Input Output Questions for IBPS PO are reasoning-based problems in which a machine rearranges a given sequence of words, letters, numbers, or a combination of these elements according to a fixed pattern. Candidates must identify the rule followed in each step and use it to determine the required output, missing step, or position of an element. Also known as Machine Input-Output or Sequential Output Tracing, this topic is commonly included in the Reasoning Ability section of IBPS PO Mains and other bank exams such as SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI Clerk, and RBI Assistant. Practise the Input-Output questions given below with answers and detailed solutions to improve pattern recognition, accuracy, and solving speed for upcoming bank exams.
Input Output Practice Quiz 2026: IBPS PO Exam-Level Questions
Attempt the following Input Output Practice Quiz 2026 designed strictly according to recent IBPS PO exam patterns. Solve them like a timed set before reviewing the explanations below.
- Input: 57 ultra 24 ocean 91 breeze 38 island
- Step I: 24 ultra 57 ocean 91 breeze 38 island
- Step II: 24 ultra 38 ocean 57 91 breeze island
- Step III: 24 ultra 38 ocean 57 island 91 breeze
Q1. Which step is the final step for the input 57 ultra 24 ocean 91 breeze 38 island?
Explanation: Using the corrected pairwise rule, Step I fixes 24-ultra, Step II fixes 38-ocean, and Step III fixes 57-island and leaves 91-breeze in place. Hence Step III is final.
Q2. What is Step III for the given input?
Explanation: Step III is 24 ultra 38 ocean 57 island 91 breeze.
Q3. Which element is fourth from the left end in Step II?
Explanation: Step II is 24 ultra 38 ocean 57 91 breeze island. The fourth element is ocean.
Q4. How many elements are between 38 and breeze in Step III?
Explanation: Step III is 24 ultra 38 ocean 57 island 91 breeze. Ocean, 57, island, and 91 lie between 38 and breeze, so there are four elements.
Q5. In Step III, if ultra is related to 38 and ocean is related to 57, then island is related to which element?
Explanation: Each word is related to the number immediately following it: ultra→38, ocean→57, island→91.
- New Input: Box 1 [4,5], Box 2 [2,3], Box 3 [7,1], Box 4 [3,6]
- Step I: Multiply numbers inside each box.
- Step II: A=B1+B2, B=B2+B3, C=B3+B4.
- Step III: Final=(A+C)−B.
Q6. What is the value of Box 1 in Step I for the new input?
Explanation: Box 1 contains 4 and 5. Therefore, 4 × 5 = 20.
Q7. What is Value B in Step II for the new input?
Explanation: Box 2 = 2 × 3 = 6 and Box 3 = 7 × 1 = 7. Hence Value B = 6 + 7 = 13.
Q8. What is the Final Value in Step III for the new input?
Explanation: Step I values are 20, 6, 7, and 18. Thus Value A = 26, Value B = 13, Value C = 25, and Final Value = (26 + 25) − 13 = 34.
Q9. What is the difference between Value A and Value C in Step II?
Explanation: Value A = 26 and Value C = 25. Their difference is 1.
Q10. What is the sum of all four box values obtained in Step I?
Explanation: 20 + 6 + 7 + 18 = 51.
Quiz Summary
Understanding the Machine Input-Output Questions Trend
In recent IBPS PO examinations, Machine Input-Output has shifted from basic single-element shifts to multi-layered logical operations. Expect variations such as:
- Simultaneous Double-End Rearrangement: Words moving to the left end while numbers shift to the right end in every step.
- Math-Based Number Operations: Steps involving digital sums, prime factors, or squaring numbers instead of simple ascending/descending order.
- Box / Coded Input-Output: Commonly seen in Mains, where numbers in interconnected boxes undergo arithmetic operations without explicit word shifts.
Pro Tip: Never write out every single step fully during the exam if not required. Use shorthand notation (e.g., $N_1, W_1, N_2, W_2$) to quickly determine the total number of steps.
Strategy Checklist to Master Input-Output for IBPS PO 2026
- Analyze the Final Step First: Look at the last step of the illustration to immediately identify the final ordered pattern (e.g., ascending numbers, reverse alphabetical words).
- Compare Consecutive Steps: Compare Step I to the Input, then Step II to Step I, to identify how many elements move in each individual operation.
- Track Fixed vs. Shifting Elements: Determine whether rearranged elements freeze at their positions or continue shifting inward.
- Practice Under Sectional Timers: Aim to solve a standard 5-question Input-Output set within 3 to 4 minutes during your practice tests.
FAQs on IBPS PO Input-Output Questions
Q1. What is the weightage of Input-Output questions in the IBPS PO exam?
Input-Output typically appears as a 5-question set in the IBPS PO exam. While it occasionally features in Prelims, it is a staple, high-weightage topic in the Mains exam.
Q2. Is it necessary to write all steps manually to solve Input-Output questions?
No. For standard shifting sets, you can label the elements in the input line with their step numbers (e.g., $L_1, R_1, L_2$) to deduce answers without rewriting the entire string for every step.
Q3. What is the main difference between Prelims and Mains Input-Output questions?
Prelims questions usually involve word/number shifts based on simple alphabetical and numerical ordering. Mains questions involve box-based mathematical operations, digital logic, or multi-rule transformations.
Q4. How can I quickly find the number of steps required for a given input?
Identify how many elements are out of order relative to the final rule. Count how many elements are moved per step. The required step count equals total shifts needed minus any elements that automatically fall into place.
Q5. Can an element get automatically arranged in Input-Output puzzles?
Yes. If an element naturally occupies its correct target position after previous shifts without being explicitly moved in that step, it is considered “auto-arranged” and does not consume an extra step.
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