Best YouTube Channels & Free Resources for Exam Preparation: Best YouTube channels & free resources for exam preparation are what every competitive exam aspirant looks for while studying on a budget. With the rise of online education, YouTube and free platforms have become essential tools for learning and practice, especially for government, banking, SSC, and private sector exams.
In this article, we’ll explore the best YouTube channels & free resources for exam preparation that offer high-quality content at no cost. From video lectures and mock tests to notes and PDFs, these platforms help you study smarter and crack exams without relying on paid coaching.
Top YouTube Channels for Exam Preparation
Here are the most trusted and popular YouTube channels for competitive exams across categories:
1. StudyIQ Education
- Covers: UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence
- Best For: Current affairs, general awareness, and polity
- Why Watch: Crisp explanations, daily news analysis, free PDFs
2. Adda247
- Covers: Bank (IBPS, SBI), SSC, Railways, CTET
- Best For: Quant, reasoning, and English basics
- Why Watch: Daily live classes, bilingual content, marathon sessions
3. Unacademy
- Covers: UPSC, State PSCs, Bank & SSC
- Best For: Concept-based learning and expert guidance
- Why Watch: India’s top educators, doubt-clearing sessions
4. Wifistudy (Now under Unacademy)
- Covers: SSC, Bank, Railway, Teaching Exams
- Best For: Static GK, reasoning, daily practice
- Why Watch: Regular quizzes, revision sessions, and Hindi-friendly content
5. Exam
- Covers: SSC, Railway, Defence, UP Police
- Best For: Hindi-medium aspirants
- Why Watch: Group study environment, daily live tests
6. TalentSprint (T.I.M.E Partner)
- Covers: Banking, SSC, Aptitude
- Best For: Concept clearing and tricky problem-solving
- Why Watch: High-quality videos on shortcuts and strategies
Top Free Resources & Websites for Exam Preparation
Along with YouTube, several websites offer free notes, PDFs, quizzes, and full mock tests:
1. Testbook (Free Section)
- Offers: Practice tests, quizzes, GK capsules
- Best For: Daily questions, performance tracking
2. AffairsCloud
- Offers: Daily current affairs, monthly PDFs, quizzes
- Best For: Banking and insurance exam awareness sections
3. Gradeup (now BYJU’S Exam Prep – Free Access)
- Offers: Daily questions, mock tests, video lectures
- Best For: SSC and Banking
4. GK Today
- Offers: Static GK notes, MCQs, current affairs
- Best For: UPSC, SSC, and teaching exams
5. Jagran Josh
- Offers: Exam updates, PDFs, current affairs
- Best For: Hindi and English resources side by side
Two Free Practice Tools You Must Use
- Oliveboard Free Mock Tests:
Register and take limited free mocks for IBPS, SSC, and Railways. Includes performance analytics. - Google Drive PDFs & Telegram Groups:
Search for exam-specific Telegram channels that offer daily PDFs, notes, and quiz updates.
Tips to Use These Free Resources Effectively
- Make a Playlist: Subscribe to 2–3 channels only and create your own subject-wise playlist. Avoid watching too many creators at once.
- Follow a Routine: Assign fixed time daily for video learning, mock tests, and PDF revision.
- Revise Weekly: Download notes from YouTube descriptions and revise every Sunday.
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to current affairs playlists and monthly revision compilations.
FAQs
Q1. Are YouTube channels enough for cracking competitive exams?
Yes, many toppers have cracked exams using only free YouTube and practice material, with discipline and planning.
Q2. How do I avoid distractions on YouTube?
Use tools like browser extensions to block unrelated videos and create specific playlists for study.
Q3. What’s better—live classes or recorded sessions?
Recorded videos are better for revision; live classes are good for doubt clearing and real-time interaction.
Q4. Can I trust free PDFs and quizzes online?
Stick to trusted platforms like AffairsCloud, Testbook, and Adda247 for verified material.
Q5. Is it better to use 2–3 sources or just one?
Use a maximum of 2 platforms to avoid confusion. Consistency matters more than variety.
Final Thought:
Choosing the best YouTube channels & free resources for exam preparation can save you time, money, and confusion. From daily current affairs to full mock tests, these tools make your self-study journey easier and more effective. If you found this guide useful, share it with fellow aspirants and explore our articles on daily study plans and time management for exams to boost your preparation further.