Non-Verbal Reasoning for SSC CGL
Master Visual Intelligence and Pattern Recognition
1. Introduction
Non-Verbal Reasoning is the ability to understand and analyze visual information and solve problems using diagrams, shapes, and patterns instead of words or numbers.
It tests your visual intelligence — how well you can recognize patterns, logical sequences, and relationships between different figures.
In SSC CGL and other competitive exams, these questions evaluate your speed of perception, analytical skills, and logical consistency without relying on language.
2. Why It's Important
Non-Verbal Reasoning questions are designed to measure your ability to:
- Identify hidden patterns or sequences
- Visualize changes in shapes or figures
- Apply logical reasoning through images
- Understand spatial relationships and symmetry
In the SSC CGL Tier-I exam, such questions usually appear in the General Intelligence and Reasoning section and can easily fetch you marks with enough practice.
3. Common Topics under Non-Verbal Reasoning
Here's a quick list of topics you'll learn in this module:
- Mirror and Water Images
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Figure Series Completion
- Embedded Figures
- Counting Figures
- Cubes and Dice
- Pattern Completion
Each topic focuses on your visual interpretation and logical deduction abilities.
4. How to Approach Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions
- Observe Carefully – Every detail matters; look for rotations, reflections, symmetry, or missing patterns
- Identify the Rule – Most figure-based questions follow a logical pattern or geometric relationship
- Eliminate Options Smartly – Usually, two or more options can be ruled out quickly by comparing one feature
- Practice Visualization – Imagine folds, rotations, or 3D structures mentally to save time
- Time Management – Don't get stuck; move on if you can't see the pattern within 30 seconds
5. Example
Question: Find the next figure in the series: ⬜️ → ◼️ → ⬜️ → ◼️ → ?
Answer: ⬜️ (The sequence alternates between white and black squares.)
Logic: The pattern is based on color alternation — a simple but common visual logic.
6. Previous Year SSC CGL Example
Question (SSC CGL 2021): Which of the following figures will complete the series? (A sequence of rotating arrows was given)
Answer: Option (C) – The arrow rotates 90° clockwise in each step.
Explanation: Each step shows a consistent rotational movement — identifying this helps solve such problems easily.
7. Quick Recap
- Non-Verbal Reasoning = Logic through visual patterns
- Focus areas: Figures, shapes, sequences, mirror/water images, cubes, etc
- Observe, identify logic, eliminate, and visualize
- It's one of the easiest scoring sections if practiced well
8. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. Identify the next figure in the sequence: ⬛️ 🔲 ⬛️ 🔲 ?
2. If a sheet of paper is folded twice and a hole is punched, which unfolded figure will it form?
3. In a cube, if one face is red and the opposite face is blue, what color will be opposite to the green face?
Click for Answers
1. ⬛️ (Alternating black and white squares pattern)
2. Four holes in symmetrical positions (Depends on fold and punch location)
3. Cannot be determined with given information (Need more color relationships)
Start Your SSC CGL Journey Now!
Join Courage Library to experience disciplined study and expert support.
Be a Couragian!