Reasoning
What is tested
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: number and letter series, analogies, classification, coding–decoding, blood relations, direction sense, seating arrangement, syllogism, and figure-based items (mirror image, paper folding, embedded figures, figure series).
Core rules
- Letter series: fix A=1 to Z=26; reverse pairs (A–Z, B–Y) sum to 27.
- Coding: test a constant shift (+1, −2), reversal, or letter position values before assuming a pattern.
- Blood relations: draw a family tree; mark males and females separately, with horizontal links for siblings and spouses.
- Directions: sketch the path; a left turn while facing south points east.
- Syllogism: use Venn diagrams; 'some' does not imply 'all', and a conclusion must hold in every possible diagram.
- Seating: fix one reference person first, then place others using left/right as that person faces.
Worked example
If MANGO is coded as OCPIQ, how is APPLE coded? Compare letters: M→O (+2), A→C (+2), N→P (+2), G→I (+2), O→Q (+2). Applying the same +2 shift: A→C, P→R, P→R, L→N, E→G, giving CRRNG. When a shift crosses Z, wrap around to A.
Traps
- Applying the pattern in the reverse direction (encoding versus decoding).
- In blood relations, confusing 'maternal uncle' with 'father's brother'.
- Assuming a series is arithmetic when alternate terms follow different rules.
- In syllogism, accepting a conclusion that is merely possible rather than certain.