SSC Reasoning Syllabus, Topic-wise Preparation Strategy and Important Topics for CGL, CHSL, MTS
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
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PDF Notes: SSC Reasoning Syllabus, Topic-wise Preparation Strategy and Important Topics for CGL, CHSL, MTS
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Reasoning is the most scoring section for students who practise daily. Before you start, you must know the SSC reasoning syllabus: what topics are asked, how many questions come and how much time you can give to each question. This SSC reasoning syllabus and preparation strategy gives the exam pattern, the list of verbal and non-verbal topics, a topic-wise study plan and a daily practice routine, in simple words.
Reasoning in SSC Exam Pattern
| Item | SSC CGL Tier-I | SSC CHSL Tier-I |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning questions | 25 | 25 |
| Marks for each question | 2 | 2 |
| Negative marking | 0.50 for each wrong answer | 0.50 for each wrong answer |
| Total questions in the paper | 100 (4 sections) | 100 (4 sections) |
| Total time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
The pattern can change, so always check the latest official notification of the SSC for the current year.
Verbal Reasoning Topics
| Topic | Where to read |
|---|---|
| Analogy and classification | Analogy, Classification |
| Letter, number and series | Letter, Number and Series, Number Series |
| Coding-decoding | Coding-Decoding, Number Coding |
| Blood relations and direction | Blood Relations, Direction Test |
| Ranking and arrangement | Ranking, Puzzles |
| Logical reasoning | Syllogism, Venn Diagram |
| Calendar, clock and operations | Calendar, Clock, Mathematical Operations |
Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics
- Mirror image and water image
- Paper folding and cutting
- Counting of figures
- Embedded figures
- Figure series and pattern completion
- Cubes and dice
Read them in the Non Verbal Reasoning notes.
Topic-wise Preparation Plan
| Week | What to study |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Series, analogy, classification, alphabet test |
| Week 2 | Coding-decoding, blood relations, direction test |
| Week 3 | Ranking, arrangement, puzzles, calendar and clock |
| Week 4 | Syllogism, Venn diagram, statements and conclusions |
| Week 5 | Non-verbal topics: mirror image, counting of figures, paper folding |
| Week 6 | Full tests, error analysis and revision |
Time Management
- The paper has 100 questions in 60 minutes, which is an average of 36 seconds per question.
- Try to finish the reasoning section in 12 to 15 minutes, because it is the fastest section for most students.
- Skip a question that takes more than 60 seconds, and come back at the end.
- Attempt only the questions of which you are sure, because of the 0.50 negative marking.
Daily Practice Routine
- Revise one topic note for 20 minutes.
- Solve 20 questions of that topic, with a timer.
- Write down the wrong questions in an error notebook.
- Solve one section test of 25 questions on weekends.
- Revise the error notebook every Sunday.
Quick Tips
- Study one topic at a time and solve 20 questions of it the same day.
- Keep an error notebook and revise it weekly.
- Practise with a timer from day one.
- Take at least one full mock test every week.
Quick Revision Points
- Reasoning has 25 questions of 2 marks each in CGL and CHSL Tier-I.
- Negative marking is 0.50 for a wrong answer.
- The average time for one question is about 36 seconds.
- The topics are divided into verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- Revise your wrong questions every week.
Practice Questions With Answers
- How many reasoning questions are there in SSC CGL Tier-I?
Answer: 25 - How many marks does one question carry?
Answer: 2 - What is the negative marking for one wrong answer?
Answer: 0.50 marks - What is the total time for the Tier-I paper?
Answer: 60 minutes - How many questions are there in the Tier-I paper in all?
Answer: 100 - What is the average time for one question?
Answer: About 36 seconds - Which part of reasoning has figures and images?
Answer: Non-verbal reasoning - Is coding-decoding in the reasoning syllabus?
Answer: Yes - Which two reasoning topics are formula-based?
Answer: Clock and calendar - What is the best way to improve in reasoning?
Answer: Daily timed practice and an error notebook
How to Practise This Chapter
Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Number Coding Decoding. Also read the Logical Reasoning notes and the Verbal Reasoning notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many reasoning questions are there in SSC CGL Tier-I?
There are 25 reasoning questions of 2 marks each.
What are the main topics in SSC reasoning?
Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction, ranking, syllogism, calendar, clock, puzzles and non-verbal topics.
Which is the most scoring topic in reasoning?
Series, coding-decoding, blood relations and direction are usually quick to score.
How should I start reasoning preparation?
Start with series, analogy and classification, and then move to coding and blood relations.
How much time should I give to reasoning in the exam?
About 12 to 15 minutes for the 25 questions.
Is there negative marking in reasoning?
Yes. 0.50 marks are cut for each wrong answer.
How many days are needed to prepare reasoning?
About 6 weeks of daily practice are enough for most students for the basic topics.
Which books should I use?
Read the notes of each topic, and practise the previous year papers and mock tests.
What are non-verbal reasoning topics?
Mirror image, water image, paper folding, counting of figures, embedded figures and cubes and dice.
How can I improve my speed?
Practise with a timer, learn the shortcuts and revise the error notebook.
Does the syllabus change every year?
The core topics stay the same, but check the official notification for the latest pattern.
Is reasoning the same for CGL and CHSL?
The topics are almost the same, but the difficulty of CGL questions is usually a little higher.
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Number Coding Decoding Tricks: Letter to Number Code and Position Value Questions for SSC
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Input Output Reasoning: Machine Input Output Types, Steps, Tricks and Solved Examples for SSC CGL and CHSL
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.