SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 ( Held on 12th September 2025 Shift 3 )
General Instructions
General Intelligence
Select the letter-cluster from among the given choices that logically continues the following sequence: K M O, M P S, O S W, Q V A, ?
MCQExplanation:
The logic follows a constant increase. 1st letter: $K(+2) \rightarrow M(+2) \rightarrow O(+2) \rightarrow Q(+2) \rightarrow S$ . 2nd letter: $M(+3) \rightarrow P(+3) \rightarrow S(+3) \rightarrow V(+3) \rightarrow Y$ . 3rd letter: $O(+4) \rightarrow S(+4) \rightarrow W(+4) \rightarrow A(+4) \rightarrow E$ . Result: S Y E.
Select the sequence of letter-clusters from the choices below that completes the following series: B E I, D G L, F I O, H K R, ?
MCQExplanation:
The progression follows: 1st letter: $B(+2) \rightarrow D(+2) \rightarrow F(+2) \rightarrow H(+2) \rightarrow J$ . 2nd letter: $E(+2) \rightarrow G(+2) \rightarrow I(+2) \rightarrow K(+2) \rightarrow M$ . 3rd letter: $I(+3) \rightarrow L(+3) \rightarrow O(+3) \rightarrow R(+3) \rightarrow U$ . Result: J M U.
What number comes next in the sequence: 6, 20, 42, 72, 110, ?
MCQExplanation:
The pattern is based on $n^2 + n$ for consecutive even numbers: $2^2 + 2 = 6, 4^2 + 4 = 20, 6^2 + 6 = 42, 8^2 + 8 = 72, 10^2 + 10 = 110$ . The next is $12^2 + 12 = 144 + 12 = 156$ . Alternatively, the differences (14, 22, 30, 38) increase by +8 each step; $38 + 8 = 46$ , and $110 + 46 = 156$ .
What number will occupy the place of the question mark in the following series: 3, 10, 101, 10202, ?
MCQExplanation:
Each term is obtained by squaring the previous term and adding 1: $3^2 + 1 = 10$ ; $10^2 + 1 = 101$ ; $101^2 + 1 = 10202$ ; $10202^2 + 1 = 104080804 + 1 = 104080805$ .
Identify the missing number that logically fits in the sequence: 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
MCQExplanation:
The sequence follows the pattern $n \times (n+1)$ starting from $n=2$ : $2 \times 3 = 6, 3 \times 4 = 12, 4 \times 5 = 20, 5 \times 6 = 30, 6 \times 7 = 42$ . Alternatively, differences increase by 2: $+6, +8, +10, +12$ .
Statement: All employees must attend the mandatory cybersecurity training session next week to mitigate potential corporate data breaches. Assumptions: I. Data breaches are a serious threat. II. Training will reduce the risk. III. Every employee is currently unaware of basic protocols.
MCQExplanation:
Assumption I is implicit because mandatory training acknowledges a serious threat. Assumption II is implicit as the mandate assumes the training will be effective. Assumption III is not implicit because a mandate does not assume 100% ignorance.
The position of how many letters will remain unchanged if each of the letters in the word CREATIVE is arranged in alphabetical order?
MCQExplanation:
Original: C R E A T I V E. Alphabetical: A C E E I R T V. Only the 'E' at index 3 (original word) aligns with 'E' in the sorted list. Result: One.
Identify the option that provides the exact similar address: No. 12/A, Subhash Chandra Bose Road, T Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600017
MCQExplanation:
A character-by-character check reveals Option B matches the given address perfectly in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting.
From the given options, select the word which cannot be formed using the letters present in the given word: PHOTOGRAPHER
MCQExplanation:
The word "THRONG" contains the letter 'N', which is not present in the source word "PHOTOGRAPHER".
Six friends J, K, L, M, N, and P are sitting around a circular table facing the center. K is second to the left of J. P is opposite K. M is to the immediate right of L. J is between N and P. Who is sitting second to the right of M?
MCQExplanation:
Clockwise positions: J (12), P (2), M (4), L (6), K (8), N (10). Facing center, the second position to the right of M (4 o'clock) is N (10 o'clock).
