Top 45+ Logical Reasoning Questions with Answers
Updated on Apr 15, 2025 | 23 min read | 19.5k views
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Updated on Apr 15, 2025 | 23 min read | 19.5k views
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Reasoning questions test your problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills. They are commonly used in job interviews, competitive exams, and academic tests to assess a candidate’s ability to evaluate information logically.
These questions typically fall into categories such as verbal reasoning, analytical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Strong reasoning abilities can enhance cognitive skills and improve performance in various professional and academic fields.
This blog provides 45+ reasoning questions with answers, covering different types of reasoning, solved examples with explanations, and practical tips to solve them effectively. If you are preparing for an exam or a job interview, these reasoning questions will help you improve accuracy and speed.
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Logical reasoning is the process of analyzing information, recognizing patterns, and making well-founded conclusions. It involves applying structured thinking to evaluate given data and solve problems systematically. Logical reasoning is widely used in academic assessments, job interviews, competitive exams, and real-world problem-solving scenarios. Strong logical reasoning skills enable individuals to make informed decisions, deduce relationships, and enhance cognitive abilities.
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Logical reasoning questions assess an individual's critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and decision-making skills. Employers use these questions to evaluate how well a candidate can interpret complex information, recognize patterns, and think analytically under time constraints. These skills are essential in fields like business analysis, software development, data science, law, finance, and management.
These questions test the ability to identify relationships between two pairs of words or objects. Candidates must determine the connection between the first pair and apply the same logic to the second pair.
Example: Hand is to Glove as Foot is to __? (Answer: Shoe)
This type involves solving problems based on family relationships. Candidates must analyze given statements and determine relationships like brother, sister, father, mother, etc.
Example: Pointing to a woman, a man says, "She is the daughter of my grandfather's only son." Who is she to him? (Answer: Sister)
In these problems, words, letters, or numbers follow a specific pattern, and candidates must decode or encode the given information accordingly.
Example: If "APPLE" is coded as "ELPPA," how is "TABLE" coded? (Answer: ELBAT)
These questions evaluate the ability to determine directions and distances based on a set of movements.
Example: A person walks 10 meters north, turns right and walks 5 meters, then turns right again and walks 10 meters. In which direction is he now facing? (Answer: South)
These problems involve arranging people or objects in a linear or circular pattern based on given conditions.
Example: Five friends sit in a row. A is sitting next to B but not next to C. Who is in the middle?
Syllogism questions involve evaluating logical arguments based on given premises to determine whether a conclusion is valid.
Example:
These questions test the ability to determine implicit assumptions in a given statement.
Example:
Involves identifying the missing number in a given numerical pattern.
Example: 2, 6, 12, 20, ?, 42 (Answer: 30)
These involve solving complex logical problems by deducing the correct answer based on a set of given conditions.
Example: Three people – A, B, and C – work at different companies. A does not work at X, B does not work at Y. Who works where?
These questions assess whether a given statement is the cause or effect of another statement.
Example:
These questions involve applying basic mathematical principles in an unconventional manner.
Example: If 5 + 3 = 28 and 4 + 2 = 16, then what is 6 + 5? (Answer: 66, following a specific mathematical pattern.)
These questions test the ability to determine the ranking or positioning of individuals or objects based on a given set of conditions.
Example: If John is taller than Peter but shorter than Mike, who is the tallest? (Answer: Mike)
Candidates must evaluate whether a given conclusion logically follows from a provided statement.
Example:
These questions assess spatial reasoning, such as how a cube will appear when folded or rotated.
Example: If a cube is painted on all six faces and then cut into smaller cubes, how many smaller cubes will have exactly one painted face?
This involves identifying an element that does not fit within a given group.
Example: Apple, Banana, Mango, Carrot. (Answer: Carrot, because it is a vegetable while others are fruits.)
These involve determining the pattern followed in a series of transformations and predicting the next step.
Example: If a sequence of letters is transformed following a certain rule, what will be the output for a given new input?
