SSC CGL - Reasoning Ability

1. What is Reasoning Ability?

Reasoning Ability is the art of logical thinking — the skill to understand, analyze, and draw conclusions from given information. In competitive exams like SSC CGL, reasoning tests how quickly and accurately you can interpret patterns, relations, and logic.

Unlike memory-based subjects, reasoning depends on clarity of thought and presence of mind. You don't need formulas — you need focus, observation, and logic.

2. Definition

Reasoning Ability is the capacity to process information systematically, recognize patterns or relationships, and arrive at logical conclusions based on facts.

"Reasoning is not about what you know — it's about how you think."

3. Types of Reasoning

In SSC CGL and most aptitude exams, reasoning is divided into two main categories:

A. Verbal Reasoning

Deals with words, numbers, or alphabets.

Examples include:

Analogy
Series (Alphabet / Number / Mixed)
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Syllogism
Direction Test

B. Non-Verbal Reasoning

Deals with figures, patterns, and visuals.

Examples include:

Mirror and Water Images
Cubes and Dice
Figure Completion
Paper Folding and Cutting

Both types test your ability to observe, analyze, and apply logic quickly.

4. Importance in SSC CGL

Tier I: 25 questions (50 marks)
Weightage: High — scoring section if practiced regularly
Time Requirement: Less calculation, more logic

Reasoning is often the fastest scoring section in SSC exams. With consistent practice, it can help you increase your overall score significantly.

5. Example

Question: If A is related to B as 1 is related to 2, then C is related to?

Options: A) 4 B) 3 C) 2 D) 5

Answer: B) 3

Explanation: The relationship is sequential — just as 2 follows 1, 3 follows 2, and C follows B.

6. Strategy to Approach Reasoning

Begin with simple topics like Analogy, Classification, and Series.
Focus on understanding the logic, not memorizing patterns.
Practice at least 10–15 questions per topic daily.
Maintain a shortcut notebook — note down patterns or tricks you discover.
Revise regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

7. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples

2019 Tier I: "Direction Sense Test"

A person walks 5 km North, 3 km East, 2 km South. Find the shortest distance from the starting point.

2020 Tier I: "Coding-Decoding"

If in a code language, 'CAT' is written as 'DBU', then how is 'DOG' written?

2021 Tier I: "Syllogism"

Statements and conclusions to test logical deduction.

These examples show how reasoning questions test patterns, logic, and observation rather than rote memorization.

8. Quick Recap

Reasoning measures logical thinking, not memory.
It includes both Verbal and Non-Verbal sections.
Mastering reasoning helps increase accuracy and save time in SSC exams.
Regular practice and understanding patterns are key.

9. Practice Questions

Try solving these to test your understanding:

Q1. Find the odd one out: Dog, Cat, Elephant, Car

Q2. Complete the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, ?

Q3. Coding-Decoding: If APPLE → BQQMF, what is BANANA → ?

Q4. Direction Sense: A person walks 4 km East, 3 km North, then 4 km West. What is the shortest distance from the starting point?

Q5. Analogy: Book : Reading :: Knife : ?

Click for Answers

1. Car (Others are animals)

2. 30 (Pattern: +4, +6, +8, +10)

3. CBOBOB (Each letter moves forward by 1)

4. 3 km (Forms a right-angled triangle)

5. Cutting (Functional relationship)

Reasoning Ability for SSC CGL