Best Books and Online Resources for Competitive Exams: Preparing for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, IBPS, RRB, and State PSCs requires the right study materials. Many aspirants spend months searching for the best books and online resources but often waste time on unreliable sources. The availability of both free and paid resources makes it even more challenging to choose the right ones.
Selecting the right study materials is essential for effective exam preparation. This guide provides a detailed list of the best books and online resources for competitive exams, covering all major subjects. Whether you prefer studying from books, online courses, or mobile apps, this article will help you choose the most effective resources for your needs.
Overview Table
| Category | Recommended Resources | Best For |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook, The Hindu | UPSC, SSC, Banking |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Mathematics | RS Aggarwal, M. Tyra, Rakesh Yadav | SSC, Railways, Banking |
| Reasoning Ability & Logical Thinking | RS Aggarwal, MK Pandey, BS Sijwali | SSC, UPSC, IBPS |
| English Language & Comprehension | SP Bakshi, Wren & Martin, Norman Lewis | All Competitive Exams |
| Banking Awareness & Financial Knowledge | Arihant, Ramesh Singh, RBI website | Banking, RBI, NABARD |
| Free Online Study Resources | PIB, NCERT e-Pathshala, Unacademy (Free Classes) | UPSC, SSC, Banking |
| Paid Online Courses & Mock Tests | BYJU’S Exam Prep, Testbook Pass, Oliveboard | Structured Learning & Practice |
| Mobile Apps for Exam Preparation | Gradeup, Testbook, Adda247 | On-the-go Learning & Quizzes |
Best Books for Government Exams
Finding the right books is crucial for building a strong foundation in each subject. Below is a list of the best books recommended for different competitive exams.
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
A good grasp of general knowledge and current affairs is essential for most government exams. The following books and newspapers provide comprehensive coverage of important topics.
- Lucent’s General Knowledge is widely used for static GK and is ideal for exams like SSC, Railways, and State PSCs.
- Manorama Yearbook is helpful for UPSC and Banking aspirants, covering national and international events.
- Arihant General Knowledge is suitable for quick revision and is useful for SSC, RRB, and Banking exams.
- NCERT Books from Class 6 to 12 provide in-depth knowledge, especially for UPSC and State PSC exams.
- The Hindu and The Indian Express are recommended for staying updated with current affairs.
Quantitative Aptitude & Mathematics
Mathematics plays a crucial role in competitive exams. The right books can help in mastering problem-solving techniques and improving speed.
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal is one of the most comprehensive books for SSC, Banking, and RRB exams.
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma is useful for SSC and Railway exams.
- Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra is a great resource for Banking and SSC aspirants.
- Advanced Maths by Rakesh Yadav is recommended for candidates preparing for SSC CGL Tier 2.
Reasoning Ability & Logical Thinking
Reasoning ability tests analytical and problem-solving skills, making it an important subject in most exams. These books provide structured practice.
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal is ideal for SSC, Railways, and IBPS exams.
- Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey covers high-level reasoning and is useful for UPSC and Banking exams.
- A New Approach to Reasoning by BS Sijwali is beneficial for SSC and State PSC exams.
English Language & Comprehension
Strong English skills are necessary for scoring well in competitive exams. The books below help improve grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi is useful for SSC, Banking, and PSC exams.
- Wren & Martin’s English Grammar is excellent for improving grammar fundamentals.
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis helps in vocabulary building and is recommended for all competitive exams.
Banking Awareness & Financial Knowledge
For banking and finance-related exams, it is essential to have knowledge of financial terms and economic policies.
- Banking Awareness by Arihant provides detailed coverage of banking-related topics.
- Financial Awareness by Ramesh Singh is recommended for RBI, NABARD, and UPSC exams.
Best Online Resources (Free & Paid)
Online platforms offer interactive learning, making them a valuable addition to book-based preparation. Here are some of the best free and paid online resources for competitive exams.
Free Online Study Resources
- PIB (Press Information Bureau) provides official government updates, making it ideal for UPSC and Banking aspirants.
- NCERT e-Pathshala offers free access to NCERT books, essential for UPSC and State PSCs.
- Pratiyogita Darpan is a useful monthly magazine for current affairs, beneficial for SSC and Banking exams.
- Unacademy offers free video lectures on Quant, Reasoning, and General Knowledge.
- Adda247’s YouTube channel provides free mock tests and practice sessions.
- Testbook’s free quizzes cover General Knowledge, Reasoning, and Mathematics.
Best Paid Online Courses & Mock Tests
For structured learning and advanced preparation, paid online courses and test series are helpful.
- BYJU’S Exam Prep offers comprehensive courses for SSC, UPSC, and Banking exams.
- Unacademy Plus provides live classes, expert guidance, and test series.
- Testbook Pass gives unlimited access to mock tests for SSC, IBPS, and RRB exams.
- Oliveboard offers AI-based personalized study plans for Banking and RBI exams.
Best Mobile Apps for Competitive Exams
Mobile apps make studying convenient, allowing aspirants to practice on the go.
- Gradeup provides daily quizzes, live classes, and test series.
- Testbook App offers free quizzes and mock tests for SSC, IBPS, and RRB exams.
- Adda247 includes study material and video lectures for Banking and Railways.
- Daily Current Affairs App helps in revising current affairs efficiently.
How to Choose the Best Study Resources
Selecting the right resources depends on learning style and exam requirements. Here are some guidelines for making the right choice.
- If you prefer self-study, use standard books and free online resources like YouTube, PDFs, and government reports.
- If you need structured guidance, paid online courses provide expert mentoring.
- If you want to practice extensively, test series like Testbook Pass, Oliveboard, or Adda247 mock tests are beneficial.
A combination of books, online study materials, and regular practice ensures thorough preparation.
Conclusion
Choosing the best books and online resources for competitive exams is essential for efficient and effective preparation. While books provide strong conceptual clarity, online resources offer flexibility and interactive learning.
Aspirants should focus on reliable study materials, revise consistently, and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Staying updated with current affairs and practicing quizzes daily can significantly enhance performance. With dedication and the right resources, clearing competitive exams becomes a more achievable goal.
FAQs
Which book is best for general knowledge in competitive exams?
Lucent’s General Knowledge and Manorama Yearbook are highly recommended for comprehensive GK preparation.
What are the best free online study platforms?
PIB, NCERT e-Pathshala, Unacademy’s free classes, and Testbook’s free quizzes offer valuable study materials.
Are paid mock tests worth it?
Yes, paid mock tests from platforms like Testbook, Oliveboard, and BYJU’S Exam Prep improve accuracy and exam readiness.
Which mobile app is best for daily current affairs?
The Daily Current Affairs App and Gradeup are good choices for keeping up with daily news.
How can I balance self-study with online courses?
Using books for theory and online courses for practice, along with regular mock tests, ensures balanced preparation.
