IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus: The IBPS PO Reasoning section is a crucial part of both the preliminary and main exams. This section tests the candidate's ability to think logically and solve complex problems quickly. A strong understanding of the reasoning syllabus and a well-planned preparation strategy are key to performing well and scoring high marks. Here's a detailed look at the IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus 2025 and an effective preparation strategy to help candidates succeed in the IBPS PO Exam.
IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus 2025
The reasoning syllabus is divided into multiple subtopics, each focusing on different skills like logical reasoning, analytical ability, and data interpretation. Understanding the topics thoroughly is essential for success in this section. Below are the important topics covered in both IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exams, as mentioned in the IBPS PO Syllabus.
IBPS PO Prelims Reasoning Syllabus
The first stage in the IBPS PO Examination process is the IBPS PO Prelims exam. The prelims is a qualifying stage, and the IBPS PO Prelims Reasoning Syllabus is listed below:
- Inequalities (both direct and coded)
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Ranking and Order
- Alphanumeric Series
- Miscellaneous Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Syllogism
- Puzzles (including Linear, Circular, Floor-based)
- Seating Arrangements
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
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IBPS PO Mains Reasoning Syllabus
Candidates who qualify the prelims stage will appear for the IBPS PO Mains Examination. The difficulty level of the main stage is slightly higher than the prelims. Check the IBPS PO Mains Reasoning Syllabus below:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Circular and Linear Seating Arrangements
- Scheduling Problems
- Input-Output
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Data Sufficiency
- Coded Inequalities
- Logical Puzzles
- Ranking and Directions
- Coding-Decoding
- Statement and Argument
- Critical Reasoning
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IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus PDF Free Download
The IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus covers a wide range of topics that assess a candidate's logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and decision-making ability. Key topics include puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, blood relations, and logical reasoning. Candidates preparing for the exam can download the complete IBPS PO Reasoning syllabus PDF to understand the subject-wise distribution and plan their preparation effectively.
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Preparation Strategy for IBPS PO Reasoning
Scoring well in the reasoning section requires a focused approach, regular practice, and the ability to solve problems efficiently. Here's a comprehensive preparation strategy to help you tackle the IBPS PO Reasoning section with confidence:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Weightage
The IBPS PO Prelims reasoning section has 35 questions for 35 marks, and the time allotted is 20 minutes. Similarly, in the Mains exam, reasoning is part of the combined Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section, which carries 60 marks with 45 questions to be solved in 60 minutes. Understanding the IBPS PO Exam Pattern and managing time efficiently is crucial.
2. Focus on High-Weightage Topics
Certain topics, like puzzles, seating arrangements, and syllogisms, are frequently asked and carry significant weightage in the exam. Here's how to approach them:
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: These are high-weightage topics. Practice different types of seating arrangements, such as linear, circular, and floor-based puzzles. Understand the conditions mentioned in the question carefully, and eliminate options step by step.
- Syllogism: Focus on understanding the Venn diagram approach, as it helps in solving these questions quickly. Practice solving both traditional and coded syllogism problems.
- Blood Relations & Directions: These topics are generally straightforward. Build a clear understanding of family trees and direction rules to solve problems quickly and accurately.
3. Practice Regularly with Mock Tests
The more you practice, the better your problem-solving speed and accuracy will become. Regularly take mock tests to simulate exam conditions. This will help you understand the time constraints and improve your accuracy in solving reasoning problems. Aim to solve at least 2 mock tests per day to strengthen your weak areas.
4. Strengthen Your Weak Areas
After every mock test, take time to analyze your performance. Identify areas where you're making mistakes or taking more time than necessary. Focus on improving these weak areas by practicing more problems related to those topics.
5. Learn Shortcuts and Time-Saving Techniques
In the reasoning section, speed plays a critical role. Learn various shortcuts for quickly solving problems, especially in topics like inequalities, simplification, and number series. For example, practice solving inequality problems by understanding the symbols and learning how to quickly eliminate incorrect answers.
6. Improve Logical and Analytical Thinking
Develop your logical and analytical thinking by solving puzzles and practicing different reasoning techniques. Strengthen your verbal reasoning skills by practicing statement-based problems, cause-effect, assumptions, and inferences. Analytical reasoning problems, like scheduling, seating arrangements, and blood relations, require attention to detail and methodical thinking.
7. Time Management
In both the prelims and mains, time management is essential. Prelims reasoning is relatively easier, but you have to solve it in a shorter time frame. For Mains, the reasoning section is more challenging, so practice time management by solving different types of problems within the time limit. Set time limits for each question and try to complete them efficiently without compromising on accuracy.
8. Stay Updated with New Question Patterns
Over the years, IBPS has introduced new question patterns and types in reasoning. Stay updated with the latest trends in question types and strategies. Refer to online resources, practice papers, and previous years' question papers to familiarize yourself with the latest formats.
