Cracking competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, IBPS, and Railway Exams requires the right study material and a strategic preparation plan. Fortunately, many free resources are available online that can help aspirants prepare effectively. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best free study materials, websites, and mobile apps for these exams.
Why Choose Free Study Material?
With the rise of digital education, many aspirants prefer online study materials due to the following reasons:
- Cost-effective – No need to spend money on expensive books or coaching.
- Accessibility – Available anytime and anywhere with an internet connection.
- Updated Content – Regularly updated with new syllabus patterns and trends.
Best Free Study Material for SSC, UPSC, IBPS, and Railway Exams
Free Study Material for SSC Exams
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts various exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and GD Constable. Here are the best free resources:
a) Official SSC Website (https://ssc.nic.in)
- Previous year question papers
- Exam notifications and syllabus
- Answer keys for reference
b) Websites Offering Free SSC Study Material
- Gradeup (now BYJU’S Exam Prep) – Daily quizzes, mock tests, and study notes.
- Testbook – Free practice questions and concept videos.
- Unacademy YouTube Channel – Free video lessons by top educators.
c) Mobile Apps for SSC Exam Preparation
- Oliveboard – Free daily quizzes and practice sets.
- Adda247 – Current affairs, mock tests, and video lectures.
- Careerwill App – Free live classes and PDFs.
Free Study Material for UPSC Exams
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE). Here are the best free resources:
a) Official UPSC Website (https://upsc.gov.in)
- Previous years’ papers
- Exam syllabus and notifications
- Press releases and reports
b) Best Free Websites for UPSC Preparation
- mrunal.org – Comprehensive notes on economy and current affairs.
- ClearIAS.com – Free mock tests, study plans, and strategy guides.
- ForumIAS – Daily answer writing practice and study discussions.
c) YouTube Channels for UPSC Preparation
- Drishti IAS – Free video lectures in Hindi.
- Vision IAS – Topic-wise free lectures and current affairs.
- IASbaba – Daily newspaper analysis and quiz sessions.
Free Study Material for IBPS Exams
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts exams like IBPS PO, Clerk, RRB, and SO. Here are the best free resources:
a) Official IBPS Website (https://ibps.in)
- Exam syllabus and eligibility criteria
- Previous years’ papers
- Exam calendar and notifications
b) Websites Offering Free IBPS Study Material
- BankersAdda (Adda247) – Free PDFs, quizzes, and daily current affairs.
- Oliveboard – Free sectional tests and banking awareness PDFs.
- Testbook – Free mini-mock tests and concept lessons.
c) Mobile Apps for IBPS Exam Preparation
- Pocket Aptitude – Free aptitude and reasoning practice questions.
- Gradeup – Live classes and test series for banking exams.
- Embibe – AI-based personalized learning for IBPS.
Free Study Material for Railway Exams
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams like RRB NTPC, ALP, Group D, and JE. Here are the best free resources:
a) Official RRB Websites (https://rrbcdg.gov.in)
- Syllabus and exam pattern
- Previous years’ question papers
- Official notifications and results
b) Best Free Websites for RRB Exam Preparation
- Examveda – Free quizzes on GK, reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.
- Gradeup – Study notes and video lectures for Railway exams.
- Testbook – Free practice tests and study PDFs.
c) Mobile Apps for Railway Exam Preparation
- Railway Exam Guide – Free practice sets and study notes.
- Adda247 RRB NTPC – Daily quizzes and video explanations.
- Unacademy – Free live classes by top educators.
Tips to Utilize Free Study Material Effectively
- Follow a Timetable – Create a study schedule to cover all subjects systematically.
- Solve Previous Year Papers – Helps in understanding the exam pattern and question trends.
- Take Free Mock Tests – Regularly attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs – Read newspapers and use apps like Gradeup, Adda247, and Vision IAS for daily updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find free SSC study material on websites like Gradeup, Testbook, and Unacademy, along with the official SSC website.
Some of the best free apps for UPSC preparation include Drishti IAS, Vision IAS, and ClearIAS.
You can download free IBPS mock tests from platforms like Oliveboard, BankersAdda, and Testbook.
Yes, YouTube channels like Drishti IAS, Unacademy, and Vision IAS provide high-quality free study material.
You can prepare for RRB exams using resources from websites like Examveda, Testbook, and Adda247.
Some recommended books are Lucent’s GK, R.S. Aggarwal for Quantitative Aptitude, and M. Laxmikanth for Polity
Yes, many aspirants have cracked UPSC using free online resources like ClearIAS, Mrunal.org, and Vision IAS.
Daily current affairs can be accessed on Gradeup, Adda247, and Vision IAS websites.
Practice reasoning questions daily from free apps like Pocket Aptitude and Gradeup.
Aspirants should study for at least 6-8 hours daily with focused preparation and regular revisions.

With years of experience in career guidance, online income strategies, and skill development, Aman shares practical insights on CareerKendra.com, a platform designed to empower professionals, students, and freelancers with valuable knowledge.