Every year, 30 lakh Indians appear for the SSC CGL exam in hopes of securing a government job. Most aspirants get coaching or other paid resources like paid test series and popular textbooks to aid their SSC CGL preparation.
However, you can crack the exam even without those things. Find out the top 10 free resources to prepare for the SSC CGL exam.
Overview of the SSC CGL exam
The Staff Selection Commission Graduate Level [SSC CGL] exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for multiple central government ministries. The exam has 2 tiers and takes place once a year.
The Tier 1 exam is a computer-based test [CBT] that is used to prepare the qualifying shortlist. Whereas Tier 2 also uses skill-based testing along with an aptitude test, which influences the final selection process.
Why preparation is important for the SSC CGL exam
Preparation is extremely important for the SSC CGL exam. It gives you several advantages over other aspirants, like:
Time management
Understanding the exam structure
Increased chances of overall selection
Giving you a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages of using free resources
People often think that free resources are of low quality. But that is a myth. In fact, free resources can be just as effective as the paid ones. This is because they are cost-effective and readily available for everyone.
These resources get updated regularly according to the changing trends and patterns. But the best part of using free resources for the SSC CGL preparation is that you are not bound to a fixed schedule and can learn at your own pace.
The top 10 free resources to prepare for SSC CGL
Here is an overview, along with key details, of the top 10 free resources for the SSC CGL preparation:
SSC Adda by Adda 247
SSC Adda by Adda247 is an online app and website. They provide study materials, previous year papers, and preparation strategies to guide all aspirants. SSC Adda also offers YouTube classes for those who prefer visual learning.
2. Testbook
Testbook is a popular website for government exam preparation. They offer online coaching for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Testbook also has helpful practice tests through which all aspirants can improve and progress.
3. Oliveboard
Online platform Oliveboard has many free resources for SSC CGL preparation, like mock tests, free live tests, and a discussion forum. Oliveboard also has an app called ‘Oliveboard SSC Exam Prep App’ on the Google Play Store.
4. GradeUp/Byju’s Exam Prep
Byju’s Exam Prep, formerly known as GradeUp, offers free mock tests and practice questions. They also have online classes for subjects such as quants, logical reasoning, and general knowledge [GK].
5. Cracku
Cracku is an online test preparation platform. For SSC CGL preparation, they provide multiple things such as mock tests, previous year papers, and performance analysis.
6. Career Power
Career Power is a coaching franchise that has courses for government job exams, including SSC CGL. Their free resources include daily quizzes and study material quizzes.
7. Study IQ
Study IQ offers free study material PDFs for subjects such as English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Knowledge. Additionally, they offer daily live classes focused on SSC CGL.
8. Unacademy
Similar to Study IQ, Unacademy offers free live classes for SSC CGL preparation. They also have subject-wise classes and practice sets.
9. YouTube channels
YouTube is one of the best platforms for learning something online. Some popular channels for SSC CGL preparation include:
Vidya Guru
StudySmart
Meritshine
Smartkeeda
10. SSC website
The official SSC website also has multiple free resources to help aspirants. These include previous year question papers, answer keys, and preparation guidelines.
Tips to leverage the free resources for SSC CGL
Wondering how to use the free resources in an effective manner. Here are some helpful tips below:
You may also like: Time Management Strategies for govt job exams
Conclusion
Expensive tutoring is not necessary to pass the SSC CGL exam. Success is achievable with the correct free resources and a well-thought-out study schedule.
Remain focused, make good use of practice exams and past papers, and keep getting better every day. Best wishes for your SSC CGL 2025 journey!