
22nd April, 2025
Bank Exams
Must-Know Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success
Table of Contents
Are you tired of missing the cut-off in bank exams by just a few marks?
What if I told you that mastering a handful of must-know reasoning topics for bank exam success could be the difference between “better luck for next time” and “Congratulations, you are selected”?
In this blog I will break down the must-know reasoning topics for bank exam success that every aspirant needs to master. Stay with me-this blog could be a turning point in your bank exam journey.
Must Know Reasoning Ability Weightage for Bank Exam Success:
Stages of bank exam |
Weightage (expected) of reasoning in bank exam |
Prelims |
35% |
Mains |
30% (combined with computer knowledge) |
Must-Know Reasoning Syllabus for Bank Exam Success:
Reasoning ability section in bank exam |
Topics/subtopics of reasoning |
Verbal Reasoning in bank exams |
|
Logical Reasoning in bank exams |
|
Non-verbal Reasoning in bank exams |
|
Must Know Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success - Expected Weightage
Reasoning Topics for Bank Exams |
Marks Allotted (Expected) |
Difficulty level of reasoning topics in bank exams |
|
Reasoning in Prelims |
Reasoning in Mains |
||
Puzzle |
12-15 |
10-12 |
Moderate to hard |
Seating Arrangement |
5-8 |
8-10 |
|
Syllogism |
3-4 |
4-5 |
Easy to moderate |
Data Sufficiency |
0-1 |
3-4 |
Moderate to hard |
Blood Relation |
1-2 |
1-2 |
Easy |
Inequality |
2-3 |
0-1 |
Easy |
Distance & Direction |
2-3 |
4-5 |
Easy |
Miscellaneous LR & DI Topics |
4-5 |
3-4 |
Moderate to difficult |
Series |
3-4 |
2-3 |
Easy to moderate |
Must-Know Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success:
Are you ready to know reasoning topics for bank exams like IBPS Clerk, IBPS PO, IBPS RRB, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Assistant, NABARD Grade A/B, LIC AAO/ADO, and IBPS/SBI SO success that could transform your preparation into selection? Let’s begin –
Must-Know Easy Topics for Reasoning for Bank Exam Success (Prelims)
All these reasoning topics are easy to solve with practice for bank exam success. They are frequently asked in prelims.
Inequality:
-
Simple conclusion-based questions
-
Understand symbol relationships: >,<, ≤, ≥, =,≠
Blood relations:
-
It includes basic family relations (father, mother, cousin, uncle, etc.).
-
Focus on gender hints and draw a family tree to solve questions quickly.
Direction sense test:
-
Apply the four main directions (N, S, E, W) to solve problems.
-
Identify directions according to the movement of instruction given in the question.
Alphanumeric series:
-
It involves identifying patterns in numbers and letters.
-
Can involve finding missing or next term.
Syllogism
-
Simple all A and B type statements.
-
Use of Venn diagrams for easy conclusions
Alphabet Test:
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Letter-based puzzle with the simple task of finding the position of letters and shifting letters.
Must-know Moderate Level Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success (Prelims & Mains)
These topics require more practice and logical thinking. This type of questions mostly observed in both prelims and mains bank exams.
Coding & decoding
-
Finding a code for a word, symbol, and number by using a rule.
-
May include letter number patterns and complex transformations.
Seating Arrangements
-
Linear and circular seating arrangements, with multiple variables (gender, age , profession)
Puzzles (simple to moderate)
-
Floor puzzles, scheduling problems, and basic arrangement-based puzzles.
-
Handling more than two variables and conditions.
Input/output (basic patterns)
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Focus on step-by-step transformation.
Order and ranking
-
Questions based on arranging people or objects according to position or rank.
Syllogism (Advanced)
-
Dealing with reverse syllogism and more complex logic.
Data sufficiency (2 statements)
-
Tests the ability to determine if the information given is sufficient to answer a question.
Must Know Difficult Level Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success
These are advanced reasoning topics that are commonly found in mains bank exams.
Complex Puzzles:
-
Puzzles with interrelated conditions that require careful analysis.
Seating Arrangement (Advanced):
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Involving more conditions and constraints, making them more complex.
Input-output (Advanced):
-
Multi-step transformation involving complex logics.
Data interpretation (reasoning based):
-
Questions may require deducting logical conclusions from data table or pie charts.
