If your SSC CGL Tier 1 exam is approaching, this is the time to revise high-frequency concepts, formulas and calculation tricks instead of starting new topics. Based on the pattern seen in the ongoing SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 shifts, Quantitative Aptitude has included a mix of Arithmetic and Advanced Maths, with topics such as Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry and DI requiring careful time management. Some shifts have also reported lengthy calculations.
Use this page for a 30–45 minute Maths revision session before your exam. Every topic below is followed by a quick quiz question so that you can test the formula immediately.
SSC CGL Maths Short Notes PDF
Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Average, TSD, Time & Work, SI & CI, Mixture & Alligation, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, DI and calculation tricks.
1. Percentage – Must Remember
- Increase by x%: New Value = Original × (100 + x) / 100
- Decrease by x%: New Value = Original × (100 − x) / 100
- Successive changes: Net Change = a + b + ab/100 (use negative values for decreases)
Example
20% increase followed by 10% decrease: 20 − 10 − (20×10)/100 = 20 − 10 − 2 = 8% net increase.
Important Fraction–Percentage Conversions
| Fraction | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 33.33% |
| 1/4 | 25% |
| 1/5 | 20% |
| 1/6 | 16.67% |
| 1/8 | 12.5% |
| 1/10 | 10% |
| 1/12 | 8.33% |
| 1/16 | 6.25% |
A number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 10%. What is the net change?
2. Profit, Loss & Discount
- Profit = SP − CP and Loss = CP − SP
- Profit% = Profit / CP × 100 and Loss% = Loss / CP × 100
- SP = CP × (100 + Profit%) / 100 and SP = CP × (100 − Loss%) / 100
- Discount = MP − SP and Discount% = Discount / MP × 100
- Two successive discounts a% and b%: Equivalent discount = a + b − ab/100
A product marked at ₹1,000 is sold after a 20% discount. What is its selling price?
3. Ratio & Proportion
- If a : b = m : n, then a = km and b = kn.
- Combining ratios: make the common term equal before combining.
- Direct proportion (both increase together): x₁/x₂ = y₁/y₂
- Inverse proportion (one increases, other decreases): x₁ × y₁ = x₂ × y₂
If A : B = 3 : 5 and B : C = 10 : 7, then A : B : C is:
4. Average
- Average = Sum of observations / Number of observations
- If the average of n numbers changes by x, the change in total = n × x.
- Replacement trick: Change in average = Change in value / Number of observations.
If the average of 8 numbers is 15, what is their total?
5. Time, Speed & Distance
- Speed = Distance / Time, Distance = Speed × Time, Time = Distance / Speed
- Conversion: 1 m/s = 18/5 km/h and 1 km/h = 5/18 m/s
- Relative speed: opposite directions = S₁ + S₂, same direction = |S₁ − S₂|
- Trains: Time = Total distance to be covered / Relative speed
A train travels at 72 km/h. Its speed in m/s is:
Understanding SSC CGL Exam Pattern
Check the Tier 1 and Tier 2 marking scheme, negative marking and question distribution before your exam.
6. Time & Work
- If A completes a work in x days, A's one-day work = 1/x.
- If A and B work together, combined one-day work = 1/x + 1/y.
- Efficiency is inversely proportional to time. If efficiency of A : B = 3 : 2, then their time ratio = 2 : 3.
If A can complete a work in 12 days and B in 18 days, how many days will they take together?
7. Simple & Compound Interest
Simple Interest
SI = PRT / 100
Amount A = P + SI
Compound Interest
A = P(1 + R/100)^T
CI = A − P
For 2 years: CI − SI = P(R/100)²
What is the difference between compound interest and simple interest on ₹5,000 at 10% per annum for 2 years?
