Counting Figures for SSC CGL
Master Visual Counting and Pattern Recognition
1. Introduction
Counting Figures questions are an important part of SSC CGL Non-Verbal Reasoning. They test your ability to count specific elements, shapes, or patterns within complex figures.
These questions are scoring because once you develop a systematic approach, you can solve them quickly and accurately.
2. Definition
Counting Figures: A figure or diagram is given containing multiple shapes or elements. Your task is to count the specific shapes or elements as per the question.
Example: A figure contains several triangles and squares.
Question: "How many triangles are there?" Carefully count all distinct triangles in the figure.
3. Types of Counting Figures Questions
Simple Shape Counting:
Count shapes like triangles, circles, squares, rectangles, etc.
Complex Shape Counting:
Shapes may overlap, intersect, or be inside one another.
Nested / Overlapping Figures:
Multiple shapes combined to form complex patterns.
Requires careful visual scanning and differentiation.
Stepwise Approach:
Count in parts: First individual shapes, then combined or overlapping shapes.
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I: Count the number of triangles in a star-shaped figure
Answer: 6
2019 Tier I: Count circles inside overlapping squares
Answer: 4
2020 Tier I: Count the number of rectangles formed by intersecting lines
Answer: 5
Practicing previous year questions improves accuracy and speed in identifying multiple elements within a figure.
5. Strategy to Approach Counting Figures Questions
- Observe the figure carefully: Identify all individual elements first
- Divide complex figures into parts: Count small sections separately
- Avoid double-counting: Keep track of counted elements systematically
- Consider overlapping and nested shapes: Include them if the question asks
- Practice regularly: Develop visual scanning and counting accuracy
6. Quick Recap
- Counting Figures test observation, visual scanning, and attention to detail
- Divide complex figures into smaller parts for systematic counting
- Keep track of counted elements to avoid errors
- Regular practice improves speed and precision
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. Count the number of triangles in a star-shaped figure.
2. Count the squares formed by intersecting lines in a rectangle.
3. Count the circles embedded in overlapping geometric patterns.
4. Count the number of rectangles in a grid of lines.
5. Count the diamonds present in a complex figure with overlapping shapes.
Click for Answers
1. 10 triangles (5 small + 5 large in standard star pattern)
2. 8 squares (4 small + 4 medium in 2x2 grid)
3. 6 circles (3 pairs of overlapping circles)
4. 9 rectangles (in a 3x3 grid pattern)
5. 4 diamonds (2 small + 2 large in overlapping pattern)
Solve these by dividing the figure into parts and counting systematically.
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