1. General Intelligence & Reasoning for RRB JE 2025

 

Comprehensive Guide to General Intelligence & Reasoning for RRB JE 2025

The General Intelligence & Reasoning section in the RRB JE CBT 1 exam assesses candidates' logical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. It consists of 25 questions carrying 25 marks, with a negative marking of 1/3 for incorrect answers. The syllabus remains consistent as per official notifications and preparation resources for 2025, focusing on non-technical reasoning skills. Key topics include analogies, series, coding-decoding, and more, with varying weightage: series and coding often see 3-5 questions each, while others like blood relations and syllogism get 2-3.

This guide covers all 15 topics from the syllabus, providing full conceptual descriptions, step-by-step explanations, solved examples, and visual clarifications via diagrams and illustrations to enhance understanding.

1. Analogies

Full Concept Description: Analogies involve identifying relationships between pairs of words, concepts, or figures. The relationship could be based on synonyms, antonyms, part-to-whole, cause-effect, tool-function, or category membership. In verbal analogies, you match word pairs; in non-verbal (figural), you match shapes or patterns. The goal is to recognize the parallel structure and apply it logically. This tests associative thinking and vocabulary.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyze the given pair to determine the exact relationship (e.g., "Pen : Write" means tool-purpose).
2. Examine options and apply the same relationship.
3. Eliminate mismatches and select the closest fit.
4. For figural analogies, look for transformations like rotation or addition.

Example: Question: Doctor : Stethoscope :: Carpenter : ? Options: (a) Hammer (b) Paintbrush (c) Scalpel (d) Book Step 1: Doctor uses Stethoscope as a tool. Step 2: Carpenter uses Hammer as a tool. Answer: (a) Hammer.

For visual clarification, here's a diagram illustrating analogy relationships:

What is Figural Analogy?

Another illustrative example of analogical reasoning in ontology construction:

An example of using analogical reasoning to construct a new ...

2. Alphabetical and Number Series

Full Concept Description: Series questions require identifying patterns in sequences of letters, numbers, or alphanumeric combinations. Patterns may involve arithmetic (e.g., +2, x3), geometric progressions, primes, squares/cubes, alphabetical shifts (e.g., +1 letter), or mixed rules. Alphabetical series follow the 26-letter order, often skipping or reversing. This evaluates pattern recognition and sequential logic.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. List the series and calculate differences or ratios between terms.
2. Identify if it's increasing/decreasing, and test patterns like odd/even, multiples, or letter positions (A=1, B=2).
3. Predict the next/missing term.
4. Verify by applying the rule throughout.

Example: Question: 3, 8, 15, 24, 35, ? Step 1: Differences: 5, 7, 9, 11 (increasing by 2). Step 2: Next difference = 13. Step 3: 35 + 13 = 48. Answer: 48.

Visual illustration of number series patterns in a digital swirl:

3. Coding and Decoding

Full Concept Description: Coding-decoding involves encrypting or decrypting messages using rules like letter shifts (e.g., Caesar cipher: +3), reversals, symbol substitutions, or word-position mappings. Types include letter coding, number coding, mixed, and substitution. It tests decoding logic and pattern application, common in cryptography-inspired puzzles.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Compare the coded and original message to find the rule.
2. Note shifts, positions, or substitutions.
3. Apply the rule to the new message.
4. Cross-check for consistency.

Example: Question: If 'APPLE' is coded as 'BQQMF', how is 'ORANGE' coded? Step 1: Each letter in 'APPLE' is shifted +1 (A→B, P→Q, etc.). Step 2: O→P, R→S, A→B, N→O, G→H, E→F. Answer: PSBOHF.

Visual example of decoding in a reasoning task:

An example of decoding in a task for grade 1 (Matematik Favorit 1A ...

Diagram showing coding anomalies and decoding process:

 

Decoding the Enigma: A Comprehensive Guide to Outsmarting Coding ...

4. Mathematical Operations

Full Concept Description: These questions redefine mathematical symbols (e.g., + means ×) or interchange operations, requiring evaluation of expressions under new rules. It includes BODMAS application with altered meanings, testing adaptability and calculation accuracy.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Note redefined operations.
2. Substitute in the expression.
3. Solve using order of operations.
4. Compute step-by-step.

Example: Question: If × means +, ÷ means -, + means ÷, - means ×, solve 10 + 5 ÷ 2 × 3 - 1. Step 1: Rewrite: 10 ÷ 5 - 2 + 3 × 1. Step 2: 10 ÷ 5 = 2; 2 - 2 = 0; 0 + 3 = 3; 3 × 1 = 3. Answer: 3.

5. Relationships (Blood Relations)

Full Concept Description: Blood relations determine family connections from statements, using terms like brother, uncle, or cousin. It involves mapping hierarchies (generations) and genders, often visualized as trees to avoid confusion in complex families.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Identify key relations and genders.
2. Build a family tree starting from a reference person.
3. Trace the path to find the relation.
4. Simplify using symbols (+ for male, - for female).

Example: Question: A is brother of B. B is daughter of C. D is father of A. How is C related to D? Step 1: A (male) sibling to B (female); both children of C and D. Step 2: C is spouse of D (assuming). Answer: Wife.

Family tree diagram for blood relations:

 

Blood Relations Questions

Puzzle-based family relation chart:

Few Examples Of Family-based Puzzles Questions

6. Syllogism

Full Concept Description: Syllogism draws conclusions from two or more premises using logic like "All A are B." Types: categorical (all/some/no), hypothetical. Validity is checked via rules or Venn diagrams, testing deductive reasoning.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Represent premises as Venn circles.
2. Check if conclusion overlaps logically.
3. Use distribution rules (e.g., negative premise → negative conclusion).
4. Determine definite/possible/false.

