SBI PO Reasoning Preparation Strategy 2025, Check Best Prep Tips

The Reasoning section plays an important role in the SBI PO 2025 exam, with 30 questions in Prelims and 40 questions in Mains. To score well, you need the right approach, not just knowledge. In this blog, we have shared simple topic-wise tips for the SBI PO 2025 reasoning section and overall strategies to help you solve reasoning questions faster and with better accuracy.

Reasoning is all about high-order thinking skills and smart question selection. With regular practice and the right mindset, you can easily nail the reasoning section and increase your overall score.

SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern of Reasoning Section

The SBI PO Prelims Reasoning section tests logical thinking and speed with 30 questions to be solved in 20 minutes. It consists of puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, syllogisms, and more. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.

Prelims Exam Pattern:

• Section Name: Reasoning Ability
  
• No. of Questions: 30
  
• Marks: 30
  
• Time: 20 minutes
  
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
  

Mains Exam Pattern:

• Section Name: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
  
• No. of Questions: 40
  
• Marks: 60
  
• Time: 50 minutes
  
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
  

SBI PO 2025 Preparation Resources (According To Latest Pattern)

To ace the SBI PO 2025 exam, candidates can uplift their preparation with our study resources, such as mock tests, topic-wise tests, and mini mocks, to improve their accuracy and speed.

Topic-Wise Reasoning Strategy for SBI PO 2025

Here are some tips on topic-wise strategy on how to prepare each topic smartly:

1. Inequalities

Learn the basic rules of comparison like >, <, ≥, ≤. Practice coding inequalities, too. Try 10 questions daily to increase speed.

2. Blood Relations

Understand family tree concepts. Practice coded and direct relation-based questions. Use charts to see relations.

3. Directions

Practice simple questions first. Learn turning logic (left-right). Try drawing diagrams while solving.

4. Order and Ranking

Use formulas to solve questions quickly. Learn position-based and rank-based problems with numbers and names.

5. Alpha-Numeric Series

Focus on pattern finding, letter positions, and odd-one-out questions. Practice daily to increase accuracy.

6. Miscellaneous Reasoning (Prelims)

Practice basic logic-based questions (like number patterns, symbols). These are easy but need regular revision.

7. Coding-Decoding

Start with old pattern questions, then move to the new pattern. Practice letter shifting and logic-based codes.

8. Syllogisms

Understand Venn diagrams and “Only”, “Only a few”, “Some not” types. Practice Reverse and Coded Syllogisms.

9. Puzzles

Start with easy types like linear arrangements, then go for advanced puzzles (box, floor, month-date). Practice mixed puzzles daily.

10. Seating Arrangements

Practice all types – Circular, Linear, Parallel rows. Solve from easiest to hardest. Use a proper diagram strategy.

11. Data Sufficiency

Focus on logic more than calculations. Practice “can be determined/cannot be determined” type problems.

12. Input and Output

Understand the pattern of shifting letters/numbers. Practice old and new pattern-based sets regularly.

13. Miscellaneous Reasoning (Mains)

Includes logic puzzles, condition-based reasoning. Practice questions from mains-level mock tests.

14. Computer Aptitude

No theoretical computer questions now. Practice flowchart, input-output, and logic-based computer pattern questions.

15. Critical Reasoning

Practice assumptions, conclusions, course of action, and cause-and-effect-based questions. Focus more on understanding than tricks.

Best Tips to Attempt the Reasoning Section in SBI PO 2025 

The Reasoning section in SBI PO is all about how well you think logically under time pressure. Many students get stuck because of puzzles or long arrangements, but if you follow a smart approach, you can score well. Here are some detailed and simple tips to help you attempt the Reasoning section in a better way:

 1. Start with Easy Questions First

When you begin the section, don’t directly jump into puzzles or input-output. Start with questions like inequalities, blood relations, directions, and alphanumeric series. These are usually quick to solve and help you build confidence.

For example, if you solve 5–7 easy questions quickly, you’ll feel less pressure and gain time for harder questions.

 2. Leave Difficult Puzzles for Later

Not every puzzle is meant to be solved in the exam. If you see a big floor or box puzzle with multiple conditions, don’t waste 10 minutes trying to solve it. If it looks too complex in the first 30 seconds, mark it for review and move on.

Sometimes, attempting 2 smaller puzzles correctly is better than wasting time on one hard one.

 3. Always Use Diagrams

In reasoning, drawing helps more than reading. Whether it’s blood relation, direction, seating arrangement, or ranking, always draw a quick diagram. This reduces confusion and helps you avoid silly mistakes.

Even a rough box or arrow can help you visualize the logic quickly.

 4. Practice Puzzles Every Day

Since puzzles and seating arrangements carry the maximum weight in both Prelims and Mains, it’s important to make them a part of your daily routine. Start with easier ones like:

• Linear arrangement (single row)
  
• Month and date puzzles
  
• Floor puzzles
  

Slowly move to advanced ones like circular, box-based, and mixed puzzles. Practice 2–3 puzzles daily, even if you’re solving other topics too.

 5. Understand the Pattern, Don’t Just Memorize

Reasoning is not about mugging up. Each question is different. So, focus on understanding the logic behind the solution. After solving each question, ask yourself:

• Could I have solved it faster?
  
• Did I understand the logic properly?
  
• Was there a shortcut I missed?
  

 6. Improve Speed With Mock Tests

Regular mock tests are the best way to check your timing and accuracy. Try to solve 35–40 reasoning questions in 20 minutes (like the Prelims exam). After each test:

• Review your mistakes
  
• See which topics took the most time
  
• Revisit tough puzzles with a calm mind
  

You will get better only by testing and learning from your performance.

 7. Focus on Accuracy First, Speed Will Follow

In Reasoning, it’s better to solve 20 questions correctly than to solve 30 with 8 wrong answers. Negative marking can pull down your score a lot. So, in the beginning, focus on being accurate, then slowly build up your speed through practice.

 8. Keep Short Notes of Tricks

Maintain a notebook where you write down:

• Puzzle patterns you solved
  
• Common directions logic
  
• Shortcuts for ranking
  
• Quick blood relation charts
  

Before the exam, these notes can be very helpful for revision.

 9. Mix Prelims + Mains Practice

If you’re only preparing for Prelims, also start solving some Mains-level puzzles and reasoning questions. This will make you stronger, and when you reach Mains, you won’t find the paper very hard.

Start with simple mains reasoning sets and gradually increase the difficulty.

 10. Practice New Pattern Questions

SBI PO sometimes asks new types of logical reasoning (like coded syllogisms, logic puzzles with multiple conditions, computer logic-based inputs). Practicing these new types will keep you one step ahead of others.

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