8. Algebra – Identities to Remember
- (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
- (a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b²
- a² − b² = (a − b)(a + b)
- (a + b)³ = a³ + b³ + 3ab(a + b)
- (a − b)³ = a³ − b³ − 3ab(a − b)
- a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² − ab + b²)
- a³ − b³ = (a − b)(a² + ab + b²)
The value of (a + b)² − (a − b)² is:
9. Geometry
- Triangle: Sum of angles = 180°, Area = ½ × base × height
- Equilateral triangle: Area = (√3/4) × a²
- Pythagoras (right triangle): Hypotenuse² = Base² + Perpendicular²
- Circle: Circumference = 2πr, Area = πr², Diameter = 2r
The area of a circle of radius 7 cm is: (take π = 22/7)
10. Mensuration
Rectangle & Square
Rectangle: Area = l × b, Perimeter = 2(l + b)
Square: Area = a², Diagonal = a√2
Cylinder
Volume = πr²h
Curved Surface Area = 2πrh
Cone
Volume = ⅓πr²h
Sphere
Volume = 4/3 πr³
Surface Area = 4πr²
The circumference of a circle is 44 cm. Taking π = 22/7, its radius is:
11. Trigonometry
Remember the basic values and the three core identities.
| θ | sin θ | cos θ | tan θ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0° | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 30° | 1/2 | √3/2 | 1/√3 |
| 45° | 1/√2 | 1/√2 | 1 |
| 60° | √3/2 | 1/2 | √3 |
| 90° | 1 | 0 | Not defined |
- sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
- 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
- 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ
What is the value of tan 45°?
12. Data Interpretation (DI) Quick Revision
Before calculating anything, check:
- What exactly is being asked?
- Is the data in percentage or absolute value?
- Can options be eliminated?
- Can ratios be used instead of calculating exact values?
- Is approximation sufficient?
Do not spend 2–3 minutes on one DI question if the calculation is becoming lengthy. Move on and come back if time permits.
A company's sales rose from ₹40 lakh in 2024 to ₹50 lakh in 2025. What is the percentage increase?
SSC CGL Maths Last-Minute Strategy
Before the exam, follow this checklist:
- Revise all formulas from this page.
- Revise squares up to 30 and cubes up to 20.
- Revise fraction-percentage conversions.
- Revise trigonometric values and identities.
- Solve 10–15 mixed questions.
- Avoid learning completely new concepts.
The ongoing SSC CGL shifts have shown that Quant can become time-consuming, so calculation speed and question selection are as important as conceptual knowledge. If you know the formulas but are slow in calculations, focus on question selection rather than trying to solve every difficult question. Need a full roadmap? Read our SSC CGL Complete Study Guide for Beginners.
Final 10-Minute Revision
Percentage → Ratio → Average → Profit/Loss → Time & Work → TSD → Algebra → Geometry → Mensuration → Trigonometry → DI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I revise Maths for SSC CGL Tier 1 just before the exam?
Spend 30–45 minutes revising formulas, fraction-percentage conversions, squares up to 30, cubes up to 20 and trigonometric values. Then solve 10–15 mixed questions. Do not start new topics in the last few days.
Which Maths topics are most important for SSC CGL Tier 1?
Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Average, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry and Data Interpretation carry the most weight. Arithmetic topics are usually the most scoring.
How many Maths questions come in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Quantitative Aptitude has 25 questions worth 50 marks in Tier 1, with a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
How can I improve my calculation speed for SSC CGL Quant?
Memorise squares, cubes and fraction-percentage values, use approximation where options are far apart, and practise timed mixed sets daily. Skip lengthy calculation questions and return to them if time permits.
Is it enough to revise only formulas before the SSC CGL exam?
Formulas are essential, but you also need question selection and speed. Combine formula revision with a few timed mixed questions so that you can recall formulas under exam pressure.
How much time should I give to Data Interpretation in SSC CGL?
Do not spend more than 1.5–2 minutes on a single DI question. Check what is asked, whether the data is in percentage or absolute value, and use ratios or approximation instead of exact calculation.
Where can I download the SSC CGL Maths short notes PDF?
You can download the SSC CGL Maths short notes PDF from the download section at the top of this page. It covers all important formulas and calculation tricks for quick revision.