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IBPS PO Reasoning Practice Questions
The Reasoning section in both IBPS PO Prelims and Mains requires regular practice and conceptual clarity. Here are topic-wise sample questions with detailed solutions to help candidates strengthen their preparation:
1. Syllogism
Question:
Statements:
All cats are dogs.
Some dogs are cows.
Conclusions:
I. Some cats are cows.
II. All dogs are cats.
Answer:
From statement 1: All cats → dogs
From statement 2: Some dogs → cows
No relation can be drawn between cats and cows.
Conclusion I is not valid.
Conclusion II is also invalid as the reverse of "All A are B" is not always true.
Correct Answer: Neither follows
2. Blood Relations
Question:
Pointing to a woman, a man said, "She is the daughter of the only son of my father."
Who is the woman to the man?
Answer:
"Only son of my father" = the man himself
So, the woman = daughter of the man
Correct Answer: Daughter
3. Direction Sense
Question:
A man walks 10 meters North, then turns right and walks 5 meters. He then turns right again and walks 10 meters. Which direction is he facing?
Answer:
10m North → turn right → 5m East → turn right → 10m South
Now he is facing South
Correct Answer: South
4. Inequality
Question:
Statement: A > B = C ≤ D < E
Conclusion:
I. A > D
II. C < E
Answer:
From A > B = C ≤ D < E
Check I: A > D? → A > B = C ≤ D → A may or may not be greater than D → Not definite
Check II: C ≤ D < E ⇒ C < E is definitely true.
Correct Answer: Only Conclusion II follows
5. Coding-Decoding
Question:
In a certain code language:
"TRAIN" is written as "WUDLQ".
How is "PLANE" written in that code?
Answer:
T → W (+3), R → U (+3), A → D (+3), I → L (+3), N → Q (+3)
So, P → S, L → O, A → D, N → Q, E → H
Correct Answer: SODQH
6. Linear Seating Arrangement
Question:
Six persons A, B, C, D, E, and F are sitting in a row facing North.
B is sitting to the immediate right of E.
C is sitting at one of the ends.
D is sitting second to the left of C.
A is sitting between D and F.
Find the correct arrangement.
Answer:
C is at one end → Let's place C at position 1.
D is second to the left of C — not possible if C is at 1. So C is at position 6.
D is at position 4.
A is between D and F → A at 3, F at 2
E is to the left of B → E at 1, B at 2 (but F already at 2), adjust accordingly.
Correct Order: E B F A D _ C
7. Input-Output
Question:
Input: win 42 now 56 game 21 play
Step I: 21 win 42 now 56 game play
Step II: 21 42 win now 56 game play
Step III: 21 42 56 win now game play
What will be Step IV?
Answer:
Numbers are arranged in ascending order to the front, and the rest remain unchanged.
Step IV: 21 42 56 game win now play
Correct Answer: 21 42 56 game win now play
8. Puzzle (Floor-Based)
Question:
Seven people – A, B, C, D, E, F, and G – live on seven different floors of a building (1st to 7th, from bottom to top).
D lives on an odd-numbered floor below the 6th floor.
Only two people live between D and A.
C lives immediately above G.
B lives above E but not on the top floor.
F lives on the 4th floor.
Find the floor on which each person lives.
Answer:
Place F on floor 4.
D lives on an odd floor below 6 → possibilities: 1, 3, or 5
A is two floors above D → possibilities narrow down
Let's assume D is on floor 1 → A will be on floor 4, but F is already there ⇒ Not possible
Try D = 3 ⇒ A = 6
Now: C is immediately above G → Place accordingly
B above E, but not on floor 7
Final arrangement (bottom to top):
1 - E
2 - G
3 - D
4 - F
5 - C
6 - A
7 - B
Correct Floor Allocation:
1 – E
2 – G
3 – D
4 – F
5 – C
6 – A
7 – B
9. Statement and Assumption
Question:
Statement: "If you want to clear the IBPS PO exam, start practicing reasoning daily."
Assumption:
I. Regular practice improves reasoning skills.
II. Reasoning is the only section in IBPS PO.
Answer:
Assumption I is implicit — it supports the advice in the statement.
Assumption II is not implicit — the statement focuses on reasoning but doesn't claim it's the only section.
Correct Answer: Only Assumption I is implicit
10. Data Sufficiency
Question:
Question: What is the code for "Exam" in the code language?
Statements:
"Bank Exam Ready" is coded as "lm nx ty"
"Exam Date Announced" is coded as "ty kz qr"
Answer:
From both statements:
"Exam" is common in both sentences → code for "Exam" must be the common code = ty
Correct Answer: Both statements together are sufficient
