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.
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.
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.
Here are some tips on topic-wise strategy on how to prepare each topic smartly:
Learn the basic rules of comparison like >, <, ≥, ≤. Practice coding inequalities, too. Try 10 questions daily to increase speed.
Understand family tree concepts. Practice coded and direct relation-based questions. Use charts to see relations.
Practice simple questions first. Learn turning logic (left-right). Try drawing diagrams while solving.
Use formulas to solve questions quickly. Learn position-based and rank-based problems with numbers and names.
Focus on pattern finding, letter positions, and odd-one-out questions. Practice daily to increase accuracy.
Practice basic logic-based questions (like number patterns, symbols). These are easy but need regular revision.
Start with old pattern questions, then move to the new pattern. Practice letter shifting and logic-based codes.
Understand Venn diagrams and “Only”, “Only a few”, “Some not” types. Practice Reverse and Coded Syllogisms.
Start with easy types like linear arrangements, then go for advanced puzzles (box, floor, month-date). Practice mixed puzzles daily.
Practice all types – Circular, Linear, Parallel rows. Solve from easiest to hardest. Use a proper diagram strategy.
Focus on logic more than calculations. Practice “can be determined/cannot be determined” type problems.
Understand the pattern of shifting letters/numbers. Practice old and new pattern-based sets regularly.
Includes logic puzzles, condition-based reasoning. Practice questions from mains-level mock tests.
No theoretical computer questions now. Practice flowchart, input-output, and logic-based computer pattern questions.
Practice assumptions, conclusions, course of action, and cause-and-effect-based questions. Focus more on understanding than tricks.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
You will get better only by testing and learning from your performance.
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.
Maintain a notebook where you write down:
Before the exam, these notes can be very helpful for revision.
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.
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.
Join our exclusive Telegram group where our experts are ready to answer all your queries, guide you in banking exam preparation, and give personalized tips to boost your success. Get access to real-time solutions, expert advice, and valuable resources to improve your study journey. [Click here to join now!]
| SBI PO Syllabus 2025 | SBI PO Previous Year Question Paper |
| SBI PO Salary 2025 | SBI PO Cut Off 2025 |
| SBI PO Study Plan 2025 | SBI PO Preparation Strategy 2025 |
| SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 |
It’s moderate to difficult but can be cracked with practice.
Solve 2–3 puzzles daily and analyze each step
Draw family tree diagrams to simplify.
No, they are logic-based.
Get Coding Decoding Important Questions for PNB LBO 2025 Exam. Download free PDF and improve…
Smart 30‑day SEBI Grade A 2026 plan with Phase 1 & Phase 2 topics, daily…
NABARD Grade A 2025 last 10‑day plan with quizzes, active recall, micro notes, and mocks…
Download IBPS Specialist Officer Result 2025 and check what you can do next after the…
IBPS PO Mains Score Card 2025 has been released on their official website. Candidates can…
SSC has released the CHSL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key. Download the response sheet, calculate…