SSC CGL - Reasoning Ability

1. Introduction

Course of Action questions are a key part of SSC CGL reasoning. They test your ability to suggest an appropriate step or action based on a given situation or problem.

These questions are scoring because there's a clear logical approach to determine the best course of action.

2. Definition

Situation / Problem: A statement describing an event, issue, or problem.
Course of Action (COA): A step, decision, or action suggested to address the situation.
Your task is to identify which course of action is appropriate and practical.

Example: Situation: "Traffic congestion has increased in the city."

Possible Courses of Action: I. Build more roads in congested areas. II. Ban all vehicles immediately.

Solution: Only I is a logical and practical course of action.

3. Types of Course of Action Questions

Direct Action Questions:

Suggest a logical step to resolve a problem.

Example: Situation: "Air pollution is rising in the city." COA: "Plant more trees."

Multiple Action Options:

Evaluate each option carefully; some may be illogical or extreme.

Example: Situation: "Students are underperforming in exams." COA: "Give extra coaching", "Expel students"

Cause and Effect Relation:

The COA must address the cause, not just the effect.

Example: Situation: "Frequent water shortages in the city." COA: "Build more water reservoirs."

Avoid Extreme or Impractical Actions:

COA should be practical, reasonable, and directly related to the problem.

4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples

2018 Tier I: Situation: "Traffic jams are frequent during peak hours."

COA: "Introduce flexible work hours." - Logical action

2019 Tier I: Situation: "Students are failing to submit assignments on time."

COA: "Set reminders and strict deadlines." - Logical action

2020 Tier I: Situation: "Noise pollution has increased in the city."

COA: "Regulate industrial and traffic noise levels." - Logical action

Practicing previous year questions improves your ability to identify practical solutions quickly.

5. Strategy to Approach Course of Action Questions

Read the situation carefully: Understand the problem fully
Evaluate each suggested action: Check if it is logical, practical, and directly addresses the problem
Avoid extreme actions: Discard options that are irrelevant, impossible, or extreme
Choose the most suitable action(s): Sometimes more than one COA is correct
Practice regularly: Helps in quick and confident decision-making in exams

6. Quick Recap

Course of Action questions test decision-making and problem-solving skills
Identify practical and logical steps to address the problem
Avoid extreme, impractical, or unrelated actions
Regular practice builds speed and accuracy

7. Practice Questions

Try solving these to test your understanding:

1. Situation: "Rising air pollution in the city."

COA: I. Plant more trees. II. Ban all vehicles immediately.

2. Situation: "Students are performing poorly in exams."

COA: I. Provide extra coaching. II. Cancel exams.

3. Situation: "Frequent water shortages in a town."

COA: I. Build water reservoirs. II. Ban water use.

4. Situation: "Traffic accidents have increased on highways."

COA: I. Implement strict traffic rules. II. Close all highways.

5. Situation: "Littering has increased in public parks."

COA: I. Install dustbins and awareness boards. II. Close the parks.

Click for Answers

1. Only I follows (Planting trees is practical, banning all vehicles is extreme)

2. Only I follows (Extra coaching addresses the problem, canceling exams is impractical)

3. Only I follows (Building reservoirs solves the problem, banning water use is extreme)

4. Only I follows (Strict rules address safety, closing highways is impractical)

5. Only I follows (Installing dustbins solves the problem, closing parks is extreme)

Choose the most logical and practical course of action for each situation.

Course of Action for SSC CGL