Input-Output Reasoning for Bank Exams, With Examples

Input-output reasoning is an essential part of the Reasoning Ability section in competitive bank exams such as IBPS PO, SBI PO, RBI Assistant, and IBPS Clerk. These questions evaluate a candidate’s ability to recognize patterns and reorder a set of data, whether numbers or words, according to specific rules. With regular practice and a strong grasp of the concepts, candidates can quickly solve these questions, which boosts their scores.

Input-Output Reasoning for Bank Exams: Types

Several variations of Input-Output questions appear in bank exams. Below are the most common types:

1. Alphabetical and Numerical Rearrangement
   In this type, the sequence of numbers or words is rearranged either alphabetically or numerically, often from left to right or right to left. For example, a word list might be arranged in alphabetical order, or numbers might be sorted in ascending or descending order. Candidates must arrange both types of elements according to the instructions provided.
2. Position Interchange
   In these questions, the positions of certain numbers or words are swapped based on a specific pattern. Candidates must recognize the rule governing the interchange to rearrange the data step by step.
3. Mathematical Operations
   These questions require applying mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of numbers. The operations might be directly applied to the numbers or based on their properties, like the sum of digits or ASCII value for letters.
4. Single-End Shifting
   Here, numbers or words are shifted from one end only—either the rightmost or leftmost end. Identifying which end the rearrangement begins from is key to solving the problem.
5. Double-End Shifting
   In this more complex variant, numbers or words are rearranged from both ends of the series simultaneously. For example, the smallest element might move from the right while the largest element moves from the left. Mastering the shifting pattern is crucial to solving such questions.
6. Box Arrangement
   Numbers or letters are placed in boxes, and rearranged based on a rule applied at each step. Identifying the operations within the boxes helps predict the subsequent steps.

Common Patterns in Input-Output Questions

In Input-Output questions, recognizing patterns is crucial to solving the problem efficiently. These patterns dictate how the numbers or words are rearranged or manipulated in each step. Some common patterns seen in Input-Output questions for bank exams include:

1. Alphabetical Rearrangement
   Word-based questions often require candidates to arrange words alphabetically. These can be arranged in either ascending (A to Z) or descending (Z to A) order, depending on the instructions.
2. Numerical Rearrangement
   Number-based questions involve rearranging numbers either in ascending or descending order. Additional operations like adding or subtracting a constant value to each number can also be included.
3. Positional Shifts
   These questions focus on shifting the position of numbers or words. For instance, the smallest number might be moved to the leftmost position while the largest is placed at the rightmost.
4. Alphanumeric Manipulation
   In these questions, both numbers and letters are rearranged based on distinct rules. For instance, the numbers may follow one pattern, such as descending order, while the words follow an alphabetical order.

How to Approach Input-Output Reasoning for Bank Exams?

Input-Output questions in bank exams test your ability to recognize patterns and rearrange data logically. While these questions might seem tricky at first, they can be tackled efficiently by following a systematic approach. Here are some steps to help you solve Input-Output questions effectively:

1. Observe the Pattern
   Begin by carefully examining the input and output. The first step is crucial, as it often reveals the logic applied in subsequent steps.
2. Work Step-by-Step
   Record each step systematically. This ensures that no detail is missed and that the rules are applied consistently.
3. Visualize Movements
   Try to understand the direction in which the numbers or words are shifting. Recognizing whether the movement is from one end or both ends will help speed up the process.
4. Skip Detailed Calculations When Possible
   Once you’ve recognized the pattern, you may be able to predict the final output without performing every intermediate step.

Sample Input-Output Question

Here are some samples questions for Input-Output questions for Bank Exams:

Directions: Given a number arrangement machine, it rearranges a series of numbers according to a specific pattern. Study the following example.

Input:
85 12 63 25 41 31 54 92 23 67

Step I:
13 85 25 41 31 54 92 23 67 64

Step II:
65 13 85 25 41 54 92 23 64 32

Step III:
83 65 13 85 25 92 23 64 32 42

Step IV:
23 83 65 13 85 92 64 32 42 51

Step V:
45 23 83 65 13 64 32 42 51 93

Final Output:
Step V is the last step of the arrangement.

Explanation:
The logic applied in this series is as follows:

• Even numbers are placed at the end, in ascending order after subtracting 1 from each number.
• Odd numbers are placed at the beginning, in descending order with each digit reversed (e.g., 63 becomes 36).

Practice Questions:

1. What is the third element from the right in Step III?
   (a) 85
   (b) 25
   (c) 42
   (d) 64
   (e) 92
2. In Step IV, what number is placed between 65 and 64?
   (a) 83
   (b) 25
   (c) 32
   (d) 92
   (e) 42

Answers:
Q1. (c)
Q2. (d)

By understanding these patterns and practicing consistently, candidates can improve their efficiency in solving Input-Output questions for bank exams, leading to higher scores and better overall performance.

---

• 
  IBPS RRB Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Strategy, How to Score 35+?
• 
  UCO Bank LBO Admit Card 2025 Out for Interview, LPT, and DV
• 
  UCO Bank LBO Result 2025 Out, Local Bank Officer Result PDF
• 
  UCO Bank LBO Salary 2025, Pay Structure and Benefits
• 
  Union Bank LBO Result 2025 Out, Download Link
• 
  SWOT Analysis for Bank Interviews: Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses

---