Apply the coding pattern used in SYSTEM : VBVWHP to THEORY : ?
MCQExplanation:
Each letter is shifted by +3: $T(+3) \rightarrow W, H(+3) \rightarrow K, E(+3) \rightarrow H, O(+3) \rightarrow R, R(+3) \rightarrow U, Y(+3) \rightarrow B$ . Result: W K H R U B.
Identify the transformation in EXAMPLE : PLEEXAM and apply it to ANALOGY : ?
MCQExplanation:
The word is split into Block 1 (first 4 letters) and Block 2 (last 3 letters). Swapping blocks for ANALOGY: Block 1 "ANAL" + Block 2 "OGY" becomes "OGY" + "ANAL" = OGYANAL.
Observe the given sequence and select the option that continues the established pattern: Z7A, W10D, T13G, ?
MCQExplanation:
1st letter: $Z(-3) \rightarrow W(-3) \rightarrow T(-3) \rightarrow Q$ . Number: $7(+3) \rightarrow 10(+3) \rightarrow 13(+3) \rightarrow 16$ . Last letter: $A(+3) \rightarrow D(+3) \rightarrow G(+3) \rightarrow J$ . Result: Q16J.
If 'study hard learn progress' is 'jkl, hgv, cdf, pqr' and 'test progress fast study' is 'pqr, mnz, hgv, tuv', what is the code for 'learn hard test work'?
MCQExplanation:
Decoded: 'progress' = pqr, 'study' = hgv, 'hard' = jkl, 'learn' = cdf. 'test' could be tuv/mnz, 'work' could be wxy/efg. Option D correctly contains cdf, jkl, tuv, and wxy.
If $9 @ 4 = 77$ and $6 @ 2 = 34$ , then $7 @ 4 = ?$
MCQExplanation:
Logic: $a @ b = a^2 - b$ . For $7 @ 4$ : $7^2 - 4 = 49 - 4 = 45$ .
If 'HINT' is coded as @#%$, and 'TIN' as % # @, then what is the code for 'INTO'?
MCQExplanation:
Common letters I, N, T map to @, #, %. H is $. 'INTO' requires I, N, T symbols {@, #, %} and a new symbol for O (5). Option C matches.
If the ratio of two numbers is $2:7$ and their difference is $45$ , find the larger number.
MCQExplanation:
Let numbers be $2x$ and $7x$ . $7x - 2x = 5x = 45 \implies x = 9$ . Larger number is $7 \times 9 = 63$ .
If $6 \$ 3 = 45$ and $4 \$ 5 = 41$ , then what is $8 \$ 2$ ?
MCQExplanation:
Logic: $a \$ b = a^2 + b^2$ . For $8 \$ 2$ : $8^2 + 2^2 = 64 + 4 = 68$ .
Pointing to a woman, a man said, "She is the mother of my sister's husband." How is the woman related to the man?
MCQExplanation:
The sister's husband is the brother-in-law. His mother is the sister's mother-in-law.
If A is the father of B, and C is the daughter of A's only brother, how is B related to C?
MCQExplanation:
A is B's father. A's brother is B's uncle. The daughter of B's uncle (C) is B's cousin.
After interchanging $-$ and $\div$ and also interchanging the numbers $2$ and $6$ , which equation is correct?
MCQExplanation:
Changing $10 \div 2 - 6 = 7$ to $10 - 6 \div 2 = 7 \implies 10 - 3 = 7$ . This is mathematically correct.
If $m @ n = 3m + 5n = 50$ , which pair of values for $m$ and $n$ is not possible?
MCQExplanation:
Testing D: $3(8) + 5(6) = 24 + 30 = 54 \neq 50$ . All other options equal 50.
If $\times = +, - = \div, + = \times, \div = -$ ; then $18 + 6 \times 3 - 9 \div 3 = ?$
MCQExplanation:
Expression becomes $18 \times 6 + 3 \div 9 - 3$ . BODMAS: $108 + 0.33 - 3 = 105.33$ .
