How To Master Reasoning Ability For IBPS Exams 2022

Master Reasoning Ability For IBPS Exams : Reasoning Ability is one of the most important sections for exams like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS RRB, etc. This section evaluates the thinking capability, reasoning intelligence, and potential of decision making in a candidate. There is a perception of this section being lengthy, tough, and tricky by the candidates because of the complex nature and time-taking structure of questions. However, on the other hand, it is one of the most scoring sections to improve your score in both the Preliminary and Mains stages of various exams. Hence, in this article, we will acquaint you with various tips and strategies which will help you to make reasoning ability a likable topic.

Take Oliveboard’s IBPS PO/Clerk Free Mock Tests

1. Structure of Reasoning Ability for IBPS Exams.

In general, the reasoning ability section consists of two types of questions:

1.1. Verbal Reasoning

In Verbal Reasoning, questions consist of words or sentences that use different logical and analytical concepts. In IBPS exams, we see more questions from verbal reasoning.

1.2. Non-Verbal Reasoning

In Non-Verbal Reasoning, questions consist of pictures and diagrams, or graphical representations. These types of questions are not frequent in the IBPS or other Bank Exams.

For Reasoning Ability Courses Register here.

2. The Pattern of Reasoning Ability for IBPS Exams.

The Reasoning Ability Section is a part of both the prelims and the mains of IBPS exams.

So, the pattern is as given below:

Name of the Exam	Level of the Exam	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration of the Section
IBPS PO	Preliminary	35	35	20 minutes
	Mains	45	60	60 minutes
IBPS Clerk	Preliminary	35	35	20 minutes
	Mains	50	60	45 minutes

However, along with these exams, Reasoning Ability is also a part of both the Preliminary and the Mains examinations of the other IBPS exams like IBPS RRB Officer Scale-I (PO), IBPS RRB Officer Scale-II (General Banking Officer), IBPS RRB Officer Scale – III, IBPS RRB Office Attendant (Clerk), etc., and other SBI Exams (PO/Clerk).

For Free Practice Questions Register Here

3. Important Topics from the Reasoning Ability Section

The list of important topics in the Reasoning Ability Section is as follows:

3.1. Seating Arrangement

Puzzles and various types of seating arrangements like linear, circular, or square-shaped arrangements and floor-based, box, or dates based puzzles are asked in this type.

Generally in the preliminary examination around 2 sets are based on seating arrangements; the level of questions in prelims is on the lower side and you can solve them easily. In the mains examination, you can face around 3 to 4 sets of a higher difficulty level which also proves to be time-consuming.

For Free Practice Questions on Seating Arrangements Register Here

3.2.  Syllogism

Syllogisms are one of the easiest and most scoring topics in this section. In the preliminary examination, one can expect around 3-5 questions on this topic. On the other hand, in the Mains examination, one rarely finds questions on Syllogisms.

For Free Practice Questions on Syllogisms Register Here

3.3. Data Sufficiency

In this topic, you need not solve the whole question but have to check whether the given statements are sufficient to answer the questions or not. Moving to the preliminary examination, we come across sets of questions in which each set consists of two statements and you are required to solve 3 – 5 questions using the statements. In the mains examination, one set consists of three statements, and around 5 questions depending on those statements are asked.

3.4. Blood Relations 

Family diagrams and schematic representations are used in solving this type of question. About 2 – 3 questions are asked in both preliminary and mains examination.

Know all about Blood Relations Here – Concept and Important Tips

3.5. Coding-Decoding

In coding-decoding, words, numbers, or combinations of words and numbers are coded with the help of a particular pattern and you need to decode the pattern. This type is generally asked in the form of sets of 3 – 5 questions. This type can be asked in preliminary as well as mains examination.

Know all about Coding-Decoding Here – Concept and Expert Tips

Practice Coding-Decoding Questions Here

3.6. Inequalities

This is also one of the easiest and most scoring topics of this section. In preliminary examination around 5 questions of easy level are asked. The types of inequality questions asked are Coded inequalities, Data sufficiency inequalities, Non – coded (mathematical) inequalities, Fill in the blanks type inequalities, etc.

