RRB NTPC General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus

The General Intelligence and Reasoning section in the RRB NTPC 2027 examination tests a candidate's ability to think logically, recognise patterns, and solve problems analytically without relying on domain knowledge. It carries 30 questions in CBT 1 and 35 questions in CBT 2. Unlike Mathematics or General Awareness, Reasoning ability can be improved substantially through regular targeted practice in a relatively short preparation period, making it a high-return investment for most candidates.

Quick Facts: NTPC Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning Topics

1. Analogies

•        Word analogies: identifying the relationship between a pair of words and applying it to a second pair

•        Number analogies: identifying the mathematical relationship and applying it

•        Letter analogies: identifying positional or pattern relationship between letter pairs

•        Mixed analogies combining word and number relationships

2. Alphabetical and Number Series

•        Number series: finding the missing term; identifying the wrong term in an otherwise regular series

•        Common number series types: arithmetic progression, geometric progression, difference series, square series, cube series, Fibonacci-type, alternating series

•        Alphabet series: series based on position of letters, gap-based series, skip series

•        Alpha-numeric series: mixed series with letters, numbers, and symbols

3. Coding and Decoding

•        Letter substitution coding: each letter coded to another letter by a fixed rule

•        Number coding: words coded as numbers based on letter positions or values

•        Symbol coding: words or letters represented by mathematical or typographical symbols

•        Conditional or logic-based coding: code given for one word; decode another using the same logic

•        Reverse coding: letters coded in reverse alphabetical order

4. Blood Relations

•        Direct relationships: parent, child, sibling, spouse

•        Multi-step blood relation chains: coded relationships, three or more generation trees

•        Coded blood relation problems: relationship expressed through directional or positional terms

•        Mixed blood relation and seating or standing arrangement problems

5. Directions and Distances

•        Compass directions: North, South, East, West, and diagonals

•        Calculating total distance travelled and shortest distance (straight-line distance)

•        Shadow-based direction problems: determining direction from shadow length and time

•        Displacement calculation after multiple turns

6. Syllogism

•        All, Some, No: classical categorical syllogism patterns

•        Possibility-based conclusions: 'Some X may be Y' type conclusions

•        Venn diagram method for verification

•        Reverse syllogism: identifying which original statements lead to a given conclusion

•        Complementary pair conclusions

7. Statement and Conclusion

•        Identifying conclusions that definitively follow from given statements

•        Distinguishing between conclusions that follow and those that are merely possible

8. Statement and Assumptions

•        Identifying implicit assumptions underlying a given statement

•        Valid assumption criteria: the assumption must be unstated but necessary for the statement to make sense

9. Statement and Courses of Action

•        Evaluating suggested actions in response to a given problem statement

•        Criteria for a valid course of action: practical, addressing the stated problem, not causing greater harm

10. Statement and Arguments

•        Identifying strong and weak arguments for and against a proposition

•        Argument validity criteria: directness, practicality, logical relevance to the statement

11. Cause and Effect

•        Identifying whether two statements have a cause-and-effect relationship

•        Distinguishing between independent causes, effect statements, and common causes

12. Relationships and Classification

•        Odd one out: identifying the item that does not belong based on a common property

•        Grouping: classifying items by logical or conceptual property

•        Dictionary order: arranging words in alphabetical sequence

Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics

13. Figure Series and Pattern Completion

•        Identifying the rule governing a sequence of figures

•        Selecting the next figure in the series

•        Matrix completion: selecting the missing figure in a 3x3 or 2x2 matrix

14. Mirror and Water Images

•        Mirror image: lateral inversion of figures, letters, or clocks

•        Water image: vertical inversion of figures and letter combinations

•        Mirror image of digital clock times

15. Paper Folding and Cutting

•        Paper folding: identifying the pattern when a paper is folded along given lines

•        Paper cutting: identifying the resulting pattern when a folded paper is cut and then unfolded

16. Embedded Figures

•        Identifying which of the given figures is embedded (hidden) within a larger complex figure

17. Figure Counting

•        Counting triangles, squares, rectangles, or other geometrical shapes within a complex figure

Logical and Analytical Reasoning Topics

18. Seating Arrangement

•        Linear arrangement: single row, double row facing each other, circular row

•        Circular arrangement: facing the centre, facing away from the centre, mixed

•        Floor-based arrangement: who lives on which floor

•        Complex arrangements with multiple attributes (profession, colour, direction)

19. Puzzles

•        Box-based puzzles: stacking or ordering of boxes with conditions

•        Age-based puzzles: determining ages from relational conditions

•        Scheduling puzzles: assigning people to time slots, days, or positions

20. Data Sufficiency

•        Determining whether one statement alone, the other alone, or both together are sufficient to answer a question

•        Recognising when a question is answerable even from partial data

21. Input-Output

•        Machine rearrangement of words and numbers across multiple steps

•        Identifying the rule governing the rearrangement and applying it to find a specific step

22. Venn Diagrams

•        Identifying the correct Venn diagram representation for three categories

•        Solving questions based on a given Venn diagram: counting elements in regions, finding intersections

23. Mathematical Operations

•        Symbol substitution: mathematical symbols replaced by letters or symbols; evaluating expressions after substitution

•        Balancing equations by replacing incorrect signs

•        If + means x, x means -, etc.: evaluate the expression

Topic-wise Weightage Analysis

Preparation Tips for Reasoning

1. Practise Series and Analogies Daily

Series and Analogies together account for 7 to 10 questions per stage. Practise at least 20 series questions and 15 analogy questions daily. Develop the habit of identifying the pattern type within 5 to 10 seconds of reading a series question.

2. Solve Puzzle and Arrangement Sets Timed

Complex seating arrangement and puzzle questions are time-intensive. Practise solving complete sets of 5 puzzle questions within 7 to 8 minutes. Learn to draw clear, organised diagrams quickly for arrangement problems.

3. Build a Syllogism Framework

Develop a consistent method for syllogism, whether the Venn diagram method or the rule-based method. Stick to one method and practise until it becomes automatic. Possibility-based conclusions (Some X may be Y) are a common source of errors; practise these specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions: Reasoning

Q1. Is there a separate Reasoning syllabus for CBT 1 and CBT 2?

The topic areas are the same for both CBT 1 and CBT 2. However, CBT 2 questions tend to be more complex and multi-step, particularly in puzzles, arrangements, and critical reasoning.

Q2. Which Reasoning topic is the easiest to score in?

Series Completion, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, and Mathematical Operations are generally the fastest and most predictable question types. With practice, these can be solved in 30 to 45 seconds each.