Study Material — 1 PYQs (2021–2021) · Concept Notes · Shortcuts
NDA Inferential RC is a frequently tested subtopic — 1 previous year questions from 2021–2021 papers are included below with concept notes, key rules and shortcut tricks.
1 questions from actual NDA papers · all shown free · click option to reveal solution
Exam Q 12021Previous Year Pattern
The Green Revolution of the 1960s transformed agricultural output in India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. By introducing high-yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilisers, and mechanised irrigation, the government aimed to achieve food self-sufficiency. While the revolution succeeded in eliminating widespread famine and boosting grain production, critics argue that it simultaneously depleted groundwater reserves, degraded soil fertility over decades, and marginalised small farmers who could not afford the new inputs. The prosperity it generated was thus unevenly distributed, benefiting larger landholders disproportionately and leaving subsistence farmers increasingly vulnerable to debt and crop failure.
Question: Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage about the Green Revolution?
Concept Notes
Inferential RC— Rules & Concept
Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Core Concept
Inference means drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning. The answer is not directly written but can be logically derived from given information. You must connect dots between different parts of the passage
Key Rules for Inferential RC
The inference must be supported by passage content
2. Avoid extreme conclusions not backed by text
3. Look for author's tone, attitude, and implied meanings
4. Connect cause-effect relationships mentioned in passage
5.
Identify what author assumes but doesn't state directly
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL typically asks 2-3 inferential questions per passage. Common question stems include 'It can be inferred that...', 'The author implies...', 'Which of the following can be concluded...', 'The passage suggests...'.
Shortcut Formula 1 - CITE Method:
C - Check what's directly stated
I - Identify gaps in information
T - Think about logical connections
E - Eliminate options not supported by text
Shortcut Formula 2 - Tone-Inference Rule: Author's tone + stated facts = likely inference. If author praises something repeatedly, inference will be positive about that topic.
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
Best supported inference - despite heavy investment in advertising, results were poor, suggesting strategy didn't work
Answer: B) The launch strategy was ineffective
Worked Example 2:
Passage: 'Modern offices are adopting flexible work arrangements. Employees report higher satisfaction levels. Productivity metrics show consistent improvement. Traditional 9-to-5 schedules are becoming less common.'
Question: The author implies that:
A) Remote work eliminates all workplace problems
B) Flexible arrangements benefit both employees and employers
C) Traditional schedules are completely outdated
D) All companies should immediately change policies
Step-by-step Solution:
1
Step 1
Note author's neutral, factual tone presenting positive evidence
Eliminate extreme options (A, C, D contain absolute terms)
4
Step 4
Select inference supported by evidence
Answer: B) Flexible arrangements benefit both employees and employers
Shortcut Formula 3 - Elimination Rule: Remove options with extreme words like 'all', 'never', 'completely', 'only' unless passage strongly supports such absolutes.
Most Common Trap: Students choose options that sound logical in real life but aren't supported by passage content. Remember - your general knowledge doesn't matter. Only use information given or clearly implied in the text. Don't bring outside assumptions into your inference.
Another frequent mistake is selecting the most obvious direct statement instead of the inference. Inferential questions require you to go one step beyond what's directly written. Look for the 'so what?' or 'this means...' connection.
Success Strategy: Read the question first, then scan passage for relevant sections. Focus on author's word choices, especially adjectives and transitional phrases that reveal attitude and logical relationships.
Key Points to Remember
Inference means reading between the lines - conclusions not directly stated but logically supported