Reasoning and Mental Ability
Reasoning and Mental Ability tests pattern recognition, logical deduction and spatial understanding. Questions are usually independent; accuracy depends on a disciplined step-by-step method.
Core rules and concepts
- Series: check differences, ratios, squares/cubes, and alternating patterns.
- Coding-decoding: identify the shift (e.g., +2, -1) or reversal; apply the same rule to the target word.
- Blood relations: draw a family tree; use gender-neutral symbols until gender is confirmed.
- Direction sense: fix north and track turns; net displacement uses Pythagoras when turns are at right angles.
- Syllogism: a conclusion must follow in all possible diagrams; 'some' does not imply 'all'.
- Seating and puzzles: start with fixed positions, then fill definite negatives.
Worked example
If TEACHER is coded as VGCEJGT, how is STUDENT coded? Compare letters: T->V (+2), E->G (+2), A->C (+2). The rule is each letter moved two places forward. Apply to STUDENT: S->U, T->V, U->W, D->F, E->G, N->P, T->V, giving UVWFGPV.
Traps that cost marks
Do not assume a coding rule from one pair; verify on a second letter. In blood relations, 'my mother's only son' may be the speaker himself. In directions, a left turn after facing south changes the heading; draw it. In syllogism, avoid converting 'some A are B' into 'some B are A' unless the statement permits it.