SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude Preparation: Tricks & Practice Guide

Posted on: 14 Sep 2025 | By: TrainWithSKY Team

The Quantitative Aptitude section is one of the most scoring yet challenging parts of the SSC CGL Exam. It tests your mathematical concepts, calculation speed, and logical ability to solve problems within limited time. Many aspirants feel nervous about Quant, but with the right preparation strategy, tricks, and practice, you can convert this section into your strength.

1. SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude – Exam Weightage

In SSC CGL, Quant is tested in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams:

• Tier 1: 25 Questions, 50 Marks
• Tier 2 (Paper 1): 30 Questions, 90 Marks

So overall, Quant holds nearly 35-40% weightage in the exam. If you master it, you can significantly boost your overall score.

2. Important Topics to Cover

Here’s the list of high-priority topics based on previous year papers:

• Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Discount, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Partnership
• Algebra: Equations, Identities, Simplification
• Geometry & Mensuration: Properties of triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, volume & surface area
• Trigonometry: Heights & Distances, Trigonometric Identities
• Data Interpretation: Pie charts, bar graphs, tabular data
• Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation (basic)

3. Smart Tricks & Shortcuts

Speed is the key in SSC CGL Quant. Here are some shortcuts that can save valuable time:

• ✔ Multiplication Shortcuts: Learn Vedic Maths tricks for faster calculations
• ✔ Squares & Cubes: Memorize squares up to 40 and cubes up to 20
• ✔ Percentage ↔ Fraction: Convert quickly (e.g., 12.5% = 1/8, 16.66% = 1/6)
• ✔ Alligation Method: Use it for mixture & average problems
• ✔ Option Elimination: In tough questions, try plugging in options instead of solving step by step

4. Preparation Strategy

1. Concept Building: Start with NCERT Class 6–10 Maths basics if you’re weak in fundamentals.
2. Topic-Wise Study: Dedicate 2–3 days per topic. First understand, then practice.
3. Daily Practice: Attempt at least 30–40 questions daily from different topics.
4. Previous Year Papers: Analyze and solve last 10 years of SSC CGL Quant papers.
5. Mock Tests: Take weekly mocks to test speed and accuracy. Focus on error analysis.

5. Practice Questions

Here are some sample practice questions with answers:

• Q1: A train travels 120 km in 2 hours. What is its speed? Answer: 60 km/h
• Q2: A sum of ₹10,000 becomes ₹12,000 in 2 years at simple interest. Find the rate. Answer: 10%
• Q3: If A can do a job in 10 days and B can do it in 15 days, how many days will they take together? Answer: 6 days
• Q4: The ratio of the present ages of A and B is 4:5. After 5 years, it becomes 5:6. Find their present ages. Answer: A = 20 years, B = 25 years

6. Best Books for SSC CGL Quantitative Aptitude

• NCERT Class 6–10 Mathematics – for basics
• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal – for concept building
• Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav – for advanced level topics
• Kiran’s SSC CGL Previous Year Papers – for practice
• Testbook / Gradeup Online Mocks – for exam simulation

7. How TrainWithSKY Supports Quant Preparation

At TrainWithSKY, our mission is to make exam preparation easier for every student:

• ✔ Detailed topic-wise notes & free study guides
• ✔ Chapter-wise practice questions & explanations
• ✔ Free mock tests and practice PDFs
• ✔ Integration with SKY Dost for instant problem solving

Conclusion

The Quantitative Aptitude section can become your highest scoring area in SSC CGL if you approach it smartly. Focus on concept clarity, daily practice, and applying shortcuts to save time. With the help of TrainWithSKY resources and SKY Dost AI assistant, you’ll be fully equipped to crack Quant with confidence and secure your dream government job.