Logical reasoning plays a vital role in:
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This section is designed to help you master reasoning questions by providing sample questions across various categories. Each sub-section offers a detailed definition of the concept and three sample questions with their answers. These questions are structured to sharpen your analytical skills and prepare you for competitive assessments.
Seating arrangement questions require you to determine the positions of individuals based on given conditions. These problems test your ability to analyze spatial relationships, apply multiple constraints simultaneously, and deduce a logical order.
MCQs:
1. Six friends sit around a circular table. A is between B and C. D is opposite E. F is not adjacent to B/C. Who is opposite A?
a) D
b) E
c) F
d) B
Answer: c) F
Explanation: F occupies the remaining seat opposite A.
2. In a row of five, R < T < P < Q < S. Who is in the middle?
a) T
b) P
c) Q
d) R
Answer: b) P
Explanation: Order: R, T, P, Q, S. Middle is P.
3. Four people sit at a square table facing center. W (north), X (east), Y (south), Z (west). Who is to W’s left?
a) Z
b) X
c) Y
d) South
Answer: a) Z
Explanation: Facing north, the immediate left is west (Z).
Analogies assess your ability to recognize relationships between pairs of words or objects. You are required to determine the relationship in one pair and apply similar reasoning to a second pair. This process enhances pattern recognition and abstract thinking skills.
MCQs:
1. Book is to Read as Knife is to ______?
a) Cut
b) Sharp
c) Metal
d) Cook
Answer: a) Cut
Explanation: The relationship is object to its primary function. A book is used for reading, and a knife is used for cutting.
2. Ocean is to Water as Desert is to ______?
a) Sand
b) Heat
c) Camel
d) Oasis
Answer: a) Sand
Explanation: An ocean primarily contains water, while a desert primarily contains sand.
3. Teacher is to School as Chef is to ______?
a) Kitchen
b) Restaurant
c) Food
d) Knife
Answer: a) Kitchen
Explanation: A teacher works in a school, and a chef works in a kitchen.
Blood relation questions involve determining family relationships based on given statements about kinship. These questions require careful analysis of familial ties and logical deduction to accurately construct family trees.
MCQs:
1. Pointing to a woman, a man says, "She is the sister of my father’s only son." How is the woman related to the man?
a) Mother
b) Sister
c) Aunt
d) Daughter
Answer: b) Sister
Explanation: The man’s father’s only son is the man himself. Thus, the woman is his sister.
2. A and B are brothers. C is A’s mother. D is C’s father. How is D related to B?
a) Grandfather
b) Father
c) Uncle
d) Brother
Answer: a) Grandfather
Explanation: C is the mother of A and B. D is C’s father, making D the grandfather of B.
3. X is Y’s husband. Z is X’s sister. How is Z related to Y?
a) Sister-in-law
b) Mother-in-law
c) Aunt
d) Niece
Answer: a) Sister-in-law
Explanation: Z is the sister of X (Y’s husband), making Z Y’s sister-in-law.
Coding-Decoding questions involve converting words, letters, or numbers into a different format based on a specific rule or pattern. These questions test your ability to identify hidden patterns and apply transformation rules accurately.
MCQs:
1. If "APPLE" is coded as "BQQMF", how is "ORANGE" coded?
a) PSBOHF
b) PQCOHF
c) PSBOHE
d) PSBOHD
Answer: a) PSBOHF
Explanation: Each letter is shifted forward by 1 in the alphabet: O→P, R→S, A→B, N→O, G→H, E→F.
2. In a code, "COMPUTER" is written as "PMOCRETU". What is "KEYBOARD"?
a) DKEYBOAR
b) YEKBOADR
c) YEKBOARD
d) YEKDRABO
Answer: b) YEKBOARD
Explanation: The word is split into two halves, and each half is reversed. "KEYB" → "BYEK", "OARD" → "DRAO". Combined: "YEKBOARD".
3. If "TIGER" is coded as "UJHFS", what is "LION"?
a) MJPO
b) MKQP
c) NJOP
d) MJQP
Answer: a) MJPO
Explanation: Each letter is shifted forward by 1: L→M, I→J, O→P, N→O.
