Important Topics in Reasoning for Bank Exams
Bank exams are conducted by both private sector and public sector banks based on the number of vacancies that arise from time to time. These exams have different formats and syllabi depending on the requirements of the bank.
Candidates from various streams and disciplines appear for bank exams to secure a well-paying job. Some of the important bank tests include the RBI Grade B, IBPS RRB, NABARD Grade A and Grade B, Canara Bank Specialist Officer exam, etc.
In general, bank exams are divided into different phases, and they try to evaluate candidates’ knowledge of the English language, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, current affairs, etc. Certain bank exams may also include segments on computer awareness and specialised subjects or disciplines based on their needs.
This article focuses on important topics that aspirants must study in order to perform well in bank exams.
Logical Reasoning for Bank Exams: Important Topics
Reasoning is an integral part of bank tests and many other competitive exams. It is scoring and considered relatively easy when compared to quantitative aptitude. If candidates learn the fundamentals of reasoning, then they can easily score well in various bank exams. Keeping the exam format of bank tests in mind, a list of important topics for logical reasoning is given in the table below. Candidates should ensure that they are thoroughly familiar with these topics.
| Important Topics for Logical Reasoning | |
| S. No. | Name of Topics |
| 1 | Alphanumeric Series |
| 2 | Directions |
| 3 | Odd One Out |
| 4 | Deductive Reasoning/Statement Analysis |
| 5 | Blood Relations |
| 6 | Paper Folding |
| 7 | Reasoning Analogies |
| 8 | Puzzles |
| 9 | Order & Ranking |
| 10 | Picture Series and Sequences |
| 11 | Figure Matrix |
| 12 | Cubes and Cuboids |
| 13 | Embedded Images |
| 14 | Pattern Series and Sequences |
| 15 | Mirror and Water Images |
| 16 | Seating Arrangements |
| 17 | Dices |
| 18 | Data Sufficiency |
| 19 | Decision Making |
| 20 | Critical Path |
| 21 | Coding-Decoding |
| 22 | Clocks |
| 23 | Calendars |
| 24 | Artificial Language |
| 25 | Syllogism |
| 26 | Cause and Effect |
| 27 | Shape Construction |
| 28 | Statement and Arguments |
| 29 | Assertion and Reason |
| 30 | Statement and Assumptions |
| 31 | Statement and Conclusions |
| 32 | Input-Output |
The topics given above are not only useful for bank exams but also for other competitive exams conducted by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Food Corporation of India (FCI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other state Public Service Commissions.
Nowadays, there is a fixed time limit for each section in many bank exams. For example, in the preliminary phase of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer (IBPS PO) exam, there is a time limit of 20 minutes for each section, .i.e numerical ability, English language and reasoning ability. Therefore, candidates should make sure that they learn how to manage their time effectively and give each section the same amount of importance.
Additionally, aspirants should familiarise themselves with different types of questions that can be asked in each section, especially quantitative aptitude and reasoning. They should revise and take mock tests to get better in each segment. They should keep in mind that to pass the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection PO examination, they have to clear not only the overall cut-off but also the sectional cut-off.
Banks exams have become fiercely competitive these days, and candidates have to put in immense efforts to pass these exams. Thorough knowledge of each subject, speed, precision, and the capacity for time management are essential for passing bank tests.