Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Rojgar Buddy Team
Resources for SSC CGL Preparation : Preparing for the Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) exam can be a tough, but with the right resources, you can navigate through the labyrinth of study material and maximize your chances of success. The SSC CGL is one of India’s most sought-after government exams, and it requires thorough preparation across various subjects including General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English. To help you streamline your study plan, here’s a comprehensive list of the top 10 resources, encompassing books, websites, and more.
Top 10 Resources for SSC CGL Preparation
1. Books
a. Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
R.S. Aggarwal’s “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” is a staple for anyone preparing for SSC CGL. This book covers a wide array of topics from basic arithmetic to advanced mathematics. The clear explanations, coupled with numerous practice problems, make it an indispensable resource. Each topic is explained in a step-by-step manner, which helps in understanding the fundamental concepts and their applications.
b. Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
Published by Arihant, “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi is an excellent book for English language preparation. It is divided into four sections: Part A covers the basics of grammar, Part B focuses on vocabulary, Part C deals with comprehension, and Part D includes additional topics like sentence formation and re-arrangement. This book is particularly useful for enhancing your grammatical knowledge and improving your command over the English language.
c. Lucent’s General Knowledge
When it comes to General Awareness, “Lucent’s General Knowledge” is often recommended by many successful candidates. It covers a broad spectrum of topics such as history, geography, polity, economy, science, and miscellaneous facts. The concise format and comprehensive coverage make it ideal for quick revisions and last-minute preparations.
d. Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra
“Magical Book on Quicker Maths” by M. Tyra is designed to help you solve mathematical problems faster using shortcut methods. It’s an excellent book for improving speed and accuracy, which are crucial for the Quantitative Aptitude section of the SSC CGL exam. The techniques presented are innovative and can significantly reduce the time taken to solve complex problems.
2. Websites
a. SSC Official Website (ssc.nic.in)
The SSC official website is the primary source of all notifications, syllabus, exam patterns, and updates regarding the SSC CGL exam. It’s essential to regularly visit this site to stay updated on any changes or announcements related to the exam. The website also provides access to previous years’ question papers and answer keys.
b. Gradeup (gradeup.co)
Gradeup is a popular online platform that offers comprehensive study material, mock tests, quizzes, and current affairs updates specifically tailored for SSC CGL aspirants. The interactive community on Gradeup is also helpful for doubt resolution and peer learning. The daily quizzes and sectional tests can help you gauge your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement.
c. Testbook (testbook.com)
Testbook provides a plethora of mock tests, previous years’ papers, and sectional tests that are in line with the SSC CGL exam pattern. It also offers detailed performance analysis, which can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. The Testbook pass gives you access to a wide range of resources and is a valuable investment for serious aspirants.
d. Adda247 (adda247.com)
Adda247 is another excellent resource for SSC CGL preparation. It offers daily quizzes, video lectures, live classes, and test series. The mobile app is particularly useful for on-the-go learning. Adda247 also publishes books and e-books which are aligned with the SSC CGL syllabus and exam pattern.
3. Mobile Apps
a. Gradeup App
The Gradeup mobile app provides all the resources available on the Gradeup website in a more accessible format. It includes daily quizzes, mock tests, current affairs updates, and study material. The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate through different sections and keep track of your preparation.
b. Oliveboard
Oliveboard’s mobile app is highly recommended for its comprehensive test series and high-quality study material. It offers video lectures, topic-wise tests, and full-length mock exams that simulate the actual SSC CGL exam environment. The app’s analytics feature helps in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
4. YouTube Channels
a. Study IQ Education
Study IQ is one of the most popular YouTube channels for competitive exam preparation. It offers video lectures on various subjects, current affairs, and motivational sessions. The quality content and expert faculty make it a reliable source for SSC CGL preparation. Their playlists are well-organized, making it easy to follow a structured study plan.
b. Adda247
The Adda247 YouTube channel provides live classes, recorded video lectures, and strategy sessions for SSC CGL aspirants. The experienced faculty members cover the entire syllabus comprehensively and offer tips and tricks to tackle difficult questions. Regular live sessions on current affairs and general knowledge are particularly useful.
5. Mock Tests and Previous Years’ Papers
Practicing mock tests and previous years’ question papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern and managing time effectively during the actual exam. Platforms like Testbook, Gradeup, and Oliveboard offer extensive test series that mimic the SSC CGL exam environment. Additionally, solving previous years’ papers helps in identifying the types of questions frequently asked and gauging the difficulty level of the exam.
6. Current Affairs Sources
a. The Hindu Newspaper
Reading “The Hindu” newspaper daily is one of the best ways to stay updated with current affairs. It covers national and international news, editorials, and important events comprehensively. Focus on the editorial and opinion sections to enhance your understanding of various issues and improve your English comprehension skills.
b. Monthly Magazines
Magazines like “Pratiyogita Darpan” and “Manorama Yearbook” are excellent sources for current affairs and general knowledge. These publications provide in-depth analysis of important events, detailed coverage of various topics, and are particularly useful for the General Awareness section of the SSC CGL exam.
7. Online Forums and Study Groups
Participating in online forums and study groups can provide additional support and motivation during your preparation journey. Websites like Gradeup and Pagalguy host active forums where you can discuss doubts, share resources, and get insights from fellow aspirants and experts. Joining a study group can also help in maintaining a consistent study schedule and staying motivated.
8. Coaching Institutes
While self-study is essential, coaching institutes can provide structured guidance and personalized attention. Institutes like Paramount, Career Launcher, and KD Campus offer comprehensive classroom programs and online courses tailored for SSC CGL preparation. These institutes have experienced faculty, well-structured study material, and regular mock tests to ensure thorough preparation.
9. E-Books and PDFs
There are numerous e-books and PDFs available online that cover various sections of the SSC CGL syllabus. Websites like SSCAdda, Gradeup, and Testbook offer downloadable study material that can be accessed on mobile devices and computers. These resources are convenient for quick revisions and studying on the go.
10. Time Management Tools
Effective time management is crucial for SSC CGL preparation. Using tools like Google Calendar or Trello can help you create a study schedule, set reminders, and track your progress. Allocate specific time slots for different subjects and stick to your timetable to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
Conclusion
The SSC CGL exam is highly competitive, but with the right resources and a dedicated study plan, you can achieve success. Combining traditional study materials like books with modern online resources ensures a well-rounded preparation strategy. Regular practice through mock tests and staying updated with current affairs are key to scoring well in the exam. Utilize the resources mentioned above to enhance your preparation and boost your confidence as you embark on your journey to crack the SSC CGL exam. Remember, consistency and perseverance are the keys to success. Good luck!