Direction Sense Test questions assess your ability to follow and interpret directions, spatial relationships, and orientation based on given instructions. They require careful tracking of movements and turns to determine final positions or directions.
MCQs:
1. Rohan walks north for 10 meters, turns left, walks 5 meters, then turns right and walks 8 meters. Which direction is he facing?
a) North
b) East
c) South
d) West
Answer: a) North
Explanation: After turning left (west), then right (north), he faces north.
2. Reena walks 5 km east, turns right (south), walks 3 km, then turns left (east) and walks 2 km. Where is she from the start?
a) South-East
b) North-East
c) East
d) South-West
Answer: a) South-East
Explanation: Net displacement: 7 km east and 3 km south, placing her in the south-east.
3. Priya faces north, turns 90° clockwise (east), then 180° anticlockwise (west), and 90° clockwise (south). Which direction is she facing?
a) South
b) North
c) East
d) West
Answer: a) South
Explanation: Final turn: From west, a 90° clockwise turn leads to south.
Syllogisms involve drawing logical conclusions from two or more premises. These questions assess your ability to evaluate statements and determine whether conclusions logically follow based on given premises.
MCQs:
1. All roses are flowers. Some flowers fade. Conclusion: Some roses fade.
a) Follows
b) Does not follow
Answer: b) Does not follow
Explanation: The fading flowers may not include roses.
2. No laptops are tablets. All tablets are gadgets. Conclusion: No laptops are gadgets.
a) Follows
b) Does not follow
Answer: b) Does not follow
Explanation: Laptops could still be gadgets unrelated to tablets.
3. All lawyers are educated. Some educated people are poets. Conclusion: Some lawyers are poets.
a) Follows
b) Does not follow
Answer: b) Does not follow
Explanation: The poets may not overlap with lawyers.
Statement & Assumption questions require you to identify the underlying assumption that must be true for a given statement to hold. These questions test your ability to detect implicit ideas that are taken for granted within an argument.
MCQs:
1. Statement: "The company has introduced mandatory training programs for all employees."
Assumptions:
I. The employees need additional skills.
II. The training will improve productivity.
Options:
a) Only I is implicit
b) Only II is implicit
c) Both I and II are implicit
d) Neither I nor II is implicit
Answer: a) Only I is implicit
Explanation: The statement implies that employees require training (Assumption I). However, improved productivity (Assumption II) is a possible outcome, not a necessary assumption.
2. Statement: "The city council banned plastic bags to reduce pollution."
Assumptions:
I. Plastic bags contribute significantly to pollution.
II. People will switch to eco-friendly alternatives.
Options:
a) Only I is implicit
b) Only II is implicit
c) Both I and II are implicit
d) Neither I nor II is implicit
Answer: c) Both I and II are implicit
Explanation: The ban assumes plastic bags cause pollution (I) and that alternatives exist and will be adopted (II).
3. Statement: "School X extended library hours during exams."
Assumptions:
I. Students need more study time.
II. The library was underutilized previously.
Options:
a) Only I is implicit
b) Only II is implicit
c) Both I and II are implicit
d) Neither I nor II is implicit
Answer: a) Only I is implicit
Explanation: Extending hours assumes students need more access (I). No evidence implies underutilization (II).
Number series questions require you to identify patterns in sequences of numbers and determine the missing or subsequent number. They test your ability to recognize arithmetic, geometric, or complex patterns and apply logical reasoning.
MCQs:
1. Find the next term: 3, 6, 18, 72, ?
a) 144
b) 216
c) 288
d) 360
Answer: d) 360
Explanation: Multiply by 2, 3, 4, 5:
3×2=6; 6×3=18; 18×4=72; 72×5=360.
2. Complete the series: 12, 15, 21, 30, 42, ?
a) 51
b) 57
c) 60
d) 63
Answer: b) 57
Explanation: Add consecutive multiples of 3:
12+3=15; 15+6=21; 21+9=30; 30+12=42; 42+15=57.
