Best Books for SSC Preparation
Today, I’m going to share a complete booklist for SSC CGL 2013 and even for those preparing for SSC 2024 or any other SSC exams.
Many aspirants put in a lot of effort, studying 8–10 hours a day, but they end up reading the wrong books or miss out on the essential ones. This often results in their selection being delayed. Some also make the mistake of buying 20 books for one subject and not finishing even one properly. I’ve made similar mistakes, and I’ve seen my fellow aspirants—many of whom are now working—make the same errors regularly.
That’s why I’ve written this blog, where I’ll provide a subject-wise booklist to help you avoid these mistakes and gain clarity. So, read this blog carefully till the end.
Now, let’s move to pen and paper. I’ve written everything down and prepared a complete chart for you. Please excuse my handwriting.
English Section:
Grammar
Start with either Neetu Singh Ma’am’s Volume 1 or S.P. Bakshi’s book by Arihant Publication. Choose one of the two. Generally, Hindi medium aspirants prefer Neetu Singh’s book, while English medium students often opt for S.P. Bakshi. Some also use both. Choose whichever suits you best.
If you don’t want either, at least have handwritten notes from any teacher that cover complete grammar theory.
Practice
For grammar practice, use a previous year question book in chapter-wise format. I highly recommend the thick Kiran Publication book that compiles all error spotting and improvement questions. It also covers comprehension and vocabulary, so one book is enough for multiple topics.
Comprehension
If you come from an English medium background and your English is decent, reading newspapers or books will improve your comprehension naturally.
If you come from a Hindi medium background or have weak comprehension, you can use Close Test and PQRS books by Nihon Classes.
If you’re confident in this section, you don’t need to buy any extra books.
Vocabulary
Start with previous year vocabulary, which is included in the same Kiran book. If you can easily remember vocabulary, you don’t need another book.
If not, use a root-word-based approach. For that, you can use either the red-colored Norman Lewis book or a simpler version from Nihon Classes called Word Power.
Additionally, study the vocabulary section from whichever book you chose earlier—either Neetu Singh or S.P. Bakshi.
Maths Section:
You don’t need too many resources for Maths. That’s the clarity I want to give—don’t overload yourself with books.
Theory
You must have handwritten notes from your teachers. Write down whatever you understand in your own words.
Create a formula notebook or concept notebook where you jot down short tricks and important formulas. Revise them before exams or mock tests.
Practice
Buy a chapter-wise previous year question book. Many books are available from Kiran and Pinnacle publications. Choose any one. Kiran books usually contain solutions with 2–3 alternate methods.
Practice chapter-wise to build your command over Maths.
Calculation
If your calculation is already good, you don’t need anything else.
If it’s weak or needs improvement, use Inspector Mohit Goyal Sir’s Calculation Book, specially designed to improve speed in 40 days.
Reasoning Section:
You only need one book.
If your reasoning is already decent, go for TCS pattern sets or 99 Sets book by Kiran Publication. You can also find free PDFs online.
If you are just starting out or your reasoning is weak, get a chapter-wise previous year book from either Kiran or Pinnacle publications.
General Studies (GS):
This section often causes confusion.
For theory, choose only one from the following:
- Lucent
- Kiran One-Liner
- Manohar Pandey by Arihant
Analyze each and select the one that suits your style. I personally found Lucent helpful, but the colorful formatting of Kiran’s book also makes it very engaging.
Static GK
You can use StudyIQ PDFs or their Static GK course. These might also be available through friends.
Alternatively, use the Success PDF for Static GK.
Also, check the miscellaneous static GK section at the back of whichever GS book you chose (Lucent, Kiran, or Arihant).
Current Affairs
Thoroughly study the last 6 months of current affairs. Ideally, cover the past 1 year. You can use blogs or monthly compilations shared near the exam by various educators.
Try to follow current affairs daily or at least monthly.
Notes & Practice:
Quizzes and sectional mocks are very important. Focus on them to improve your performance.
Computer:
Computer is part of the Mains exam, not Prelims.
You’ll need one theory + practice book. Kiran Publication’s Computer Book includes both and is a good option.