Inequality questions are a part of the Reasoning Ability section in banking exams like the IBPS PO Mains exam. These questions are asked to check the logical ability of students. Usually, 3 to 4 inequality questions are asked in the IBPS PO Mains exam. These questions require logical comparison and are considered more scoring. And as it is more scoring, it is recommended to practice these questions as much as you can. Read on to know how to solve them easily in less time. We have provided a free PDF containing the most asked Inequality questions in the IBPS PO Mains exam.
Inequality Basic Concept for IBPS PO 2025
Inequality questions involve comparing two or more elements (usually letters like A, B, C, etc.) using mathematical symbols that show their relation in terms of greater than, less than, equal to, etc.
Common symbols used in inequality questions:
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
> | Greater than | A > B → A is greater than B |
< | Less than | A < B → A is less than B |
≥ | Greater than or equal | A ≥ B → A is greater than or equal to B |
≤ | Less than or equal | A ≤ B → A is less than or equal to B |
= | Equal to | A = B → A is equal to B |
In the Inequality questions, you are given a set of statements and conclusions, and you need to combine the statements logically and check if the given conclusion(s) follow from the statements.
Types of Inequality Questions Asked in IBPS PO Mains Exam
There are six types of inequality questions that are asked in the IBPS PO Mains exam, which are: direct inequality, reverse inequality, coded inequality, either/ or case, only/ only a few type, and double comparison inequality. These are discussed below with an example.
Type 1: Direct Inequality
In the direct inequality question, you are given a set of statements and conclusions. You have to check which conclusion(s) follow.
Example:
Statements: A > B = C ≥ D < E
Conclusions:
- A > C
- D < B
Answer: Only conclusion 2 follows.
Type 2: Reverse Inequality
In the reverse inequality, instead of statements, conclusions are given, and you have to find which set of statements makes the conclusions true.
Example:
Conclusions: A > C, B < D
Options: (Select the one whose statements make both conclusions true)
Type 3: Coded Inequality
In the coded inequality questions, symbols like @, #, $, %, & are used with predefined meanings. You need to decode them first.
Example:
Given:
A @ B → A > B
A # B → A = B
A $ B → A < B
Then evaluate:
Statements: P @ Q # R
Conclusions: P > R
Type 4: Either/Or Case
In these types of questions, the conclusions are logically opposite, but one must be true if the condition fits.
Example:
Statements: A ≥ B > C
Conclusions:
- C < A
- C = A
Answer: Either 1 or 2 follows.
Type 5: Only / Only a few Type
In this type of inequality question, a statement is used with a combination of conclusions and conditional logic. It tests your precision in conclusion selection.
Example:
Statements: M ≥ N = O < P
Conclusions:
- Only conclusion 1 follows
- Only conclusion 2 follows
- Both follow
- Neither follow
- Either 1 or 2 follows
Type 6: Double Inequality Comparison
In the double inequality questions, you are asked to compare two elements from different parts of the statement chain.
Example:
Statements: W ≥ X = Y < Z ≤ A
Conclusion: W > A
Answer: Can’t be determined.
Most Asked Inequality Questions in IBPS PO Mains Exam
Try to solve the questions provided below and download a free PDF to get the detailed solution and more questions based on the latest pattern of the IBPS PO exam.
Question 1: In the question, assuming the given statements to be true, find which of the following conclusions (s) among the three conclusions is/are true and then give your answer accordingly.
Statement:
R < A ≤ U < L > M, N < T = K < R, M = Z ≤ O
Conclusions:
I. L > N
II. T ≤ U
III. R ≤ O
A) Only conclusion I is true
B) Only I and II are true
C) Only conclusion II is true
D) Only II and III are true
E) Only conclusion III is true
Question 2: In the question, assuming the given statements to be true, find which of the following conclusion(s) among the three conclusions is/are true and then give your answer accordingly.
Statement:
Z ≥ T ≥ O > D = L; D ≤ K = R; R < M ≥ N
Conclusions:
I. T ≥ K
II. M > L
III. O > R
A) Only conclusion II and III are true.
B) Only conclusion III is true.
C) Only conclusion I is true.
D) All conclusions are true.
E) Only conclusion II is true.
Question 3: In the question, assuming the given statements to be true, find which of the following conclusion(s) among the three conclusions is/are true and then give your answer accordingly.
Statement:
L < J = K ≥ T < R, G = O > P ≤ L, U = R < M
Conclusions:
I. M > T
II. G > J
III. U > L
A) Only conclusion II and III are true.
B) Only conclusion III is true.
C) Only conclusion I is true.
D) All conclusions are true.
E) Only conclusion II is true.
Question 4: Which of the following should be placed in the blank spaces (in the same order from left to right) in order to complete the given expression ‘_ ≥ _ < _ ≤ _’ in such a way that it makes the expression R > J definitely true?
A) J, E, N, R
B) R, E, J, N
C) N, R, E, J
D) J, R, E, N
E) N, J, E, R
Question 5: In the question, assuming the given statements to be true, find which of the conclusion (s) among given three conclusions is /are definitely true and then give your answer accordingly.
Statement:
R≥O=L>T>K; K=U<M; J≤M=D
Conclusions:
I. R>U
II. L>M
III. J<K
A) Only conclusion I and II are true
B) Only conclusion I is true
C) Only conclusion II and III are true
D) Only conclusion I and III are true
E) All the conclusions are true.
Inequalities Reasoning Questions PDF for IBPS PO
Practice Inequality Questions for IBPS PO exam by this PDF and Score well in the prelims examinations.
How to Solve Inequality Questions Easily?
To solve the inequality questions easily in your exam, follow the tips given below:
Tip 1: Memorize Symbol Meanings:
>Greater than<Less than=Equal to≥Greater than or equal to≤Less than or equal to
Tip 2: Chain Building: Link symbols from left to right to form a valid logical relationship.
Tip 3: Check Possibility/Certainty: Only mark a conclusion as “follows” if it’s definitely true.
Tip 4: Either/Or Trap: Only mark Either/Or when:
- Both conclusions are individually false
- Both have same elements
- One is
>and the other=
Tip 5: Practice Coded Inequality separately – It’s formula-based and scoring.
Disclaimer: The content provided in the PracticeMock blog article “Inequality – Most Asked Questions for IBPS PO” is intended solely for educational and practice purposes. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the official Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) or its examination authorities. The practice questions, explanations, and exam patterns mentioned are based on general preparation strategies and past exam trends, and they may differ from the actual IBPS PO exam format or difficulty level. Candidates should always refer to the official IBPS notifications, syllabus, and guidelines for accurate and up-to-date information.
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FAQs
Apply Either/Or when: Both conclusions are individually false, or they involve the same elements, or one is < or >, and the other is =
Inequality questions are moderate to difficult in difficulty. If you’re well-practised, they can be solved in less than 1 minute per question.
You can expect 3 to 4 questions from the Inequality topic in the Reasoning Ability section of the IBPS PO Mains.
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