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Input Output Reasoning Formulas, Concepts, Short Tricks, and Tips

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:

ExamNo. of QuestionsDifficulty
SSC CGL / CHSL (Mostly in Tier 2)1–2Easy
IBPS PO / SBI PO (Mostly in Mains)3-4Moderate – Hard
RRB NTPC / Group D1Easy
State PSC / Police1–2Moderate

Input Output Reasoning Short Notes

Input-Output problems mostly follow a fixed transformation logic like alphabet shifts, word swaps, or numeric patterns.

TermMeaning
InputThe starting sequence (numbers/words/alphabets)
StepIntermediate rearrangement using a defined pattern
Final OutputThe result after all steps are applied
Logic PatternHidden rule used to transform the input
Lexical OrderDictionary-based ordering of words
Numeric ShiftReplacing numbers based on some arithmetic rule
Left/Right ShiftingReordering elements from one end
Alternate SwappingSwapping elements in alternate steps

Concepts Used in Input Out Reasoning Questions

Concepts that are mostly used in Input Output reasoning questions are as follows:

ConceptDetails
Input-Output LogicStep-by-step rearrangement based on a hidden pattern
Directional ShiftsElements move from left/right depending on rules
Word-based TransformationRearrangement based on length or lexicographic order
Number-based LogicSorting, addition, subtraction-based transformations
Position MarkingObserving position changes across steps
Mixed PatternCombination 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:

Input Output Reasoning Formulas

There are no numeric formulas like in maths, but here are the logic patterns applied while solving these questions:

Input Output Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams

Some of the quick hacks to solve Input Output problems faster:

  1. Observe the first and last step carefully – they reveal the logic.
  2. Note what changes between steps – focus only on that.
  3. Check if numbers or words are sorted – ascending/descending order.
  4. Track only the first and last positions initially to spot patterns.
  5. Write all steps yourself if needed – don’t try to shortcut in exams.
  6. Ignore irrelevant details in puzzle-based questions.
  7. 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:

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Input Output

While solving Input Output reasoning questions, candidates must keep the following in mind:

  1. Skipping Step Analysis – Don’t assume; check each step change.
  2. Ignoring Word/Number Type – Words and numbers may follow different logic.
  3. Not Writing Steps – Visualizing all steps helps in catching the pattern.
  4. Assuming Single Logic – Some questions mix multiple transformation rules.
  5. Wasting Time in SSC Tier 1 – Skip if it takes too long, low weightage.

FAQs

Q1. How many steps are usually there in Input Output questions?

Most questions have 4–6 steps, but it varies based on the complexity of the pattern.

Q2. Are Input Output questions time-consuming?

Yes, if not practiced regularly. But with proper logic spotting, they can be solved quickly.

Q3. Do Input Output questions follow a fixed formula?

No mathematical formula, but they follow logical rules or repeatable patterns that act like mental formulas.

Q4. What is the fastest way to solve Input Output questions?

Observe step-by-step changes between inputs to quickly decode the rule, then apply it to the given step.

Q5. What are symbol-based Input Output questions?

They involve rearranging inputs with symbols using positional or coded rules.