30-Day SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning Study Plan | SSC CGL Tier 1 Mock Test Series 2024 PDF Download

Introduction

The SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level) Exam is one of the most popular exams for graduates who want to work in government jobs. The exam is divided into different sections, including General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. The General Intelligence and Reasoning section is very important because it tests your logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for success in the exam.

Why General Intelligence and Reasoning is Important

General Intelligence and Reasoning is a key part of the SSC CGL exam. This section tests how well you can think logically and solve problems. It makes up about 25% of the total marks in Tier 1 of the exam. Doing well in this section can help you score higher overall and improve your chances of passing the exam.

Chapter Weightage in SSC CGL Exam

Knowing how many questions you can expect from each chapter can help you focus your preparation. Here’s an estimate:

• Classification: 2-3 questions
• Analogy: 2-3 questions
• Coding-Decoding: 2-3 questions
• Syllogism: 1-2 questions
• Blood Relations: 1-2 questions
• Series (Number & Alphabetical): 4-5 questions
• Direction Sense: 1-2 questions
• Seating Arrangements: 2-3 questions
• Puzzles: 3-4 questions
• Logical Reasoning: 3-4 questions
• Miscellaneous Topics: The rest of the questions are spread across other topics.

Understanding the Syllabus

We will cover the syllabus in a structured way, dividing it into manageable parts over 30 days. This plan will help you cover all topics, ensuring that you get enough practice and revision.

Day 1-3: Start with Classification and Analogy

Classification

Begin with classification, where you’ll learn how to group items based on similar characteristics. This topic helps you quickly identify the odd one out in a group.

Analogy

Next, work on analogy, where you’ll compare pairs of words or numbers to find a relationship between them. This is all about spotting connections and similarities.

Things to Remember:

• Revise these concepts daily to build speed.
• Practice with questions to understand common patterns.
• Use available exercises to strengthen your foundation in these topics.

Day 4-6: Coding-Decoding and Paper Folding Method

Coding-Decoding

In this topic, you’ll learn how to decode messages based on a set of rules. Focus on understanding how letters or numbers are shifted or replaced.

Paper Folding Method

This involves visualizing how a piece of paper will look after it’s folded and cut. It’s a test of your spatial ability.

Things to Remember:

• Understand the logic behind different types of codes.
• Daily quizzes can help reinforce what you’ve learned.
• Practice the techniques to improve accuracy.

Day 7-10: Word Formation, Matrix, and Venn Diagram

Word Formation

Here, you’ll learn how to form meaningful words from jumbled letters. This helps in quick word recognition.

Matrix

Matrix problems involve finding a specific element in a grid based on given instructions. It’s about following directions carefully.

Venn Diagram

Venn Diagrams are used to visualize relationships between different sets (like people, items, or concepts). You’ll need to figure out how these sets overlap.

Things to Remember:

• Practice different matrix problems to understand patterns.
• Expand your vocabulary for faster word recognition.
• Venn diagrams require clear logical thinking—practice with examples.

Day 11-14: Distance and Direction, Blood Relations, and Series

Distance and Direction

These problems test your ability to visualize paths and directions.

Blood Relations

Blood relation questions involve understanding family connections. You’ll need to identify how different people are related.

Series (Number & Alphabetical)

In series questions, you need to identify the next number or letter in a sequence. Practice both number and alphabetical series.

Things to Remember:

• Visualization is key for direction-based problems.
• Use simple family trees to solve blood relation questions.
• Regularly practice series questions to improve your logical thinking.

Day 15-18: Alphabet Test, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Syllogism

Alphabet Test

This test involves understanding the order and sequence of alphabets.

Arithmetic Reasoning

These problems mix basic arithmetic with logical reasoning. You’ll need to use numbers logically to solve these problems.

Syllogism

Syllogism questions require you to draw logical conclusions from given statements.

Things to Remember:

• Revisit basic arithmetic concepts for accuracy.
• Practice syllogism problems to avoid common mistakes.
• Learn short tricks to tackle alphabet tests faster.

Day 19-21: Embedded Figures, Figure Formation & Analysis, and Cubes & Dice

Embedded Figures

You’ll need to find hidden figures within a complex diagram.

Figure Formation & Analysis

These questions involve creating or analyzing figures by combining or breaking down shapes.

Cubes & Dice

This topic tests your ability to visualize 3D objects and how they change when moved or altered.

Things to Remember:

• Practice visualizing objects and figures in 3D.
• Use exercises that focus on spatial reasoning to improve.

Day 22-25: Mirror Image, Pattern Completion, Counting Figures

Mirror Image

Learn how to identify the mirror image of an object, letter, or number.

Pattern Completion

You’ll be required to complete a pattern by identifying the missing part.

Counting Figures

These questions involve counting the number of specific shapes in a complex diagram.

Things to Remember:

• Mirror image questions require practice for quick visualization.
• Pay attention to details in pattern completion.
• Practice figure counting techniques to speed up your answers.

Day 26-30: Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Data Sufficiency, and Revision

Logical Reasoning

Focus on critical thinking, evaluating inferences, assumptions, and arguments. This topic requires strong analytical skills.

Puzzles

Puzzles are more complex problems that need careful thought. Focus on seating arrangements and logical groupings.

Data Sufficiency

These questions ask you to determine if the information given is enough to solve the problem.

Revision and Mock Tests

Use the final days to go over everything you’ve learned. Focus on areas where you need more practice. Taking mock tests will help you see how well you’re doing.

Things to Remember:

• Regular practice is crucial for puzzles and logical reasoning.
• Understand the logic behind each puzzle rather than memorizing solutions.
• Mock tests will help you find weak spots and improve your speed.

Final Tips

• For coding-decoding and series, remember the common rules that often appear in exams.
• In blood relations and direction sense, try to visualize the relationships or paths clearly before answering.
• Syllogism and logical reasoning need careful thinking—always break down the problem into smaller parts to understand it better.
• Use available exercises and video explanations to deepen your understanding of tricky topics like puzzles and seating arrangements.

With consistent practice and regular revision, you can master the General Intelligence and Reasoning section for the SSC CGL exam. Make use of the study resources available to ensure you’re fully prepared.