SSC CGL Quant · Study & Practice

Time & Work

AreaArithmetic DifficultyModerate SSC weightage3–5 questions (incl. pipes)

The fastest way through Time & Work is the LCM (unit-of-work) method: let the total work be the LCM of the given days, so each worker's one-day work becomes a whole number of units. Add rates to combine workers, subtract for a leak, and divide total units by combined rate to get the time. Pipes and cisterns is the same idea with inlets positive and outlets negative; work-and-wages just splits pay in the ratio of work done.

Topics

1 Work & Efficiency 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start → 2 Combined Work 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start → 3 Pipes & Cisterns 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start → 4 Work & Wages 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start →

⚡ SSC shortcuts & speed methods

The fastest ways to crack this chapter under time pressure — the techniques that separate a 95+ percentiler from the rest.

  • Set total work = LCM of the given days -> whole-number rates.
  • Two workers together: ab/(a+b) days.
  • Pipes: inlets +, outlets -, add signed rates.
  • Wages split in the ratio of work done (rate x days).
  • Men-days are conserved: M1 D1 = M2 D2 for the same job.

⚠️ Common mistakes & traps

SSC is designed so that careless errors here cost you marks. Internalise each trap before the exam.

  • Adding days instead of adding rates.
  • Forgetting to subtract a leak/outlet rate.
  • Splitting wages by time worked instead of work done.
  • Averaging two times rather than using ab/(a+b).

📈 SSC exam insight & PYQ analysis

SSC asks combined-work with someone leaving midway, pipes with a leak, and wage-sharing by efficiency. The LCM method is the safest one-method approach.

🎴 Flashcards — instant recall

Tap a card to reveal the answer. Drill these until they are automatic.

A in a, B in b together?Tap to reveal
ab/(a+b) days
Leak is treated as?Tap to reveal
a negative rate
Wages split by?Tap to reveal
ratio of work done
A in 10, B in 15, C in 30 together?Tap to reveal
5 days
Men-days rule?Tap to reveal
M1 x D1 = M2 x D2

📌 Quick revision

Use the LCM unit-of-work method: convert days to rates, add for teams, subtract for leaks, divide total by net rate. Two-worker shortcut ab/(a+b); wages follow work done; men-days are conserved.

Chapter test

📝 Time & Work — Chapter Test
25 fresh questions · timed · full solutions
Start chapter test →
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🏆 Vidaara SSC success checklist

You have truly mastered Time & Work when you can tick every box below.

  • Recall every formula in this chapter without looking them up
  • Solve each topic’s practice set with at least 80% accuracy
  • Use the chapter shortcuts to cut your solving time in half
  • Spot and avoid every common trap listed above
  • Score 80%+ on the timed chapter test

📋 Chapter mastery scorecard

Track where you stand. Aim for the target before moving to the next chapter.

Skill checkpointTarget
Concept theory & formulas understood100%
Topic practice sets attempted (4 topics)4/4
Best topic-test score— → 80%+
Chapter test score— → 80%+
Flashcards drilled to instant recall5 cards