Example: Statements: All birds fly. Some animals are birds. Conclusions: I. Some animals fly. II. All animals fly. Step 1: Birds circle inside fly; animals overlap birds. Step 2: Some animals in birds → fly (I true; II false). Answer: Only I follows.

Venn diagram for categorical syllogism:

 

 

Categorical Syllogism - Pt. 1 - Where to put the X?

Another syllogism Venn example:

 

Syllogism Reasoning

7. Jumbling

Full Concept Description: Jumbling rearranges disordered letters, words, or sentences to form meaningful entities. Letter jumbling forms words; word jumbling forms sentences; para-jumbling forms coherent paragraphs. It tests vocabulary, grammar, and logical flow.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Identify possible words from letters.
2. Arrange words by subject-verb-object.
3. Ensure logical sequence.
4. Test for coherence.

Example: Question: Rearrange: the / quick / brown / jumps / fox / over / lazy / dog. Step 1: Identify nouns/verbs. Step 2: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." Answer: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

8. Venn Diagram

Full Concept Description: Venn diagrams represent sets and their relationships (union, intersection, difference) using overlapping circles. In reasoning, they classify items or validate statements, testing set theory application.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Draw circles for each category.
2. Place elements in intersections/unions.
3. Count or infer relations.
4. Use for syllogism validation.

Example: Question: Represent Teachers, Students, and Scholars. Some teachers are scholars, some students are scholars, no teacher is student. Step 1: Three circles; overlap teachers-scholars, students-scholars, no teachers-students. Answer: Diagram shows distinct overlaps.

Basic Venn diagram reasoning example:

 

9. Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency

Full Concept Description: Data interpretation analyzes charts, tables, or graphs for trends/calculations. Data sufficiency checks if given statements provide enough info to answer, without solving fully. It tests analytical efficiency.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Read data and question.
2. For sufficiency: Evaluate each statement alone, then combined.
3. Avoid extra assumptions.
4. Compute only if needed.

Example: Question: What is the age of X? I. X is twice Y's age. II. Y is 10 years old. Step 1: I alone insufficient. II alone insufficient. Step 2: Combined: X=20. Answer: Both required.

10. Conclusions and Decision Making

Full Concept Description: From given statements or data, derive valid conclusions or make decisions. It involves inferring implications, weighing options, and logical outcomes, often in ethical or practical scenarios.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Identify facts vs. opinions.
2. Draw direct/indirect inferences.
3. Evaluate decisions for logic.
4. Choose unbiased options.

Example: Statement: Traffic increases pollution. Conclusion: Ban all vehicles. Step 1: Conclusion extreme; not directly follows. Answer: Does not follow.

11. Similarities and Differences

Full Concept Description: Identify common attributes or odd-one-out based on categories like properties, functions, or types. It sharpens comparative analysis.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. List features of each item.
2. Group similarities.
3. Spot the dissimilar.
4. Confirm category.

Example: Question: Find odd: Apple, Banana, Carrot, Orange. Step 1: Apple, Banana, Orange (fruits); Carrot (vegetable). Answer: Carrot.

12. Analytical Reasoning (Seating Arrangement)

Full Concept Description: Analytical reasoning solves puzzles like seating (linear/circular), ordering, or grouping with constraints. Seating arrangements position people/objects based on conditions like "left of" or "opposite."

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. List entities and constraints.
2. Sketch diagram (row/circle).
3. Place definitively, then tentatively.
4. Eliminate contradictions.

Example: Question: A, B, C in a row. A not at end, B left of C. Step 1: Positions 1-3; A in 2. Step 2: B in 1, C in 3. Answer: B-A-C.

Seating arrangement diagram inward-facing:

 

Seating Arrangement Shortcut Trick - Reasoning

Solved seating example:

 

Seating Arrangement - Solved Examples

13. Classification

Full Concept Description: Group items by common traits and identify the misfit. Traits could be semantic, numerical, or pattern-based, testing categorization skills.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Find the unifying rule.
2. Check each item.
3. Isolate the exception.
4. Reverify.

Example: Question: 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121. Find non-square. Step 1: All squares except perhaps one (if altered). (Assuming standard: All are squares 2^2 to 11^2.) Answer: None, but if 10 added, it's odd.

14. Directions

Full Concept Description: Direction sense tracks movements using compass points (N, S, E, W), turns (right/left), and distances. It calculates final position or direction, often with shadows or maps.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Assume starting direction (e.g., North).
2. Map turns: Right +90°, Left -90°.
3. Calculate net displacement.
4. Use Pythagoras for distance.

Example: Question: Walk 10m North, turn right 5m, left 10m, right 5m. Final direction? Step 1: North 10m → East 5m → North 10m → East 5m. Step 2: Total North 20m, East 10m; facing East. Answer: East.

Direction sense compass diagram:

 

DIRECTION SENSE TEST – Site Title

Direction sense practice illustration:

 

 

Direction Sense Explained With Practice Questions & Answers // Unstop

15. Statement – Arguments and Assumptions

Full Concept Description: Evaluate if arguments support/weaken statements or if assumptions are implicit necessities. Arguments are reasons; assumptions are unstated bases.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Read statement.
2. Check argument relevance/strength.
3. For assumptions: Must be true for statement to hold.
4. Avoid irrelevant extras.

Example: Statement: Exercise improves health. Assumption: Health can be improved. Argument: I. It burns calories (strong). Step 1: Assumption implicit. Argument supports. Answer: Strong argument.