Introduction: Puzzles | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

The Significance of Puzzles in Reasoning Exams

Diverse Types of Puzzles

1. Sitting Arrangement (Circular or Rectangular)

   • Involves arranging individuals around circular or rectangular tables, with varied configurations presented in questions.

2. Sitting Arrangement (Facing North or South)

   • Requires organizing individuals in a straight line, facing either north or south, with different arrangements provided.

3. Sitting Arrangement (Row I and Row II Facing Each Other)

   • Involves two rows of people facing each other, typically with row I facing south and row II facing north.

4. Blood Relation

   • Focuses on determining family relationships across two to three generations, with additional complexity introduced through professions.

5. Analytical Reasoning

   • Analytical reasoning questions are often table-based, demanding a deep analysis of the presented information.

6. Arithmetical Reasoning

   • Incorporates arithmetic-based puzzles, though these are relatively infrequent, they are deemed as straightforward and score-worthy.

Sitting Arrangement Challenges

• Circular and Rectangular Tables: Participants arrange around tables in different shapes, deciphering the specified sequence for an accurate solution.

• Facing North or South: Individuals seated in a straight line must face the designated direction, necessitating precise arrangement based on given conditions.

• Row I and Row II Facing Each Other: Complex scenarios involve two rows facing each other, demanding careful arrangement in alignment with provided details.

Blood Relation Complexity
Blood relation questions encompass family trees spanning multiple generations, with additional intricacies introduced through the inclusion of professions. These questions, though typically of lower weightage, can be time-consuming and yield maximum marks for detailed scrutiny.

Analytical Reasoning Emphasis
Following blood relation, analytical reasoning takes precedence, featuring tables that demand a thorough analysis. Consistent practice is emphasized as the key to mastering these intricate questions.

Arithmetical Reasoning Insights
Arithmetical reasoning, focusing on arithmetic-based puzzles, is less common but deemed straightforward and advantageous for scoring purposes.

Solved Examples

• A does not like hockey
• B has a book store and likes to play football.
• C and D do not like tennis and C has grocery shop whereas D has hardware shop.
• E likes kabbadi and does not work in stationary shop.
• The person who likes hockey does not work in hardware shop.

Q1: Who has stationary shop?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
Ans: (a)
The given statements can be summarized in a tabulated form as follows.

From the given table, it is clear that A has stationary shop.

Q2:  Which game is played by D?
(a) Kabbadi
(b) Hockey
(c) Basketball
(d) Tennis
Ans: (c)
It is clear that D plays basketball.

Q3: The shop run by E is.
(a) Stationary shop
(b) Sports goods shop
(c) Grocery shop
(d) None of these
Ans: (b)
From the given table, it is clear that E sells sports goods.

Q4: Which game is played by grocery shopkeeper?
(a) Hockey
(b) Tennis
(c) Kabbadi
(d) Football
Ans: (a)
According to the given table, C has grocery shop and plays hockey.

Q5: Which is true?
(a) - A - book store- tennis
(b) - C – grocery – hockey
(c) - D – sports goods shop
(d) - B- stationary – kabbadi
Ans: (b)
It is clear that option (B) is the correct combination of person, occupation and favourite game.
Study the following information carefully to answer the given questions −
A,B,C,D,E,F and G are travelling in three buses X,Y,Z with at least two of them in any of these buses. Each of them likes a different sweet viz. Petha, Rasmalai, Rasagolla, Kheer, Sandesh, Chamcham and Jalebi, but not necessarily in the same order.