Logical Reasoning and Aptitude
What this domain tests
Logical Reasoning and Aptitude tests pattern detection, deduction, spatial and directional reasoning, and quantitative aptitude under time pressure. The maths is usually simple; the difficulty is in reading the rule correctly and avoiding unstated assumptions.
Core rules
- Number series: check differences, ratios, alternating series, squares/cubes and digit patterns.
- Analogies: identify the exact relationship (function, part–whole, cause–effect, synonym) before choosing.
- Syllogisms: draw a Venn diagram; some A are B does not imply some B are not A; all A are B does not imply all B are A.
- Coding–decoding: write the alphabet with positions; test shift, reversal and position-based rules.
- Directions: sketch the path; track facing direction separately from movement direction.
- Data sufficiency: decide whether the data given is enough, not what the answer is.
Worked example
Find the next term: 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, __. Reasoning: differences are 3, 5, 7, 9 - consecutive odd numbers - so the next difference is 11 and the term is 38. A second check: each term equals n² + 2 for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, giving 1+2=3, 4+2=6, 9+2=11, 16+2=18, 25+2=27; n = 6 gives 36+2=38. The two rules agree.
Traps
- Forcing a familiar rule onto a series that has a simpler alternating pattern.
- In syllogisms, reversing all A are B.
- Ignoring units, percentages and not in the question stem.
- Spending too long on one item; leave it and return if time permits.