If you're preparing for a competitive exam - whether it's UPSC, SSC, CAT, NEET, or any state-level test - your success doesn't just depend on how hard you study. It depends on where you study. The right platform can make the difference between passing and falling short. With so many options out there, picking one that actually works isn’t easy. Some sites flood you with ads. Others offer outdated material. A few give you great content but no real feedback. So which ones actually deliver?
What Makes a Good Competitive Exam Site?
Not all prep sites are built the same. The best ones share a few key traits:
- Updated syllabus and previous year papers (2025-2026 versions)
- Live classes with real teachers, not just recorded videos
- Mock tests that mimic the actual exam format and timing
- Detailed performance analysis after each test
- Mobile app access so you can study on the go
- Community support - forums or chat groups where you can ask questions
If a site doesn’t check at least four of these boxes, it’s probably not worth your time. Many free platforms look appealing but leave you stranded when you need help. Paid sites aren’t always better, though. Some charge high fees and still deliver poor-quality content. You need value, not just a price tag.
Top 5 Sites for Competitive Exam Prep in 2026
1. Unacademy
Unacademy remains one of the most popular platforms across India for competitive exams. It covers over 50 exams, including UPSC, SSC, RRB, Bank PO, and state PCS. What sets it apart is its live classroom model. You can join sessions with top educators like Roman Saini for UPSC or Alka Singh for SSC. The platform updates its material monthly based on the latest exam patterns. Their test series includes 100+ full-length mocks with percentile rankings. The mobile app works offline, so you can download videos and take quizzes without internet. It’s not free - the basic plan starts at ₹499/month - but the quality justifies the cost.
2. BYJU’S Exam Prep (formerly Gradeup)
BYJU’S Exam Prep is a powerhouse for government job aspirants. It specializes in SSC, Banking, Railways, and State Exams. The site has a massive question bank with over 500,000 practice questions. Their daily quiz system is one of the most effective tools for retention - you get 10 new questions every day with instant explanations. The live doubt-clearing sessions happen twice a week, led by subject experts who’ve cleared these exams themselves. They also offer free PDFs of current affairs, which are updated daily and synced with the exam calendar. Their pricing is competitive, with annual plans starting at ₹2,999. If you’re serious about SSC or banking exams, this is a top pick.
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy isn’t built for exam-specific coaching, but it’s unbeatable for foundational learning. If you’re struggling with math, science, or reasoning basics, this is where you should start. All content is free, ad-free, and available in multiple languages. The platform uses short, focused videos (5-12 minutes) that explain concepts clearly. For UPSC or CAT aspirants, their economics, history, and civics sections are especially useful. It doesn’t offer mock tests or personalized feedback, so pair it with another site for full preparation. Think of Khan Academy as your textbook companion, not your main coach.
4. Testbook
Testbook is known for its aggressive test series and analytics. It covers UPSC, SSC, GATE, and engineering entrance exams. What makes it stand out is its AI-powered performance dashboard. After each mock test, you get a detailed breakdown: which topics you scored low on, how your speed compares to top performers, and even which questions most candidates got wrong. Their test series includes 150+ section-wise tests and 25 full mocks per exam. The platform also has a strong community feature - you can join study groups, share notes, and even form peer review circles. Pricing starts at ₹399/month, with discounts for annual plans. If you thrive on data and feedback, Testbook is a strong contender.
5. Adda247
Adda247 is a favorite among candidates preparing for banking and government exams. It offers daily current affairs, video lessons, and topic-wise quizzes. One unique feature is their “Exam Calendar” - it shows you upcoming exam dates, application deadlines, and important notifications. Their YouTube channel alone has over 10 million subscribers, and their website mirrors that quality. The free content is solid, but their paid courses include live doubt-solving and mentorship calls. They also have a dedicated app with offline mode and push notifications for exam alerts. Plans start at ₹499/month. If you want a site that keeps you on track with deadlines and updates, Adda247 is hard to beat.
What to Avoid
Many sites promise everything but deliver little. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Sites with only pre-recorded videos and no live interaction
- Platforms that don’t update content after new exam patterns are released
- Free sites with too many ads - they slow down your learning
- Apps that lock content behind paywalls after a few free lessons
- Platforms with no mobile app or poor mobile experience
Also avoid sites that claim to have “leaked papers” or “guaranteed success.” These are scams. No legitimate platform can guarantee results - only consistent effort can.
How to Choose the Right One for You
Your choice depends on your exam and learning style.
- For UPSC aspirants: Unacademy + Khan Academy (for basics)
- For SSC/RRB/Banking: BYJU’S Exam Prep or Adda247
- For CAT/GMAT: Unacademy + Testbook (for quant and DI practice)
- For NEET/AIIMS: Unacademy Medical + Physics Wallah (for biology)
- For GATE/Engineering: Testbook + NPTEL (free lectures from IITs)
Try free trials before you pay. Most platforms offer 7-14 day free access. Use that time to test the interface, the quality of teachers, and how responsive their support team is.
Final Tip: Combine Platforms
The best strategy isn’t using one site - it’s using two or three smartly. For example:
- Use Khan Academy to build your foundation
- Use BYJU’S Exam Prep for daily quizzes and current affairs
- Use Testbook for mock tests and performance tracking
This way, you get depth, consistency, and feedback - the three pillars of serious exam prep.
Which site is best for UPSC preparation?
Unacademy is widely considered the best for UPSC preparation in 2026. It offers live classes by top educators, updated study material, and a robust test series with detailed analytics. Pair it with Khan Academy for foundational topics like history and polity. Avoid relying on just one source - UPSC requires depth across multiple subjects.
Are free sites good enough for competitive exams?
Free sites like Khan Academy and YouTube channels can help with basics, but they’re not enough on their own. Competitive exams require structured practice, timed mocks, and personalized feedback - things free platforms rarely provide. Use free resources to supplement paid ones, not replace them.
Is it better to use an app or a website for exam prep?
Use both. Apps let you study during commutes or breaks, while websites offer better navigation for long study sessions. The best platforms - like Unacademy, BYJU’S Exam Prep, and Testbook - have synchronized apps and websites so your progress carries over. Make sure the app works offline, as internet access isn’t always reliable.
How often should I take mock tests?
Start with one mock test every two weeks during the first phase of prep. As the exam date nears, increase it to one per week. After each test, spend at least 2 hours reviewing mistakes. Don’t just focus on scores - analyze why you got questions wrong. Most candidates fail because they skip this step.
Can I prepare for multiple exams using one site?
Yes, if the site covers multiple exams. Unacademy and BYJU’S Exam Prep both support UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways. This is useful if you’re applying to more than one exam. But make sure the content for each exam is clearly separated - mixing syllabi can cause confusion. Always check the syllabus alignment before signing up.