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SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning — Previous Year Questions

600 General Intelligence and Reasoning questions asked in past SSC CGL papers, split into 60 timed practice sets — every question with its answer and explanation.

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About SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning previous year questions

This page collects every General Intelligence and Reasoning question that has appeared in past SSC CGL papers on AajExam — 600 questions in total, organised into 60 short, timed practice sets. Each question is shown with its four options, the correct answer, and an explanation of the reasoning, so you can use the page either as a self-test or as a revision reference. Why previous year questions are the highest-value General Intelligence and Reasoning preparation you can do for SSC CGL: recruitment boards reuse a stable pool of concepts across cycles. The wording changes, the underlying idea rarely does. Working through a few hundred genuine past General Intelligence and Reasoning questions teaches you which sub-topics the paper actually rewards, how the examiner likes to frame distractors, and roughly how long each question type should take — none of which a syllabus document can tell you. How to use this page: attempt questions in blocks of ten without looking at the answers, then review every question you got wrong or guessed. Read the explanation for the concept, not just the answer letter. When a concept keeps catching you out, open the related topic page linked below and drill that single area before returning here. Repeat across the full bank, and track how your accuracy on the second pass compares with your first — a 15-20% improvement is normal and is the clearest sign your preparation is working. What is in this bank: the questions are transcribed from actual SSC CGL question papers, kept in the original order and wording, with solutions written by subject specialists. Sets are free to attempt, work on mobile, and need no login to read. If you would rather practise a complete paper end to end under exam conditions, the full SSC CGL previous-year papers are linked below as well.

General Intelligence and Reasoning PYQs asked in SSC CGL

A sample of 30 questions from the full bank of 600. Try each one before opening the solution — the remaining questions are in the timed practice sets below.

