SSC Math Tricks | Quick Shortcuts for SSC Exams

SSC exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and GD are not difficult, but they are time-bound. Students who know smart math tricks and shortcuts always have an advantage over others.

In Part 1, we will focus on basic yet high-scoring topics that appear frequently in SSC exams and can be solved quickly using shortcuts.

1. Percentage Tricks for SSC Exams

Trick 1: Percentage to Fraction Conversion

Convert percentages into fractions to solve faster.

50% = 1/2
25% = 1/4
20% = 1/5
12.5% = 1/8

Example:
25% of 160

1/4 × 160 = 40

Trick 2: Comparing Percentages (No Full Calculation)

Example:
Which is greater?
30% of 250 or 25% of 300

30 × 250 = 7500
25 × 300 = 7500

Both are equal

This method saves valuable time in the exam.

2. Ratio & Proportion Shortcuts

Trick: Direct Value Method

Example:
If A : B = 3 : 5 and total = 160

Total parts = 3 + 5 = 8
Value of 1 part = 160 / 8 = 20
A = 3 × 20 = 60
B = 5 × 20 = 100

No equations needed.

3. Profit & Loss Tricks for SSC

Trick 1: Profit Percentage Shortcut

Profit % =

$Price×100\frac{\text{Profit}}{\text{Cost Price}} × 100$

Example:
CP = ₹400, SP = ₹500

Profit = 100
Profit % = (100/400) × 100 = 25%

Trick 2: Loss Without Formula

Example:
CP = ₹600, Loss = ₹120

Loss % = 120/600 × 100 = 20%

Simple division is enough.

4. Average Tricks (Very Important for SSC)

Trick: Total = Average × Number of Values

Example:
The average of 6 numbers is 20

Total = 6 × 20 = 120

Trick: Adding One Number

If the average of 5 numbers is 18

Total = 90

Add one more number 30

New total = 120
New average = 120 / 6 = 20

5. Multiplication Shortcut (Speed Maths)

Trick: Numbers Ending with 5

Example:
45 × 45

First digit × next number → 4 × 5 = 20
Add 25

Answer = 2025

This trick works for all numbers ending with 5.

Why These Tricks Matter for SSC

Saves time
Reduces calculation steps
Improves accuracy
Helps attempt more questions
Boosts confidence in exams

SSC Math Tricks – Part 2: Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Simple Interest Shortcuts

In SSC exams, questions from Time & Work, Speed & Distance, and Simple Interest are frequent and scoring. Most of these questions look lengthy, but with the right shortcuts, they can be solved in seconds.

In Part 2, you’ll learn smart SSC math tricks that help you avoid long calculations and save precious exam time.

1. Time & Work Tricks for SSC

Trick 1: Work = 1 Method (Most Important)

If a person completes a work in N days, then

1 day work = 1/N

Example:
A can do the work in 10 days, B in 20 days.

A’s work = 1/10
B’s work = 1/20
Together = 1/10 + 1/20 = 3/20

Time taken = 20/3 = 6⅔ days

No formulas required.

Trick 2: Direct Ratio Shortcut

If
A: B = 2 : 3 (working efficiency)

Then time ratio = 3 : 2

Less work → more time
More work → less time

This logic helps in multiple SSC questions.

2. Speed, Time & Distance Tricks

Trick 1: Speed Conversion Shortcut

To convert km/hr to m/s

Multiply by 5/18

Example:
72 km/hr

72 × 5/18 = 20 m/s

To convert m/s to km/hr

Multiply by 18/5

Trick 2: Train Crossing Shortcut

Crossing a pole → use train length only
Crossing a platform → train length + platform length

Example:
Train length = 100 m
Speed = 10 m/s

Time to cross the pole =

100 / 10 = 10 seconds

Trick 3: Relative Speed Trick

Same direction → subtract speeds
Opposite direction → add speeds

Example:
Two trains at 60 km/hr and 40 km/hr moving opposite

Relative speed = 100 km/hr

3. Simple Interest (SI) Tricks for SSC

Trick 1: SI Formula Simplified

$\frac{P × R × T}{100}$

But in SSC, values are usually simple.

Example:
P = 1000, R = 10%, T = 2 years

SI = 1000 × 10 × 2 / 100 = 200

Trick 2: Interest Per Year Method

When the rate is fixed, calculate the interest per year.

Example:
₹2000 at 5% per year

Interest per year = 100
For 3 years = 300

Faster than formula.

4. Shortcut for Boats & Streams (SSC Favourite)

Trick: Upstream & Downstream

Downstream speed = Boat speed + Stream speed
Upstream speed = Boat speed – Stream speed

Example:
Downstream = 12 km/hr
Upstream = 8 km/hr

Boat speed = (12 + 8) / 2 = 10 km/hr
Stream speed = (12 – 8) / 2 = 2 km/hr

Very common SSC pattern.

How These Tricks Help in SSC Exams

Solve questions in less time
Reduce silly mistakes
Improve accuracy
Increase the number of attempts
Gain confidence in the maths section

SSC Math Tricks – Part 3: Algebra, Number System & Geometry Shortcuts

In SSC exams, Algebra, Number System, and Geometry may look tricky, but most questions are logic-based and formula-driven. If you know the right shortcuts, you can solve these questions quickly and confidently.