3. Identify the missing number: 5, 11, 23, 47, 95, ?
a) 191
b) 181
c) 171
d) 161
Answer: a) 191
Explanation: Each term is (previous × 2) + 1:
5×2+1=11; 11×2+1=23; …; 95×2+1=191.
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Puzzles (Logical Deduction) require the integration of multiple clues or conditions to reach a unique, logical solution. These questions assess your ability to synthesize disparate pieces of information, eliminate impossibilities, and deduce relationships among variables.
MCQs:
1. Five friends (A, B, C, D, E) sit in a row. A is not adjacent to E. C sits between B and D. Who is at the center?
a) A
b) B
c) C
d) D
Answer: c) C
Explanation: Possible arrangement: B, C, D, _, _ or _, _, B, C, D. To satisfy A not adjacent to E, the middle seat must be C.
2. In a race, P finished before Q but after R. S finished before T but after Q. Who won?
a) R
b) P
c) S
d) T
Answer: a) R
Explanation: Order: R > P > Q > S > T.
3. Three boxes (Red, Green, Blue) contain books, pens, and shoes. The Red box isn’t for books. The Blue box is for pens. What’s in the Green box?
a) Books
b) Pens
c) Shoes
d) Can’t determine
Answer: a) Books
Explanation: Blue = Pens. Red ≠ Books ⇒ Red = Shoes. Hence, Green = Books.
Cause and Effect questions evaluate your understanding of the relationship between events by distinguishing triggers (causes) from outcomes (effects). These questions test your ability to identify sequences and logical connections between events, allowing you to predict consequences based on given circumstances.
MCQs:
1. Statements:
I. Heavy rainfall occurred in the city.
II. Roads were waterlogged for days.
Options:
a) I is the cause, II is the effect
b) II is the cause, I is the effect
c) Both are independent
d) Both are effects of a common cause
Answer: a) I is the cause, II is the effect
Explanation: Heavy rain (cause) leads to waterlogging (effect).
2. Statements:
I. The government subsidized electric vehicles.
II. Sales of electric vehicles doubled.
Options:
a) I is the cause, II is the effect
b) II is the cause, I is the effect
c) Both are independent
d) Both are effects of a common cause
Answer: a) I is the cause, II is the effect
Explanation: Subsidies (I) likely caused increased sales (II).
3. Statements:
I. The bakery introduced gluten-free options.
II. Customer complaints decreased.
Options:
a) I is the cause, II is the effect
b) II is the cause, I is the effect
c) Both are independent
d) Both are effects of a common cause
Answer: a) I is the cause, II is the effect
Explanation: Offering gluten-free (I) likely resolved complaints (II).
Mathematical Operations questions require the application of arithmetic or algebraic principles in non-standard contexts. They challenge you to interpret and manipulate numbers through operations that may deviate from conventional calculations.
MCQs:
1. If ‘+’ means ‘-’, ‘-’ means ‘×’, ‘×’ means ‘÷’, solve: 10 + 5 - 2 × 2 = ?
a) 5
b) 8
c) 12
d) 20
Answer: a) 5
Explanation: 10 - 5 × 2 ÷ 2 = 10 - (5×2)/2 = 10 - 10/2 = 10 - 5 = 5.
2. If 3 # 4 = 7, 5 # 2 = 7, and 6 # 3 = 9, what is 8 # 4?
a) 12
b) 10
c) 8
d) 6
Answer: a) 12
Explanation: The ‘#’ operation adds the numbers. Then 8+4=12.
3. If 2 ∆ 3 = 10, 4 ∆ 5 = 18, then 3 ∆ 4 = ?
a) 12
b) 14
c) 16
d) 20
Answer: b) 14
Explanation: The operation ∆ adds the numbers and multiplies by 2:
(2+3)×2=10; (4+5)×2=18; (3+4)×2=14.