In a social gathering of 12 people, if every person exchanges a gift with every other person exactly once, how many total gifts are exchanged?
MCQExplanation:
The number of unique exchanges is calculated as $^{12}C_2 = \frac{12 \times 11}{2} = 66$ .
General Awareness
Arrange the following Indian classical dances in the order of their historical emergence (oldest to newest): 1. Kathak 2. Manipuri 3. Bharatanatyam 4. Mohiniyattam
MCQExplanation:
Order: Bharatanatyam (c. 200 BCE), Kathak (medieval), Manipuri (15th-18th c.), Mohiniyattam (18th c.). Result: 3-1-2-4.
Which of the following temple roof styles is correctly matched with its architectural shape?
MCQExplanation:
Valabhi refers to a semi-cylindrical wagon-vaulted roof. Latina is curving, and Phamsana is a stepped pyramid.
The Pongtu festival of the Tutsa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh is primarily related to the worship of which deity?
MCQExplanation:
The Tutsa tribe offers prayers to 'Rangkhothak' for agricultural prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
In Hindustani Classical Music, the Khali of the Jhaptaal cycle is marked on which matra?
MCQExplanation:
Jhaptaal has 10 beats. Claps (tali) are on 1, 3, and 8. The wave (khali) is on the 6th beat.
Why are specific weight and size standards maintained for footballs used in official tournaments?
MCQExplanation:
Standards ensure uniform aerodynamics, bounce, and roll across all fields for competitive fairness.
Which Indian archer became the first to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games?
MCQExplanation:
Harvinder Singh won gold in men's individual recurve open archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Which city was the venue for the 2018 BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting?
MCQExplanation:
The meeting was held in Pretoria, South Africa, in June 2018.
Which of the following best describes the theme of the book 'Hot Stage'?
MCQExplanation:
'Hot Stage' is an anthology of modern drama addressing contemporary societal issues in India.
Which of the following is not a parameter used to describe weather?
MCQExplanation:
Temperature, wind, and humidity are atmospheric. Soil composition is a geological/lithospheric parameter.
The 61st National Chess Championship was hosted in Gurgaon. 2. GM Karthik Venkataraman clinched the title.
MCQExplanation:
Both statements regarding the 61st National Chess Championship and its winner are correct.
Which initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Power on Electrical Safety Day 2025?
MCQExplanation:
The 'Suraksha Shakti' mascot was introduced to advocate for electrical safety protocols.
Assertion (A): Chotanagpur Plateau is part of the Peninsular Plateau. Reason (R): It is drained by the Damodar and Subarnarekha rivers.
MCQExplanation:
The plateau is a component of the Peninsular Plateau, and its topography is defined by the drainage of these rivers.
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) first module launch year?
MCQExplanation:
The first module (BAS-1) is targeted for 2028, with the station being fully operational by 2035.
Which statement highlights the role of non-metallic minerals in India’s economy?
MCQExplanation:
Minerals like limestone and gypsum are vital raw materials for cement, glass, and chemicals.
Approval time for a Proclamation of National Emergency by Parliament?
MCQExplanation:
Under Article 352, the proclamation must be approved by both Houses within 1 month.
Assertion (A): PSLV is ISRO’s workhorse. Reason (R): It launches satellites of multiple sizes into various orbits with success.
MCQExplanation:
PSLV's versatility and high success rate are exactly why it is called the "workhorse."
Which Amendment abolished Anglo-Indian representation in State Legislative Assemblies?
MCQExplanation:
The 104th Amendment Act, 2019, discontinued Anglo-Indian nominations in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies.
Which reform under BNSS focuses on transparency in evidence collection?
MCQExplanation:
BNSS mandates audio-video recording of search, seizure, and confessions to ensure transparency.
Which statement about the Gaganyaan Mission is correct?
MCQExplanation:
Gaganyaan is India's maiden human spaceflight mission using the LVM3 launcher.
Who established the Brahmo Samaj in 1828?
MCQExplanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha (later Samaj) in 1828 to reform Hindu society.
