Reasoning Questions for Competitive Exams

Reasoning questions, whether verbal, non-verbal, logical, or analytical, play a crucial role in the exam patterns of many competitive assessments in India and worldwide. These questions help institutions evaluate candidates’ problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, calculation proficiency, and capacity to connect various elements and predict sequences.

Typically, reasoning and verbal ability are featured in the preliminary or initial stages of exams, serving as a screening mechanism for further selection rounds, including personal interviews. Read on to explore the different categories of logic reasoning questions commonly found in competitive exams.

Type of Reasoning Questions

Reasoning ability questions are crucial in evaluating a candidate’s cognitive abilities in competitive exams. They can be broadly categorised into two significant types: Logical Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning. Understanding Logical and Analytical reasoning questions is essential for effective exam preparation, enabling candidates to hone their skills in both logical and analytical thinking.

Analytical Reasoning

Analytical reasoning questions emphasise the ability to analyse and interpret data, often requiring candidates to solve complex problems by breaking them down into simpler parts. This type of reasoning assesses critical thinking and the ability to connect different elements.

The topics covered under analytical reasoning include seating arrangement, blood relations, direction sense test, complex arrangement, simple & coded inequalities, conditions & grouping, ranking & time sequence tests, etc.

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning involves solving logical questions that require a critical level of examination to reach the correct conclusion. It includes evaluating arguments, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions based on the provided information.

The topics covered under logical reasoning include statements & assumptions, syllogisms, puzzles, constraint-based reasoning, proposition testing, course of action, assertion and reason, input-output relations, conclusion estimation from passages, cause-and-effect reasoning, theme detection, and others.

Divisions of Logical Reasoning

The logical reasoning questions can be further divided into verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Some of the topics covered under these categories are provided below:

1. Verbal Reasoning: analogy, series completion, blood relations, Venn diagrams, sequential output tracing, ranking & time sequence test, alphabet test, logical sequence of words, inserting the missing character, data sufficiency, arithmetical reasoning questions, coding-decoding, puzzle test, eligibility test, situation reaction test, assertion & reason, etc.
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning: mirror images, reverse images, spotting embedded figures, figure matrix, paper folding, cubes & dice, construction of squares & triangles, grouping of identical figures, paper cutting, rule detection, dot situation, figure formation & analysis, series, classification, analogy, etc.

Note: A large majority of the logic reasoning ability questions overlap among the categories of reasoning and are flexibly utilised.

Common Types of Reasoning Questions in Exams

Here are some of the major types of logic reasoning ability questions that are most commonly used or asked in different competitive exams for different recruitments, intakes, etc.

1. Type 1: Coding-Decoding
2. Type 2: Seating Arrangement
3. Type 3: Alphanumeric Series
4. Type 4: Puzzle Test
5. Type 5: Logical Reasoning
6. Type 6: Blood Relations
7. Type 7: Ranking or Direction Test
8. Type 8: Data Sufficiency Test
9. Type 9: Syllogism Questions

Also Read: How to Speak Fluent English in 30 Days?

Popular Competitive Exams with Reasoning Questions

Almost every competitive exam consists of reasoning questions. Here are some of the most popular competitive exams that will require you to solve reasoning questions. Hence, while preparing for these exams, ensure that you have prepared accordingly.

1. CAT
2. NTSE
3. SCRA
4. AFCAT
5. SSC CGL exam
6. AMCAT
7. RBI
8. Railway Recruitment Exams
9. LIC
10. IBPS
11. UPSC CSE exam
12. Bank PO

Sample of Reasoning Questions With Answers

There are many types of reasoning ability questions, each testing different thinking skills. Let’s look at a few important reasoning questions with answers from categories like verbal, non-verbal, logical, and analytical reasoning.

Logical Reasoning Questions

Here are some of the logical reasoning questions to test your critical thinking and analytical skills. Such questions also measure your problem-solving and quick decision-making skills. If you can answer such questions, you can have an edge in clearing competitive exams.

Q1. In a family, there is a husband, two sons and two daughters. All the ladies were invited to a dinner. Both sons went out to play. The husband did not return from the office. Who was at home?

A. Only the wife was at home
B. Nobody was at home
C. Only sons were at home
D. All ladies were at home

Answer: B

Q2. In Arun’s opinion, his weight is greater than 65 kg but less than 72 kg. His brother doesn’t agree with Arun, and he thinks that Arun’s weight is greater than 60 kg but less than 70 kg. His mother’s view is that his weight cannot be greater than 68 kg. If all of them are correct in their estimation, what is the average of the different probable weights of Arun?

A. 67 kg
B. 68 kg
C. 69 kg
D. Data inadequate

Answer: A

Blood Relations Reasoning Questions

These questions test your understanding of relationships and family connections. Generally, these questions require you to identify the relations through coded statements or puzzles.

