RC is 5 marks every paper. Learn the question-first method, how to spot inference vs detail, and the 4 question types SSC asks.
SSC RC passages are 250–400 words with 5 questions. You have ~6 minutes. The trick isn't reading faster — it's reading smarter.
1. Read the questions BEFORE the passage. (30 seconds) 2. Note keywords: names, dates, "main idea", "inference" 3. Now read the passage with these keywords in mind — you'll spot answers as you go
This shaves 60–90 seconds vs reading cold.
"What did the author say about X?" — locate the line, answer directly.
"What can be inferred about Y?" — not in the text, but follows logically.
"What is the passage mainly about?" — usually in the first or last sentence.
"The word 'XYZ' in line 4 most nearly means..." — use context.
Half-right answers: an option that's true for one paragraph but not the whole passage Extreme language: "always", "never", "only" — almost always wrong Inferences that go too far: stick close to the text
Don't sub-vocalise (read aloud in your head) — it caps you at 200 wpm Read phrases, not words Use a pen/pencil to track — your eyes move faster with a guide
1 RC passage per day for 60 days Mix topics: science, history, economics, philosophy Time yourself: aim for passage + 5 questions in 6 minutes
SSCIntel's English practice serves RC at PYQ + Brutal difficulty.
More SSC preparation guides · Take a free mock test · Plans and pricing