Data Interpretation
SSC-CGL Exam
1. Overview
Data Interpretation (DI) tests your ability to analyze numerical information quickly.
Tables
Bar Graphs
Line Graphs
Pie Charts
Focus on shortcuts, percentage calculations, ratios, and trend analysis.
2. Tables
Tips
Read row and column headings carefully
Look for totals / subtotals to cross-check
Use percentages and ratios to compare quickly
Example 1: Table DI
| Year | Students (Boys) | Students (Girls) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 120 | 80 | 200 |
| 2021 | 150 | 100 | 250 |
| 2022 | 180 | 120 | 300 |
Q1: % of boys in 2021?
View Answer
% Boys = (150/250) × 100 = 60%
60%
Q2: Increase in total students from 2020 to 2022?
View Answer
Increase = 300−200 = 100 → % Increase = (100/200)×100 = 50%
50%
3. Bar Graphs
Tips
Height of bars = value
Compare bars directly
Calculate differences using percentages if required
Example 2
Monthly sales (in units):
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 50 | 60 | 40 | 80 |
Q: Average sales?
View Answer
Average = (50+60+40+80)/4 = 230/4 = 57.5 units
57.5 units
4. Line Graphs
Tips
Shows trend over time
Slope = rate of change
Identify peak and lowest values
Example 3
Line graph shows profit (in lakhs): Jan = 5, Feb = 8, Mar = 6, Apr = 10
Q: % increase Feb → Apr?
View Answer
Increase = 10−8=2 → % Increase = (2/8)×100 = 25%
25%
5. Pie Charts
Tips
Circle = 360°
Convert % → angle: θ = (Value/Total) × 360°
Compare sectors using angle/percentage
Example 4
Pie chart shows expenditure (₹):
| Category | Food | Rent | Others | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹ | 6000 | 3000 | 1000 | 10000 |
Q: Angle for Food?
View Answer
Angle = (6000/10000) × 360° = 216°
216°
Q: % for Rent?
View Answer
% Rent = (3000/10000)×100 = 30%
30%
6. SSC Short Tricks / Tips
Use percentages instead of absolute numbers wherever possible
Cross-check totals to avoid mistakes
Approximation works for quick answers
For increase/decrease problems: % change = (New − Old)/Old × 100
Pie charts: Multiply fraction by 360° for angle, divide angle by 360° for fraction
Bar/Line Graph: Identify trends first → then calculate
7. Practice Section
Q1. Table shows sales: 2019 = 500, 2020 = 600 → % increase?
View Answer
% Increase = (600−500)/500 ×100 = 20%
20%
Q2. Bar graph: units sold Jan=30, Feb=50, Mar=40 → Average?
View Answer
Average = (30+50+40)/3 = 120/3 = 40 units
40 units
Q3. Pie chart: Expenditure ₹4000, total ₹10000 → angle?
View Answer
Angle = 4000/10000 × 360 = 144°
144°
Q4. Line graph: Profit Jan=10, Mar=15 → % increase?
View Answer
Increase = 15−10=5 → % = (5/10)×100=50%
50%
Q5. Table: Students Boys=80, Girls=120 → % of girls?
View Answer
% Girls = 120/200 ×100=60%
60%
8. Quick Recap Table
| DI Type | Key Tips | SSC Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Table | Check totals, use % | Compare ratios quickly |
| Bar Graph | Height = value | Use direct comparison |
| Line Graph | Trend, slope | Calculate % change for two points |
| Pie Chart | Fraction × 360° | Angle or % conversion |
| Percentage Change | % = (New−Old)/Old×100 | Approximation for quick answers |
You've completed Article 14: Data Interpretation!
Courage Tip: For SSC, focus on percentages, ratios, totals, and trend spotting. Practice mixed DI sets to improve speed.
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