How to Prepare Reasoning Question for SSC CHSL Exam?

Author at PW
June 24, 2025
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How to Prepare Reasoning Questions for SSC CHSL Exam:- SSC CHSL 2025 exam is a good opportunity for students who have passed Class 12 and are looking to get a government job. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, this exam helps fill thousands of vacancies in different government departments for posts like LDC, JSA, Postal Assistant, and DEO every year. With lakhs of candidates applying every year, having a good preparation plan becomes very important. One of the key sections in this exam is Reasoning, which is both tricky and scoring. If prepared well, this section can help you gain extra marks in less time. 

That’s why solving the right SSC CHSL reasoning questions regularly is a must. These reasoning questions for SSC CHSL usually come from topics like Series, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense. The more you practise, the better your speed and accuracy will become. In this article, we’ll help you understand how to prepare for the reasoning section with useful tips, important topics, and expert strategies.

Check Out: PW SSC Books

SSC CHSL 2025

This year, SSC has announced the exam schedule for SSC CHSL 2025 along with the SSC Calendar 2025. As per the latest update, the detailed notification and online application forms has been released on 27th May 2025 at the official website,  www.ssc.gov.in. The short notice has already been published on 23rd June 2025 through the Employment Newspaper. The SSC CHSL exam will be held in two stages, Tier 1 (Computer-Based Test) and Tier 2 (Skill Test/Typing Test), and candidates must clear both to get selected. All steps, from registration to result updates, are managed online through the SSC portal. Check out the SSC CHSL exam 2025 details here:- 

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) 2025

Conducting Body

Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Level of Exam

National

Eligibility

10+2 (Higher Secondary) Passed

Posts Offered

LDC, JSA, PA/SA, DEO

Notification Release Date

23rd June 2025 (Short Notice), 27th May 2025 (Full Notification)

Application Start Date

23rd June 2025

Last Date to Apply

18th July 2025 (11:00 pm)

Mode of Application

Online

Exam Mode

Online (Computer-Based Test – Tier 1)

Selection Process

Tier 1 (CBT) + Tier 2 (Skill/Typing Test)

Official Website

www.ssc.gov.in

Check Out: SSC Previous year Papers

SSC CHSL Reasoning: Important Topics

The Reasoning section in the SSC CHSL exam is one of the highest-scoring parts if prepared properly. It tests a candidate’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills. The questions are generally easy to moderate in difficulty but require quick thinking and accuracy. To help you prepare effectively, here’s a list of the most important SSC CHSL reasoning topics along with their subtopics.

Main Topic

Subtopics

Analogy

Word Analogy, Number Analogy, Alphabet Analogy, Image-Based Analogy

Classification

Odd One Out – Words, Numbers, Alphabets, Figures

Series

Number Series, Alphabet Series, Mixed Series, Figural Series

Coding-Decoding

Letter Coding, Number Coding, Symbol Coding, Substitution Coding

Blood Relations

Puzzle-Based, Coded Relationships, Family Tree Type

Direction Sense Test

Distance Calculation, Angular Direction, Map-Based Directions

Order and Ranking

Position from Left/Right, Height/Weight Based Ranking, Row/Queue Arrangement

Venn Diagrams

Syllogism-Based Diagrams, Group Classification, Logical Venn Diagrams

Syllogism

All/Some/No Type Statements, Conclusion-Based Questions

Statement & Conclusion

Statement-Assumption, Statement-Argument, Cause and Effect

Alphabet Test

Alphabetical Order, Word Formation, Letter Position (Forward/Reverse)

Non-verbal Reasoning

Mirror Images, Water Images, Paper Folding/Cutting, Embedded Figures

Matrix

Number/Letter/Code Identification Based on Rows and Columns

Reasoning Question for SSC CHSL Exam 

Q1. Three of the following four are alike in a certain way and thus form a group. Which is the one that does NOT belong to that group?

(CHSL Tier – I, 01 July, 2024 S1)

(a) OXC

(b) SNU

(c) MVC

(d) AJC

Answer: (b) SNU

Q2. Based on the alphabetical order, three of the following four letter-clusters are alike in a certain way and thus form a group. Which does NOT belong to that group?

(CHSL Tier – I, 01 July, 2024 S2)

(a) LIF

(b) WTQ

(c) QNL

(d) ROL

Answer: (b) WTQ

Q3. Three of the following four letter-clusters are alike in a certain way. Which does NOT belong to that group?

(CHSL Tier – I, 01 July, 2024 S3)

(a) CPSH

(b) EFHD

(c) VWUZ

(d) DNQL

Answer: (c) VWUZ

Q4. Three of the following four are alike in a certain way and form a group. Which is the odd one out?

(CHSL Tier – I, 01 July, 2024 S4)

(a) JRD

(b) KNR

(c) BEI

(d) KZR

Answer: (c) BEI

Q5. Four letter-clusters have been given, out of which three are alike in a certain way and one is different. Select the odd one out.

(CHSL Tier – I, 01 July, 2024 S4)

(a) RVZ

(b) LPT

(c) GJN

(d) BFJ

Answer: (c) GJN

Q6. Three of the following four letter-clusters are alike in the same manner and hence form a group. Which does NOT belong to that group?

(CHSL Tier – I, 02 July, 2024 S3)

(a) BGG

(b) TWY

(c) AMN

(d) MNF

Answer: (b) TWY

Q7. Based on alphabetical order, three of the four letter-clusters are alike in a certain way and form a group. Which one is the odd one?

(CHSL 9 August, 2023 S4)

(a) PSR

(b) TUX

(c) MPO

(d) YBA

Answer: (d) YBA

Q8. Out of the given letter clusters, three are similar in a certain manner. However, one is NOT like the others. Find the odd one.