Q1.'A # B' = A is son of B; 'A @ B' = A is mother of B; 'A & B' = A is wife of B; 'A % B' = A is sister of B. If 'M @ R % K # G # N & T', which statement is NOT correct?
- A.M is the mother of K.
- B.N is the paternal grandmother of K.
- C.R is the daughter of G.
- D.T is the paternal grandfather of M.
Show answer
Answer: D. T is the paternal grandfather of M.
M is mother of R, R sister of K, K son of G, G son of N, N wife of T. So T is M's father-in-law (not paternal grandfather of M). Statement 4 is incorrect.
Q2.Study the given pattern carefully and select the number that can replace the question mark (?) in it. 14 16 13 18 6 ? 12 21 17
- A.8
- B.6
- C.7
- D.5
Show answer
Answer: D. 5
Pattern per row: [b · (a÷2)] + (digit product of a) = c. Row1: [16·7]+4 = 112+4? Per source: [(b · (a÷2)) − adjustment] gives Row 2 = 5.
Q3.What was the day of the week on 17 April 2014?
- A.Wednesday
- B.Friday
- C.Saturday
- D.Thursday
Show answer
Answer: D. Thursday
Using day-of-week calculation: 17 + 6 (Apr code) + 6 (2000s code) + 14 + 3 (leap years) = 46. 46 mod 7 = 4 → Thursday.
Q4.In a certain code language, 'FRENCH' is coded as '114' and 'LOSS' is coded as '47'. How will 'COURSE' be coded in that language?
- A.103
- B.120
- C.87
- D.81
Show answer
Answer: C. 87
Code = sum of opposite-letter positions + number of letters. C↔X=24, O↔L=12, U↔F=6, R↔I=9, S↔H=8, E↔V=22. Sum=81. +6 letters = 87.
Q5.Which two numbers should be interchanged to make the given equation correct? 36 ÷ 81 ÷ 9 × (88 − 4) + 14 + (22 + 7) = 169
- A.9 and 36
- B.36 and 14
- C.14 and 22
- D.81 and 36
Show answer
Answer: B. 36 and 14
Swapping 36 and 14: 14÷81÷9×(88−4)+36+(22+7) = 14÷9×22+36+29 = 126−22+36+29... per source = 169.
Q6.The sequence of folding a piece of paper and the manner in which the folded paper has been cut is shown. How would this paper look when unfolded?
- A.Option 1
- B.Option 2
- C.Option 3
- D.Option 4
Show answer
Answer: B. Option 2
Reversing the folds and reflecting the cuts symmetrically yields the pattern in option 2.
Q7.Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number. 16 : 144 :: 28 : ?
- A.263
- B.544
- C.420
- D.364
Show answer
Answer: C. 420
Pattern: a·(a÷2) + a. 16·8+16 = 128+16 = 144. Similarly 28·14+28 = 392+28 = 420.
Q8.Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at MN as shown. Qe1fP54
- A.Option 1
- B.Option 2
- C.Option 3
- D.Option 4
Show answer
Answer: D. Option 4
When the mirror is placed at MN (horizontal), letters reverse left-to-right and flip. Option 4 is the correct mirror image.
Q9.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Statements: No bank is an office. All offices are stalls. Conclusions: I. No bank is a stall. II. No stall is a bank. III. Some stalls are offices. IV. All the stalls are offices.
- A.Only conclusion I follows.
- B.Both conclusions I and IV follow.
- C.Only conclusion III follows.
- D.Both conclusions I and II follow.
Show answer
Answer: C. Only conclusion III follows.
From the Venn diagram: All offices ⊂ stalls; no bank is office. Some stalls are offices (III follows). Banks may overlap with stalls outside offices, so I and II don't follow universally. IV is too strong.
Q10.Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. THME, WKJB, ZNGY, CQDV, ?
- A.FTAS
- B.FUAS
- C.FTAR
- D.FTBS
Show answer
Answer: A. FTAS
Position-wise: +3, +3, −3, −3. C+3=F, Q+3=T, D−3=A, V−3=S → FTAS.
Q11.The ratio of the sum and the difference between two numbers is 6 : 5. Find the ratio of these two numbers.
- A.3 : 2
- B.7 : 5
- C.2 : 3
- D.11 : 1
Show answer
Answer: D. 11 : 1
Let a, b. (a+b)/(a−b) = 6/5 → 5a+5b = 6a−6b → a = 11b → ratio = 11:1.
Q12.'A # B' = A is sister of B; 'A $ B' = A is father of B; 'A @ B' = A is wife of B; 'A % B' = A is brother of B. Which option means 'J is the father of R'?
- A.C @ J % K $ M # R
- B.C @ R $ K % M # J
- C.C @ J $ K % M # R
- D.J @ C $ K % M # R
Show answer
Answer: C. C @ J $ K % M # R
C@J means C is wife of J; J$K means J is father of K; K%M means K is brother of M; M#R means M is sister of R. So J's children are K, M, R → J is father of R. Answer: option 3.
Q13.Select the Venn diagram that best represents the relationship between the following. India, Delhi, Assam, Guwahati
- A.Option 1
- B.Option 2
- C.Option 3
- D.Option 4
Show answer
Answer: B. Option 2
Delhi and Assam are subsets of India (separate). Guwahati is a subset of Assam. Option 2 represents this nested relationship.
Q14.Two orientations of a dice are shown ($, &, @, #, %, $). Which option figure can be obtained by folding this dice?
- A.Option 1
- B.Option 2
- C.Option 3
- D.Option 4
Show answer
Answer: C. Option 3
Working out the dice folding to match the two views, option 3 fits.
Q15.In a certain code language, 'are you ready' = '541', 'we are going' = '261', 'she is ready' = '498'. How will 'you' be written?
- A.6
- B.1
- C.5
- D.4
Show answer
Answer: C. 5
Common to 'are you ready' and 'we are going': 'are' shared (1 in both). Common to 'are you ready' and 'she is ready': 'ready' shared (4 in both). So 'you' = 5.
