Tips and Tricks: Data Sufficiency | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Data Sufficiency refers to a question type frequently encountered in standardized tests, aptitude exams, and assessments designed to assess an individual's capacity to analyze information, make informed decisions, and draw conclusions based on a restricted set of provided data.

Note: In data sufficiency problems, the information presented in the statements is considered sufficient if it allows for the precise determination of a single numerical value as the answer to the problem.

Tips and Tricks: Data Sufficiency

Data Sufficiency: Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts

1. Read Carefully:

   • Take the time to carefully read the entire question. Though these questions may be lengthy, it's crucial not to panic and ensure a thorough understanding of all provided information.

2. Verbal Solution:

   • In quantitative aptitude sections, some data sufficiency questions can be solved verbally without intricate calculations. Reason through the conditions before diving into complex computations.

3. Focus on Conditions:

   • Understand that the objective is not always to find the final answer. Instead, concentrate on determining whether the given data is sufficient to answer the question. Identify the critical conditions required for a solution.

4. Avoid Assumptions:

   • Strictly consider the information provided in the question. Refrain from making assumptions or using external knowledge. Rely solely on the given data to solve the question.

5. Step-by-Step Approach:

   • Adopt a step-by-step approach. Begin by attempting to solve the question using the first condition. If it proves insufficient, proceed to the second condition, and so on, until you can ascertain the sufficiency of the data.

Objective: The primary objective of data sufficiency questions is to evaluate logical reasoning skills and the ability to determine whether the provided data is adequate to answer a specific question without fully solving the problem.

Solved Examples:

Q2: In a certain code language, ‘23’ means ‘No More and ‘79’ means ‘harmful thing’. What is the meaning of ‘9’ and ‘7’ respectively in that code?
I. ‘274’ means ‘no bad thing’
II. ‘839’ means ‘more is harmful’.
(a) If the data in statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question
(b) If the data either in I or II alone are sufficient to answer the question
(c) If the data in statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question
(d) If the data even in both the statements together are not sufficient to answer the question
Ans: (b)
‘79’ means ‘harmful thing’ and ‘274’ means ‘no bad thing’. Hence common letter ‘7’ denotes ‘thing’. Hence ‘9’ is obviously ‘harmful’. So I alone can be sufficient. Also, ‘79’ is ‘harmful thing’ and ‘839’ is ‘more is harmful’ from which it can be implied that ‘9’ is ‘harmful’. Hence II alone can also be sufficient. Hence either I or II alone can be sufficient.

Q3: ive friends- Aka, Bka, Cka, Dka and Eka are sitting in a row. Among all who is sitting in the middle?
I. Bka is in between Eka and Cka.
II. Bka is to the right of Eka.
III. Dka is in between Aka and Eka.
(a) I and II together
(b) II and III together
(c) I and III together
(d) I, II and III together
Ans: (d)
From I, the correct order is Eka, Bka, Cka or Cka, Bka, Eka.
From II, the order is Eka, Bka.
From III, the order is Aka, Dka, Eka.
Combining all the three, we get the order as: Aka, Dka, Eka, Bka, Cka.
Clearly, Eka is sitting in the middle. Thus all the three statements are required.

Q4: Four Subjects --- Psychology, Accounting, Arts and Zoology were taught in four successive periods of one hour each starting from 2.00 p.m. At what time was the Accounting period scheduled?
I. Arts period ended at 4.00 pm which was preceded by Zoology.
II. Psychology was scheduled in the last period.
III. Arts period was immediately followed by Accounting.
(a) Only I
(b) Only I or II
(c) Only II
(d) I and II together or I and III together
Ans: (d)
From I and II we conclude that Arts period began at 3.00 p.m. Zoology period began at 2.00 p.m. and Psychology period began at 5.00 p.m. So, the Accounting period began at 4.00 p.m. From I and III, it is clearly seen that Arts period ended at 4.00 p.m. followed by Accounting to start at 4.00 p.m.

Q5: How many sons does Arjuna have?
I. Sapura and Adyta are brothers of Sassy.
II. Nubba is sister of Carmela and Adyta.
III. Nubba and Sassy are daughters of Arjuna.
(a) I and II only.
(b) II and III together.
(c) I, II and III together
(d) I, II, III together are not sufficient
Ans: (c)
From I, Sapura, Adyta and Sassy are siblings.
From II, Nubba, Carmela and Adyta are siblings. It infers that Sapura, Adyta, Nubba, Carmela and Sassy are siblings. Hence option C is correct.