Direction Sense Test for SSC CGL
Master Direction and Distance Logic
1. Introduction
Direction Sense questions are a vital part of SSC CGL reasoning. They test your ability to understand and analyze directions using given information.
These questions are scoring because once you understand the basic rules, solving them becomes fast and logical.
2. Definition
Direction Sense questions involve a person or object moving in certain directions (North, South, East, West) and asking you to determine either the final direction from the starting point, the distance from the starting point, or relative position compared to another point.
Example: "Ravi walks 5 km North, then 3 km East. What is his direction from the starting point?"
Solution: Use basic directions: North, East, South, West
North + East → North-East
Answer: North-East
3. Types of Direction Sense Questions
Simple Direction:
Find the final direction after moving along given steps.
Example: Walk 3 km East, 2 km South → Final direction?
Distance Calculation:
Find the shortest distance (usually using Pythagoras theorem).
Example: Walk 3 km North, 4 km East → Distance from start = 5 km
Relative Position:
Determine a person's position relative to another.
Example: "A is 2 km East of B. C is 3 km North of B. Find C's direction from A."
Complex Multi-Step Movement:
Several steps with turns or direction changes.
Use sketch diagrams for clarity.
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I: "A walks 5 km North, 3 km East, then 2 km South."
Answer: 4 km (Shortest distance from starting point)
2019 Tier I: "R walks 4 km East, 3 km North, then 4 km West."
Answer: North (Direction from starting point)
2020 Tier I: "Point A is 2 km West of B. Point C is 3 km North of B."
Answer: North-East (Direction of C from A)
Practicing past year questions improves speed and accuracy in direction sense problems.
5. Strategy to Approach Direction Sense Questions
- Read carefully: Note each movement and its direction
- Draw diagrams: A simple sketch helps visualize the path
- Use compass directions: North, South, East, West, and their combinations
- Apply Pythagoras theorem: For distance calculations when needed
- Practice regularly: Start with simple steps, then attempt complex multi-step problems
6. Quick Recap
- Direction Sense questions test your ability to analyze movement and positions
- Types: Simple direction, distance calculation, relative position, complex movement
- Diagrams make solving easier and faster
- Regular practice ensures accuracy in exams
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. A walks 3 km North, then 4 km East. What is his final direction from the starting point?
2. Raju walks 5 km South, 3 km West. Find the shortest distance from the starting point.
3. A is 2 km East of B. C is 4 km South of B. Find C's direction from A.
4. A walks 6 km North, 3 km East, 2 km South. Find his final direction.
5. A starts from point X, walks 5 km East, 3 km North, then 5 km West. How far is he from the starting point?
Click for Answers
1. North-East
2. √34 km ≈ 5.83 km (Using Pythagoras: 5² + 3² = 25 + 9 = 34)
3. South-West
4. North-East (4 km North and 3 km East from start)
5. 3 km North
Draw sketches to solve these quickly and accurately.
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