The General Intelligence and Reasoning section is one of the most crucial parts of the RRB NTPC 2025 exam, featured in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. With 30 questions in CBT 1 and 35 in CBT 2, this section not only tests a candidate’s logical reasoning, decision-making, and analytical skills but also provides a strong opportunity to boost overall score due to its high accuracy potential.
To perform well, candidates need a strategic and topic-specific approach. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of each reasoning topic, along with preparation tips, mock test recommendations, and insights into the exam pattern.
Quick Summary
| Section Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB NTPC 2025 |
| Section | General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| CBT 1 Questions | 30 Questions |
| CBT 2 Questions | 35 Questions |
| Time (CBT 1 and 2 Combined Paper) | 90 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
Exam Pattern Overview
Understanding the structure of the exam is the first step in developing a smart preparation strategy.
- CBT 1: 30 questions from Reasoning, each carrying 1 mark.
- CBT 2: 35 questions from Reasoning, part of the overall 120 marks paper.
- Time: 90 minutes for the entire paper.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect response.
Topic-Wise Preparation Strategy for Reasoning
1. Analogies
- Focus on both verbal and non-verbal analogies.
- Types to practice: Object relationships, number-based, letter series, symbolic analogies.
- Build familiarity with common logic patterns such as function-based and symbolic relationships.
2. Series Completion
- Cover arithmetic, geometric, and alphabetic sequences.
- Practice spotting missing or incorrect elements.
- Learn patterns like skip series, mixed sequences, and mirror logic.
3. Coding-Decoding
- Learn the basics of letter shifting, alphanumeric logic, and symbol replacement.
- Cover letter, number, and matrix coding formats.
- Understand patterns like forward-backward shifts, positional coding, and pattern-based decoding.
4. Mathematical Operations
- Stronghold on BODMAS, interchanging symbols, and logical equations.
- Solve operator-based puzzles and bracket-oriented questions.
- Pay special attention to replacement logic questions.
5. Similarities and Differences
- Practice classification problems.
- Focus on odd-one-out and figure classification exercises.
- Strengthen identification based on shape, meaning, function, and numerical value.
6. Blood Relations
- Build skills with family trees, and practice both direct and coded relations.
- Use diagrammatic approaches for complex chains.
- Focus on shortcuts for faster resolution.
7. Analytical Reasoning
- Key areas: Seating arrangement, direction sense, assumption-based questions.
- Practice both linear and circular seating formats.
- Use elimination techniques to arrive at answers efficiently.
8. Syllogisms
- Master Venn diagram techniques.
- Cover all types of statements: “Some,” “All,” “Only,” “No.”
- Understand rules of logical deduction and avoid common traps.
9. Jumbling
- Focus on sentence and paragraph rearrangement.
- Use logic flow and transition words to identify correct order.
- Practice on both logical connectors and subject-based sequencing.
10. Venn Diagrams
- Learn standard representations for unions, intersections, and subsets.
- Practice based on group categorization, three-set overlaps, and basic set theory.
11. Puzzles
- Start with simple puzzles (2–3 variables) and scale up to complex formats.
- Cover box-based, floor-based, and calendar-based puzzles.
- Learn to visualize and organize information systematically.
12. Data Sufficiency
- Practice identifying whether the information provided is enough to answer.
- Do not attempt to solve the problem; focus only on evaluating the sufficiency.
13. Statement & Conclusion / Course of Action
- Develop critical reading skills.
- Distinguish between valid conclusions and assumptions.
- Avoid emotional bias; rely on logical reasoning alone.
14. Decision Making
- Practice real-life scenarios (HR-style decision making).
- Choose the most appropriate and justifiable response, not just the obvious one.
15. Maps and Direction Sense
- Use diagrams to solve problems involving left-right turns, shortest distance, and directional paths.
- Practice converting map-based questions into coordinate form when needed.
16. Graph Interpretation (Reasoning-Based)
- Focus on bar, pie, and line graph interpretation with a reasoning twist.
- These are not quantitative problems but require deduction and visual reasoning.
Recommended Practice: Free Mock Tests
Boost your preparation with topic-specific mock tests aligned to the latest RRB NTPC 2025 pattern. These tests offer full-length and micro-practice options that help identify strengths and weaknesses.
| Topic | Mock Test Resource |
|---|---|
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 1 | [Mock Test Link] |
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 2 | [Mock Test Link] |
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 3 | [Mock Test Link] |
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 4 | [Mock Test Link] |
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 5 | [Mock Test Link] |
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 6 | [Mock Test Link] |
| RRB NTPC Reasoning Test 7 | [Mock Test Link] |
General Tips for Reasoning Preparation
- Know the Syllabus Well: Understand the scope of each topic.
- Consistency is Key: Dedicate at least 1–2 hours daily for Reasoning.
- Solve Previous Papers: Practice 3–5 years of previous questions.
- Mock Test Analysis: Review your mistakes and improve weak areas.
- Use Short Notes: Maintain a notebook for formulas, tricks, and error logs.
- Level Up Gradually: Start from basics and move to moderate, then advanced questions.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within a time limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many questions are there in the Reasoning section of RRB NTPC?
In CBT 1, there are 30 questions, and in CBT 2, there are 35 questions from the Reasoning section.
Q2. Is the Reasoning section common in both CBTs?
Yes, General Intelligence & Reasoning is a part of both CBT 1 and CBT 2 exams.
Q3. What is the best way to prepare for puzzles and seating arrangements?
Start with basic puzzles and gradually move to more complex types. For seating, practice both linear and circular arrangements, and draw diagrams.
Q4. Are mock tests necessary?
Absolutely. Mock tests simulate real exam conditions, help in identifying weak areas, and improve speed and accuracy.
Q5. Is there any negative marking?
Yes, 1/3rd of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Q6. Where can I get official updates on RRB NTPC?
You can visit the official site: https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in
Final Thoughts
Scoring well in the General Intelligence and Reasoning section of RRB NTPC 2025 is not just about hard work—it’s about smart preparation. With a clear understanding of each topic, regular mock test practice, and focused revision, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Stay consistent, track your progress, and approach preparation with discipline. This section is your opportunity to gain a competitive edge—make the most of it.
For More Information Click Here