Logical Reasoning and Aptitude
What you must know
Expect number and letter series, analogies, syllogisms, spatial reasoning, coding-decoding, and data interpretation. The skills tested are pattern recognition, deductive validity, and speed under time pressure. Practice under timed conditions so accuracy does not collapse.
Traps that appear
- Series with two interleaved rules: odd and even positions may follow different patterns; check both.
- Syllogisms: judge validity by the form, not by whether the conclusion is true in reality. “All A are B; some B are C” does not imply “some A are C”.
- Distractors: answers that are plausible but not entailed by the premises.
- Overthinking: the simplest consistent rule is usually intended.
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. Alternatively, the terms are (n(n+1)) for (n=1,2,3,\dots)
Rule of thumb
For series, compute first differences, then second differences if needed. For syllogisms, draw quick circles representing sets and test whether the conclusion must hold in every arrangement.