Mental Ability and Logical Reasoning
What this domain tests
This section tests number series, analogies, coding-decoding, syllogisms, blood relations, directions, seating arrangements, clocks, calendars, cubes and non-verbal reasoning. Speed matters, but the first step is identifying the pattern type.
Core approaches
- In series, check differences, ratios, squares and alternating patterns.
- In syllogisms, draw minimal overlapping circles; conclude only what is certain.
- In blood relations, convert statements into a family tree and mark gender.
- In directions, fix north and track left/right turns from the facing direction.
- In calendars, use odd days; in clocks, use relative speed of hour and minute hands.
Worked example
Find the next term: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?. Reasoning: differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, so the next difference is 12. Therefore 30 + 12 = 42. A second check: the terms are 1x2, 2x3, 3x4, 4x5, 5x6, so the next is 6x7 = 42.
Traps that cost marks
In syllogisms, 'some A are B' does not mean 'some B are not A' unless stated. Do not use real-world knowledge to reject a premise. In seating, re-read whether people face the centre or outside.