Logical Reasoning and Intelligence
Reasoning questions test pattern recognition under time pressure. Common types are number and letter series, analogies, odd-one-out, coding-decoding, direction sense, blood relations, syllogisms, and seating or ordering puzzles.
Techniques by type
- Series: check differences first, then ratios, then alternating sub-series (two interleaved patterns).
- Analogies: state the relationship in words ("is the capital of", "is the young of") before choosing.
- Coding: write the letter positions A=1 … Z=26 and test shift patterns.
- Direction sense: draw a quick sketch; never solve direction problems in your head.
- Blood relations: draw a family tree, using separate symbols for male and female.
- Syllogisms: reason only from the stated premises, never from real-world truth.
Traps to expect
- Alternating series disguised as one series.
- Reversed relationships in analogies (part-to-whole vs whole-to-part).
- Direction questions where a turn is described relative to the person, not the page.
- Syllogisms where a plausible real-world fact contradicts the premises.
Rule of thumb
Spend the first five seconds identifying the category of the question, then apply that category's fixed method. Naming the type prevents wasted time.
Worked example: Series 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ? - differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, so the next difference is 12 and the answer is 42.