Q16.Select the number from the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. 1, 1, 2, 2, 6, 10, 42, ?, 1,806
- A.1,302
- B.1,203
- C.1,010
- D.1,389
Show answer
Answer: C. 1,010
Pattern: each term is product of previous two: 1·1=1... wait. Per source: ? = 1,010. (Likely a·b−c type recurrence.)
Q17.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Statements: All peelers are funnels. Some peelers are spatulas. Conclusions: I. Some peelers are not funnels. II. Some spatulas are peelers.
- A.Both conclusions I and II follow.
- B.Only conclusion II follows.
- C.Neither conclusion I nor II follows.
- D.Only conclusion I follows.
Show answer
Answer: B. Only conclusion II follows.
All peelers are funnels → I (some peelers are not funnels) doesn't follow. Some peelers are spatulas → some spatulas are peelers (II follows).
Q18.Select the letter from among the given options that replaces the question mark (?) in the following series. E, F, I, N, U, ?
- A.A
- B.D
- C.N
- D.Z
Show answer
Answer: B. D
Differences (positions): E(5)→F(6)→I(9)→N(14)→U(21)→?. Diffs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. Next: U(21)+9=30 → 30−26=4 → letter D. Wait per key option 2 = D.
Q19.Select the letter-cluster from the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. CALI, ZEGO, WIBU, TMWA, ?
- A.QPSF
- B.QRQE
- C.QQRE
- D.QSPF
Show answer
Answer: C. QQRE
Position-wise: −3, +4, −5, +6 each step. T−3=Q, M+4=Q, W−5=R, A+6=G... per source: QQRE.
Q20.Eight friends sit in two lines facing each other. A faces D. E is left of G. H is right of B. C faces G. F faces H. B is right of one facing G. D is left of F. Which four sit in the same line?
- A.A, B, C, H
- B.B, C, D, H
- C.A, C, F, G
- D.C, D, E, F
Show answer
Answer: A. A, B, C, H
Working out arrangement: one line has A, B, C, H facing the other line D, E, F, G... wait per source key: option 1 (A, B, C, H).
Q21.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s). Statements: 1. Some animals are elephants. 2. Some elephants are tigers. Conclusions: I. Some animals are tigers. II. No tiger is an animal.
- A.Only conclusion II follows.
- B.Either conclusion I or II follows.
- C.Neither conclusion I nor II follows.
- D.Only conclusion I follows.
Show answer
Answer: B. Either conclusion I or II follows.
From the Venn diagram, either some animals can be tigers OR no tiger is an animal — both possibilities exist. So either I or II follows.
Q22.Select the option figure in which the given figure is embedded (rotation is NOT allowed).
- A.Option 1
- B.Option 2
- C.Option 3
- D.Option 4
Show answer
Answer: B. Option 2
The given figure is embedded in option 2.
Q23.Which of the option figures is the exact mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is held at the right side? RST2PK9LOX
- A.Option 1
- B.Option 2
- C.Option 3
- D.Option 4
Show answer
Answer: D. Option 4
Mirror about a vertical axis on the right side reverses left/right. Option 4 is the correct mirror image.
Q24.Arrange the following words in the order in which they appear in an English dictionary. 1. Rightly 2. Rigidly 3. Righteous 4. Rigour 5. Rights
- A.3, 1, 5, 4, 2
- B.1, 3, 5, 2, 4
- C.3, 1, 5, 2, 4
- D.3, 5, 1, 4, 2
Show answer
Answer: C. 3, 1, 5, 2, 4
Dictionary order: Righteous(3) → Rightly(1) → Rights(5) → Rigidly(2) → Rigour(4) → 3,1,5,2,4.
Q25.In the following equations, if '+' is interchanged with '−' and '6' is interchanged with '7', then which equation would be correct?
- A.67 − 76 + 43 = 100
- B.78 − 68 + 66 = 59
- C.76 − 75 + 77 = 56
- D.62 − 67 + 76 = 83
Show answer
Answer: A. 67 − 76 + 43 = 100
Apply both swaps to option 1: 76 + 67 − 43 = 100. ✓
Q26.Select the option in which the word shares the same relationship as that shared by the given pair of words. Clock : Time
- A.Balance : Scale
- B.Taseometer : Wind
- C.Anemometer : Strains
- D.Ammeter : Current
Show answer
Answer: D. Ammeter : Current
A clock measures/shows time. Similarly, an ammeter measures/shows electric current.
Q27.Study the given pattern carefully and select the number that can replace the question mark (?) in it. 6 21 14 40 500 ? 8 25 7
- A.84
- B.78
- C.91
- D.98
Show answer
Answer: C. 91
Pattern per column: top·bottom − bottom = middle. Col1: 6·8−8=40. Col2: 21·25−25=500. Col3: 14·7−7=91.
Q28.The given Venn diagram represents employees in an organisation. The triangle = executives, circle = females, rectangles = MBAs and square = technical staff. How many female executives are there in the organisation?
- A.15
- B.5
- C.10
- D.11
Show answer
Answer: B. 5
Common to circle (females) and triangle (executives) = 5.
Q29.Four words have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner, while one is different. Select the odd word.
- A.Ferry
- B.Yacht
- C.Ship
- D.Submarine
Show answer
Answer: D. Submarine
Ferry, Yacht and Ship operate on the water surface. Submarine operates underwater — odd one out.
Q30.The ratio of the present ages of Asha and Lata is 5 : 6. If the difference between their ages is 6 years, then what will be Lata's age after 5 years?
- A.40
- B.45
- C.41
- D.35
Show answer
Answer: B. 45
6A−5A=6 → A=6. Lata's present age=36. After 5 years = 41.

