Best Way to Prepare for the Reasoning Ability Section (Comprehensive Guide)
The reasoning ability section is a crucial part of many competitive exams, including banking, SSC, UPSC, CAT, GRE, GMAT, and placement tests. It evaluates your logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and decision-making ability. Below is a step-by-step strategy to master this section.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Different exams have varying reasoning patterns. However, most reasoning sections are divided into:
a) Verbal Reasoning (Logical & Analytical)
- Syllogism
- Statement & Assumption
- Statement & Conclusion
- Cause & Effect
- Critical Reasoning
- Blood Relations
- Seating Arrangement (Linear & Circular)
- Puzzles (Box, Floor, etc.)
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction Sense
b) Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Figure Series
- Mirror & Water Images
- Paper Folding
- Embedded Figures
- Cubes & Dice
c) Quantitative & Analytical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
- Decision Making
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation (for some exams)
d) Miscellaneous Topics
- Odd One Out
- Analogies
- Calendar Problems
- Clocks
2. Master the Basics
Before solving questions, learn the fundamental concepts of each reasoning type.
- For Verbal Reasoning: Understand syllogisms, logical deductions, and critical reasoning techniques.
- For Non-Verbal Reasoning: Develop visualization skills by practicing figure-based questions.
- For Analytical Reasoning: Strengthen problem-solving strategies with shortcut methods.
📌 Best Resources to Learn Basics
Books:
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning – M.K. Pandey
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning – Arun Sharma
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review – GMAC (for higher-level reasoning)
Online Platforms:
- Unacademy, Udemy, Byju’s, Testbook, Career Power
- YouTube Channels (Study IQ, Adda247, Mahendras, Khan Academy)
3. Practice Topic-wise
🔹 Break down the syllabus into small topics and practice one at a time.
Example:
- Week 1 – Syllogism, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement
- Week 2 – Coding-Decoding, Statement & Conclusion, Direction Sense
- Week 3 – Puzzles, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency
📌 How to Approach Each Topic
- Understand the Concept – Learn definitions, formulas, and types.
- Learn Shortcuts & Tricks – Many reasoning problems have pattern-based solutions.
- Solve Easy Questions First – Start with basic examples to build confidence.
- Move to Moderate & Hard Questions – Once comfortable, attempt tricky problems.
4. Use Shortcuts & Tricks
Reasoning problems can be time-consuming. Using shortcuts can significantly improve speed.
Here are a few examples:
- Syllogisms: Use Venn Diagrams to simplify logical conclusions.
- Seating Arrangement: Draw a rough diagram to visualize positions.
- Blood Relations: Use family tree representation instead of wordy explanations.
- Number Series: Identify patterns (addition, multiplication, squares, cubes).
📌 Pro Tip: Make a personal handbook of tricks & shortcuts.
5. Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
Why?
- Helps understand question patterns.
- Builds exam temperament.
- Improves time management.
How?
- Solve at least 10 previous year papers.
- Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly.
- Analyze mistakes & improve weak areas.
📌 Best Websites for Mock Tests & Previous Papers
- Oliveboard
- Gradeup
- Testbook
- Adda247
- BankersAdda
6. Work on Speed & Accuracy
- Start with timed practice sessions.
- Use a stopwatch while solving reasoning sets.
- Avoid guesswork, especially in exams with negative marking.
📌 Pro Tip:
- First, solve easy & direct questions (e.g., blood relations, coding-decoding).
- Then move to medium difficulty (e.g., syllogisms, input-output).
- Solve hard questions (e.g., puzzles, seating arrangements) only if time permits.
7. Improve Logical Thinking
- Play Mind Games like Sudoku, Chess, Rubik’s Cube.
- Solve Riddles & Brain Teasers from platforms like Lumosity, BrainBashers.
- Read Puzzle Books like Shakuntala Devi’s Puzzles to Puzzle You.
8. Maintain a Consistent Practice Routine
| Week | Topic Focus | Daily Practice |
|---------|---------------|-----------------|
| Week 1 | Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Directions | 15-20 Questions |
| Week 2 | Coding-Decoding, Odd One Out, Series | 15-20 Questions |
| Week 3 | Seating Arrangements, Puzzles | 20+ Questions |
| Week 4 | Mock Tests, Full-Length Practice | 1-2 Mock Tests |
9. Stay Updated with Exam Trends
- Follow reasoning updates & strategies on platforms like Quora, Telegram Groups, YouTube.
- Join online reasoning groups for doubts & discussions.
10. Last-Minute Strategy (Exam Hall Tips)
- Attempt easy questions first (Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Directions).
- Keep track of time (don’t spend too long on puzzles).
- Eliminate wrong options in multiple-choice questions.
- Stay calm & focused—logical thinking requires a clear mind.
Final Summary
✅ Understand Exam Pattern & Syllabus
✅ Learn Concepts & Shortcuts
✅ Practice Topic-wise Questions
✅ Solve Previous Year Papers & Mocks
✅ Work on Speed & Accuracy
✅ Train Logical Thinking with Mind Games
✅ Follow a Consistent Study Plan
✅ Stay Updated with Trends & Tips