Ranking and Order questions require you to arrange individuals or items based on specific criteria or conditions. These questions test your ability to analyze comparative information, prioritize elements based on given parameters, and establish a logical sequence or hierarchy.
MCQs:
1. In a class of 40 students, Rohan ranks 15th from the top. What is his rank from the bottom?
a) 25th
b) 26th
c) 27th
d) 28th
Answer: b) 26th
Explanation: To find the rank from the bottom, use the formula:
Total students – Rank from top + 1
= 40 – 15 + 1 = 26.
2. Five friends finished a race. Priya finished after Ankit but before Riya. Riya finished before Sam but after Vihan. Who finished last?
a) Ankit
b) Sam
c) Vihan
d) Riya
Answer: b) Sam
Explanation:
3. In a row of 25 people, A is 8th from the front, and B is 12th from the back. How many people are between A and B?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7
Answer: b) 5
Explanation:
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Statement and Conclusion questions involve evaluating a set of statements to determine if a particular conclusion logically follows. These questions assess your ability to critically analyze arguments, identify logical relationships, and discern valid inferences from provided premises.
MCQs:
1. Statement: All roses are flowers. Some flowers fade quickly.
Conclusion: Some roses fade quickly.
a) Follows
b) Does not follow
Answer: b) Does not follow
Explanation: The statement does not specify that roses are part of the "some flowers" that fade. The conclusion is an unsupported assumption.
2. Statement: To reduce traffic, the city introduced a congestion tax.
Conclusion: Traffic levels decreased after the tax.
a) Follows
b) Does not follow
Answer: b) Does not follow
Explanation: The tax was introduced to reduce traffic, but the conclusion assumes its success without direct evidence.
3. Statement: Every student who attended the workshop received a certificate.
Conclusion: Ravi has a certificate.
a) Follows
b) Does not follow
Answer: b) Does not follow
Explanation: The conclusion assumes Ravi attended the workshop, which is not stated in the premise.
Cubes and Dices questions test your spatial reasoning and visualization skills by requiring you to predict the appearance of three-dimensional objects after certain transformations. These questions often involve rotations, unfolding, or reconfigurations of cubes and dice to determine the position or orientation of various faces.
MCQs:
1. A cube is painted red on all faces and cut into 27 smaller cubes. How many small cubes have exactly two red faces?
a) 8
b) 12
c) 6
d) 0
Answer: b) 12
Explanation: Only the edge cubes (not corners) have two painted faces. A cube has 12 edges, each contributing one such cube.
2. Two positions of a dice are shown. If the front face is 2, what number is opposite to 3?
[Assume standard dice: Opposite faces sum to 7]
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 1
Answer: a) 4
Explanation: If 2 is on the front, the back face is 5 (since 2 + 5 = 7). If 3 is adjacent to 2, the number opposite to 3 is 4 (3 + 4 = 7).
3. A cube has faces numbered 1 to 6. If 1 is adjacent to 2, 3, and 4, which number is opposite to 1?
a) 5
b) 6
c) 2
d) 3
Answer: B) 6
Explanation: On a cube, each face is adjacent to four others. Since 1 is adjacent to 2, 3, and 4, the remaining numbers are 5 and 6. By standard conventions (opposite faces sum to 7), 1 is opposite 6.
Odd One Out questions challenge you to identify the item that does not belong within a given set based on specific characteristics or patterns. These questions test your ability to detect subtle differences, recognize commonalities among a group, and apply logical reasoning to isolate the element that deviates from the norm.
MCQs:
1. Identify the odd one out:
a) Square
b) Circle
c) Triangle
d) Rectangle
Answer: b) Circle
Explanation: The circle is the only shape without straight edges.
2. Identify the odd one out:
a) Mercury
b) Venus
c) Mars
d) Jupiter
Answer: d) Jupiter
Explanation: Jupiter is a gas giant, while the others are terrestrial (rocky) planets.
3. Identify the odd one out:
a) Guitar
b) Violin
c) Flute
d) Cello
Answer: c) Flute
Explanation: The flute is a wind instrument, while the others are string instruments.
