Question Selection Strategy
How to Choose Easy, Moderate & Tough Questions in SSC CGL Quant
1. Why Question Selection Matters
Exam Reality
- You get 60 minutes for 100 questions (25 Quant)
- Every second counts
- A single wrong attempt = -0.50 marks
- Your goal: Maximize accuracy, not attempts
Key Insight
The best students aren't the fastest solvers — they're the smartest selectors
Quality over quantity always wins in SSC CGL
2. The 3-Level Classification Strategy
| Level | Type of Question | Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | You immediately recall the formula and can solve in < 1 min | Attempt FIRST |
| Moderate | You know the method but need 1.5–2 mins for calculation or logic | Attempt in SECOND round |
| Tough | You're unsure of the concept, it looks lengthy, or options are confusing | SKIP in first round |
3. How to Identify Easy Questions (Within 10 Seconds)
✅ Easy Question Indicators
- You recognize the concept instantly
- You can see the shortcut or formula right away
- The numbers are clean (e.g., 20%, 25%, 1/4, 1/5)
- Direct application questions
Example
"Find the simple interest on ₹8000 at 10% for 2 years."
🧭 Rule: Attempt immediately. Such questions build confidence fast.
4. Spotting Moderate Questions
⚙️ Moderate Question Characteristics
- 2-step reasoning (e.g., ratio + percentage)
- Long values requiring calculation
- Conditional data (like "A does half work in 5 days...")
- Data Interpretation with 2–3 steps
Strategy
🧭 Rule: Mark for second round if confident but time-consuming
💡 Pro Tip: While marking for review, write a small note like "TSD – tricky" or "% – calc" for quick recall
5. How to Recognize Tough Questions
🚫 Tough Question Warning Signs
- Language-heavy or confusingly worded
- Questions from lesser-seen topics (e.g., Coordinate Geometry, Probability)
- Options too close (0.25–0.5 difference)
- Multi-layered reasoning (mix of 3+ concepts)
Action Plan
🧭 Rule: SKIP on the first go. Don't waste more than 10–15 seconds deciding.
"Skipping smartly is a skill, not a weakness."
6. The 3-Round Solving Plan
| Round | Time | Goal | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 25–30 min | Attempt all easy (direct) questions | Quick Wins |
| Round 2 | 20–25 min | Attempt moderate questions (marked for review) | Strategic Gains |
| Round 3 | 5–10 min | Revisit tough ones only if time remains | Bonus Points |
Round-wise Expected Score
15-18
Round 1 (Easy)
5-7
Round 2 (Moderate)
1-2
Round 3 (Tough)
7. Practice Tip
Training Method
- While attempting mock tests or topic tests:
- Use a pencil or digital marker 🖊️
- Mark each question as E / M / T (Easy, Moderate, Tough)
- After test → Review your markings vs. actual time spent
Expected Outcome
This will train your brain to auto-classify questions during the real exam
8. Golden Rule
⏱️
Don't fall in love with a question
👉
Skip
👉
Mark
👉
Return later
If you can't find the path in 30 seconds — move on!
Master the Art of Smart Selection
Key Takeaways
- Classify questions within 10 seconds
- Follow the 3-round solving strategy
- Practice E/M/T marking in mocks
- Never get emotionally attached to any question
Expected Results
- Better time management
- Higher accuracy rate
- Reduced stress during exam
- Improved overall score
Become a Smart Question Selector!
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