Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
Why This Chapter Matters
Puzzles and Seating Arrangement is the HIGHEST WEIGHTAGE topic in Banking Reasoning — 10-15 marks per paper in SBI PO, IBPS PO, and RRB. Complex puzzles appear in every single exam.
Types of Puzzles
1. Linear Arrangement
People sitting in a row (single or double row).
Key clues: "to the left/right of", "immediate neighbour", "not adjacent", "at one of the ends"
Double row arrangement:
Two rows facing each other. "Opposite to" = across the table.
Person in row 1 faces person in row 2 directly across.
Step-by-step approach:
Example:
5 people A,B,C,D,E sitting in a row. B is 3rd from left. A is 2nd from right. C is to the immediate right of B. D is not adjacent to A.
Positions: _ _ B _ _. C is to right of B → position 4. A is 2nd from right → position 4. Contradiction! Re-read...
A is 2nd from right → position 4. B is 3rd from left → position 3. C to right of B → position 4. C=A? If A and C are different, conflict → check if "2nd from right" = position 4 in 5 seats. Yes. Means clue says A is at position 4, C is also at 4 → re-examine. C is to IMMEDIATE right = position 4, A is also at 4 → only works if A=position 5 (rightmost) and "2nd from right" means position 4 = C. Then: _ _ B C A. D not adjacent to A → D not at position 4 (C is there). D at 1 or 2. E gets remaining.
2. Circular Arrangement
People sitting around a circular table.
Two types:
Facing inward (toward center): RIGHT hand side = clockwise when looking from above
Facing outward (away from center): RIGHT hand side = anti-clockwise when looking from above
Key: Always specify facing direction! "Immediate right" depends on facing.
Approach:
3. Floor/Building Puzzle
People on different floors (1 = ground, N = top) or (1 = top, N = bottom).
Clues: "above", "below", "adjacent floor", "between floors X and Y"
Approach:
4. Box/Month/Day Puzzle
Boxes stacked (top to bottom), or months in a year, or days of the week.
Similar approach — list all positions, fill with definitive clues first.
5. Complex/Multi-variable Puzzle
Combines 2-3 parameters: person + city + profession, or person + colour + floor + day.
Use a TABLE to track. Columns = parameters. Rows = people.
Fill confirmed cells with ✓, eliminate with ✗.
Strategy for Solving
Rule 1: Never assume. Use only given clues.
Rule 2: Start with the most definitive clue.
Rule 3: For complex puzzles, use elimination — mark what's NOT possible.
Rule 4: When stuck, try assuming one option and see if contradiction arises.
Rule 5: Verify ALL clues before answering questions.
Time Management
In exam: 5 questions from 1 puzzle set. Spend max 7-8 minutes on one set.
If stuck after 5 minutes: move on, come back later.
Previous Year Pattern
SBI PO 2023: Circular arrangement of 8 people alternating men and women. Complex clues with likes/dislikes.
IBPS PO 2022: Double row of 6 people each. One row facing north, other facing south.
IBPS Clerk 2022: Building with 6 floors. 6 people + profession. Multi-variable.