Topics covered (17)

1. Analogy — What is Analogy? Analogy means similarity or correspondence between two things. In reasoning exams, an analogy question gives you a pair of related words/numbers/letters and asks…
2. Classification — Understanding Classification(Odd One Out) Classification questions present a group of items and ask you to find the one that does not belong. The task is to identify the common…
3. Series — Number Series Number series questions require identifying the pattern and finding the missing or wrong term. Common patterns: arithmetic series (constant difference), geometric…
4. Coding-Decoding — Introduction to Coding-Decoding Coding-Decoding tests the ability to decode rules or patterns used to encode messages. The codes can be based on letter substitution (shifting…
5. Blood Relations — Family Tree Approach Blood relation questions describe family relationships and ask you to determine the relationship between two members. The most reliable approach is to draw a…
6. Direction Sense — The Four Cardinal and Intermediate Directions Directions in reasoning are based on North (N), South (S), East (E), West (W) as four cardinal directions, and NE, NW, SE, SW as…
7. Syllogism — Understanding Syllogism Syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning where conclusions are drawn from two or more given statements (premises). The subject and predicate…
8. Puzzle — Types of Puzzlesin Competitive Exams Puzzles are the highest-weightage topic in Banking Mains exams (IBPS PO, SBI PO). Common types: (1) Linear arrangement (people in a row), (2)…
9. Seating Arrangement — Linear Seating Arrangement In linear seating, persons sit in one or two rows. For a single row, positions are numbered 1 to n from left to right. Key terms: "immediate left/right"…
10. Statement & Conclusion — Statement, Assumption, Inference, and Conclusion These four related question types are crucial for SSC CGL and Banking exams: (1) Conclusions: directly and logically follow from…
11. Input-Output — What is Input-Output? Machine Input-Output problems involve a hypothetical word/number arrangement machine that rearranges a given input in multiple steps. Each step follows a…
12. Inequalities (Mathematical & Coded) — Direct Inequalities In direct inequality problems, a chain of relationships is given using symbols , <, ≥, ≤, and =. You must determine whether given conclusions follow. For…
13. Alphanumeric Series — What is an Alphanumeric Series? An alphanumeric series is a sequence made up of a mix of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols. The task is to find the next term, a missing…
14. Order & Ranking — Core Formula The fundamental formula in order and ranking is: Total = (Rank from left/top) + (Rank from right/bottom) − 1 . This works for rows, columns, queues, and class…
15. Data Sufficiency — What is Data Sufficiency? Data sufficiency questions give a question followed by two statements (Statement I and Statement II). You do NOT solve the problem — you only determine…
16. Verbal & Critical Reasoning — Assumptions An assumption is an unstated premise that the author takes for granted. It is a hidden belief that must be true for the argument or statement to make sense. To test…
17. Mirror & Water Images + Figure Matrix — Mirror Images A mirror image is formed when an object is reflected in a vertical mirror (placed to the left or right). In a vertical mirror reflection, the left and right sides…

Analogy

What is Analogy?

Analogy means similarity or correspondence between two things. In reasoning exams, an analogy question gives you a pair of related words/numbers/letters and asks you to find a similar pair. The relationship can be of many types: part-whole (Wheel : Car :: Key : Lock), cause-effect (Virus : Disease :: Negligence : Accident), worker-product (Carpenter : Furniture :: Baker : Bread), tool-work (Pen : Writing :: Scissors : Cutting), or classification (Oak : Tree :: Rose : Flower).

Types of Analogy

Word analogies test vocabulary and conceptual relationships. Number analogies test mathematical relationships (e.g., 4:16 :: 5:25 — squares). Letter analogies test positional or sequential patterns in the alphabet (e.g., ACE : BDF :: GIK : HJL — each letter shifted by 1). Mixed analogies combine all three. For SSC and RRB exams, all three types appear regularly, with word and number analogies being most common.

Approach Strategy

For word analogies, identify the exact relationship in the given pair — be specific (not just "they are related" but "a surgeon uses a scalpel to operate"). Then test each option against the same specific relationship. For number analogies, check arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, squares, cubes) and identify the pattern.

Common Traps

Exam setters often include a superficially similar but logically incorrect option. Always verify that the DIRECTION and TYPE of relationship are the same in your answer pair. For example, "Doctor : Patient" vs "Lawyer : Client" — both are service providers, but be sure the question's relationship is "provider : receiver of service" and not something else.

Key points

• The relationship must be identical, not just similar, between both pairs
• Word analogies can be: synonyms, antonyms, part-whole, tool-use, member-group, cause-effect
• Number analogies most often involve squares, cubes, primes, or simple operations
• Letter position: A=1, B=2, …, Z=26 — memorise this thoroughly
• Check for reverse analogies: Book:Author :: Painting:Artist (correct) vs Author:Book (reversed)
• In SSC CGL, analogy questions are typically 3-5 in number and are usually easy to medium

Frequently asked questions

Is this Reasoning Ability material free?

Yes — all Reasoning Ability notes and practice on Siksha Sarovar are completely free.

Is the content available in Hindi?

Yes. Lessons are bilingual (English and Hindi) so you can study in whichever language you are comfortable with.

Which exams does this help with?

It is aligned to SSC CGL, IBPS PO, SBI PO, RRB NTPC and similar government exams.