How to prepare for General Intelligence and Reasoning for SSC CGL

While preparing for SSC CGL, you must follow some strategy so that your efforts aren't wasted, and you get the desired results in the end. Experts at EduRev have made an effective strategy that would help you prepare for the General Intelligence and Reasoning section. 

Step 0: Understand the syllabus for General Intelligence and Reasoning section

This section is more application-based, but the concepts that play an important role must be learned. This section also carries 25% weightage, and the questions are of easy to moderate level. You can easily score very good marks in this section. The SSC syllabus for the reasoning section is as follows:

• Analogies
• Similarities and differences
• Space visualization
• Spatial orientation
• Problem-solving
• Analysis
• Judgment
• Blood Relations
• Decision making
• Visual memory
• Discrimination
• Observation
• Relationship concepts
• Arithmetical reasoning
• Figural classification
• Arithmetic number series
• Non-verbal series
• Coding and decoding
• Statement conclusion
• Syllogistic reasoning

To check out the complete syllabus for the SSC CGL exam, click here.

Step 1: Concentrate on Important Topics and Basics

• Make a list of important topics: With the syllabus in hand, make a list of the important exam topics. Make sure you study more on those important topics and never skip a step. 
• Don't take shortcuts: Never look for shortcuts when beginning your preparation for the SSC CGL. 
• Start with fundamentals: Learn all the topics in depth by starting with the fundamentals. Develop a deep knowledge before moving on to the shortcuts.
• Don't use shortcuts if you are not sure: Use caution while using any shortcuts if you are unsure of their effectiveness. Uncertain shortcuts typically result in confusion and incorrect answers. 
• Revise: In the general knowledge and general awareness portions, revision is crucial. For these parts, it is necessary to memorize key points.

Step 2: Analyse the Previous Year's Question Papers for General Intelligence and Reasoning section

Previous year question papers help you understand exam patterns and important topics. You comprehend the difficulty of questions asked in this section by studying the previous year's paper. Also, this will give you a fair idea of how much effort you need to put into this particular section.

Analyzing previous year's papers has additional benefits: 

• Increase Accuracy and speed: Practising withSSC CGL previous year question papershelps you gain accuracy and speed for the exam. 
• Time management: Time management is acquired after practising with previous year's questions. This paves the way to crack the exam easily. 

Step 3: Practice More and More!

You can find the Mock test series for SSC CGL on EduRev and practice them on a regular basis. They are pretty convenient and give you an understanding of the real exam environment, which sections need more time and which sections you need to attempt first.

• Practice the areas where your strength lies and allocate less time for them. 
• Give ample time for the weaker areas and spend more time practising them. 
• Attempt mock tests to understand the level of the examination.

Note: Don't just go on attempting mock tests and previous year's question papers without being prepared. This way, you will only waste your time. Of course, you can analyze 2-3 Previous year papers and then start practising but don't just get stuck there.

Step 4: Manage your time efficiently in this particular section

• Time is the checkpoint in most competitive examinations. Focus on sections you know you are strong in and provide more time to them. This is a way to use time effectively. 
• Keep in mind that there are no sectional time limits and sectional cut-offs. Increase your score in every way you can. 
• When it comes to problems, focus on your weak areas and spend time solving them. 
• Don't take more than one minute to solve a question. Don't procrastinate as it results in high-level stress.

Tips and Tricks to Solve Reasoning Section

1. Learn the Question Types: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions in the test like sequences, puzzles, and analogies. Knowing what to expect can reduce surprises and increase your confidence during the exam.

2. Daily Practice: Practice these reasoning questions every day to improve your speed and accuracy. Regular practice helps you recognize patterns and solve problems faster.

3. Think Logically: Engage in activities that require logical thinking such as sudoku or brain teasers. This sharpens your reasoning skills, which are crucial for the exam.

4. Watch the Clock: Time your practice sessions to get used to solving questions quickly, mimicking the pressure of the actual exam.

5. Learn Quick Ways: Learn shortcuts and strategies for solving common question types. These methods can greatly reduce the time you spend on each question during the test.

6. Take Practice Tests: Complete full-length mock tests regularly to understand the exam format and to gauge your readiness. This also helps in identifying areas that need more focus.

7. Check Your Work: Review your answers after practice sessions to learn from your mistakes. Understanding why you got a question wrong is key to not repeating the same errors.

8. Stay Informed: Keep up with any updates about the exam pattern and syllabus from official sources. Staying updated ensures that you are preparing in line with the latest exam requirements.

9. Stay Healthy: Good health is crucial for good performance. Ensure you get enough rest and maintain a balanced diet to keep your mind sharp for studying and for the day of the exam.