Critical Reasoning Questions for SSC CGL: Download Free PDF

Critical reasoning is one of the most important topics that can be asked in the SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. If you are preparing for the SSC CGL 2025 exam, then you must be aware of the types of questions of critical reasoning for the exam. Keeping this in mind, we have provided this blog in which we have explained critical reasoning and its types in detail. Along with that, we have provided some questions matched to the level of the SSC with detailed solutions. So that you can solve and prepare them effectively. Solutions are provided in a PDF that you can download for free. Keep your preparation going with our free preparation resources provided in this blog.

Critical Reasoning: Basic Concept, Types

Critical Reasoning is all about evaluating arguments, drawing conclusions, identifying assumptions, and analyzing logical flaws. It tests your ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions based on the given information.

Here’s a simple way to understand it:

Types of Critical Reasoning Questions

To master Critical Reasoning for SSC CGL, you must understand the various question types. Each type tests a different aspect of logical analysis.

1. Assumption-Based Questions: These questions ask you to identify what the argument assumes (but doesn’t say directly).

Example:
Statement: “The government must ban plastic to save marine life.”
Question: Which of the following is an assumption?

• a) Plastic is harmful to marine life.
• b) People prefer using paper bags.

Correct a

Tip: Look for unstated beliefs that make the conclusion valid.

2. Conclusion/Inference Questions: You need to identify what logically follows from the given information.

Example:
Statement: “Most students who attend coaching score well in exams.”
Question: What can be concluded?

• a) All coaching students pass.
• b) Coaching may help improve scores.

Correct b

3. Strengthen/Weaken the Argument: Here, you are asked to pick a statement that makes the argument stronger or weaker.

Tip:

• If the statement supports the argument → it strengthens.
• If it challenges the logic → it weakens.

4. Cause and Effect Reasoning (Subset): This overlaps with cause-and-effect reasoning but is often embedded within argument analysis.

5. Course of Action: These questions require you to suggest logical steps or actions based on a problem statement.

Example:
Problem: Increase in road accidents due to potholes.
Possible actions:

• a) Launch road repair drives.
• b) Stop issuing licenses.

Correct a

Critical Reasoning Questions for SSC CGL: Download Free PDF for Solutions

Here we have provided the questions on critical reasoning for SSC CGL exam preparation. You are strongly advised to first understand the concept and try to solve these questions by yourself. A solution PDF has been attached below; download it for free.

Directions (Qs. 1-2): In the question given below, a passage is given followed by statements which may or may not be inferred from the passage. Select the correct combination of statements that can be inferred.

Question 1

Many cosmologists believe that the Universe may be part of a more extended cosmos, a multiverse, where many different universes co-exist but don’t interact. The idea of the multiverse is backed by the theory of inflation – the idea that the universe expanded hugely before it was 10 to the power of minus 32 seconds old. Inflation is an important theory

because it can explain why the Universe has the shape and structure that we see around us.

1.       The Universe is part of a multiverse.

2.       The theory of inflation supports the idea of a multiverse.

3.       The theory of inflation is considered obsolete now.

a)       Only 2

b)      Only 1 and 2

c)       Only 2 and 3

d)      Only 1 and 3

Question 2

Humans typically do things to get pleasure or avoid pain. For most of us, hurting others causes us to feel their pain. And we don’t like this feeling. This suggests two reasons people may harm the harmless – either they don’t feel the others’ pain or they enjoy feeling it.

Another reason people harm the harmless is because they nonetheless see a threat. Someone who doesn’t imperil your body or wallet can still threaten your social status. This helps explain otherwise puzzling actions, such as when people harm others who help them financially.

1.       Psychology has not been able to explain why people may hurt the harmless.

2.       Some people enjoy others’ pain.

3.       Usually, people like to avoid pain and get pleasure.

a)       Only 1 and 2

b)      Only 2 and 3

c)       Only 1 and 3

d)      All 1, 2 and 3

Directions (Q.3): In the question below, few statements are given depicting an issue or a problem. You have to assume everything in the statements to be true even if they are at variance from commonly known facts, and on the basis of the information given in the statements, decide which of the suggested courses of action logically follow(s) for pursuing.

Question 3

The spread of highly contagious coronavirus variants is threatening to fuel a potential fourth surge of cases in the US.

I.        The government should not roll back the public health measures recommended to protect people from Covid-19, like special distancing.

II.       The government should hasten the vaccination drive.

a)       Only I follows

b)      Only II follows

c)       Neither I nor II follows

d)      Both I and II follow

Directions (Q. 4-5): In this question, a statement is followed by two courses of action, numbered I and II. You must assume everything in the statement to be true and on the basis of the information given in the statement, decide which course of action/s logically follows for pursuing.

Question 4

Statement: In City A, speeding has become an escalating problem, with reckless drivers often ignoring speed limits and racing their vehicles through residential areas.

Course of Action:

I.        Traffic patrolling should be increased, and heftier fines for speeding violations should be implemented with immediate effect.

II.       Residents should be advised to be out on the streets only at particular times.

(1)     Both I and II follow

(2)     Only II follows

(3)     Only I follows

(4)     Neither I nor II follows

Question 5

Statement: A large number of companies have been found to mislead consumers with false health claims on food packets to lure health-conscious people.

Course of Action:

I.        Government authorities should conduct rigorous scrutiny of food products and their health claims before providing the seal of approval.

II.       Consumer awareness campaigns should be run to educate consumers on how to interpret food labels on food packets and match them with the claims the products assert.

(1)     Both I and II follow

(2)     Only II follows

(3)     Only I follows

(4)     Neither I nor II follows

Directions (Qs. 6-10): In the question below, two statements (I) and (II) are given. These statements may be either independent causes or may be effects of independent causes or a common cause. One of these statements may be the effect of the other statement. Read both the statements and decide which of the following answer choices correctly depicts the relationship between these two statements.

Question 6

I.        The number of vaccinated individuals has increased significantly over the past few months.

II.       Local businesses have started using water-efficient technologies following government regulations.

a.)     Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect

b.)     Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect

c.)      Both statements I and II are effects of independent causes

d.)     Both statements I and II are effects of some common cause

Question 7

I.        The implementation of strict anti-smoking laws in the city has led to a significant decrease in the number of smokers.

II.       Various public health campaigns were launched to educate the population about the harmful effects of smoking and the new laws.

a.)     Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect

b.)     Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect

c.)      Both statements I and II are effects of independent causes

d.)     Both statements I and II are effects of some common cause

Question 8

I.        The government has invested heavily in upgrading the public transportation system.

II.       The number of private vehicle registrations has decreased over the past year.

a.)     Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect

b.)     Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect

c.)      Both statements I and II are effects of independent causes

d.)     Both statements I and II are effects of some common cause

Question 9

I.        The introduction of a new smartphone model with advanced features has led to an increase in sales.

II.       The company has invested in an extensive marketing campaign to promote the new smartphone.

a.)     Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect

b.)     Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect

c.)      Both statements I and II are effects of independent causes

d.)     Both statements I and II are effects of some common cause

Question 10

I.        The government has implemented strict traffic rules and increased fines for traffic violations.

II.       The number of traffic violations and accidents has decreased in the city.

a.) Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect

b.) Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect

c.) Both statements I and II are effects of independent causes

d.) Both statements I and II are effects of some common cause

Disclaimer: The critical reasoning questions and solutions provided are curated by experts after analyzing previous year papers, exam trends, and reasoning patterns. They are intended for practice and guidance only, not official SSC CGL exam content. Actual exam questions may differ. Candidates should always verify details through official SSC notices.

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