Reasoning is an important aspect of most competitive exams such as SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, UPSC and tests at the state level. It puts your logical mind, ability to decide and problem-solving skills to the test. People use two main types of reasoning.
|
Type of Reasoning |
Description |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
Based on logic expressed through words, statements, and arguments. |
|
Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Involves patterns, diagrams, figures, and image-based logic. |
Mastering both verbal and non verbal reasoning is essential to score well and improve your overall rank.
Read More: How to Prepare for AFCAT Reasoning & Military Aptitude Tests
How Should I Start My Reasoning Preparation?
You should first find out the structure and importance of reasoning questions in your test. Make sure to practice each day and also review topics one by one. This is what a sample weekly plan could look like:
|
Day |
Topics to Focus On |
Practice Time (mins) |
|
Monday |
Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding |
60 |
|
Tuesday |
Number Series, Alphanumeric Series |
60 |
|
Wednesday |
Blood Relations, Direction Sense |
60 |
|
Thursday |
Seating Arrangements, Puzzles |
90 |
|
Friday |
Mirror Images, Paper Folding |
60 |
|
Saturday |
Mock Tests + Revision |
90 |
|
Sunday |
Previous Year Questions + Analysis |
60 |
How Can I Improve Accuracy in Reasoning Questions?
To become better at reasoning, you need to practice often and check where you went wrong. Try to follow these suggestions:
• Read the question carefully two times before giving your answer.
• Only make assumptions about a question if the question itself asks for them.
• Set a timer when you practice to help you get faster and avoid making careless errors.
• Work on solving verbal and non verbal reasoning book on a regular basis.
• Use an error log to find out where your program has issues.
What Is The Right Number Of Questions To Practice Every Day?
No one number is set, but newcomers should solve 20 to 30 questions per day. As soon as you feel ready, start doing 50–60 questions, making sure there are both verbal and non verbal questions.
Is It Essential to Practice Mock Tests?
Yes, mock tests are helpful because they make you practice in the same way as in the real exam. Regular mock tests help you feel more confident and allow you to check your progress.
Is it necessary to use a book to prepare for reasoning?
A reasoning book for competitive exams usually has topic-wise explanations, lots of practice exercises and solved examples.
When looking for the best reasoning book, check that it includes all the important topics and has questions from easy to hard. Aspirants for competitive exams should look for books that have an equal mix of theory and MCQs.
Final Tips for Reasoning Preparation
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Be patient—reasoning improves with time and regular practice.
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Focus on understanding patterns, not memorizing answers.
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Take breaks between sessions to refresh your mind.
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Keep updating your strategy based on mock test performance.
Conclusion:
Mastering reasoning is all about consistent effort and smart practice. Whether it’s verbal and non verbal reasoning or analytical puzzles, developing your logic step-by-step is key to cracking any exam. If you're using a reasoning book for competitive exam, make sure it aligns with your exam syllabus and goals. Over time, the best reasoning book is the one that helps you build accuracy and speed.
