SSC CGL - Reasoning Ability

1. Introduction

Decision Making is a crucial topic in SSC CGL reasoning. It tests your ability to choose the most appropriate solution among multiple alternatives in a given situation.

These questions are scoring because once you understand the logic and method, solving them becomes systematic.

2. Definition

Decision Making: The process of selecting the best alternative to solve a problem or achieve a goal. SSC CGL questions provide a situation with multiple courses of action or choices, and you must identify the most logical decision.

Example: Situation: "A shopkeeper notices that thefts have increased in his store."

Possible Decisions: I. Install CCTV cameras. II. Stop selling valuable items.

Solution: Only I is a practical and logical decision.

3. Types of Decision Making Questions

Direct Decision Questions:

Identify the most suitable decision to solve the problem.

Example: Situation: "Students are frequently absent from class." Decision: "Introduce strict attendance rules."

Multiple Alternatives:

Several actions are given; choose the most practical and effective one.

Avoid extreme, unrelated, or impractical options.

Cause-Effect Based Decisions:

Focus on resolving the root cause, not just the symptom.

Example: Problem: "Traffic accidents are increasing." Decision: "Implement stricter traffic rules."

Logical Ranking of Decisions:

Sometimes multiple decisions may be correct; rank them in order of appropriateness.

4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples

2018 Tier I: Situation: "Air pollution is increasing in the city."

Decision: "Promote public transport and plant more trees." - Logical decision

2019 Tier I: Situation: "Students are not submitting assignments on time."

Decision: "Set clear deadlines and reminders." - Logical decision

2020 Tier I: Situation: "Water wastage is increasing in the town."

Decision: "Create awareness and provide water-saving devices." - Logical decision

Practicing previous year questions improves quick logical decision-making skills.

5. Strategy to Approach Decision Making Questions

Understand the problem fully: Identify the main issue
Evaluate each alternative: Check if it is logical, practical, and directly addresses the problem
Discard extreme or irrelevant options: Avoid options that are unreasonable or impossible
Select the most appropriate decision: Sometimes more than one may be correct; prioritize the best one
Practice regularly: Develop speed and accuracy in identifying solutions

6. Quick Recap

Decision Making questions test problem-solving and logical reasoning
Focus on practical, relevant, and logical alternatives
Avoid extreme or unrelated options
Regular practice improves accuracy and confidence

7. Practice Questions

Try solving these to test your understanding:

1. Situation: "Rising cases of road accidents in the city."

Decisions: I. Implement strict traffic rules. II. Close all roads.

2. Situation: "Students are failing in exams."

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

3. Situation: "Littering has increased in public places."

Decisions: I. Install dustbins and create awareness. II. Close all public areas.

4. Situation: "Air pollution levels are rising."

Decisions: I. Promote public transport. II. Ban all vehicles permanently.

5. Situation: "Employees are frequently late to office."

Decisions: I. Introduce a flexible shift system. II. Fire all late employees.

Click for Answers

1. Only I follows (Implementing traffic rules addresses the problem, closing roads is extreme)

2. Only I follows (Extra coaching helps students improve, canceling exams is impractical)

3. Only I follows (Installing dustbins solves the problem, closing public areas is extreme)

4. Only I follows (Promoting public transport reduces pollution, banning all vehicles is impractical)

5. Only I follows (Flexible shifts address the issue, firing all employees is extreme)

Choose the most practical and effective decision for each situation.

Decision Making for SSC CGL