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Input-Output Pattern Recognition questions require you to determine the rule that transforms a given input into a corresponding output. These questions assess your ability to identify underlying patterns, sequences, or relationships between numerical, alphabetical, or symbolic data.
1. Input: 121 → Output: 144
Input: 169 → Output: ?
a) 196
b) 225
c) 256
d) 289
Answer: a) 196
Explanation: The pattern is n² → (n+1)².
2. Input: 5, 10, 15, 20 → Output: 25, 30, 35, 40
Input: 8, 16, 24, 32 → Output: ?
Options:
a) 40, 48, 56, 64
b) 36, 44, 52, 60
c) 32, 40, 48, 56
d) 34, 42, 50, 58
Answer: a) 40, 48, 56, 64
Explanation:
3, Input: KNIFE → Output: CUT
Input: PEN → Output: ?
Options:
a) INK
b) PAPER
c) WRITE
d) BOOK
Answer: c) WRITE
Explanation:
Logical reasoning questions require a structured approach to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Following the right strategies can significantly improve performance. Below are essential tips to help tackle reasoning questions effectively in exams and interviews.
Before attempting any reasoning question, it's essential to recognize its type—whether it’s analytical, verbal, or non-verbal reasoning. Identifying the structure of the question helps in selecting the right approach and avoiding unnecessary confusion.
Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices. Often, incorrect options contain logical inconsistencies or extreme assumptions. By discarding implausible choices, you increase the probability of selecting the correct answer.
Logical reasoning questions can be time-consuming. Allocate time wisely by attempting easier questions first and marking complex ones for later review. Setting a time limit per question during practice sessions helps in improving speed and accuracy.
For problems related to seating arrangements, blood relations, and direction sense, drawing diagrams simplifies complex relationships. Visual aids help in organizing data systematically and reducing errors in interpretation.
Regular practice using previous years' papers and mock tests familiarizes you with different question patterns and improves problem-solving efficiency. Analyzing mistakes in mock tests helps in identifying weak areas for improvement.
Developing logical reasoning skills requires a habit of analyzing real-life situations critically. Engaging in brain-training activities like puzzles, Sudoku, and chess helps in improving logical thought processes and pattern recognition.
Logical reasoning questions require fact-based conclusions rather than subjective interpretations. Avoid making assumptions that are not explicitly stated in the problem. Rely only on the given information to draw logical conclusions.
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For professionals, logical reasoning goes beyond basic problem-solving and involves advanced techniques to enhance critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and analytical reasoning. Here are some advanced techniques:
Instead of solving problems traditionally, professionals can work backward from the given answer choices to determine the most logical solution. This technique is especially useful in competitive tests and business scenarios where efficiency matters.
This involves assessing "if-then" scenarios to predict possible outcomes. Professionals use this approach in strategic planning, risk assessment, and troubleshooting complex issues.
Building a sequence of logically connected statements ensures consistency in decision-making. This is often used in legal reasoning, policy analysis, and programming logic.
Bayesian reasoning helps professionals update their beliefs based on new evidence. This is widely applied in finance, medical diagnostics, and AI-based decision-making.
Recognizing hidden patterns in data helps professionals make better predictions. This technique is crucial in data science, cybersecurity, and market trend analysis.
Testing a hypothesis by identifying contradictions or counterexamples helps validate conclusions. This method is useful in legal arguments, scientific research, and debugging in software engineering.
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Logical reasoning questions are a fundamental part of job assessments, entrance exams, and various competitive tests. They help evaluate problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills, making them essential for both academic and professional success.
By practicing logical reasoning questions with answers, candidates can improve their speed, accuracy, and confidence in tackling complex problems. Regular practice, effective time management, and using elimination techniques can significantly enhance performance in reasoning assessments.
Additionally, understanding different types of logical reasoning questions and applying structured approaches, such as using diagrams for visualization and avoiding unnecessary assumptions, can lead to better results. Mastering logical reasoning not only helps in exams but also strengthens critical thinking skills for real-world decision-making.
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