SSC CGL 2025 PYQs

Question 1

Given, x + 1/x = 6, then determine the value of x2+ 1/x2.

Accepted Answer

Square both sides of the given equation (x + 1/x) = 6 to get x² + 1/x² + 2(x)(1/x) = 36. Simplify to x² + 1/x² + 2 = 36, then subtract 2 from both sides to find x² + 1/x² = 34.

Question 2

A bookseller sells a novel for Y and makes a loss of 15%. To clear old stock, he decides to mark the novel at 0.8Y. He then allows a further discount of 5% on this marked price. What will be the percentage loss that he will incur on this clearance sale?

Accepted Answer

First, calculate the cost price (CP) using the initial selling price (Y) and 15% loss. Then, find the new selling price after marking down to 0.8Y and applying a 5% discount. Finally, calculate the percentage loss using the CP and new selling price.

Question 3

0.2 + 0.02 + 0.002 + 0.0002 = ?

Accepted Answer

Align the decimal points and add the numbers column by column. The sum is 0.2222, as each digit '2' occupies a distinct decimal place.

Question 4

Choose the word that is similar in meaning to OBSCURE.

Accepted Answer

The word 'obscure' means not clearly expressed or easily understood. 'Unclear' has the same meaning, making it the correct synonym.

Question 5

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: BIBLIOPHILE

Accepted Answer

A bibliophile is someone who loves or collects books. Therefore, 'Book admirer' is the most appropriate synonym, directly reflecting this meaning.

Question 6

Convert to direct speech: The coach said that the players were improving with every match.

Accepted Answer

When converting from indirect to direct speech, the past continuous tense ('were improving') changes back to the present continuous tense ('are improving'). The reporting verb 'said' remains unchanged.

Question 7

Select the most suitable synonym of the word:  JUVENILE

Accepted Answer

Juvenile refers to a young person or something characteristic of youth. 'Childlike' means resembling a child in innocence or simplicity, making it the closest synonym.

Question 8

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to LEARNED.

Accepted Answer

The word 'learned' means having acquired much knowledge through study. The direct opposite is 'ignorant', meaning lacking knowledge or awareness.

Question 9

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Has two strings to his bow

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'has two strings to his bow' means having an alternative resource or skill to fall back on, implying backup options.

Question 10

Select the correct option: Neither the editor nor the writers ___ ready to approve the revision.

Accepted Answer

When 'neither...nor' connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Here, 'writers' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct.

Question 11

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Bury the hatchet

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'Bury the hatchet' means to end a conflict or disagreement and make peace. It implies letting go of past grievances.

Question 12

Select the correct meaning of the idiom “Lose one’s temper.”

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'lose one's temper' means to suddenly become angry. It describes a quick, uncontrolled outburst of anger.

Question 13

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: Lachrymose

Accepted Answer

Lachrymose means tearful or given to weeping. Therefore, its most appropriate antonym is 'cheerful', meaning noticeably happy and optimistic.

Question 14

Change into passive: Will the committee implement the updated guidelines immediately?

Accepted Answer

To change an interrogative sentence in future simple active voice to passive, use 'Will + object + be + past participle + by + subject'. Option 1 correctly follows this structure.

Question 15

Select the most appropriate antonym of the word: Extirpate

Accepted Answer

Extirpate means to destroy completely or remove. Its antonym would be to create or set up. 'Establish' means to set up or found, making it the correct opposite.

Question 16

Pick the antonym of the word PRAISE.

Accepted Answer

The word 'Praise' means to express approval or admiration. Its direct opposite, or antonym, is 'Blame', which means to assign responsibility for a fault.

Question 17

Identify the misspelt word

Accepted Answer

The correct spelling of 'Consciencious' is 'Conscientious'. It means wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.

Question 18

Find the part containing an error:Neither the forecast of revenue nor the estimate of deficit levels (1)/ appear to reflect the liquidity issues (2)/ that small traders encounter (3)/ during economic contractions. (4)

Accepted Answer

When 'neither...nor' connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Here, 'estimate' is singular, so the verb should be 'appears'.

Question 19

Identify the word that is spelled incorrectly

Accepted Answer

The correct spelling of 'Embarrasment' is 'Embarrassment' with a double 'r' and a double 's'. The other words are spelled correctly.

Question 20

Choose the correctly spelled word for the medical term meaning ‘loss of memory’.

Accepted Answer

The correct spelling for the medical term meaning 'loss of memory' is 'Amnesia'. It is a commonly used word in medical contexts.