3.7. Direction Sense, Ordering, and Ranking

Around 5 – 10 questions are asked from these types. This can be combined with other topics like blood relations, arrangements, etc. to increase the difficulty level. Questions of higher difficulty level are asked in the mains examination. To solve such questions diagrams and schematic representations prove to be of great help.

Find Free Direction Sense questions Here.

3.8. Input-Output

In this type, a set of around 5 questions is asked. You are given an input that consists of words, numbers, symbols, or a combination of these, and following a particular rule, you are expected to find the output. Complex and time – consuming questions of this type are frequently asked in the examinations.

4. The General Approach to Attempt the Reasoning Ability Section

• Identify your strong areas in this section. You can easily figure out this by practicing more and more mock tests. Try to solve as many questions that seem complex and time-consuming to you.

• Identify the less time taking and more time taking problems in the question paper and attempt the less time taking ones first as these are comparatively less complex. Make sure you attempt all these less time taking questions as there are fewer chances of making mistakes in such questions and hence, you can easily increase your cumulative score.
• Read every word with maximum attention and consider all the possibilities while attempting any question.
• First, try to attempt the questions based on relatively easy topics and then go for complex and difficult questions.
• Easy questions generally come from topics like Data Sufficiency, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Inequalities, Ordering and Ranking, etc.
• Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Input-Output, etc., are time-consuming but since they appear in sets so you need to solve the logic behind it as a whole. This may take time and increase the chances of mistakes. Hence, we advise you to attempt these after the easy ones.
• One can improve any area or topic in this section by practicing regularly and analyzing the repeated mistakes.
• Try to practice previous exam papers and analyze the pattern and types of questions asked.

Attempt Various Free Mock Tests Here: Topic Tests, Sectional Tests, and Full Mock Tests.

5. Time Management

While attempting the Reasoning Ability Section, time management plays a crucial role.

You need to attempt 35 questions in just 20 minutes in preliminary and about 45 – 50 questions in 45 – 60 minutes in the mains examination.

To complete the reasoning ability section before the given time you need to follow the tips which are mentioned below:

• While practicing questions make sure you are attempting an easier question within a minute and do not take more than 3 minutes if you are attempting a set of 3 – 5 questions. This is important for preliminary examinations as it is a test of time management. In the mains examination, your accuracy matters the most.
• Make sure that you are attempting the easier and less time taking questions first. Then go for complex, lengthy, and difficult questions.
• Do try to avoid time pressure as it will hamper your performance.
• Do not spend more time on questions that are difficult, even considering your expertise on that particular topic.
• Practice and analyse as many questions and mock tests as you can.

IBPS Exams: General Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to clear the IBPS Exams. 

1. Make Time Table- Many students apply for any exam but then do not study systematically. For systematic study you need a proper time table. So first of all prepare a time table covering all the topics asked in the exam.
2. Read good books: There are plenty of books available in the market, but reading all of them will be of no use. Refer to the standard books only. If you have notes from your coaching institute then refer to them for your preparation.
3. Practice is the key: One thing that sets toppers apart is the habit of Practicing as much as they can. For this exam, Practice is the key, you have to practice a lot of questions before appearing in the actual exam.
4. Mock Tests: Join a mock test series for better understanding of the actual exam level, test series can immensely help you in acing this exam.
5. Previous Year Question Papers: Go through the previous year question papers, It will help you to get a better idea of the level of exam and the kind of questions asked. 

These are the general concepts and tips to master in the reasoning ability section. Try to implement these in your daily preparation of IBPS exams and you will definitely see the improvement in your performance. Do not forget perseverance is the key to achieve the goal. All the best 😀

Also Read :

How To Solve Reading Comprehension in Banking Exams? A complete Guide

Keep practicing and always choose the best for your preparation- Choose Oliveboard!