UNDERSTANDING LOGICAL REASONING FOR BANKING EXAMS 

 

REASONING ABILITY

 

Logical reasoning is a crucial section in banking exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, RBI Grade B, and others. It tests your ability to analyze patterns, draw conclusions, and solve problems systematically. Below is a detailed breakdown of logical reasoning for banking exams:

 

1. Types of Logical Reasoning Questions in Banking Exams

Logical reasoning questions can be broadly classified into two categories:

(A) Verbal Logical Reasoning

These involve problems based on statements, arguments, and conclusions.

Common Topics:

Syllogism – Deductive reasoning with two or more statements and conclusions.

Example:

All cats are dogs.

Some dogs are tigers.

Conclusion: Some cats are tigers. (True/False/Maybe)

 

Statement & Assumptions – Identifying implicit assumptions in a statement.

Example:

Statement: “The company introduced a new performance-based bonus scheme.”

Assumption: “Employees were not satisfied with the previous scheme.”

 

Statement & Conclusions – Determining whether conclusions logically follow.

Example:

Statement: “All successful candidates are hardworking.”

Conclusion: “No hardworking candidate is unsuccessful.” (Does it follow?)

 

Cause & Effect – Determining if one event causes another.

Example:

Event 1: The government increased taxes on fuel.

Event 2: The price of petrol rose.

Are these events causally related?

 

Course of Action – Suggesting logical steps to solve a problem.

Example:

Problem: “Traffic congestion has increased in the city.”

Course of Action: “The government should improve public transport.”

 

Strong & Weak Arguments – Evaluating the strength of an argument.

 (B) Non-Verbal (Puzzle & Seating Arrangement)

These involve visual or analytical reasoning without heavy language dependency.

Common Topics:

Linear Arrangement (Single/Double Row)

Example:

“Five people A, B, C, D, E sit in a row facing north. A is not at the end. B sits to the immediate left of C.”

 

Circular Arrangement (Facing Inside/Outside)

Example:

“Six friends sit around a circular table. P is opposite Q, who is to the left of R.”

 

Floor-Based Puzzles

Example:

“A 5-floor building has different people living on each floor. X lives above Y but below Z.”

 

Box/Stack-Based Puzzles

Example:

“There are six boxes of different colors stacked one above the other. The red box is above the blue one.”

 

Scheduling Puzzles (Days/Months/Time)

Example:

“A, B, C attend meetings on different days. A’s meeting is two days before B’s.”

 

Blood Relations & Family Tree

Example:

“If X is Y’s father and Z is Y’s sister, how is Z related to X?”

 

Direction & Distance

Example:

“A person walks 5 km east, then 3 km north. How far is he from the starting point?”

 

Coding-Decoding (Logical)

Example:

“If ‘CAT’ is coded as ‘312’, how is ‘DOG’ coded?”

 

Inequality (Mathematical Logic)

Example:

“Statements: A > B, B = C, C ≤ D. Conclusion: A > D (True/False).”

 

2. Key Strategies to Solve Logical Reasoning Questions

(A) For Verbal Reasoning

✔ Read Carefully – Misinterpreting statements leads to wrong answers.
✔ Use Venn Diagrams (for Syllogism) – Helps visualize relationships.
✔ Identify Keywords – Words like “only,” “some,” “all” change meanings.
✔ Avoid Assumptions – Stick strictly to the given information.

(B) For Puzzles & Seating Arrangement

✔ Draw Diagrams – Sketch tables, circles, or rows for clarity.
✔ Note Down Clues – Assign variables (A, B, C) to avoid confusion.
✔ Eliminate Possibilities – Rule out impossible options step-by-step.
✔ Time Management – Solve easier puzzles first (like linear arrangements).

 

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcomplicating Puzzles – Start with the most definite clues.
❌ Ignoring Negative Keywords – Words like “none,” “never” change logic.
❌ Skipping Practice – Regular practice improves speed & accuracy.
❌ Guessing Blindly – Negative marking in some exams makes guessing risky.

 

4. Recommended Books & Resources

“A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” – R.S. Aggarwal

“Analytical Reasoning” – M.K. Pandey (for Puzzles)

Banking Exam Previous Year Papers (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

Online Mock Tests (Magme Medal Testbook)

 

5. Final Tips for High Score

✅ Practice Daily – At least 30-50 reasoning questions per day.
✅ Take Timed Tests – Simulate exam pressure.
✅ Analyze Weak Areas – Focus more on puzzles or syllogism as needed.
✅ Revise Shortcuts – Learn quick solving techniques for inequalities & coding.

 

Conclusion

Logical reasoning is scorable if approached systematically. Focus on speed + accuracy, practice different puzzle types, and strengthen verbal logic skills. With consistent effort, you can master this section and boost your overall banking exam score.