The Input Output topic in reasoning is a pattern-based question type that appears mostly in banking and a few advanced-level competitive exams. These questions involve a series of steps to rearrange numbers, words, or symbols based on hidden logic. In this blog, we have provided all the details about Input Output reasoning from basic concepts and types to quick tricks, formulas, solved examples from recent (2024–25) exams, and more.
What Is Input Output in Reasoning?
In reasoning, Input-Output questions test your ability to observe, decode, and apply patterns to transform input into output through logical steps. A sequence of words, numbers, or alphanumeric strings is rearranged following a hidden pattern. Your task is to identify and apply the logic behind the steps.
These questions mostly come in Banking exams like IBPS and SBI, and occasionally in SSC and RRB exams, especially in tier 2 papers. Solving these questions requires pattern recognition, logical sequencing, and step-by-step execution.
Why Is Input Output Important in Competitive Exams?
Input Output questions are common in exams that assess reasoning and analytical thinking. These questions help examiners test your:
- Attention to detail
- Speed of decoding logic
- Efficiency in following sequences
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL (Mostly in Tier 2) | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO (Mostly in Mains) | 3-4 | Moderate – Hard |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Input Output Reasoning Short Notes
Input-Output problems mostly follow a fixed transformation logic like alphabet shifts, word swaps, or numeric patterns.
| Term | Meaning |
| Input | The starting sequence (numbers/words/alphabets) |
| Step | Intermediate rearrangement using a defined pattern |
| Final Output | The result after all steps are applied |
| Logic Pattern | Hidden rule used to transform the input |
| Lexical Order | Dictionary-based ordering of words |
| Numeric Shift | Replacing numbers based on some arithmetic rule |
| Left/Right Shifting | Reordering elements from one end |
| Alternate Swapping | Swapping elements in alternate steps |
Concepts Used in Input Out Reasoning Questions
Concepts that are mostly used in Input Output reasoning questions are as follows:
| Concept | Details |
| Input-Output Logic | Step-by-step rearrangement based on a hidden pattern |
| Directional Shifts | Elements move from left/right depending on rules |
| Word-based Transformation | Rearrangement based on length or lexicographic order |
| Number-based Logic | Sorting, addition, subtraction-based transformations |
| Position Marking | Observing position changes across steps |
| Mixed Pattern | Combination of multiple logics (word + number rules) |
What Are the Types of Input Output Questions in Reasoning?
Input Output questions have various forms. Some of the common types of questions that are asked are as follows:
- Direct: A basic sequence rearranged using a clear rule.
- Puzzle-based: Includes a storyline or statement with steps.
- Coded (symbol-based): Use of symbols or codes instead of direct values.
- Mixed-concept reasoning: Blend of number, word, and symbol logic.
Input Output Reasoning Formulas
There are no numeric formulas like in maths, but here are the logic patterns applied while solving these questions:
- If the words are arranged, look for alphabetical or word-length order.
- If the numbers are arranged, test for ascending, descending, or alternation.
- Combine operations like:
- Step 1: Largest number to front
- Step 2: Smallest word to last
- Repeat the cycle.
- If steps repeat a pattern, identify the recurrence logic.
- Look for mirror steps: e.g., sorting from both ends.
Input Output Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Some of the quick hacks to solve Input Output problems faster:
- Observe the first and last step carefully – they reveal the logic.
- Note what changes between steps – focus only on that.
- Check if numbers or words are sorted – ascending/descending order.
- Track only the first and last positions initially to spot patterns.
- Write all steps yourself if needed – don’t try to shortcut in exams.
- Ignore irrelevant details in puzzle-based questions.
- Skip if time-consuming in SSC – low weightage in Tier 1.
Solved Input Output Questions from 2024–25 Exams
Some sample questions based on recent exams:
Question 1
Exam: IBPS PO Prelims 2024
Input: 61 high 24 fast 89 road 36
Step I: 89 61 high 24 fast road 36
Step II: 89 61 fast high 24 road 36
Step III: 89 61 fast 36 high 24 road
Question: What will be the final output?
Answer: Step IV: 89 61 fast 36 high 24 road
Explanation: Numbers arranged descending, words alphabetically. Final step achieved at Step IV.
Question 2
Exam: SBI PO Mains 2024 (Memory-Based)
Input: step 49 83 pattern 17 move 65
Step I: 83 step 49 pattern 17 move 65
Step II: 83 65 step 49 pattern 17 move
Question: What will be Step III?
Answer: 83 65 49 step pattern 17 move
Explanation: Numbers descending to left; words arranged to the right.
Question 3
Exam: SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Shift 2
Input: 54 apple 93 cat 12 zoo
Step I: 93 54 apple cat 12 zoo
Step II: 93 54 apple cat 12 zoo
Answer: Pattern based on odd-even position not applied; hence, no change after Step I.
Input Output Concepts for Bank Exams
Bank exams like IBPS, SBI, and RBI often use complex Input-Output patterns:
- Use coded logic (e.g., Step I: odd numbers move right, even move left).
- Combine symbol-based codes with positional logic.
- Example: Input: @32 %high 91 *low 48
Step I: 91 %high @32 *low 48
Symbols retained, numbers sorted, words stay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Input Output
While solving Input Output reasoning questions, candidates must keep the following in mind:
- Skipping Step Analysis – Don’t assume; check each step change.
- Ignoring Word/Number Type – Words and numbers may follow different logic.
- Not Writing Steps – Visualizing all steps helps in catching the pattern.
- Assuming Single Logic – Some questions mix multiple transformation rules.
- Wasting Time in SSC Tier 1 – Skip if it takes too long, low weightage.
FAQs
Most questions have 4–6 steps, but it varies based on the complexity of the pattern.
Yes, if not practiced regularly. But with proper logic spotting, they can be solved quickly.
No mathematical formula, but they follow logical rules or repeatable patterns that act like mental formulas.
Observe step-by-step changes between inputs to quickly decode the rule, then apply it to the given step.
They involve rearranging inputs with symbols using positional or coded rules.
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