Are you wondering on How to Prepare for Reasoning Ability for SSC CGL? Then you are at the right place. This article will inform you regarding the types of questions asked in the Reasoning and General Ability section, the crucial topics which require more practice and preparation tips. Since this section tests your problem-solving, logical thinking abilities, and decision-making skills it is advised to learn and practice daily to score high in the exam.
According to the current exam cycle, the SSC CGL Tier-I was completed from August 13 to 24, 2021. The result is expected to release on December 11, 2021. The SSC CGL Tier-II will be conducted on January 28 and 29, 2022. Candidates who are willing to take up SSC CGL exam must scroll down to know How to Prepare for Reasoning Ability for SSC CGL!

Analysis of SSC CGL Reasoning & General Intelligence
The section of Reasoning Ability and General Intelligence constitutes 25% of the total score in SSC CGL Tier-I. Check the table below to know the exam pattern of the SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (Tier-I).
Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
English Language | 25 | 50 |
Total | 100 | 200 |
Learn SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Concepts
As per the Tier-I SSC CGL pattern, you need to lay an equal amount of focus on each section. The SSC CGL Reasoning section syllabus is quite massive, but you can easily crack the exam with proper planning and selective learning. The Reasoning Section can be divided into 3 parts.
- Usual Reasoning
- Visual/ Non-Verbal Reasoning
- High-Level Reasoning
Questions based on usual reasoning are highest, followed by Visual/ Non-Verbal and High-Level Reasoning. Here is the topic-wise analysis of SSC CGL Reasoning and General Intelligence Section.
Usual Reasoning: The topics under this category are Series (Numeric and Alphabetic), Directions, Ranks, Arrangement, Alphabet & Dictionary, Coding-Decoding, Analogy and Classification/ Odd Pair.
Name of the Reasoning Topic | Number of Questions |
Series – Numeric, Alphabetic | 4 |
Directions | 3 |
Arrangement/ Ranks | 1 |
Alphabet & Dictionary | 4 |
Coding-Decoding | 4 |
Analogy | 4 |
Classification/Odd Pair | 5 |
Total | 25 |

Visual/ Non-Verbal Reasoning: The topics under this category are Rule Detection, Triangle, Dices, Figure Formation, Completion of Pattern, Hidden/Embedded, Images, Paper Folding, Mirror Image and Figure Matrix.
High-Level Reasoning: The topics under this category are Syllogisms and Statement Conclusions.
Name of the Reasoning Topic | Number of Questions |
Syllogism | 1 |
Statement Conclusion | 2 |
Total | 3 |
To sum up, the total number of questions asked from Reasoning and General Intelligence from each section are as follows.
Topics | No. of Questions |
Usual Reasoning | 15 |
Visual /Non-Verbal Reasoning | 8 |
High-Level Reasoning | 2 |
Total | 25 |
Practice SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Questions
Reasoning Ability Expected Questions
Drawing conclusions from this data, we have created an expected list with the number of questions from each topic in the Reasoning section of SSC CGL.
Name of the Reasoning Topic | Expected No. of Questions |
Completion of Pattern, Hidden/ Embedded Images, Paper Folding, Mirror Image, Figure Matrix, Syllogism, Statement-Derivation, Triangle, Arrangement and Conclusion | 4 |
Directions and Figure Formation | 5 |
Series, Alphabet & Dictionary, Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Classification/ Odd Pair and Rule Detection, Dices, Ranks | 16 |
Total | 25 |

Our insights on the upcoming SSC CGL Tier 1 Examination for Reasoning section are as follows.
- Approximately 60% of the Reasoning Ability section will consist of usual reasoning and General Intelligence questions.
- Unlike banks and other Government exams, many Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions will also be there.
You need to prepare for SSC CGL according to the preference and importance of the topics. Only then you will score better and crack SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-I).
Attempt SSC CGL Tier-I Exam Mock Tests
Preparation Tips For SSC CGL Reasoning Ability
You need to have a time-bounded study plan. Without this, you cannot expect to crack SSC CGL Tier 1 in the first attempt. Revisit and exam pattern and syllabus of SSC CGL.
Once you are familiar with all the basic details, you can start following the below strategy and prepare for Reasoning Ability in SSC CGL. These key points will help you achieve a better score in CGL Tier I.
1. Create a Priority List
You need a list. As we have provided both previous years and this year’s data on the number of questions and types of questions asked in the Reasoning Section, you can make a list of the crucial topics and start solving questions based on those.
2. Initially, Concentrate on Concepts
Yes, speed plays an extremely important role in SSC CGL exam. But what if you are new to the concept? You need to understand the basics first. Speed and accuracy get built over time and you need to practice a lot.
3. Quantitative Topics in Reasoning & General Intelligence
There are a few topics, like Alphabet, Dictionary, Coding & Decoding, Analogy, Classification/ Odd Pair, Rule Detection and Serie, employ concepts of Quantitative Aptitude. These questions are highly challenging and require techniques and preparation to solve them accurately. Hence, you need to allot a little extra time to these questions.
4. Enhance your Vocabulary
Questions based on Reasoning and General Intelligence are known to be quite manipulative and confusing in terms of language. To understand the questions better, you need to work on building your vocabulary too. This will also help in the English section of SSC CGL Tier 1.
5. Special Attention To Coding-Decoding Questions
Yes, you need to work extra for Coding-Decoding Questions. The number of questions from this topic just keep on climbing every year and you can easily crack these questions, provided you have practised them enough.
6. Previous Years Questions Papers
This pointer goes without saying. You cannot secure a good score in SSC CGL exam if you are not familiar with the level of questions asked in the previous year exam. Hence, try solving those questions first and then go for mock tests and practice papers for SSC CGL.
7. Analyse your Performance Regularly
All your efforts, preparation and study tips will amount to nothing if you don’t revise them regularly. Analysing and examining your performance helps you know which areas you need to work on. Hence, make sure you mark your level of preparation in a performance sheet and understand how much effort you need to put in further.
FAQs on How To Prepare for Reasoning Ability SSC CGL
Q. How many questions will be asked from Reasoning in SSC CGL? A. In SSC CGL Tier-I 25 questions will be asked from Reasoning Ability. |
Q. How many questions will be asked from Reasoning Ability in SSC CGL Tier-II? A. SSC CGL Tier-II will not have the Reasoning Ability section. |
Q. Which is the best book to practice the Reasoning Ability q questions? A. The best books for Reasoning Ability section is Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning by R S Aggarwal |
This is our study plan on How to Prepare for Reasoning and General Intelligence for SSC CGL. Our next articles will be focussed on Quantitative Aptitude, English Language and Numerical Ability. Let us know your doubts or queries in the comments section below.
Also, check,
SSC CGL Salary | SSC CGL Syllabus |
SSC CGL Notification | SSC CGL Books |
SSC CGL Admit Card | SSC CGL Preparation Tips |
SSC CGL Previous Year Papers | SSC CGL Answer Key |
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Best guideline provided for SSC preparation.
Happy to help Venu!!
All the best
Suggest me a some books pls
Shruthi you should must read Upkar publication for combined ssc exame..and Disha publication
Thanx
sir.. give us some materials regarding static gk.
sir provide us materials regarding static gk
Thanks a lot.
sir please help me about reasoning portion in ssc cgl tier 1
Thank You very much.☺