The Reasoning section in the SSC CGL exam is designed to test your logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and pattern recognition skills. While it may seem challenging at first, the right strategies and tricks can help you solve questions quickly and accurately. In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective tips and shortcuts to make reasoning easy for you!
Understanding the SSC CGL Reasoning Section –
The Reasoning section includes both Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning questions. Here’s a quick overview:
Verbal Reasoning Topics:
- Analogies
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Number and Alphabet Series
- Syllogisms
- Statement and Conclusion
- Direction Sense Test
- Order & Ranking
Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics:
- Mirror and Water Images
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Embedded Figures
- Figure Completion
- Cube and Dice Problems
- Matrix-Based Questions
- Pattern Recognition
Now, let’s dive into tricks and strategies to master these topics.
Top Tricks and Strategies to Ace SSC CGL Reasoning
1. Master the Art of Elimination
- Instead of trying to solve the question directly, eliminate options that don’t fit.
- Example: In coding-decoding, eliminate choices that don’t follow the given pattern.
- In series-based questions, strike out numbers that don’t logically fit the pattern.
2. Create a Mental Map for Blood Relation Questions
- Use symbols:
- ‘+’ for male
- ‘-’ for female
- Arrows (→) for generational links
- Break down complex statements into individual relationships and connect them logically.
- Example: “A is the brother of B, and B is the mother of C.” → A is the maternal uncle of C.
3. Coding-Decoding – Identify the Pattern Quickly
- Look for common transformations (e.g., +1, -2, reverse order, vowels replaced, etc.).
- Example:
- If APPLE is coded as DQWPI, observe that each letter moves +3 forward.
- Apply the same rule to decode other words.
4. Solve Number and Alphabet Series with Smart Guessing
- Identify Arithmetic Progression (AP) or Geometric Progression (GP).
- Look for alternating patterns (odd/even placement, prime numbers, squares, etc.).
- Example: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
- Pattern: → (1+1), (2+2), (3+3)…
- Next term: 42
5. Direction Sense Test – Visualize the Movement
- Use a rough sketch for clarity.
- Example: “A walks 5 km north, turns right, walks 3 km, turns right again and walks 5 km.”
- Answer: A is 3 km west from the starting point.
6. Syllogisms – Use Venn Diagrams for Quick Solutions
- Draw circles to represent sets and their relationships.
- Example:
- Statement: All A are B. Some B are C.
- Conclusion: Some A may be C.
- Visualization helps verify the correctness instantly.
7. Mirror and Water Images – Follow Simple Rules
- Mirror Image: Left and right positions change.
- Water Image: Top and bottom positions change.
- Quick trick: Write the word in reverse for mirrors and invert it for water reflection.
8. Paper Folding and Cutting – Think in Layers
- Count the number of folds and visualize the shape’s expansion.
- Use symmetry to quickly guess the correct option.
9. Cube and Dice Problems – Understand the Face Rotation
- Memorize common cube patterns.
- If two adjacent faces are known, the opposite face is easily determined.
- Example: If the cube’s opposite faces are (1-6), (2-5), (3-4), then when you see 1 and 2, you know 6 and 5 are opposite.
Time Management and Practice Tips
- Allocate Time Smartly: Spend no more than 30-35 seconds per question.
- Attempt Easy Questions First: Don’t get stuck on time-consuming ones.
- Use Online Mock Tests: Regular practice with mock tests enhances speed and accuracy.
- Learn Shortcut Methods: Every reasoning type has specific tricks to reduce solving time.
- Avoid Overthinking: Stick to logical patterns, and don’t get confused by tricky wording.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Reading the Question Properly: Many mistakes happen due to misinterpretation.
- Ignoring Time Limits: Spending too much time on a single question can cost marks.
- Skipping Practice: Reasoning requires daily practice to improve pattern recognition.
- Relying Only on Memory: Understand the logic instead of just memorizing answers.
Final Thoughts
Cracking the SSC CGL Reasoning section is all about understanding patterns, applying logical shortcuts, and practicing smartly. By following these tricks, you’ll significantly boost your accuracy and speed.
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