Which mountain pass connects Sikkim to Tibet?
MCQExplanation:
Nathu La connects Sikkim with Tibet and is a significant site for bilateral border trade.
The ‘Blue Flag’ certification is given to which of the following?
MCQExplanation:
It is an international eco-label for beaches and marinas meeting high environmental standards.
Assertion (A): The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha. Reason (R): The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
MCQExplanation:
Under Article 85, the President dissolves the House on the binding advice of the PM/Cabinet (Article 74).
Who authored 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth'?
MCQExplanation:
This is the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, covering his life up to 1921.
Which Article deals with the Election Commission of India?
MCQExplanation:
Article 324 vests the control of elections in the Election Commission of India.
Quantitative Aptitude
If $5x + y = 16$ and $x - y = 2$ , find the value of $x$ .
MCQExplanation:
Adding the equations: $(5x + y) + (x - y) = 16 + 2 \implies 6x = 18 \implies x = 3$ .
If 40 percent of P = 0.5 of Q = 2/7 of R, find P : Q : R.
MCQExplanation:
$\frac{2}{5}P = \frac{1}{2}Q = \frac{2}{7}R$ . Multiply by $\frac{1}{2}$ : $\frac{1}{5}P = \frac{1}{4}Q = \frac{1}{7}R \implies P:Q:R = 5:4:7$ . Multiplying by 7 gives 35 : 28 : 49.
A train travels 1.5 km in 2 minutes. How far does it travel in 2 hours and 10 minutes?
MCQExplanation:
Total time = 130 mins. Distance = $1.5 \times (130 / 2) = 1.5 \times 65 = 97.5$ km.
Simplify: $1 / (5 + \sqrt{3}) + 1 / (5 - \sqrt{3})$
MCQExplanation:
$\frac{(5-\sqrt{3}) + (5+\sqrt{3})}{(5+\sqrt{3})(5-\sqrt{3})} = \frac{10}{25-3} = \frac{10}{22} = \frac{5}{11}$ .
Expenditures on Rent, Utilities, Travel ratio 3:5:2. Changes: Rent +10%, Utilities -5%, Travel +20%. Overall change?
MCQExplanation:
Initial: 300, 500, 200 (Total 1000). New: 330, 475, 240 (Total 1045). Change = $+45$ on 1000, which is 4.5% increase.
C (80k, 12mo) and D (150k, 8mo). Total profit if C's share is Rs 24,000?
MCQExplanation:
Ratio: $(80 \times 12) : (150 \times 8) = 960 : 1200 = 4 : 5$ . If 4 parts = 24,000, then 9 parts = 54,000.
X (10 buffalo/5 mo, 12 sheep/3 mo). Y (15 sheep/4 mo, 8 buffalo/6 mo). 2 buffalo = 5 sheep. X's rent share?
MCQExplanation:
1 buffalo = 2.5 sheep. X: $125 + 36 = 161$ sheep-months. Y: $60 + 120 = 180$ sheep-months. Total: 341. X's share = 161/341.
P (18 goats/4 mo, 25 hens/5 mo). Q (20 goats/3 mo). 3 goats = 10 hens. P's rent share?
MCQExplanation:
1 hen = 0.3 goats. P: $72 + 37.5 = 109.5$ . Q: $60$ . Total: 169.5. P's share = $109.5/169.5 = 73/113$ .
Average scores 70, 75, 80 for student ratios 4:1:5. Overall average?
MCQExplanation:
Total: $(70 \times 4) + (75 \times 1) + (80 \times 5) = 280 + 75 + 400 = 755$ . Total students: 10. Avg = $755/10 = 75.5$ .
Average of 9 items is 55. First four avg: 52. Last four avg: 58. Find 5th number.
MCQExplanation:
Total sum = 495. Sum of 8 items = $(4 \times 52) + (4 \times 58) = 208 + 232 = 440$ . 5th number = $495 - 440 = 55$ .
Average of integers between 100 and 300 divisible by 7?
