Reasoning Ability — Quick Reference

Puzzle-solving method

1. Read all clues once, no writing — get the puzzle's shape
2. Start from the MOST DEFINITE clue (fixed position/relationship),
   not the first clue listed
3. Build incrementally — mark confirmed vs. tentative distinctly
4. Re-verify EVERY clue (including negative ones) against the
   final arrangement before answering

Topic map

Topic	Key technique

|---|---|

Puzzles & Seating	Most-definite-clue-first, grid for multi-attribute
Syllogism	Venn diagram — conclusion must hold in EVERY valid diagram
Coding-Decoding	Practice recent-year patterns specifically
Blood Relations	Draw the tree — never track mentally beyond 3 relations
Direction Sense	Sketch every problem — "turn right" is state-dependent
Input-Output	Confirm rule against EVERY given step before extrapolating
Inequality	Watch mixed >/≥ chains and distinct "either-or" conclusions

Syllogism check

A conclusion is valid ONLY if true in every possible diagram
consistent with the statements — not just the first diagram drawn.
Practice: draw 2-3 alternative valid diagrams per statement set.

Inequality chain example

A > B ≥ C > D
Valid: A > D, A > C, B > D
Watch for: mixed > and ≥ in the same chain, and "either-or"
  conclusions as a DISTINCT category from individual validity checks

Mains-level elimination technique (when direct placement stalls)

1. List ALL remaining valid possibilities for the stuck variable
2. Check EACH against every other already-placed clue
3. Eliminate any that create a contradiction
4. Often only one possibility survives — even with no single
   clue directly determining it

Time budgets

Prelims puzzle (4-5 variables): 2-3 minutes
Mains puzzle (6-7 variables, elimination required): 5-8 minutes
Don't force a Prelims time budget onto Mains-level difficulty

Computer Aptitude — different skill, different prep

Number systems (binary/decimal/hex), computer terminology,
basic networking, MS Office — FACTUAL RECALL, not pattern-based.
Needs dedicated content study, not repetition puzzle practice.

Error log — review as a SET, not individually

Entry template:
  Puzzle type: _______
  Specific error: _______ (be precise — e.g., "off-by-one in
    'third to the right' counting")
  Recurrence check: has this exact error type appeared before
    across other log entries?

Practice discipline

Solve ≥1 full puzzle daily under a 6-8 min timer, from day one
Daily spaced practice > occasional long cram sessions
  (builds transferable pattern recognition more reliably)