Maths becomes easier when beginners first build a strong calculation base. Tables, squares, cubes, fraction values and simple calculation tricks can help SSC CGL and CHSL candidates solve questions faster and with fewer mistakes.
What Basic Maths should SSC CGL and CHSL Beginners learn first?
Beginners should start with calculation skills that are used in almost every arithmetic chapter. These basics help in Percentage, Ratio, Average, Profit and Loss, Interest, Time and Work, Mensuration and Data Interpretation. The main areas of Basic Maths that candidates should learn are given below.
| Basic Maths Area | Recommended Target |
| Multiplication tables | 1 to 25 |
| Squares | 1 to 40 |
| Cubes | 1 to 20 |
| Square roots | Common perfect squares |
| Cube roots | Common perfect cubes |
| Fraction-percentage values | Common values from 1/2 to 1/20 |
| Divisibility rules | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 |
| Basic operations | Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division |
| Percentage values | 1%, 5%, 10%, 12.5%, 20%, 25%, 33.33% and 50% |
| Speed conversion | km/h to m/s and m/s to km/h |
| Approximation | Quick checking of answer options |
Which Multiplication Tables should Beginners memorize?
Candidates should first learn tables from 1 to 20. Once these become easy to recall, they can extend their practice to tables from 21 to 25. Tables should not be practised only in the normal order. Candidates should also solve random multiplication questions such as:
- 17 × 6 = 102
- 19 × 8 = 152
- 21 × 7 = 147
- 23 × 6 = 138
- 24 × 9 = 216
A simple daily routine can include:
- Reading five tables aloud.
- Writing difficult tables once.
- Solving 20 random multiplication questions.
- Marking the tables that caused mistakes.
- Revising the same tables the next day.
Candidates should not spend several weeks learning only tables. They should revise tables while continuing their chapter-wise preparation.
How many Squares and Cubes should candidates learn?
Beginners should memorize squares from 1 to 30 first. They can later extend the list to 40. Cubes from 1 to 20 are usually enough for most SSC calculation questions.
| Number Range | Details |
| 1 to 20 | Squares and cubes |
| 21 to 30 | Squares |
| 31 to 40 | Squares for faster calculation |
| Common perfect squares | Square roots |
| Common perfect cubes | Cube roots |
Some important values are:
| Number | Square | Cube |
| 5 | 25 | 125 |
| 8 | 64 | 512 |
| 10 | 100 | 1000 |
| 12 | 144 | 1728 |
| 15 | 225 | 3375 |
| 18 | 324 | 5832 |
| 20 | 400 | 8000 |
| 25 | 625 | — |
| 30 | 900 | — |
Which Fraction and Percentage values should candidates learn?
Fraction-to-percentage conversion is one of the most useful Maths tricks for SSC CGL and CHSL. These values are used in Percentage, Ratio, Average, Profit and Loss, Interest and Data Interpretation.
| Fraction | Percentage |
| 1/2 | 50% |
| 1/3 | 33.33% |
| 2/3 | 66.67% |
| 1/4 | 25% |
| 3/4 | 75% |
| 1/5 | 20% |
| 2/5 | 40% |
| 3/5 | 60% |
| 4/5 | 80% |
| 1/6 | 16.67% |
| 1/8 | 12.5% |
| 3/8 | 37.5% |
| 5/8 | 62.5% |
| 7/8 | 87.5% |
| 1/10 | 10% |
| 1/20 | 5% |
Candidates should learn both directions of conversion. For example:
- 25% = 1/4
- 40% = 2/5
- 50% = 1/2
- 60% = 3/5
- 75% = 3/4
- 12.5% = 1/8
These values can turn a long calculation into a simple division. For example:
12.5% of 640
Since 12.5% is equal to 1/8:
640 ÷ 8 = 80
Which Simple Maths Tricks can improve calculation speed?
