For most SSC aspirants, the Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude sections determine the Tier I score and overall ranking. These two subjects are part of both Tier I and Tier II, so if you are familiar with them, they can easily help you score more than 100 marks in the final merit.
The good news is that neither is a matter of luck. With a planned approach, rational study habits, and appropriate material like the Oswaal SSC Books, you can consistently achieve speed and accuracy in both tiers.
This guide explains how to prepare smartly, starting from understanding the exam format to employing effective study techniques and utilizing trusted materials.
SSC CGL 2025 Exam Pattern : A Quick Review
It is important to know the pattern of the examination before you start preparing for it. As per the revised pattern of SSC CGL 2025, the examination takes place in two tiers.
|
Tier |
Sections |
Questions / Marks |
Duration |
|
Tier I |
General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, General Awareness |
100 Questions (200 Marks) — each question carries 2 marks |
60 Minutes |
|
Tier II |
Paper I: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Paper II: Statistics |
Varies by paper (compulsory + optional) |
Varies by paper |
These two levels challenge your capability to use logical reasoning, pattern recognition and problem-solving skills. Doing well on these two sections can be crucial in determining your final score.
Start with SSC CGL Previous Year Papers
To get a better insight into the trend of SSC questions, attempting the previous years’ papers will be of great help. SSC CGL previous year question paper book is a must-have because:
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Topic-wise solved papers
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Trend analysis for frequently asked topics
Step-by-step explanations based on the latest SSC format
Complete at least 10–15 papers, and preferably practice them before shifting to full mocks. This also helps in getting used to the types of questions asked and in managing time.
Use the Right SSC Books
The books you study set the parameters for your understanding and application of concepts. Don’t get confused by various resources, only follow Oswaal SSC Books. They are precise, good for exams, and easy to revise.
|
Book Type |
Recommended Title (Oswaal Books) |
Why It Helps |
|
SSC CGL PYQs |
Oswaal SSC CGL PYQ Book |
Includes solved papers, chapter-wise trend analysis, and revision notes |
|
Preparation Book |
Oswaal SSC CGL Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude Book |
Covers complete syllabus with concept notes, formula sheets, and topic-wise tests |
|
Full Guide |
Oswaal SSC Books for CGL Tier I & Tier II |
Includes mind maps, concept boosters, and QR-based mock links for complete preparation |
Through visuals, summaries and QR content, Oswaal enables faster and more effective revision.
Plan Your Study Routine Wisely
Having a regular study schedule maintains your prep balanced and on point. Try to have at least four hours of study session a day.
Example Daily Study Schedule:
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1 hour: Reasoning (Series, Syllogism, Blood Relation)
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2 hours: Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
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30 minutes: Practice from Oswaal PYQ Book
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30 minutes: Error analysis and instant correction
At the end of the day jot down mistakes or weak areas. You go back to these on a weekly basis to measure progress.
Read More: How To Prepare For SSC CHSL After 12th?
Focus on High-Scoring Topics
If your goal is a high overall score, focus on the most rewarding areas in both sections.
|
Subject |
High-Scoring Topics |
Strategy |
|
Reasoning |
Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Non-Verbal |
Practice 20 to 25 questions daily and revise logic patterns regularly |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
Simplification, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Percentage, Trigonometry |
Revise formulas daily and solve mixed sets from Oswaal Books |
By focusing on these topics first, you guarantee that you will get the easy marks before you begin to tackle the more complicated topics.
Strengthen Concepts Before Shortcuts
Shortcuts are only useful if you have a clear understanding of concepts. Oswaal’s books guide you in establishing this very foundation with in-depth explanations and solved examples.
To begin, concentrate on preparing for.
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Simple arithmetic fractions, ratios, and percentages.
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Analogy, classification, and syllogism are kinds of logical reasoning.
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Fundamentals of geometry and algebra at the NCERT level
After you’re confident on the basics, go ahead and practice advanced and timed problem sets.
Take Regular Mock Tests
Mocks let you know where you’re at. Oswaal SSC Books offer chapter-wise practice tests as well as full-length mocks in line with the actual SSC exam pattern.
In order to take advantage of them:
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Start by attempting two mocks a week.
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Review for accuracy, speed, and skipped questions.
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Note repeated errors and to retake in a few days.
Mock analysis is more valuable than taking extra tests without review.
Improve Speed and Accuracy Together
Reasoning and Quant challenge you to be precise when under pressure.
Tips to Improve Speed:
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Practice with a stopwatch.
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Memorization of tables up to 25 and conversions of fractions to percentages .
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Practice answering 25 questions in 40 minutes.
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Keep revising important formulae from your SSC CGL preparation books.
Regular speed practice helps to instill confidence and avoid a last-minute panic.
Revise Every Week
Revising assists you in retaining ideas and making fewer mistakes.
Weekly Plan Example:
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Day 1 to 5: Learn and practice new subject matter
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Day 6: Give a Mock test from Oswaal Book
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Day 7: Review performance and edit notes
Point out formulas, tricky rules, and tricky questions. Make a formula sheet of short, quick reference “from study before test” type of material.
Manage Exam Pressure and Stay Focused
An unbalanced mind does not lead to high performance.
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Divide studying/reading into 45-minute blocks.
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Get at least seven hours of sleep each day. Stay sharp.
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Stay away from distracting activities such as excessive screen use.
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Weekly tracking rather than daily can help keep one motivated.
Small, incremental habits will prepare you to face the stress of exams with confidence.
The Last 30 Days Strategy
For the month before the exam, do not learn anything new. Only practice, re-practice, and keep it all consistent.
Here’s the plan:
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Practice one paper daily of the SSC CGL PYQ Book.
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Revisit reasoning and quant subjects with the help of the concept maps designed by Oswaal Books.
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Do two full mocks every second day.
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Analyze the accuracy and the time taken of each test.
This enables you to walk into the exam with full confidence.
Conclusion
If you devote the right amount of effort and an effective strategy, it is possible to score 100+ in SSC CGL because of Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. It’s not about memorizing formulas; rather, it’s about understanding concepts, analyzing mistakes, and practicing regularly.
Oswaal SSC Books will help you throughout your preparation. Using PYQs, concept notes, and simulated mock tests, you will study smartly and feel confident when you sit for both tiers of the SSC CGL 2025 Exam.
So, be consistent, practice with intention, and ensure your preparation pays off when it’s time to take the exam.
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers for 2025 Exams
FAQs
Question 1. Which books should I consult for Reasoning and Aptitude for SSC CGL 2025?
You should go through the Oswaal SSC CGL Preparation Books. They have topic-wise explanations, PYQs, and mock tests as per the latest SSC syllabus.
Question 2. How important is it to solve past year papers?
It matters. In Oswaal’s SSC CGL previous year question paper books, you will also get familiar with the actual exam format and the types of questions that keep repeating.
Question 3. How many hours of study are needed for these sections on a daily average?
Three to four hours a day is sufficient if you follow a plan for at least 4–5 months.
Question 4. Do shortcuts enable high scores?
Only after you have laid the groundwork. Oswaal’s books take you from clarifying concepts to speed-based problem-solving.