Coding and decoding (advanced):
-
Complex coding involves multiple shifts or a combination of letter/symbol patterns/numbers.
Logical deductions:
-
It involves complex statements with derived conclusions.
Critical reasoning:
-
Critical reasoning in bank exam is based on assumptions, conclusions, argument strength, and inferences from given statements.
Must Know Most Scoring Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success:
Most scoring Reasoning topics for bank exam |
|
Inequality |
Syllogism |
Blood relation |
Direction sense test |
Order & ranking |
Seating Arrangement(linear and circular) |
Coding – decoding |
Puzzles (moderate to high) |
Data sufficiency |
Direction sense test |
Must-Know Best Reasoning Ability Books for Bank Exam Success.
Check out the below list of reasoning books to crack the bank exam in first attempt.
Name of books for reasoning Ability |
Author/Publication |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
R.S. Aggarwal |
Analytical Reasoning |
MK Pandey |
Reasoning Ability Topic-wise Solved Papers for SBI/ IBPS Bank PO/ Clerk Prelim & Main Exam |
Disha Experts |
How to Crack Test of Reasoning |
Jaikishan and Premkishan |
Banking smart book Reasoning ability in English chapter-wise 4000 objective questions |
Testbook/S.Chand |
Is reasoning easy to crack in bank exams?
Yes, reasoning section is considered one of the easiest and most scoring parts of the bank exams; if you prepare smartly, you can definitely crack reasoning in first attempt. Unlike quantitative aptitude, reasoning doesn’t rely on formulas and calculations. Reasoning section tests student’s logical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Many candidates found reasoning challenging only because they skipped daily practice with a timer or panic during exam. They have to follow mock test practice and solve previous years question papers to build confidence.
Conclusion:
The path of mastering the reasoning ability section in bank exam is paved by persistence, precision, and the willingness to adopt. By this, applicants can unlock the gateway of success in bank exams.
FAQs
Q1. Why is reasoning important in bank exams?
Ans. The reasoning ability section in the bank exam tests the student’s logical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving speed.
Q2. Which reasoning topics should I start first for bank exam preparation?
Ans. Start with easy and high-scoring reasoning topics that build your confidence and accuracy.
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Inequality
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Syllogism
-
Blood relation
-
Direction sense test
-
Order and ranking
Q3. Topics of reasoning ability are the same in prelims and mains bank exams?
Ans. In bank exam key topics of reasoning ability are the same, but the level of questions in mains is complex, often combining multiple concepts; for example, blood relation, puzzle, and direction sense questions are in one question.
Q4. Is reasoning easy to crack for beginners?
Ans. Yes, reasoning is a logic based–no memorization is needed. By continued focus and strategic practice, you can definitely crack the reasoning section for bank exam success.
Q5. How much time should I spend on reasoning everyday?
Ans. Ideally, 1-2 hours daily are needed to practice reasoning questions for bank exam success.
Q6. Which type of reasoning questions are most frequently asked in bank exams?
Ans. Questions of reasoning ability in bank exams that are most frequently asked are puzzles and seating arrangements, syllogisms, inequality, coding and decoding, direction & distance, blood relations and data sufficiency. These are mostly repeated questions.
Q7. How can I improve my accuracy and speed in the reasoning section of the bank exams?
Ans. Primarily focus on fundamental concepts, then advance, practice previous year question papers and mock test practice, and use the elimination technique to improve speed and accuracy in the bank exam reasoning section.
Q8. Do bank exams repeat reasoning questions?
Ans. Exact questions in the reasoning section are rarely repeated, but pattern and logic types often do repeat in bank exams.
Q9. Is the reasoning part in bank exams tough to crack?
Ans. Not at all; anything is impossible with consistent practice, smart and strategic study. Also by follows preparation tips applicants can definitely crack the bank exam reasoning section.
Also Check:
- 8 Important Subjects to Focus on for Bank Exams
- The Role of General Awareness in Bank Exams: How to Excel
- Computer Awareness for Bank Exams with Preparation Tips and Tricks
- Top Bank Exams and Their Eligibility Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Applying
- Time Management Tips for Bank Exam Aspirants Using Mock Test Series
- How Do Bank Exams Differ from Other Competitive Exams?
- The Importance of Mock Tests in Bank Exam Preparation
- How to avoid negative marking in competitive exams?