Introduction:
Current affairs is an essential part of the UPSC exam. It is important for candidates to stay updated with the latest happenings of national and international importance. However, the question that arises is how many months of current affairs should one cover?

Answer:
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on various factors. Here are some points to consider when deciding on the duration of current affairs to be covered:

1. Exam Pattern:
The UPSC exam comprises three stages- Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims exam tests the knowledge of current affairs of the past year, whereas the Mains exam requires a broader understanding of current affairs. Hence, it is important to cover current affairs of at least one year to have a thorough understanding of the topic.

2. Availability of Time:
The preparation time available for the exam is another factor to consider. If a candidate has a limited time for preparation, it is advisable to cover current affairs of the last six months to ensure that the important topics are covered.

3. Depth of Understanding:
The depth of understanding required for the exam also plays a crucial role in deciding the duration of current affairs. If a candidate has a good understanding of current affairs and can relate the events to the syllabus, covering current affairs of six months can be sufficient. However, if a candidate is not well-versed with current affairs, covering current affairs of one year is advisable.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, covering current affairs of six months is sufficient for candidates who are well-versed with the subject and have limited time for preparation. However, candidates who require a more in-depth understanding of the topic and have a longer time for preparation should cover current affairs of one year.

2 years for a good base of every current affair. Every topper suggests us to atleast follow 2 years' affairs for UPSC. But if you have just started and wanna appear next year for exam then go ahead with 1 year's affairs..and make sure that you have a good knowledge about everything.Good luck!