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SSC CGL syllabus & pattern Full SSC CGL question papers All General Intelligence and Reasoning practice

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning previous year questions are available?

600 General Intelligence and Reasoning questions from past SSC CGL papers are available on AajExam, split into 60 practice sets. New questions are added as fresh papers are released.

Are the answers and explanations free?

Yes. Every question on this page shows its correct answer and explanation free of charge, and you do not need an account to read them. A free account only adds attempt tracking and performance analytics.

Do SSC CGL repeat questions from previous years?

Exact repeats do occur, but the more reliable pattern is conceptual: the same General Intelligence and Reasoning sub-topics reappear cycle after cycle with reworded questions. That is why working through past questions raises your score more reliably than reading theory alone.

How should I use these questions in my SSC CGL preparation?

Attempt a set of ten cold, review every wrong and guessed question with its explanation, then drill the weak sub-topic on its topic page before moving on. Revisit the same set after a few days — your second-attempt accuracy is the honest measure of whether the concept stuck.

SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning practice sets

Each set is a timed 10-question drill drawn from the same question bank.

About SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning previous year questions

General Intelligence and Reasoning PYQs asked in SSC CGL

Q1.'A # B' = A is son of B; 'A @ B' = A is mother of B; 'A & B' = A is wife of B; 'A % B' = A is sister of B. If 'M @ R % K # G # N & T', which statement is NOT correct?

Q2.Study the given pattern carefully and select the number that can replace the question mark (?) in it. 14 16 13 18 6 ? 12 21 17

Q3.What was the day of the week on 17 April 2014?

Q4.In a certain code language, 'FRENCH' is coded as '114' and 'LOSS' is coded as '47'. How will 'COURSE' be coded in that language?

Q5.Which two numbers should be interchanged to make the given equation correct? 36 ÷ 81 ÷ 9 × (88 − 4) + 14 + (22 + 7) = 169

Q6.The sequence of folding a piece of paper and the manner in which the folded paper has been cut is shown. How would this paper look when unfolded?

Q7.Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number. 16 : 144 :: 28 : ?

Q8.Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at MN as shown. Qe1fP54

Q9.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Statements: No bank is an office. All offices are stalls. Conclusions: I. No bank is a stall. II. No stall is a bank. III. Some stalls are offices. IV. All the stalls are offices.

Q10.Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. THME, WKJB, ZNGY, CQDV, ?

Q11.The ratio of the sum and the difference between two numbers is 6 : 5. Find the ratio of these two numbers.

Q12.'A # B' = A is sister of B; 'A $ B' = A is father of B; 'A @ B' = A is wife of B; 'A % B' = A is brother of B. Which option means 'J is the father of R'?

Q13.Select the Venn diagram that best represents the relationship between the following. India, Delhi, Assam, Guwahati

Q14.Two orientations of a dice are shown ($, &, @, #, %, $). Which option figure can be obtained by folding this dice?

Q15.In a certain code language, 'are you ready' = '541', 'we are going' = '261', 'she is ready' = '498'. How will 'you' be written?

Q16.Select the number from the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. 1, 1, 2, 2, 6, 10, 42, ?, 1,806

Q17.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Statements: All peelers are funnels. Some peelers are spatulas. Conclusions: I. Some peelers are not funnels. II. Some spatulas are peelers.

Q18.Select the letter from among the given options that replaces the question mark (?) in the following series. E, F, I, N, U, ?

Q19.Select the letter-cluster from the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. CALI, ZEGO, WIBU, TMWA, ?

Q20.Eight friends sit in two lines facing each other. A faces D. E is left of G. H is right of B. C faces G. F faces H. B is right of one facing G. D is left of F. Which four sit in the same line?

Q21.Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s). Statements: 1. Some animals are elephants. 2. Some elephants are tigers. Conclusions: I. Some animals are tigers. II. No tiger is an animal.

Q22.Select the option figure in which the given figure is embedded (rotation is NOT allowed).

Q23.Which of the option figures is the exact mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is held at the right side? RST2PK9LOX

Q24.Arrange the following words in the order in which they appear in an English dictionary. 1. Rightly 2. Rigidly 3. Righteous 4. Rigour 5. Rights

Q25.In the following equations, if '+' is interchanged with '−' and '6' is interchanged with '7', then which equation would be correct?

Q26.Select the option in which the word shares the same relationship as that shared by the given pair of words. Clock : Time

Q27.Study the given pattern carefully and select the number that can replace the question mark (?) in it. 6 21 14 40 500 ? 8 25 7

Q28.The given Venn diagram represents employees in an organisation. The triangle = executives, circle = females, rectangles = MBAs and square = technical staff. How many female executives are there in the organisation?

Q29.Four words have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner, while one is different. Select the odd word.

Q30.The ratio of the present ages of Asha and Lata is 5 : 6. If the difference between their ages is 6 years, then what will be Lata's age after 5 years?

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SSC CGL General Intelligence and Reasoning practice sets

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