Symbolic Operation is a logic-based reasoning topic where mathematical symbols are replaced with other symbols or letters. Candidates are required to interpret or decode the actual operations based on the given symbol key. In this blog, we have provided all the details about the core concept, key strategies, shortcuts, solved examples, and exam-specific tricks to help you master Symbolic Operation for SSC, Banking, and other exams in 2024–25.
What Is Symbolic Operation in Reasoning?
Symbolic Operation involves solving questions where familiar mathematical operations like +, –, ×, ÷ are substituted with symbols such as #, @, %, *, etc. Candidates must decode the meaning of these symbols and perform the correct operations in the correct order.
Why it appears in exams:
- Tests logical application and analytical ability
- Focuses on attention to detail and symbol decoding
- Frequently asked in both prelims and mains level of exams
Skills required:
- Decoding symbol-to-operation mapping
- Applying BODMAS rules mentally
- Reverse engineering answers when needed
Why Is Symbolic Operation Important in Competitive Exams?
Symbolic Operation questions test how well candidates can follow non-standard instructions. These questions are typically simple but require close attention to the mapping of operations. They appear across major exams due to their time-bound logic-based nature.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Symbolic Operation Reasoning Short Notes
Symbolic Operation may appear tricky but it becomes straightforward once you understand the given code of operations.
| Term | Explanation |
| Symbol substitution | When symbols replace arithmetic operators |
| BODMAS | Bracket, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction |
| Inverse Operation | Reverse calculation for answer validation |
| Direct Expression | One-step equations with symbol mapping |
| Coded Equation | Multiple symbol-based operations combined |
Concepts Used in Symbolic Operation Questions
The details of the concepts used in symbolic operation questions are as follows:
| Concept | Explanation |
| Symbol Mapping | Replace symbols with actual operations as per the question |
| BODMAS Rule | Maintain proper operator precedence while solving |
| Use of Brackets | Always solve bracket expressions first |
| Mental Calculation | Avoid writing every step for time management |
| Reverse Checking | Verify final answer using reverse logic |
| Skip Complex Operations | Focus on options or elimination for long expressions |
What Are the Types of Symbolic Operation Questions in Reasoning?
Questions on symbolic operation comes in the exams in different formats.
- Direct Substitution – Symbols given and a direct expression is to be solved
- Puzzle-based – Requires multiple symbol mappings in a story format
- Coded (Symbol-based) – Complex logic where symbols mean different operations
- Mixed-concept Reasoning – Combined with inequalities, arithmetic, or logic puzzles
Symbolic Operation Formulas for Reasoning
Symbolic Operation doesn’t use fixed formulas but instead relies on decoding and logic. Still, some mental templates help speed up solving:
- If
@means addition and#means multiplication:
Solve6 # 2 @ 4→6 × 2 + 4 = 16 - Apply BODMAS even with symbols once actual operations are known
- Decode each symbol before solving the expression
Symbolic Operation Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Here are some useful strategies for faster solving in exams:
- Decode symbols first before starting the calculation
- Use BODMAS rule once operations are known
- Work backwards from options if expression is lengthy
- Ignore symbols temporarily while focusing on structure
- Avoid unnecessary calculations by estimating answer range
- Check if symbols repeat – same mapping can save time
Solved Symbolic Operation Questions from 2024–25 Exams
Let’s look at some actual or memory-based questions:
1. Asked in SSC CHSL 2024 Shift 1 – Memory-Based
Q: If @ means ‘+’, # means ‘×’, and $ means ‘-‘, then what is the value of:5 # 2 @ 6 $ 3?
Solution:
= 5 × 2 + 6 – 3
= 10 + 6 – 3 = 13
Answer: 13
2. From IBPS PO Mains 2024 – Mock Test
Q: If * means ‘-‘, / means ‘+’, + means ‘×’, and ‘-‘ means ‘÷’, then find:12 + 3 * 6 / 2
Solution:
= 12 × 3 – 6 + 2
= 36 – 6 + 2 = 32
Answer: 32
3. RRB Group D 2024 – Based on Memory
Q: If % means ‘+’, & means ‘÷’, then18 & 3 % 5 = ?
Solution:
= 18 ÷ 3 + 5 = 6 + 5 = 11
Answer: 11
Symbolic Operation Concepts for Bank Exams
Banking exams like IBPS PO or SBI Clerk often feature complex symbolic logic with 3–4 symbol combinations.
Example:
If @ = ×, $ = ÷, # = +
What is the result of 8 @ 2 $ 4 # 6?
→ 8 × 2 ÷ 4 + 6 = 16 ÷ 4 + 6 = 4 + 6 = 10
Such questions test accuracy under time pressure and require smart decoding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Symbolic Operation
While solving Symbolic Operation reasoning questions candidates must keep the below mentioned details in mind:
- Not decoding symbols correctly – Always read symbol definitions first
- Ignoring BODMAS – Standard order of operations still applies
- Rushing calculations – Leads to simple addition/subtraction errors
- Solving without brackets – Brackets define priority; skipping them gives wrong answers
- Skipping symbol list – Sometimes symbols change in each question. Don’t assume defaults.
FAQs
Decode symbols first and apply BODMAS. Practice similar patterns beforehand.
Yes, mostly as part of mixed puzzles or coded arithmetic.
These are questions where standard arithmetic operations are replaced by symbols or letters.
Always decode the symbol table before solving and eliminate wrong options early.
Yes, in banking exams, symbolic operations are often embedded in logic puzzles.
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