In Part 3, we’ll cover high-frequency SSC topics with easy math tricks that help you avoid long calculations.

1. Number System Tricks for SSC

Trick 1: Divisibility Rules (Must-Know)

Divisible by 2 → last digit even
Divisible by 3 → sum of digits divisible by 3
Divisible by 9 → sum of digits divisible by 9
Divisible by 11 → (odd place sum – even place sum) = 0 or multiple of 11

Example:
Check 847 → 8 + 4 + 7 = 19 ❌ Not divisible by 3

Trick 2: Finding Unit Digit Quickly

Unit digit repeats in a cycle of 4.

Example:
7²³

Cycle of 7 → 7, 9, 3, 1

23 ÷ 4 → remainder = 3
Unit digit = 3

Trick 3: HCF & LCM Shortcut

$Product\ of\ numbers$

Example:
HCF = 6, Numbers = 12 & 18

LCM = (12 × 18) / 6 = 36

2. Algebra Tricks for SSC

Trick 1: Solve a Quadratic Without a Formula

Equation:
x² – 7x + 10 = 0

Find two numbers whose

product = 10
sum = –7

Numbers = 5 and 2

x = 5, 2

No quadratic formula needed.

Trick 2: Value Substitution Method

Instead of solving fully, put options into the equation.

Very useful in SSC MCQs.

Trick 3: Identity Shortcut

Remember these identities:

(a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab
(a – b)² = a² + b² – 2ab
a² – b² = (a + b)(a – b)

Used frequently in SSC algebra questions.

3. Geometry Tricks for SSC

Trick 1: Triangle Angle Rule

Sum of angles in a triangle = 180°

If two angles are 50° and 60°

Third angle = 70°

Trick 2: Pythagoras Triplets (Very Important)

Instead of calculating, remember common triplets:

3, 4, 5
5, 12, 13
8, 15, 17

Used in right-angled triangle questions.

Trick 3: Area of Triangle Shortcut

$\frac{1}{2} × base × height$

If base = 10 cm and height = 6 cm

Area = 30 cm²

Trick 4: Circle Formula Shortcuts

Circumference = 2πr
Area = πr²

Use π = 22/7 unless stated otherwise.

Why These Topics Are Important for SSC

Asked every year
Easy marks if formulas are known
Less calculation, more logic
Boost confidence in the maths section

SSC Math Tricks – Part 4: Advanced Mixed Practice for Fast & Accurate Solving

After learning shortcuts from Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, it’s time to apply them together.
In real SSC exams, questions come from mixed topics, and success depends on how fast you identify the right trick.

This part focuses on advanced mixed practice, exactly matching the SSC exam pattern.

Mixed Practice Set – 1 (Easy to Moderate)

Question 1 (Percentage + Ratio)

30% of a number is equal to 3/5 of another number.
Find the ratio of the two numbers.

Shortcut Solution:
30% = 3/10

First number × 3/10 = Second number × 3/5
Ratio = (3/5) ÷ (3/10) = 2 : 1

Question 2 (Time & Work)

A can do the work in 12 days, B in 18 days.
How many days will they take together?

Shortcut:

A = 1/12
B = 1/18
Together = (3 + 2) / 36 = 5/36
Time = 36/5 = 7.2 days

Question 3 (Average)

The average of 8 numbers is 25.
If one number is excluded, the average becomes 22.
Find the excluded number.

Shortcut:

Total of 8 numbers = 8 × 25 = 200
Total of 7 numbers = 7 × 22 = 154
Excluded number = 46

Mixed Practice Set – 2 (Moderate Level)

Question 4 (Speed & Distance)

A train crosses a pole in 10 seconds at a speed of 54 km/hr.
Find the length of the train.

Shortcut:
54 km/hr = 15 m/s

Length = Speed × Time
15 × 10 = 150 meters

Question 5 (Profit & Loss)

A shopkeeper sells an item at 20% profit.
If CP = ₹500, find SP.

Shortcut:
20% of 500 = 100

SP = 500 + 100 = ₹600

Question 6 (Number System)

Find the unit digit of 9⁴³.

Shortcut:
Cycle of 9 → 9, 1

Even power → 1

Mixed Practice Set – 3 (SSC Exam Level)

Question 7 (Algebra)

If x + 1/x = 5, find x² + 1/x².

Shortcut Identity:
(x + 1/x)² = x² + 1/x² + 2

25 = x² + 1/x² + 2
x² + 1/x² = 23

Question 8 (Geometry)

The radius of a circle is 7 cm.
Find its circumference.

Shortcut:
Circumference = 2πr

2 × (22/7) × 7 = 44 cm

Question 9 (LCM & HCF)

Find the LCM of 12 and 18 if the HCF is 6.

