SSC CGL logical reasoning section has moderate difficulty level with only few surprises. By mastering a few topics, you can easily score 18-20 marks. Logical reasoning syllabus is divided into two halves of general mental ability and non-verbal reasoning.

Questions are rarely asked from non-verbal reasoning section but some topics do come from non-verbal section.  The best book for preparation of Logical reasoning is RS aggarwal.

• The total numbers of questions in this section are 25.
• The section appears in only SSC CGL tier 1 exam.
• The maximum marks for this section are 25.
• Every wrong answer will make you 1/4^th marks.
• Easy to moderate difficulty level of the questions and topics.
• Analogy, series and visual reasoning is expected to have 6-8 questions.
• Matrix questions are most difficult so avoid them in the main exam.

Logical reasoning syllabus is divided into two halves viz. General Mental Ability and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The questions asked in the section will be to test candidates’ aptitude and their intelligence. Let’s look at the sub-topics asked under both topics.

Expected number of questions in each topic:

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Classification

• Questions on picking odd one out among numbers, letters, words.
• Apply knowledge of daily life while answering the questions.
• Answer generally is the one that does not match the pattern.

Example: Pick the Odd one Out: Mango, Banana, Apple, Carrot. Ans – Carrot

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Analogy

• Find the relationship given in the statement.
• Find relation between statement and questions.
• Draw conclusions based on general topics.

E.g. Eye:Vision :: Ear: ? Ans – Hear

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Arranging words in Meaningful Order

• Arrange words according to dictionary meaning
• Rearrange words to form meaningful sentence

Example: The logical order of the words will be: Root, Stem, Branch, Leaves, Fruit.

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Coding Decoding

• Minimum 1 question will be asked
• coding by letter shifting or coding by word
• Moderate to high difficulty level

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Venn Diagram

• Represent relationship through venn diagram
• Easy difficulty level
• High accuracy through practice
• 1 or 2 questions may be asked

Eg- Relation between bird, parrot, cat have to be represented in form of venn

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Word Formation

• High accuracy is possible with practice.
• Check if any word can be formed from the options given.
• Moderate difficulty level.

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Series

• Questions are based on alphabetical orders, number series and completing series.
• 6-7 questions can come.
• Moderate to high difficulty level.

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Direction & Distance

• 1 question can be asked at the most.
• Tricky problems.
• High difficulty level.

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Blood Relation

• Questions on family tree.
• Identify people from a photograph.
• The questions sometimes become uninteresting.
• You can create diagrams to make them short.

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Verbal Reasoning

• Rarely questions are asked from verbal reasoning.
• Practice problems based on Statements and Conclusions, Statements and Inferences, Statements and Assumptions, Assertion and Reason, etc.
• 0-2 questions may be asked.
• Moderate difficulty level.

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Puzzles

• Easy to solve but take a lot of time.
• Questions on seating arrangement.
• Questions on age, distance and speed, etc.
• May be 1 or 2 questions may be asked.

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Non-verbal Reasoning

• 2-3 questions will be asked.
• Diverse natures of questions are possible.
• Questions on completing the pattern, assemble image, mirror image, hidden image, etc.

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Matrix

• May be 1 question can be asked.
• Difficulty level is high.
• Rigorous practice is required. 

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Preparation tips for Logical Reasoning

1. The question will be solved on the basis of the data given, do not make assumptions about the same.
2. Always select one topic and practice, avoid mix practice as questions require you to think.
3. Be wise with the words like un-, non-, they are introduced to fool you.
4. Try eliminating option strategy if the answer is not coming.
5. Don’t try to solve all the questions as this may lead to negative marking.
6. Understanding the directions north, south, east and west are important.
7. Do not rush through topics, especially series, they are difficult to master in one go.
8. Keep time constraint in mind while preparing for the exam.
9. The section helps you score good marks if you are patient.

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