SSC CGL Reasoning Topics and their Weightage
The General Intelligence and Reasoning section in the SSC CGL exam plays a crucial role in saving time and securing a high score. This section tests an aspirant’s analytical and logical thinking, as well as their ability to solve problems quickly. Whether you’re preparing for Tier 1 or Tier 2, mastering the key reasoning topics is essential to perform well. In the successive paragraphs we will guide you in obtaining all the information about the SSC CGL reasoning topics, share the topic-wise weightage, and also offer expert tips to help you prepare efficiently for the exam.
Why Focusing on SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning Topics is important
The SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning section is often considered easier and a scoring part of the SSC CGL exam, especially if you have a good grasp of logical reasoning, patterns, and puzzles. This section consists of 25 questions in Tier 1 and 30 questions in Tier 2.
By focusing on the core reasoning topics, you can:
- Increase your overall marks with a high score
- Boost your chances of clearing the cut-off
- Save time in exam with quick techniques and shortcuts
Detailed Coverage of SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning Topics
The General Intelligence and Reasoning section is primarily divided into two major categories: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Let’s explore each category in detail:
Verbal Reasoning Topics
Verbal reasoning tests your ability to comprehend and logically process information in a written form. Key topics in verbal reasoning include:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words or numbers (e.g., CAT : DOG :: BAT : ?).
- Series Completion: Identifying patterns in number and letter series.
- Blood Relations: Solving problems related to family relationships (e.g., “A is the brother of B, who is the daughter of C. Who is B to C?”).
- Direction Sense: Understanding directions and solving problems based on movements (e.g., “A walks 10 meters north and then turns left. In which direction is he now?”).
- Coding-Decoding: Solving problems where words or numbers are coded in a particular way.
- Odd One Out: Identifying the odd element in a group of related words or numbers.
- Logical Venn Diagrams: Solving problems based on the relationships of sets and subsets.
Verbal reasoning makes up a significant portion of the SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning section. It helps in enhancing your logical thinking abilities, making it an essential area to focus on during your preparation.
Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics
Non-verbal reasoning assesses your ability to understand visual patterns and shapes. It is more about observation and spatial skills. Key topics in non-verbal reasoning include:
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying the next figure in a sequence of shapes.
- Mirror and Water Images: Recognizing how an object would appear in a mirror or when submerged in water.
- Paper Folding and Cutting: Solving problems based on folding and cutting of paper.
- Embedded Figures: Identifying a shape embedded in a larger figure.
- Cubes and Dice: Solving problems related to the number of visible faces and patterns on dice and cubes.
- Figure Matrix: Solving problems where the relationship between figures is key to finding the correct answer.
Non-verbal reasoning questions are visual and tend to be tricky. However, they are often easier to solve with practice. Regular exposure to these types of questions can help you quickly recognize patterns and improve your problem-solving skills.
Important Topics of SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning to Focus On
Though there are many topics in SSC CGL Reasoning and General Intelligence but certain topics are important and needs aspirant’s attention. While verbal and non-verbal reasoning are the primary categories, several specific topics carry significant weight in the exam:
Seating Arrangement
Seating arrangement problems are one of the most common and scoring topics. These can involve linear, circular, or grid-based seating arrangements. You may need to determine the relative position of people based on a set of conditions.
Classification
In classification problems, you need to group items based on common properties. The task is to identify which item doesn’t belong to the group.
Number and Letter Series
The number and letter series are questions pertaining to arranging both numbers and alphabets in sequential order with logic. You can expect upto 6 questions from this chapter in the exam.
Syllogism & Venn Diagrams
These are used to assess logical deductions from given premises. In syllogism problems, you’ll determine the validity of conclusions based on provided statements. Venn diagram problems require you to visualize relationships between different sets.
Dice
Questions on dice test your ability to identify the numbers on the opposite faces of a cube or dice based on given information about visible faces. One question is commonly asked in the exam.
Rank and Order
Rank and order questions test your ability to understand relative positions and ranks in a given group of people or items, often with conditions like “who ranks higher” or “how many people are between two people.”
Clocks and Calendars
Clocks and calendars problems require you to calculate time or dates based on a specific starting point or condition. You may need to determine the angle between clock hands or find the day of the week for a given date.
SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 General Intelligence and Reasoning Topic Wise Weightage
Understanding the weightage of each topic can help you allocate time effectively while preparing for the SSC CGL reasoning section. The details of estimated breakdown of the reasoning topics and the number of questions typically asked in the exam is given below:
SSC CGL Reasoning Chapter Wise Weightage | ||
Topic | Number of Questions (Approx.) | Weightage in Percentage |
Verbal Reasoning | 70% | |
– Classification | 1-2 | |
– Analogies | 2-3 | |
– Rank and Order | 0-1 | |
– Series Completion | 2-3 | |
– Alphabet Series | 2-3 | |
– Coding Decoding | 2-4 | |
– Blood Relations | 1-2 | |
– Seating Arrangement | 0-1 | |
– Venn Diagram | 0-1 | |
– Direction Sense | 1-2 | |
– Coding-Decoding | 2-4 | |
– Mathematical Operation | 0-2 | |
Non-Verbal Reasoning | 15% | |
– Pattern Recognition | 1-2 | |
– Mirror and Water Images | 1-2 | |
– Paper Folding and Cutting | 0-1 | |
– Cubes and Dice | 0-1 | |
Miscellaneous Topics | 15% | |
– Odd One Out | 1-2 | |
– Figure Matrix | 1-2 | |
– Inequalities | 1-2 | |
– Clocks and Calendar | 1 | |
How to Plan Your SSC CGL Reasoning Preparation?
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the SSC CGL reasoning topics, weightage, and their importance in the exam for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam.
- Master One Topic at a Time: Focus on mastering one sub-topic before moving on to the next.
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to solving verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions daily.
- Use Shortcuts: Learn and practice various shortcuts to save time, especially in topics like coding-decoding and series completion.
- Attempt Mock Tests: SSC CGL Mock tests help you practice under exam conditions and improve your time management.
- Analyze Mistakes: Review your mistakes and learn from them to avoid repeating them in the future.
Is it Necessary to Join Coaching & Mock Tests for SSC CGL Reasoning Preparation?
As an SSC CGL aspirant, you may be in a dilemma whether joining coaching classes or taking mock tests is necessary for mastering the General Intelligence and Reasoning section. While self-study is essential, however coaching and mock tests can help aspirants to achieve their goals easliy:
Benefits of Coaching:
- Expert Guidance: Experienced instructors can provide tips and tricks for solving complex reasoning problems.
- Structured Curriculum: A good coaching program offers a structured approach, covering all key reasoning topics efficiently.
- Doubt Clearing: Coaches can help you clarify difficult concepts and make them easier to understand.
Benefits of Mock Tests:
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Mock tests help you practice under timed conditions, improving your speed and accuracy.
- Track Progress: Regular mock tests give you insight into your strengths and areas that need improvement.
- Build Confidence: The more mock tests you attempt, the more confident you’ll become in tackling any reasoning question.
Rankers Hub has helped thousands of students in their journey for preparing for the SSC CGL Exam. We have updated content to meet all the requirements that are necessary to achieve success at most affordable prize.
Finally, we can say the mastering the SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning topics in the SSC CGL exam is crucial for your success. Focus on Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning topics, practice regularly, and consider joining coaching classes and attempting mock tests from Rankers Hub to give your preparation a boost. With consistent practice and the right approach, you can ace this section and move one step closer to cracking the SSC CGL exam.