In this guide
Among the four SSC CGL subjects, reasoning is the one where preparation pays off most predictably. Unlike general awareness, you can't be surprised by a fact you never read. Unlike maths, you don't need years of foundations. Reasoning questions follow a limited set of patterns, and with enough practice you begin to recognise them instantly. That is why well-prepared candidates often score close to full marks here and use the time saved elsewhere.
Weightage
| Stage | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 25 | 50 |
| Tier 2 Paper I | 30 | 90 |
Question types
Verbal reasoning
| Type | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Analogy | Relationship between pairs (words, numbers, letters) |
| Classification | Odd one out |
| Series | Number, letter and alphanumeric patterns |
| Coding–decoding | Letter or number substitution rules |
| Blood relations | Family relationships |
| Direction and distance | Movement and final position |
| Order and ranking | Positions in a row or ranking |
| Syllogism | Logical conclusions from statements |
| Venn diagrams | Relationships between groups |
| Mathematical operations | Symbol substitution; missing numbers |
| Dictionary order and word formation | Arranging and forming words |
| Statement and conclusion | Critical reasoning |
| Seating and puzzles | Arrangements |
Non-verbal reasoning
| Type | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Mirror and water images | Reflections |
| Paper folding and cutting | Spatial visualisation |
| Embedded figures | Finding a shape within a figure |
| Figure completion and series | Patterns in shapes |
| Counting figures | Triangles, squares in a figure |
| Dice and cubes | Opposite faces; painted cubes |
A study order
- Analogy, classification, series — the foundations of pattern spotting.
- Coding–decoding, mathematical operations.
- Blood relations, directions, order and ranking.
- Syllogism, Venn diagrams, statement–conclusion.
- Non-verbal types, dice.
- Seating and puzzles.
The learn–practise–time cycle
- Learn the standard approach for each type from a few solved examples.
- Practise 50–100 questions per type.
- Time yourself: aim for 30–40 seconds per question for most types.
Speed habits
- Draw family trees for blood relations and arrows for directions.
- Write the alphabet with positions (A = 1 to Z = 26) and its reverse at the start of the exam; many series and coding questions use it.
- Use options — test them against the rule instead of deriving the answer from scratch.
- For non-verbal questions, focus on one element at a time (a dot, an arrow, a shaded part).
Common traps
| Trap | Fix |
|---|---|
| Stopping at the first pattern that fits one pair | Check the rule against all pairs |
| Gender assumptions in blood relations | Only use the gender the question states |
| Misreading "left" and "right" when people face each other | Draw the arrangement |
| Mirror image confused with water image | Mirror flips left–right; water flips top–bottom |
A daily practice plan
| Time | Practice |
|---|---|
| 15 min | 15 mixed verbal questions |
| 10 min | 10 non-verbal questions |
| 10 min | One puzzle or seating arrangement |
| 5 min | Review errors |
Forty minutes a day for three months is enough for most candidates to become consistently strong.
In the exam
- Answer the quick types first in Round 1.
- Leave puzzles and complex figure counting for Round 2.
- Keep accuracy above 90% — reasoning is where you should lose the fewest marks.
Practice
- Find the next term: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
- Odd one out: 121, 144, 169, 196, 210.
- If CAT is coded as DBU, how is DOG coded?
- A man walks 5 km north, turns right and walks 3 km, then turns right and walks 5 km. How far is he from the start?
Answers: 1. 42 (differences 4, 6, 8, 10, 12). 2. 210 (not a perfect square). 3. EPH. 4. 3 km.
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Staff Selection Commission website .
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