When it comes to SSC CGL, mirror and water image type questions are not only frequent—but also scoring. But to many test-takers, these simple-looking problems tend to devour more time than they’re supposed to. The good news? With the proper strategy and a couple of smart tricks, you can complete them in seconds.
In this blog, we dissect the step-by-step approach to solve mirror image and water image questions, along with some SSC CGL-specific tips for reasoning that really work.
What Are Mirror and Water Image Questions?
These are some of the questions found in SSC Non-Verbal Reasoning. You are typically presented with a figure, letter, or number and requested to determine how it would appear if reflected in a mirror (left-right) or water (top-bottom).
How to Solve Mirror Image Questions Step-by-Step
1. Recognize the Direction
Reflection in mirror images is vertical, as if facing a mirror. Left becomes right, and right becomes left, but top and bottom stay the same.
2. For Alphabets and Numbers
Some letters (such as A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y) appear the same even in a mirror.
Letters such as ‘b’, ‘d’, ‘p’, and ‘q’ reverse horizontally, so mentally reversing them is essential.
Digits such as 3 and 7 look radically different in the mirror image.
3. Trace a Pattern
Always read the figure from right to left while constructing the mirror image. Think of putting a mirror on the vertical axis of the object
Example:
Original: C | Mirror Image: ⅃
Original: E | Mirror Image: Ǝ
How to Solve Water Image Questions Step-by-Step?
1. Know the Axis of Reflection
In water images, reflection occurs horizontally, as if the object is placed on water. The top becomes bottom and vice versa, while left and right stay the same.
2. Visualize Gravity
Think of how an object would look if it were flipped upside-down and you were looking at it from below.
3. Simplify with Line Symmetry
Divide the image mentally with a horizontal line and mirror the shape across it.
Example:
Original: ↑ | Water Image: ↓
Original: A | Water Image: ∀
Pro Tips & Shortcuts for SSC CGL
Use Folded Paper Technique
For tricky patterns, draw on paper, fold it as per the mirror or water line, and unfold to check orientation.
Practice Reverse Tracing
If solving on-screen or digitally, trace the figure and flip it mentally using the rules above.
Group Similar Questions
Mirror and water image questions usually appear together in mocks and actual papers. Practice them in sets to get used to switching directions quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid –
- Don’t confuse mirror with water images; remember: mirror = horizontal flip, water = vertical flip.
- Avoid guessing. These questions are visual and need mental rotation, not gut feelings.
- Double-check symmetrical letters and figures—some don’t change, but others flip dramatically.
Why Mirror & Water Image Questions Matter for SSC CGL?
In the Tier 1 exam, reasoning is often the quickest scoring section—mirror and water image questions give you a huge time advantage if mastered. These questions typically carry 1 mark each and can be solved in under 10 seconds with enough practice.
Final Thoughts!
Scoring high in SSC CGL is about mastering the sections where accuracy and speed can work together—and mirror and water image questions fit that description perfectly. By using simple tricks, clear logic, and consistent practice, you’ll find these questions not just easy, but enjoyable.
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