MCQExplanation:
AP starts at 105, ends at 294. Average = $(105 + 294) / 2 = 399 / 2 = 199.5$ .
Evaluate: $33\frac{1}{3}\%$ of 900 liters + $14\frac{2}{7}\%$ of 490 liters.
MCQExplanation:
$(\frac{1}{3} \times 900) + (\frac{1}{7} \times 490) = 300 + 70 = 370$ liters.
Salesman: Laptop (40k, 3% comm), Phone (10k, 5% comm). Sells 2 laptops, 5 phones/week. Total comm in 4 weeks?
MCQExplanation:
Weekly: $(2 \times 40,000 \times 0.03) + (5 \times 10,000 \times 0.05) = 2400 + 2500 = 4900$ . 4 weeks: $4 \times 4900 = 19,600$ .
Profit of 10% but uses 10% less weight. Total profit percentage?
MCQExplanation:
CP for 900g = 900. SP for 900g = 1100. Profit = 200. Profit % = $(200/900) \times 100 = 22.22\%$ .
Profit at Rs 1500 = Loss at Rs 1200. Profit/Loss % if sold at Rs 1400?
MCQExplanation:
$CP = (1500 + 1200) / 2 = 1350$ . If SP = 1400, Profit = 50. Profit % = $(50/1350) \times 100 \approx 3.7\% \approx 4\%$ .
X (at 25% profit). Sale price = $2X$ . Sale discount = 20%. Profit % during sale?
MCQExplanation:
Let CP = 100, then X = 125. Sale MP = 250. SP = $250 \times 0.8 = 200$ . Profit % = 100%.
Marked 40% above CP. Discount of 20% on MP. Profit %?
MCQExplanation:
Let CP = 100, MP = 140. SP = $140 \times 0.8 = 112$ . Profit % = 12%.
Marked 50% above CP. 20% discount on MP. Extra Rs 500 cash discount. Total profit 10%. Find CP.
MCQExplanation:
$1.2CP - 500 = 1.1CP \implies 0.1CP = 500 \implies CP = 5000$ .
Rice A (Rs 60). Rice B (10kg, Rs 40). Mixture sold at Rs 57.50 for 15% profit. Kgs of Rice A?
MCQExplanation:
CP of mixture = $57.50 / 1.15 = 50$ . Allegation: $(60-50):(50-40) = 10:10 = 1:1$ . Rice A = 10 kg.
Perimeter = 120cm. $L:W = 3:2$ . Length of diagonal?
MCQExplanation:
$L+W = 60 \implies L=36, W=24$ . $d = \sqrt{36^2 + 24^2} = \sqrt{1296+576} = \sqrt{1872} = 12\sqrt{13}$ cm.
Rs 8000 (3 yrs) and Rs 5000 (5 yrs) at rate R. Total interest = Rs 3430. Find R.
MCQExplanation:
$240R + 250R = 490R = 3430 \implies R = 7\%$ .
Prism base 40 $cm^2$ . Height 15cm decreased by 10%. New volume?
MCQExplanation:
New height = 13.5. New Volume = $40 \times 13.5 = 540$ $cm^3$ .
Cube's side length increased by 20%. % increase in surface area?
MCQExplanation:
Factor $= (1.2)^2 = 1.44$ . Increase = 44%.
Tape 150m. Ratio of largest possible circle area to square area?
MCQExplanation:
Ratio $= (L^2/4\pi) / (L^2/16) = 4/\pi \approx 4 / 3.14159 \approx 1.27:1$ .
Sphere (r=9cm) in cylinder rises water by 4cm. Radius of cylinder?
MCQExplanation:
$4\pi R^2 = \frac{4}{3}\pi (9^3) \implies R^2 = 243 \implies R = \sqrt{243} = 9\sqrt{3} \approx 15.59$ cm.
Sector 1 ( $90^\circ$ , r=10). Sector 2 ( $\pi/4$ rad, r=10). Area ratio?
MCQExplanation:
Ratio of angles $= (\pi/2) : (\pi/4) = 2 : 1$ .
English Comprehension
Choose the word that is similar in meaning to OBSCURE.
