but they do so differently.
The Hindu uses a more formal and academic tone, which naturally exposes you to words that can appear in CLAT.
Indian Express uses simpler words but explains issues in a way that’s easy to retain.
Students who want to build a strong vocabulary over time generally prefer The Hindu. But if you feel stuck on every third word, don’t force yourself. Begin with Indian Express, and then slowly shift once you get comfortable.
7. Reading Time and Ease of Use
Let’s be real. You won’t always have one hour every day just for newspaper reading. So the time you spend on reading should be productive.
The Hindu may require 45 to 60 minutes a day to read and understand properly.
Indian Express can often be read in 30 to 45 minutes, especially if you focus on the Explained section and editorials.
For a student who is also juggling coaching classes, school, or other exams, The Indian Express allows you to be more time-efficient without compromising too much on quality.
8. How to Read Either Paper Effectively
No matter which one you choose, your reading method should be smart.
Here’s how to read like a CLAT aspirant:
Focus on the front page, national news, and editorials
Read at least one opinion piece every day to build comprehension
For legal news, focus on judgments, bills, and constitutional matters
Ignore movie reviews, gossip, or sports news unless it's legally relevant
Keep a notebook and write 3–4 bullet points per important topic
Highlight or note new words and revise them weekly
Reading smart > reading everything.
9. Who Should Pick Which?
Now let’s answer the main question: Which paper should you read?
Choose The Hindu if:
You are already comfortable with English
You want to develop strong comprehension and vocabulary
You enjoy detailed, analytical reading
You have 45–60 minutes daily for deep reading
Choose The Indian Express if:
You are new to newspaper reading
You want clear explanations of current issues
You prefer a slightly lighter tone and faster reading
You want to understand legal matters in simple terms
Many students also use a hybrid method:
Read The Hindu editorial page
Use The Indian Express Explained section
This combination gives you both depth and clarity.
Also explore 2 Year Preparation Plan for CLAT Exam
10. What Matters More Than the Newspaper You Choose
Here’s the truth: Both papers are good. But reading consistently is more important than picking the perfect paper.
Even the best newspaper won’t help if you read it once a week. On the other hand, reading five strong articles a day-no matter which paper-will take you much further.
So don’t overthink. Pick the one that you find readable. Read it every day. Take notes. Reflect on what you read. Apply it while solving CLAT mocks.
Newspaper reading is not just about staying updated. It’s about building the mindset of a law student-someone who reads critically, understands deeply, and stays aware of the world around them.
Conclusion
The Hindu and The Indian Express are not just two newspapers-they are tools that help shape your preparation journey. Each has its strengths. One is deeper and formal. The other is clearer and quicker to absorb.
If you're just starting out, don’t stress about choosing the perfect one. Start with what feels comfortable and build the habit. Once you’re consistent, even 30-40 minutes a day can change the way you think, read, and understand the world.
CLAT doesn’t just test memory-it tests maturity, awareness, and comprehension. A good newspaper helps you grow in all three.
So choose wisely-but more importantly, read regularly. Because your daily reading today will become your confidence in the exam hall tomorrow.
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