Q3. If ‘X$Y’ means ‘X is father of Y’; ‘X # Y’ means ‘X is mother of Y’; ‘X × Y’ means ‘X is sister of Y’, then how is D related to N in N # A $ B × D?

A. Nephew
B. Grandson
C. Granddaughter
D. Cannot be Determined

Answer:D

Q4. Pointing to a photograph, a man said, “I have no brother or sister but that man’s father is my father’s son.” Whose photograph was it?

A. His own
B. His Son
C. His Father
D. His Grandfather

Answer: C

Coding- Decoding Reasoning Questions

The coding and decoding reasoning questions assess your ability to identify patterns in letters, numbers, or symbols. You will be required to interpret a given code into meaningful information.

Q5. If in a certain language, MADRAS is coded as NBESBT, how is BOMBAY coded in that code?

A. CPNCBX
B. CPNCBZ
C. CPOCBZ
D. CQOCBZ

Answer: B

Q6. In code language, if POSE is coded as OQNPRTDF, then the word TYPE will be coded as

A. SUXZOQFD
B. SUXZQOFD
C. SUXZOQDF
D. SUXZQODE

Answer: C

Puzzle Test

The puzzle test assesses your analytical thinking and problem-solving ability. Often, you are required to arrange data or people based on the given conditions. With adequate practice, puzzle solving can become easier for you.

Q7. Four usual dice are thrown on the ground. The total of numbers on the top faces of these four dice is 13, as the top faces showed 4, 3, 1 and 5, respectively. What is the total of the faces touching the ground?

A. 12
B. 13
C. 15
D. Cannot be determined

Answer: C

Direction Test

A direction test determines your spatial reasoning ability. You have to follow movements or turns to identify positions.

Q8. I am facing East. Turning to the right, I go 20 m, then turning to the left, I go 20 m and then turning to the right, I go 20 m, then again turning to the right, I go 40 m, and then again, I go 40 m to the right. In which direction am I from my original position?

A. North
B. West
C. South
D. East

Answer: B

Q9.A river flows west to east and, on the way, turns left and goes in a semi-circle around a hillock and then turns left at right angles. In which direction is the river finally flowing?

A. West
B. East
C. North
D. South

Answer: B

Seating Arrangement Reasoning Questions

Such questions often test your logical arrangement and visualisation skills. Questions can be based on linear, circular or complex seating patterns.

Q10. A, B, C, D, E, and F are sitting in a row. E and F are in the centre. A and B are at the ends. C is sitting to the left of A. Who is to the right of B?

A. D
B. C
C. A
D. F

Answer: B

Q11. Q, R, S, and T are sitting on a bench. P is sitting next to Q, R is sitting next to S, and S is not sitting with T, who is on the left end of the bench.R is in the second position from the right.P is to the right of Q, and T. P and R are sitting together. In which position P is sitting?

A. Between Q and S
B. Between Q and R
C. Between T and S
D. Between R and T

Answer: B

Alphanumeric Series

The alphanumeric series consists of questions that would combine letters, numbers, and often symbols in patterns. Such questions are meant to test your observation, memory and the skill to identify patterns or sequences.

Q12. Find the missing element in the series given below:
ABD EFH IJL MNP QRT?

A. ZXA
B. WXY
C. XYZ
D. UVX

Answer: D

Q13. Find the missing element in the series given below:
ACE? MOQ …..SUW

A. EFH
B. GIL
C. GIK
D. GIM

Answer: C

Syllogism Reasoning Questions

The syllogism reasoning questions measure your deductive reasoning through logical statements. Your ability to conclude valid results from a given context is tested. To solve such questions quickly, you need to understand Venn diagrams and logical rules.

There will be 3 statements that will be given in the questions mentioned below, followed by conclusions: I, II, III, IV. You must accept the provided claims as true, even if they appear to contradict generally known truths. Read the conclusions and then evaluate which of the supplied conclusions logically follows from the given assertions, considering widely known facts.

Q14. Statements: Some dogs are rats. All cats are chairs. All rats are cats.
Conclusion:
I: Some dogs are cats
II: All cats are rats
III: All chairs are dogs
IV: All cats are dogs

A. Only I & II follow
B. Only II follows
C. Only I & IV follow
D. None of these

Answer: D

Q15. Statements: Some ships are boats. All boats are submarines. Some submarines are watches. Conclusion:

I. Some watches are boats.
II: Some submarines are boats.
III: Some submarines are ships.
IV: Some watches are ships.

A. All follow
B. Only II and III follow
C. Only III follows
D. Only IV follow

Answer: B

Number Series

The number series problems test your ability to identify numerical patterns. You are required to predict the next number or even find a missing term.

