Reasoning Section for Banking Exams – Weightage | Syllabus | Preparation & Sources

A] Weightage of Reasoning Ability in Banking Exams

From analysing the above trend, we can see that reasoning is a core component of prelims and mains for Banking Exams. While Reasoning can be tricky, it can be a huge scoring point as deciphering one set usually brings you at least 2-3 marks. If the question is carefully understood and methodologically solved, correct answers can be arrived at. To be able to do this, practicing topic-wise questions is a must. Below, we take a look at the topics asked in Reasoning Section for Banking Exams.

B] Reasoning Section Syllabus and Pattern for Baking Exams

1] Puzzles

• Questions are mostly based on Seating Arrangement (linear, circular, triangular, rectangular)
• Sometimes Seating/Floor Arrangement with Possession or Seating/Floor Arrangement with Blood Relation is also asked
• Double Line up is also a frequently asked question in puzzle questions

By increasing the variables the complexity definitely has increased but a trained mind can use the same method to simultaneously solve considering all variables.

2] Coding & Decoding
Alpha-Numerical type of question is the most common in this type. This category is very easy and scoring.

3] Inequalities
Knowing all the symbols for greater than, less than, equal to, less than or equal to, transitive preference etc. is key for solving this kind of question.

4] Order & Ranking
A very good tip for these questions is try to solve either end of the given order first and then fill in the middle possibilities to be able to eliminate better. The questions maybe of linear ordering or ordering based on height/marks etc.

5] Syllogisms
Syllogisms require practice as they are based on certain rules. Carefully reading words like all, some, many, most in the question is key to not getting confused.

6] Data Sufficiency
These can either be questions asking the candidate to reach a direct conclusion or a rank-based conclusion. The questions can be a little tricky by introducing volumes of irrelevant information.

7] Direction Sense
Understanding North/South/East/West, left/right and plotting the question on paper is a good way to solve these questions. Sometimes basic calculations may be required but solving these is relatively easy.

8] Blood Relations
Making use of Family Tree Diagram and revising all family-member relations and how they are connected is a good way to learn how to solve these questions.

9] Input-Output
Most questions of this type will have more than 2 steps and will require rearranging at every step to reach the final output. Sometimes even reverse trend is seen with the candidates having to work backwards.

C] Sources for Reasoning Section in Banking Exams

Reliable sources for solving Reasoning are Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma and all past year papers and questions based on the same. Worksheets for every topic are available freely and should be made use of.

For Reasoning Section, practicing topic-wise is very important. Focus on practicing topics that are time consuming to be able to efficiently solve these in the exam. Device your own techniques to arrange variables in puzzles, plotting on paper, flow charts and diagrams are found to be useful while solving puzzles. Visualising the puzzle is key. Remember to be cautious about not wasting time over any particular question during the exam as this will only eat away precious time. Instead focus on getting fast and accurate answers that you are sure of.

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