SSC CGL Quant · Study & Practice

Time, Speed & Distance

AreaArithmetic DifficultyModerate SSC weightage4–6 questions (incl. trains, boats)

Everything here flows from one relation: distance = speed x time. Master the unit switch (1 km/h = 5/18 m/s), the idea that for a fixed distance speed and time are inversely proportional, and relative speed (add speeds when approaching, subtract when chasing). Trains add the length of the train to the distance; boats add or subtract the stream. Get these reflexes and the whole family — trains, boats, races — becomes one method.

Topics

1 Speed, Time & Distance 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start → 2 Average & Relative Speed 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start → 3 Trains 4 worked · 5 practice · 8-Q test Start → 4 Boats & Streams 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.

  • km/h to m/s: multiply by 5/18; back: 18/5.
  • Fixed distance: speed and time are inversely proportional.
  • Same direction subtract speeds; opposite add.
  • Boat: b = (down+up)/2, stream s = (down-up)/2.
  • Average speed for equal distances is 2ab/(a+b), never (a+b)/2.

⚠️ Common mistakes & traps

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

  • Mixing km/h with metres/seconds without converting.
  • Forgetting to add the train length when crossing a platform.
  • Using arithmetic mean for average speed over equal distances.
  • Adding stream to upstream (it should be subtracted).

📈 SSC exam insight & PYQ analysis

SSC reliably asks pole-vs-platform train timing, two-train crossings, boat round trips, and late/early walking problems solved by the inverse speed-time rule.

🎴 Flashcards — instant recall

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

72 km/h in m/s?Tap to reveal
20
Train crossing a platform distance?Tap to reveal
train length + platform length
Boat speed from down 15, up 9?Tap to reveal
12 km/h
Same-direction relative speed?Tap to reveal
a - b
Average speed up 60, down 40?Tap to reveal
48 km/h

📌 Quick revision

Anchor on distance = speed x time, convert units with 5/18, use inverse proportion for fixed routes, and relative speed for meetings/overtakes. Trains add lengths; boats use b+s and b-s. One method, the whole family.

Chapter test

📝 Time, Speed & Distance — Chapter Test
25 fresh questions · timed · full solutions
Start chapter test →
📊 My SSC analytics
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🏆 Vidaara SSC success checklist

You have truly mastered Time, Speed & Distance 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