Shortcut:
LCM = (12 × 18) / 6 = 36

How to Use Advanced Mixed Practice Correctly

Identify the topic first
Apply the shortcut immediately
Avoid long calculations
Skip time-consuming questions first
Revisit them later

SSC Math Tricks – Part 5: Full-Length SSC Mock Test (Maths Only)

This full-length SSC Maths mock test is prepared strictly as per the SSC exam pattern.
It covers all major topics and helps you test speed, accuracy, and trick application.

Time: 25 Minutes
Questions: 25
Level: SSC CGL / CHSL / MTS (Mixed)
Instruction: Attempt all questions. Avoid calculators.

SECTION: SSC MATHS MOCK TEST

Q1.

25% of a number is 60. What is the number?

A) 200
B) 220
C) 240
D) 260

Q2.

The ratio of two numbers is 3: 5 and their sum is 320. Find the larger number.

A) 180
B) 200
C) 220
D) 240

Q3.

A can complete the work in 10 days and B in 15 days. How long will they take together?

A) 5 days
B) 6 days
C) 7.5 days
D) 8 days

Q4.

Find the simple interest on ₹2000 at 5% per annum for 3 years.

A) ₹200
B) ₹250
C) ₹300
D) ₹350

Q5.

A train moving at 72 km/hr crosses a pole in 5 seconds. Find the length of the train.

A) 80 m
B) 90 m
C) 100 m
D) 120 m

Q6.

The average of 6 numbers is 24. What is their sum?

A) 124
B) 132
C) 144
D) 156

Q7.

Find the unit digit of 7⁴⁵.

A) 1
B) 3
C) 7
D) 9

Q8.

If CP = ₹400 and SP = ₹480, find the profit percentage.

A) 15%
B) 18%
C) 20%
D) 25%

Q9.

The HCF of two numbers is 6, and their product is 180. Find the LCM.

A) 24
B) 30
C) 36
D) 60

Q10.

If x + 1/x = 6, find x² + 1/x².

A) 32
B) 34
C) 36
D) 38

Q11.

Convert 54 km/hr into m/s.

A) 12
B) 15
C) 18
D) 20

Q12.

The sum of angles of a triangle is:

A) 90°
B) 120°
C) 180°
D) 360°

Q13.

Find the area of a triangle with a base of 10 cm and a height of 8 cm.

A) 40 cm²
B) 60 cm²
C) 80 cm²
D) 100 cm²

Q14.

A man buys an article for ₹500 and sells it at a loss of 10%. Find the selling price.

A) ₹440
B) ₹450
C) ₹460
D) ₹480

Q15.

LCM of 12 and 18 is:

A) 24
B) 30
C) 36
D) 48

Q16.

If the radius of a circle is 7 cm, find its circumference. (π = 22/7)

A) 22 cm
B) 28 cm
C) 44 cm
D) 49 cm

Q17.

A boat travels downstream at 12 km/hr and upstream at 8 km/hr. Find the speed of the stream.

A) 2 km/hr
B) 3 km/hr
C) 4 km/hr
D) 5 km/hr

Q18.

The average age of the 5 students is 20 years. What is their total age?

A) 80
B) 90
C) 100
D) 120

Q19.

Find the value of (25 × 25).

A) 525
B) 600
C) 625
D) 650

Q20.

If 40% of a number is 200, find the number.

A) 400
B) 450
C) 500
D) 600

Q21.

The speed of a train is 60 km/hr. How much distance will it cover in 30 minutes?

A) 20 km
B) 25 km
C) 30 km
D) 35 km

Q22.

Find the unit digit of 9³¹.

A) 1
B) 3
C) 7
D) 9

Q23.

If A : B = 4 : 7 and B : C = 14 : 21, find A : C.

A) 2 : 3
B) 4: 9
C) 8: 21
D) 12: 21

Q24.

The value of (a + b)² where a = 3 and b = 4 is:

A) 25
B) 36
C) 49
D) 64

Q25.

A can do the work in 20 days. How much work does A do in 1 day?

A) 1/10
B) 1/15
C) 1/20
D) 1/25

ANSWER KEY (DO NOT CHECK BEFORE ATTEMPTING)

1️⃣ C
2️⃣ B
3️⃣ B
4️⃣ C
5️⃣ C
6️⃣ C
7️⃣ B
8️⃣ C
9️⃣ C
🔟 B
11️⃣ B
12️⃣ C
13️⃣ A
14️⃣ B
15️⃣ C
16️⃣ C
17️⃣ A
18️⃣ C
19️⃣ C
20️⃣ C
21️⃣ C
22️⃣ A
23️⃣ A
24️⃣ C
25️⃣ C

Final Tip for SSC Aspirants

Attempt this mock in one sitting
Note the time taken per question
Re-attempt the wrong questions
Revise Parts 1–4 tricks

Conclusion

The SSC Math Tricks series (Part 1 to Part 5) is designed to help students move from basic concepts to advanced exam-level practice in a simple and structured way. Instead of memorising formulas blindly, this series focuses on smart shortcuts, logical thinking, and time-saving techniques that are essential for SSC exams.

By mastering percentages, ratios & proportions, profit & loss, averages, time & work, speed & distance, algebra, number system, geometry, and finally applying them through mixed practice and full-length mock tests, students gain the confidence to handle real SSC exam questions efficiently.