Q16. What number follows in the sequence: 48, 24, 12, ……?

1. 2
2. 4
3. 6
4. 8

Answer: C

These were a few examples of reasoning ability questions with answers. The variety of reasoning questions is limitless, and you can explore different sources for more practice. The more you practice, the clearer your understanding of the concepts will become.

Also Read: Omission Exercises!

Reasoning Questions Practice Worksheet

Below, we’ve provided a Reasoning Ability Questions Practice Worksheet in PDF format. You can download it and start practising right away.

How to Approach Questions Based on Logical Reasoning

The right way to approach logical problems is to balance speed, accuracy and strategy. You need to understand the problem type and then apply the process of elimination. Otherwise, you can apply diagrammatic methods. Practise consistently and manage time. The following are some methods for resolving issues and solutions, including logical reasoning:

1. Carefully read and comprehend the content.
2. Analyze important logical data.
3. Consider all of the alternatives.
4. Compared to other options, compare the result.
5. Reach the proper logical conclusion.

Watch this logical reasoning questions tutorial series to better understand how to solve reasoning questions. You will learn to solve direction test, seating arrangement, and other types of reasoning questions.

Tips to Crack Reasoning Questions

Owing to the vast types of reasoning questions asked by exam-setters every year, as well as their obsession with twisting easy ones into dreaded nightmares, cracking this section requires consistent effort, motivation and, most importantly, a whole lot of practice. To help you with your preparation efforts, here are a few pieces of advice that you must remember.

1. Keep the best of resources by your side. While preparing for competitive exams, materials that follow the latest syllabus are an important prerequisite. It not only aids your direction of preparation but also helps you work on your strong and weak areas.
2. Read the logical reasoning ability questions carefully. The answer to the question is often hidden in plain sight, but the barrier of jargon and sentences leads you in a different direction. To not regret wasting precious time on petty calculations, read every question meticulously and then answer it.
3. Do not use your prior information or knowledge. Reasoning questions on syllogism and word problems are not accurately based on real-life situations and often make assumptions. So, answer logic reasoning ability questions on the information mentioned and not anything else.
4. Terminologies & Triggers. One out of five questions may contain a few terminologies or triggers, prior knowledge of which helps you get to your answers quickly. These types of reasoning questions include ‘should be’ or ‘must be’ and sports, finance, and basic science, amongst others.

Also Read: Exam Tricks for Competitive Exam Aspirants

Top Books for Preparing Reasoning Questions for Competitive Exams 

Here is a list of the top books for preparing logical reasoning questions. One book can be useful for preparing for multiple exams. The book name and the author name are provided for your reference.

S. No.	Book Name	Author(s)	Best For (Exams)
1	A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	Dr. R. S. Aggarwal	SSC, Bank PO/Clerk, Railway, MBA (MAT/CMAT), UPSC-CSAT, etc.
2	A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	Dr. R. S. Aggarwal	Bank PO/Clerk, SSC CGL/CHSL, RBI Grade B, CDS/Defence, Civil Services
3	Analytical Reasoning	M. K. Pandey	CAT, CLAT, Management & Law Entrance Exams
4	How to Crack the Test of Reasoning: In All Competitive Exams	Arihant Experts	SSC, Bank PO, MBA, State PSC, etc.
5	Magical Book on Puzzle Test	K. K. Verma	Puzzle-heavy exams like CAT, SSC, Banking PO/Clerical
6	Test of Reasoning for All Competitive Examinations	Edgar Thorpe (revised by Showick / Vandana Thorpe)	UPSC, State PSCs, CLAT, SSC, Bank Exams
7	Analytical Reasoning (detailed, conceptual)	M. K. Pandey	In-depth reasoning prep, useful for high-level exams (e.g., CAT, GMAT)
8	General Reasoning Ability for Competitive Exams	Disha Experts	SSC, Banking, CUET, Defence, Railway, Insurance, etc.
9	Reasoning Topic-Wise Practice Set Book For All One-Day Competitive Exams	Radian Book Company	SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, RRB, Railway NTPC, Police exams
10	A New Approach to Reasoning	B. S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali	SSC, CAT, MBA, IBPS, Railways, PSC, etc.

Practising reasoning questions will help you clear competitive exams like UPSC and SSC. Reasoning questions are sure to come in any paper. You can practise the above questions, and even read some excellent books and practise questions to improve your speed and accuracy.

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The overriding success mantra for nailing reasoning questions in competitive examinations is the clichéd but effective policy of ‘practising hard continuously.’ However, almost as important is to work through a well-planned and structured strategy based on your strong points.

The study abroad experts at Leverage Edu can help you prepare the right strategy for the competitive exam you appear in so that you can sail through your exam with flying colours. For the latest updates around study blogs, you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.