Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Why Short Tricks Matter in SSC CGL

• Arithmetic Short Tricks

• Algebra Short Tricks

• Geometry and Mensuration Short Tricks

• Number System Short Tricks

• Data Interpretation Short Tricks

• Exam Weightage

• Summary Notes

• 25 Practice MCQs

• FAQs

Introduction

Maths in SSC CGL becomes much easier when you know how to reduce long calculations into smart, simple steps. Short tricks do exactly that. They save time, improve speed and help you solve more questions accurately within the exam duration. This blog brings together the most effective SSC CGL short tricks to support your Tier 1 scoring and Tier 2 efficiency.

Short tricks do not replace conceptual understanding. They enhance your confidence and allow you to approach questions with sharper thinking.

Why Short Tricks Matter in SSC CGL

Short tricks are a strong tool for solving problems faster. SSC CGL questions often appear lengthy, but there is always a short method hidden behind them. Practising these regularly leads to:

• Faster solving

• Higher accuracy

• Better time management

• A strong competitive advantage

You will notice a visible change in your performance once you start applying these methods consistently.

Arithmetic Short Tricks

Percentages

Convert percentages into fractions to reduce steps:

• 25 percent = 1/4

• 20 percent = 1/5

• 50 percent = 1/2

Successive change formula:
Net percent change = p + q + pq/100

Profit and Loss

When two profits are p and q percent:
Net profit percent = p + q + pq/100

Ratio and Proportion

When the quantity changes in ratio a:b
New value = old value × (a ÷ b)

Time, Speed and Distance

• Opposite direction → add speeds

• Same direction → subtract speeds

• Average speed for two equal distances = 2ab ÷ (a + b)

Time and Work

Use the LCM of days to simplify total work.
Efficiency = total work ÷ days.
Together efficiency = sum of individual efficiencies.

Algebra Short Tricks

Squares ending in 5

For a number like 35²
This becomes:
3 × 4 = 12
Add 25 to the end
Answer = 1225

Useful identities

• (a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab

• (a − b)² = a² + b² − 2ab

• (a + b)(a − b) = a² − b²

These allow direct substitution and reduce lengthy calculations.

Geometry and Mensuration Short Tricks

Circle

• Area = πr²

• Circumference = 2πr
  Use π = 22/7 for simple division.

Triangle

Area = half × base × height
Heron’s formula becomes easy when you compute semi-perimeter first.

Square and Rectangle

For a square with diagonal d
Side = d ÷ √2

Number System Short Tricks

Divisibility rules

• Divisible by 3: sum of digits divisible by 3

• Divisible by 4: last two digits divisible by 4

• Divisible by 9: sum of digits divisible by 9

LCM and HCF

LCM × HCF = product of numbers
Use prime factorisation or grouping for quicker results.

Data Interpretation Short Tricks

Percentage change

(New − Old) ÷ Old × 100

Fast average

Use deviation or surplus-deficit method.

Ratio method in DI

Divide both values by the highest common factor and simplify.

Exam Weightage Trend

Summary Notes

• Memorise squares till 40

• Memorise cubes till 20

• Learn shortcuts for percentages and ratios

• Use LCM method for time and work

• Practice geometry formulas regularly

• Improve speed with mental maths

25 Practice MCQs (Original)

1. A number increases by 20 percent then decreases by 25 percent. Net change?

A) 0 percent
B) 5 percent decrease
C) 10 percent decrease
D) 10 percent increase
Answer: B
Explanation: p − q − pq/100

2. A can do a work in 10 days, B in 15. Together?

A) 6 days
B) 5 days
C) 7 days
D) 12 days
Answer: A

3. (42)² − (40)² =

A) 84
B) 120
C) 164
D) 168
Answer: C

4. CP = 800, SP = 960. Profit percent?

A) 10
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
Answer: B

5. Train covers 180 km in 3 hours. Speed?

A) 40
B) 50
C) 60
D) 70
Answer: C

6. Average of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36?

A) 22
B) 24
C) 26
D) 30
Answer: B

7. HCF of 36 and 84?

A) 6
B) 8
C) 12
D) 18
Answer: C

8. Ratio of boys to girls is 7:5. Total 144. Boys?

A) 72
B) 84
C) 96
D) 108
Answer: B

9. If x = 4, find x³ − 2x² + x.

A) 36
B) 40
C) 44
D) 48
Answer: A

10. If √x = 9, x =

A) 36
B) 81
C) 99
D) 120
Answer: B

11. 25 percent of 360?

A) 60
B) 80
C) 90
D) 120
Answer: C

12. Item price 1500, discount 10 percent. SP?

A) 1300
B) 1350
C) 1400
D) 1450
Answer: B

13. Perimeter of square = 56. Side?

A) 12
B) 13
C) 14
D) 16
Answer: C

14. Radius 7. Area?

A) 132
B) 154
C) 168
D) 176
Answer: B

15. Slope between (2,3) and (6,11)?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
Answer: B

16. Save 1500 out of 6000. Save percent?

A) 20
B) 22.5
C) 25
D) 30
Answer: C

17. 3⁴ × 3² =

A) 243
B) 486
C) 729
D) 1296
Answer: C

18. Angles 2:3:4. Largest angle?

A) 40
B) 60
C) 80
D) 100
Answer: C

19. Rectangle sides 15 and 8. Diagonal?

A) 16
B) 17
C) 18
D) 20
Answer: B

20. CP 100, marked 40 percent high, discount 20 percent. Profit percent?

A) 10
B) 12
C) 14
D) 16
Answer: B

21. SI = 600 at 10 percent for 3 years. Principal?

A) 1500
B) 1600
C) 1800
D) 2000
Answer: D

22. LCM of 48 and 60?

A) 120
B) 180
C) 240
D) 300
Answer: C

23. Scores: 72, 84, 90, 78, 96. Average?

A) 80
B) 84
C) 86
D) 88
Answer: B

24. Ratio boys:girls is 7:5. Total 60. Girls?

A) 20
B) 25
C) 30
D) 35
Answer: B

25. 120 is 30 percent of total. Total?

A) 300
B) 350
C) 400
D) 450
Answer: C

FAQs

1. Are short tricks helpful for Tier 2?

Yes, they reduce calculation time significantly.

2. Which chapters require more practice?

Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra and DI.

3. How to increase Maths speed?

Improve calculation and revise formulas daily.

4. Do SSC CGL questions repeat?

Concepts repeat often with new numbers.

5. What is the ideal preparation time?

Two to three months of disciplined practice.