MCQExplanation:
"Obscure" means uncertain or unclear. "Apparent", "Transparent", and "Lucid" are antonyms.
Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to LEARNED.
MCQExplanation:
"Learned" means having much knowledge. Its antonym is "Ignorant" (lacking knowledge).
Select the correct meaning of the idiom “Lose one’s temper.”
MCQExplanation:
The idiom means to fail to retain control of one's anger.
Pick the antonym of the word PRAISE.
MCQExplanation:
"Praise" means warm approval. The antonym is "Blame" (assigning fault).
Choose the correctly spelled word for the medical term meaning ‘loss of memory’.
MCQExplanation:
"Amnesia" is the standard medical spelling for memory loss.
Choose the correct one-word substitute for a temporary break or gap in continuity.
MCQExplanation:
A "hiatus" specifically denotes a temporary break or gap in a sequence or process.
Complete the sentence: So delicate ___ the negotiations that a single leak could have ruined them.
MCQExplanation:
In inverted "So adjective..." constructions, the singular collective subject takes "was."
Select the correct option: Her interpretation was ___ insightful; it was nearly transformative.
MCQExplanation:
The structure suggests a comparative intensifier to lead into "nearly transformative."
Select: The reforms... were actually an attempt to ______ opposition under austerity.
MCQExplanation:
"Quell" means to suppress or put an end to opposition or rebellion.
Error: The higher the rank (1)/ the greater became (2)/ the responsibility and (3)/ expectation of restraint. (4)
MCQExplanation:
The double comparative structure doesn't require "became"; it makes segment 2 redundant.
Error: The report’s emphasis on digital growth (1)/ overlook key disparities (2)/ in connectivity and access (3)/ across regions. (4)
MCQExplanation:
The singular subject "emphasis" requires the singular verb "overlooks."
Active to Passive: Why did the editor overlook the stylistic issues?
MCQExplanation:
Past tense "did" shifts to "were" (matching plural "issues") + past participle "overlooked."
Homonym of bailey (castle courtyard):
MCQExplanation:
In Option A, "bailey" refers to a livestock pen, a different meaning from the castle design term.
Passive to Active: It has been alleged that data was leaked by company employees.
MCQExplanation:
Converts the specific clause "data was leaked" while maintaining the introductory "It is alleged."
What does the concept of groupthink emphasize?
MCQExplanation:
The text states harmony (consensus) can overshadow rational judgment (critical thinking).
According to the passage, which trait explains social conformity?
MCQExplanation:
Driven by the desire to be accepted, representing primal tribal safety.
Which real-world event is mentioned as an example of groupthink?
MCQExplanation:
While "Bay of Pigs" is in the text, the exam key uses the "Challenger disaster" as the benchmark example.
How does digital media encourage conformity?
MCQExplanation:
Platforms reward popular opinions, locking users into conforming echo chambers.
What is proposed as a solution to groupthink?
MCQExplanation:
The passage suggests open dialogue and welcoming dissent to counter groupthink.
Replace underlined: She insisted me to take the medicines.
MCQExplanation:
"Insist" is followed by a "that" clause, often using the present subjunctive.
Choose: No one knows where is he hiding.
MCQExplanation:
Noun clauses use declarative word order (subject + verb).
Direct to Indirect: He said, “I am not feeling well.”
MCQExplanation:
Reporting verb "said" triggers a backshift from present continuous to past continuous.
Indirect to Direct: The manager told the team that punctuality must be maintained.
MCQExplanation:
Maps the reported clause directly to the literal quote.
Rearrange: 1. Survey responses collected. 2. Data analyzed. 3. Insights shared. 4. Recommendations implemented.
MCQExplanation:
Follows the logical workflow of data collection, analysis, reporting, and action.
Arrange: 1. Temperature depends on radiation. 2. Humans increase emissions. 3. Climate change caused by both. 4. Reducing emissions essential.
MCQExplanation:
Intro (3) $\rightarrow$ Natural factor (1) $\rightarrow$ Human impact (2) $\rightarrow$ Solution (4).