Most Important Topics to Score 22+ Marks in Reasoning Section in SBI PO Prelims

The reasoning section in the SBI PO Prelims exam plays a crucial role in determining your overall performance. With a total of 30 questions, this section tests logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills under time constraints. Scoring 22+ marks in this section can significantly boost your chances of clearing the prelims and moving ahead in the selection process. To achieve this, you must focus on high-weightage topics, practice regularly, and develop an efficient problem-solving approach. In this article, we will discuss the most important topics and strategies to help you maximize your score in the reasoning section.

Most Important Topics to Score 22+ Marks in Reasoning Section in SBI PO Prelims

Scoring well in the reasoning section of the SBI PO Prelims requires a clear understanding of high-weightage topics. Certain topics are consistently asked in the exam and can help you secure 22+ marks with proper practice.

First of all, understand the SBI PO Reasoning Section

No. of Questions: 30

Total Marks: 30

Time Duration: 20 minutes

Negative marking: -0.25 marks for each wrong answer

Below are the most important topics to focus on:

Seating Arrangements and Puzzles

This is the most important and time-consuming part of the reasoning section. You can expect linear, circular, square, or rectangular seating arrangements with variables. Puzzles may include box-based, floor-based, day/month-based, or tabular puzzles. Since these questions carry the highest weightage, regular practice is necessary to develop speed and accuracy.

Syllogism

Syllogism questions test your ability to analyze logical statements and draw correct conclusions. The exam may include standard categorical syllogism, along with newer formats like “only a few” cases and possibility-based syllogism. Using Venn diagrams is the best way to solve these questions quickly and accurately.

Inequality

These questions involve mathematical relationships using symbols like >, <, ≥, ≤, =. Both direct and coded inequalities can be asked in the exam. Inequality questions are usually quick and straightforward, making them an ideal topic to score easy marks in less time.

Blood Relations

Blood relation questions test logical reasoning skills by presenting family-based scenarios. These can be asked in both direct and coded formats. The best way to approach these questions is by drawing a family tree to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy.

Direction & Distance

Direction-based questions test your ability to track movements in different directions (north, south, east, west, left, right, etc.). Visualizing movements on paper helps in solving these questions quickly and accurately.

Alphanumeric Series & Coding-Decoding

Alphanumeric series questions involve letters, numbers, and symbols arranged in a pattern, requiring you to identify the logic and complete the sequence. Coding-decoding questions may include letter shifting, number coding, or symbol-based coding. Regular practice is essential to identify patterns quickly and solve these questions efficiently.

Order & Ranking

This topic involves position-based reasoning, where you need to determine a person’s rank or position in a queue, row, or hierarchy based on given conditions. Understanding basic ranking formulas and practising different types of ranking questions can help solve these efficiently.

How to Prioritize Topics for Maximum Score?

To maximize your score in the Reasoning Ability section of SBI PO Prelims, it is essential to follow a strategic approach while attempting questions. Since time is limited, you have to prioritize topics based on difficulty level, accuracy rate, and time consumption.

Start with Easy and High-Scoring Topics: Begin with topics that are less time-consuming and have a high accuracy rate. Questions from inequality, syllogism, alphanumeric series, direction & distance, blood relations, and order & ranking are generally straightforward and can be solved quickly. These topics require little to no calculation, allowing candidates to score easy marks within a few minutes.

Move to Moderate-Level Questions: Once you secure quick marks, shift your focus to slightly time-consuming topics like coding-decoding and logical reasoning. These questions require careful reading and logical interpretation but can be solved efficiently with practice.

Attempt Puzzles and Seating Arrangements Smartly: Since puzzles and seating arrangement questions hold the highest weightage, they must be attempted strategically. If a puzzle seems complex or lengthy, do not get stuck. Instead, scan all puzzle questions first and attempt the ones that appear simpler. Tabular and floor-based puzzles are usually easier than circular or variable-based ones.

Avoid Time Traps and Guesswork: Some questions, especially lengthy puzzles, may be designed to consume time. If a question takes too long to solve, skip it and return later if time permits. Avoid blind guessing, as there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.

Effective Strategy to Score 22+ Marks in Reasoning

Scoring 22+ marks in the Reasoning Ability section of the SBI PO Prelims requires a combination of smart topic selection, time management, and continuous practice. With only 20 minutes available, you must adopt a structured approach to maximize their attempts and accuracy.

Master High-Accuracy, Low-Time Topics First: To secure quick marks, start with inequality, syllogism, direction & distance, blood relations, alphanumeric series, and order & ranking. These topics can be solved within seconds using basic logic, formulas, and visualization techniques. You should aim to complete these questions within the first 5-7 minutes to free up time for more complex problems.

Use Smart Techniques for Moderate-Level Questions: For topics like coding-decoding and logical reasoning, use shortcut techniques to identify patterns quickly. Practising the previous year questions helps in familiarizing with the expected difficulty level.

Approach Puzzles and Seating Arrangements Strategically: Since puzzles and seating arrangement questions hold very high weight, it is crucial to choose wisely. Start with simple puzzles like tabular or floor-based arrangements, as they are relatively easier than variable-based or circular arrangements. If a puzzle seems too complex, move on to the next question rather than wasting too much time.

Take Regular Mock Tests and Analyze Performance: Mock tests help in building speed and refining exam strategy. Try to take at least one full-length mock test every 2-3 days and analyze their mistakes. Identifying weak areas and revising them will help in increasing accuracy and confidence before the actual exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Reasoning Section: Many candidates lose valuable marks in the Reasoning Ability section due to avoidable mistakes. Being aware of these errors can help improve accuracy, speed, and overall performance in the SBI PO Prelims exam.

Spending Too Much Time on a Single Question: One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is getting stuck on difficult puzzles or seating arrangement questions. If a question takes more than 2 minutes, it is better to skip and move on rather than wasting precious time. Time management is key to maximizing attempts.

Making Calculations and Logical Errors: In reasoning, a small miscalculation or incorrect assumption can lead to multiple wrong answers, especially in puzzles and seating arrangements. Carefully read the given information, avoid assumptions not mentioned in the question, and double-check the conditions before finalizing an answer.

Lack of Practice: Do not rely only on concept-based preparation, practice with full-length mock tests under timed conditions. The reasoning section requires quick thinking and logical application, which can only be developed through regular practice. Taking mock tests helps in identifying weak areas and improving overall speed.

Guessing Answers Without Proper Logic: Since the SBI PO Prelims exam has a negative marking (0.25 per wrong answer), random guessing can reduce the overall score.  Try to only attempt questions that you are confident about. If unsure, it is better to leave a question rather than risk losing marks.