Why Reasoning is the Game Changer
In SSC CGL, Banking, and Railway exams, Reasoning carries 25-35% of total marks. Unlike GK which needs memorization, reasoning is pure logic — once you learn the tricks, you can score 90%+ consistently.
Most students waste time on reasoning because they solve every question from scratch. Smart students use patterns and shortcuts.
Blood Relations — The Family Tree Method
- Draw a family tree diagram FIRST. Never try to solve in your head.
- Males at top/left with (+), Females at bottom/right with (-).
- Key relationship codes: $ = father, # = mother, @ = brother, * = sister.
- For coded blood relations: Decode the relationship first, then draw the tree.
- Practice tip: Solve 10 blood relation questions daily for 1 week — you will never get them wrong again.
Coding-Decoding — Pattern Recognition
- Type 1 (Letter shift): Check if each letter shifts by same number (+1, +2, -3). Apply same shift to answer.
- Type 2 (Reverse order): COME = EMOC type. Reverse each word.
- Type 3 (Position-based): A=1, B=2... Z=26. Convert letters to numbers, find the pattern.
- Type 4 (Symbol-based): Map symbols to operations. Write it down systematically.
- Speed trick: In exams, check options first. Sometimes only one option has the right pattern.
Syllogism — Venn Diagram Method
- Draw Venn diagrams for ALL statements. Never try to solve mentally.
- All A are B = A circle completely inside B circle.
- Some A are B = A and B circles overlap partially.
- No A is B = A and B circles completely separate.
- Key rule: Particular + Particular = No conclusion. Universal + Particular = Particular conclusion.
- For "Either I or II follows": Check if I and II are complementary (one positive, one negative of the same relationship).
Seating Arrangement — The Grid Method
- Linear arrangement: Draw a horizontal line with positions. Mark fixed positions first.
- Circular arrangement: Draw a circle with numbered positions. Fix one person and work around.
- Start with definite clues (exact positions). Save conditional clues for later.
- Use symbols: → (faces right), ← (faces left), ↑ (faces center), ↓ (faces outside).
- For 8+ person arrangements: Use elimination. Fill what you know, use options to test rest.
- Time limit: If stuck for more than 3 minutes on an arrangement puzzle, skip and return later.
Direction Sense — The Compass Trick
- Always draw a compass (N-E-S-W) on your rough sheet before starting.
- Left turn from North = West. Right turn from North = East.
- Opposite: N↔S, E↔W, NE↔SW, NW↔SE.
- For distance problems: Plot movements on a grid. Use Pythagoras theorem for final distance.
- Shadow trick: Morning shadow = West (sun in East). Evening shadow = East (sun in West).