The RRB NTPC exam requires accuracy, planning, and speed. General Intelligence & Reasoning is one of the most scoring sections in case it is prepared correctly. Aspirants can comfortably aim at 30+ marks in this section with a combination of the right amount of practice and conceptual clarity.
Here in this blog, we will get into a deep dive of how to get the most out of your score in reasoning, what to concentrate on, and how to leverage past data and patterns.
Why General Intelligence & Reasoning Is a Scoring Section?
General intelligence and reasoning is a part of the RRB NTPC exam, which is aimed at testing your mental capability, problem-solving skills, and logical thinking. It contains numerous themes such as analogies, coding-decoding, puzzles, classification, series, and others.
This is the reason why this section can be a goldmine:
• No calculations or formulae.
• A high degree of accuracy when done well.
• It can be tried quickly with the help of pattern recognition.
• RRB NTPC previous year question paper book of repetitive types of questions.
Most Critical Topics to get 30+ in Reasoning
The first thing you have to know in order to score high is where to spend your time. The table below gives a breakdown of the most scoring topics of the Reasoning section according to previous RRB exams:
High-Yield Reasoning Topics with Estimated Weightage
|
Topic Name |
Approx. No. of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
Scoring Potential |
|
Coding-Decoding |
3-4 |
Easy |
High |
|
Number Series |
3-5 |
Moderate |
High |
|
Analogy |
2-3 |
Easy |
High |
|
Odd One Out |
2-3 |
Easy |
Medium |
|
Blood Relations |
1-2 |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
Syllogism |
1-2 |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
Direction & Distance |
1-2 |
Easy |
High |
|
Seating Arrangement |
3-4 |
Moderate |
High |
|
Calendar & Clock |
1 |
Moderate |
Low |
|
Statement & Conclusion |
2-3 |
Moderate |
Medium |
What Is the Fastest Way to Prepare for General Intelligence in RRB Exams?
1. Build Conceptual Clarity
Understand how each type of question works. For example, in coding-decoding, determine if it’s letter shifting, number patterns, or symbol substitution.
2. Daily Practice
Solving 25–30 reasoning questions daily can drastically improve speed. You can find a variety of these in RRB NTPC books or online platforms offering RRB NTPC mock test.
3. Use Previous Year Papers
Previous questions often repeat in pattern or logic. Practice using a RRB NTPC previous year question paper book to spot trends.
4. Time Management Strategy
Don’t get stuck on puzzles. Allocate a strict time per question (e.g., 30–40 seconds) and skip difficult ones in the first round.
How can I master reasoning for RRB NTPC in 30 days?
It is quite possible to master reasoning within 30 days with a specific plan. Begin by breaking down the 30 days into slots on a topic-wise basis. Take 3 days each on such strong topics as analogy, classification, and number series, and such medium-level topics as direction, blood relations, and syllogism.
The previous 10 days should be used to practice real RRB NTPC mock test conditions and re-read only those questions that you found to be tricky and conceptual that you answered incorrectly. In addition, do 1-2 papers of the previous year daily using a RRB NTPC previous year question paper book. The two important aspects are repetition and reflection.
What are the best tricks to solve reasoning questions quickly in RRB NTPC?
These are some of the tricks that have been found to increase your speed:
• Elimination Method: Where possible, apply option elimination.
• Visual Mapping: Draw diagrams quickly to give direction, puzzles and blood relation questions.
• Mnemonic Devices: Mnemonics can be used to classify or logic based on order.
• Timed Sessions: A stopwatch will help create a natural rhythm.
In the long run, practicing questions in RRB NTPC books and timed mock tests will enable you to develop muscle memory to answer questions without doubting yourself.
How many questions should I attempt in reasoning to score above 30?
The reasoning part is usually composed of 30 questions. To get 30+, you want to practice trying all 30 with 95+ percent accuracy. You will be able to solve this section more quickly since it does not involve calculations.
Nevertheless, quality must be chosen over quantity. Trying 26-28 questions and getting them right will also get you above the 30-mark boundary because of normalization.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes in the General Intelligence Section?
- Overconfidence in Puzzles: Many students waste time trying to solve seating arrangements. Skip and return later.
- Skipping Mock Tests: Practicing via RRB NTPC mock test gives you a real-time sense of timing and traps.
- Ignoring Repetitive Errors: Review your wrong attempts daily.
- Jumping Topics Randomly: Stick to a structured plan; don’t mix topics in the initial learning phase.
Weekly Plan to Score 30+ in Reasoning
Here’s a sample 4-week plan that aligns with the strategies discussed:
4-Week Reasoning Preparation Plan
|
Week |
Focus Areas |
Activities |
|
1 |
Analogy, Classification, Number Series |
Learn concepts, practice 50 questions daily |
|
2 |
Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations |
Practice 60 questions daily, revise Week 1 topics |
|
3 |
Puzzle, Direction, Syllogism |
Practice timed mocks, solve puzzles from NTPC railway book |
|
4 |
Mock Tests & Revision |
1 full-length mock daily, error analysis, PYP practice |
Should I Focus More on Accuracy or Speed?
Both are essential, but accuracy should be your top priority. Even with 80% speed, if your accuracy is 95–100%, you'll score higher than someone who attempts all questions but with 75% accuracy.
Begin with slow and accurate practice using RRB NTPC books, and gradually increase your speed using the RRB NTPC mock test series. Don’t rush. Over time, your brain will develop the reflex to solve common reasoning types in seconds.
Is Practicing from RRB NTPC Books Enough?
Practicing from RRB NTPC books is a great foundation, especially for learning various question types and solving a range of difficulty levels. However, supplement your study with:
- Previous year papers to understand trends
- Mock tests to get exam-ready
- Sectional tests to improve weak areas
Books give structure, while mocks give real exam simulation.
Read More: RRB NTPC 2025: What to Carry & What Not to Carry on Exam Day
How Does Reasoning Impact Overall Selection in RRB NTPC?
Since RRB NTPC follows normalization, even small differences in score can impact your merit rank significantly. Scoring 30+/30 in reasoning gives you an edge in overall cutoff clearance.
This section is often seen as a tiebreaker among equally competent candidates. Hence, treating it with strategic importance is essential.
Conclusion
Scoring 30+ marks in the General Intelligence & Reasoning section of RRB NTPC is not a matter of luck—it’s about planning, pattern recognition, and speed building. With consistent practice using RRB NTPC books, targeted problem-solving from the RRB NTPC previous year question paper book, and full-length simulations via RRB NTPC mock test, aspirants can master this section confidently.
Don’t treat reasoning as secondary to Maths or GK—this is your fastest scoring section. Focused effort here can raise your final score and boost your chances of selection.
Remember: If you’re preparing for the RRB NTPC exam, every section matters—but reasoning can be your shortcut to the merit list. Whether you're using a NTPC railway book, previous papers, or online tests, consistency and clarity will get you those extra marks.