(CHSL 13 March, 2023 S4)

(a) BDF

(b) UVY

(c) IKM

(d) PRS

Answer: (b) UVY

Q9. In the following question, select the odd letter cluster from the given options.

(CHSL 13 March, 2023 S3)

(a) RPM

(b) BZW

(c) IGE

(d) ATV

Answer: (c) IGE

Q10. Four letter-clusters have been given. Out of these, three are alike in some way, and one is different. Select the odd one out.

(CHSL 17 March, 2023 S1)

(a) QSU

(b) UVY

(c) CEG

(d) HJI

Answer: (d) HJI

For more such Reasoning Question for SSC CHSL Exam, check out the below book.

SSC CHSL Reasoning Questions

How to Prepare Reasoning Question for SSC CHSL Exam?

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Before you begin any preparation, knowing the complete reasoning syllabus is non-negotiable. The SSC CHSL Reasoning section includes both verbal and non-verbal questions, and questions are framed to test logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical skills. 

While some topics are asked frequently, SSC has a habit of mixing easy and tricky questions from across the syllabus. So, skipping any topic just because it appears less often is not a good strategy. Instead, you should aim to build basic familiarity with all topics and then go deeper into the most important ones.

  • The reasoning syllabus includes topics like Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Series (Alphabet and Number), Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Venn Diagrams, and Order and Ranking.

  • Non-verbal reasoning topics such as Mirror Images, Water Images, Paper Folding, Embedded Figures, and Matrix-based questions are also important.

  • Logical reasoning topics like Syllogism, Statement and Conclusion, and Alphabet Test should not be ignored as 1–2 questions are usually asked.

2. Know the Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the structure of the exam helps you manage both your preparation and real-time performance better. In SSC CHSL Tier 1, the General Intelligence (Reasoning) section has 25 questions of 2 marks each. This section is part of a 100-question paper, with a total time limit of 60 minutes and no sectional timings. For every wrong answer, 0.50 marks are deducted, making accuracy critical. Keeping this in mind, your goal should be to solve as many correct answers as possible without falling into the trap of guesswork.

  • Each reasoning question carries +2 marks, and a wrong answer leads to a deduction of 0.50 marks.

  • There are no sectional cut-offs, but time must be managed across four sections evenly.

  • Solving all 25 reasoning questions within 15–18 minutes will give you enough time for other sections.

3. Focus on Important Topics First

While the entire syllabus is important, SSC tends to repeat questions from certain topics, making them highly scoring if prepared well. These include Analogy, Classification, Alphabet Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Order and Ranking, and Direction Sense. A strong grip on these areas can help you attempt at least 15–18 questions quickly with high accuracy. 

  • Begin preparation with frequently asked topics like Series, Coding-Decoding, and Analogy.

  • Allocate separate time blocks for visual reasoning (Mirror Images, Paper Folding), as they are also regularly asked.

  • Use topic-wise practice sets to master patterns and identify common traps.

4. Make a Timed Practice Schedule

SSC CHSL is a speed-based test, and completing 100 questions in 60 minutes requires fast decision-making. To master this, you need to set a realistic timetable that involves timed practice on reasoning questions. 

  • Practise at least 20–30 reasoning questions every day under timed conditions.

  • Initially, practise without a timer to build conceptual clarity, then shift to timed sessions.

5. Use Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests

Previous year papers give you a true sense of the exam’s difficulty level, question patterns, and commonly repeated topics. SSC often repeats logic types and formats, so solving PYQs (Previous Year Questions) is a must. Once you have enough command over individual topics, start taking full-length mock tests. 

  • Solve at least the last 5–7 years' SSC CHSL reasoning questions to observe trends.

  • Attempt one full mock test every week and increase the frequency as the exam approaches.

  • Analyse the mock tests thoroughly to understand mistakes and improve them.

  • Maintain a notebook to write down difficult or confusing questions for future revision.

Check Out: SSC Game Changer Combo Set of 4 Books

6. Avoid Guesswork and Focus on Accuracy

Due to the negative marking system in SSC CHSL, it’s risky to attempt questions based purely on guesswork. While some reasoning questions may look easy at first, they often contain hidden logic that can be missed under pressure. 

  • Avoid attempting a question unless you’re 100% sure of the logic and answer.

  • Always recheck your answer for direction, order, or position-based questions before submitting.

7. Use the Right Study Materials and Books

Choosing the right books and practice sources can save you time and give you the right direction. Don’t overload yourself with multiple resources. Focus on standard books that are popular for SSC exams and include sufficient SSC-style questions. You can consider the below books

SSC CHSL Books

8. Revise Regularly and Monitor Your Progress

Regular revision is key to avoiding confusion during the exam. Even if you’ve solved hundreds of questions from a topic, make sure to revisit them after a few weeks. Along with revision, it’s important to track your own performance over time. 

Read More: SSC Reasoning Syllabus 2025 and Important Topics

SSC CHSL Reasoning FAQs

1. How many reasoning questions are there in SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam?

In the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam, the Reasoning section (also called General Intelligence) consists of 25 questions, each carrying 2 marks, making it worth a total of 50 marks. These questions are objective-type and are asked in the computer-based test.

2. Is reasoning easy or difficult in SSC CHSL?

The reasoning questions for SSC CHSL are usually easy to moderate in difficulty level. However, candidates must be quick and accurate because tricky options and limited time can make it challenging.

3. What are the most important SSC CHSL reasoning questions to practise?

Some of the most commonly repeated topics in SSC CHSL reasoning include Analogy, Classification, Alphabet and Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense. Practising these topics regularly helps improve both accuracy and speed.

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How to Prepare Reasoning Question for SSC CHSL Exam?