Beginners should use only simple tricks that are easy to remember. Learning too many shortcuts at the same time can create confusion.
| Calculation | Quick Method |
| Find 10% | Divide the number by 10 |
| Find 5% | Find 10% and divide it by 2 |
| Find 1% | Divide the number by 100 |
| Find 20% | Divide the number by 5 |
| Find 25% | Divide the number by 4 |
| Find 50% | Divide the number by 2 |
| Find 12.5% | Divide the number by 8 |
| Multiply by 5 | Multiply by 10 and divide by 2 |
| Multiply by 25 | Multiply by 100 and divide by 4 |
| Multiply by 50 | Multiply by 100 and divide by 2 |
| Multiply by 125 | Multiply by 1000 and divide by 8 |
For example: 48 × 25
Instead of using long multiplication:
48 ÷ 4 × 100
12 × 100 = 1200
Candidates can also use percentage reversal:
16% of 25 = 25% of 16
Since 25% of 16 is 4:
16% of 25 = 4
Short methods should be used only after the basic method is clear.
How can beginners improve addition and subtraction speed?
Fast calculation does not always mean solving everything mentally. It often means arranging numbers in an easier way. For addition, candidates can group numbers that form round values.
Example:
47 + 38 + 53 + 62
Group the numbers:
- 47 + 53 = 100
- 38 + 62 = 100
Therefore:
47 + 38 + 53 + 62 = 200
For subtraction, candidates can use adjustment.
Example:
1000 − 487
First subtract 500:
1000 − 500 = 500
Since 487 is 13 less than 500, add 13:
500 + 13 = 513
Candidates should solve 20 to 30 short calculation questions daily. Accuracy should come first. Speed will improve through regular practice.
How can a Speed Math Kit Improve Basic Maths?
A Speed Math Kit can help candidates revise important values and calculation methods in a short and organized form. It is especially useful for beginners who need regular practice in Basic Maths before moving to difficult questions. A useful Speed Math Kit may include the following resources:
| Speed Math Resource | What to Learn | Main Benefit |
| Multiplication tables | Tables from 1 to 25 | Faster multiplication and division |
| Squares chart | Squares from 1 to 40 | Helps in simplification and algebra |
| Cubes chart | Cubes from 1 to 20 | Useful for roots and approximation |
| Fraction-percentage table | Common fraction and percentage values | Faster percentage calculations |
| Power table | Basic powers of common numbers | Helps in simplification |
| Number types | Natural, whole, integer, rational and prime numbers | Builds the Number System base |
| Interest formulas | Simple and Compound Interest formulas | Reduces formula recall time |
| Short calculation methods | Multiplication, percentage and division tricks | Improves speed in timed tests |
What should candidates complete before starting PYQs?
Candidates should not wait to complete the entire Maths syllabus before starting Previous Year Questions. However, they should understand the basic concept of a chapter before attempting its PYQs. Before starting chapter-wise PYQs, candidates should be able to:
- Recall tables up to 20
- Recognise common squares and cubes
- Convert common fractions into percentages
- Apply the main formula of the chapter
- Solve basic examples without help
- Complete 30 to 50 practice questions
- Maintain reasonable accuracy
- Understand why an answer is correct or incorrect
When should candidates move from basics to PYQs?
Candidates can move to chapter-wise PYQs when they can solve around 70% of basic practice questions correctly without checking the solution. This is a practical preparation target and not an official SSC rule.
| Practice Accuracy | Recommended Next Step |
| Below 50% | Study the concept and solved examples again |
| 50% to 70% | Continue basic and moderate practice |
| Around 70% | Begin easy chapter-wise PYQs |
| 80% or more | Attempt timed PYQ sets |
| Good speed and accuracy | Start mixed sets and mock tests |
Candidates should not wait for complete mastery. PYQs are also part of the learning process because they show how SSC presents and combines concepts.
FAQs
Candidates should first learn tables up to 20 and then gradually extend them to 25.
No. Maths tricks can improve speed, but candidates also need clear concepts, regular practice, PYQs and mock-test analysis.
Beginners can start chapter-wise PYQs after understanding the chapter and reaching around 70% accuracy in basic practice.
Candidates should revise common values, avoid rushed calculations, write clear steps and maintain an error notebook.
Beginners may take one initial mock to understand their level, but regular full mocks should be added after they have covered enough of the syllabus.
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