Best Tips to Crack the Reasoning Section in SBI PO Exam 2025

Introduction

The Reasoning Ability section is one of the most crucial parts of the SBI PO 2025 exam. It evaluates your logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to analyze and understand patterns. While this section may seem challenging, with the right approach, preparation, and strategy, you can master it and boost your chances of clearing the SBI PO exam.

In this blog, we will share the best tips and strategies to help you crack the Reasoning section of the SBI PO 2025 exam. These tips are designed to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management during the exam.

---

Understanding the Reasoning Section in SBI PO 2025

The Reasoning section is part of both the Prelims and Mains exams, with the pattern slightly differing between the two:

• Prelims Exam:

  • Total Questions: 35

  • Total Marks: 35

  • Time Limit: 20 minutes

  • This section typically includes topics like Syllogism, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Inequality, and Coding-Decoding.

• Mains Exam:

  • Total Questions: 45

  • Total Marks: 60

  • Time Limit: 60 minutes

  • In addition to the above topics, Mains will include Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning, and Computer Aptitude.

The difficulty level in the Mains exam is generally higher, and you will need to handle a greater number of questions within a fixed time.

---

Best Tips to Crack the Reasoning Section in SBI PO Exam 2025 

1. Master the Basics and Learn Key Concepts

Before jumping into solving complex reasoning problems, ensure that you have a strong foundation in the basic concepts. Here’s what you need to focus on:

• Basic Logical Reasoning: Learn how to interpret patterns, sequences, and relationships.

• Verbal Reasoning: Master types of questions like Syllogism, Blood Relations, and Directions.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Understand how to solve Series and Figure-based puzzles.

Start by revising basic reasoning techniques and then move on to advanced types of reasoning questions.

2. Focus on Speed and Accuracy

In both the Prelims and Mains, time management is key. You need to answer 35 questions in 20 minutes for Prelims and 45 questions in 60 minutes for Mains. To improve both speed and accuracy:

• Time Your Practice: When practicing reasoning questions, always keep track of time. Try to solve each puzzle or question within 30-45 seconds.

• Avoid Guesswork: Never waste time on questions you’re unsure about. If you’re stuck, move to the next one and come back later if time permits.

• Practice Different Question Types: Focus on improving your skills in seating arrangements, blood relations, and coding-decoding, as these are frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains.

3. Solve Puzzles and Seating Arrangements First

Puzzles and Seating Arrangements are the core of the Reasoning section in both Prelims and Mains. These types of questions may take a bit longer, but once you get the hang of them, they can become easier and quicker. Here's how to approach them:

• Practice Different Variations: Solve various types of seating arrangements like circular, linear, and square arrangements. Work on different types of puzzles, including floor-based puzzles and scheduling problems.

• Identify Key Information: Always read the entire puzzle carefully and identify key data points before beginning to solve.

• Work Systematically: Use a process of elimination approach to narrow down the possible solutions.

4. Use the Elimination Method

In some reasoning questions, especially in topics like Syllogism, Inequality, and Direction Sense, the elimination method can save a lot of time. If you’re stuck on a particular question, try the following:

• In Syllogism, use the elimination method to discard impossible conclusions and arrive at the correct one.

• In Inequality, work on narrowing down the options and eliminate answers that don’t fit the conditions.

This technique helps you quickly discard wrong answers, speeding up the decision-making process.

5. Strengthen Your Analytical and Logical Thinking

To solve reasoning questions faster and more effectively, develop your analytical and logical thinking skills:

• Work on Analytical Puzzles: Solve more analytical reasoning puzzles that require logical deduction, such as coding-decoding, inequality, and blood relations.

• Solve Previous Year Papers: Go through previous year’s papers and solve as many reasoning questions as you can. This will not only help you understand the exam pattern but also allow you to improve your speed and accuracy.

• Use Visual Aids: For problems related to seating arrangements or direction sense, drawing diagrams or figures on paper can help you visualize and solve the problem faster.

6. Revise Regularly and Keep Improving

In the final weeks leading up to the exam, focus on regular revision and improvement:

• Revise Key Concepts: Regularly revise key reasoning topics to ensure you remember the logic and tricks behind each question.

• Identify Weak Areas: Track the areas where you’re facing difficulty and spend extra time practicing those topics.

• Take Mock Tests: Regularly take reasoning mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. Analyze your mistakes and work on improving them.

7. Stay Calm and Focused During the Exam

It’s easy to get overwhelmed during the exam, especially when you encounter a difficult reasoning question. To stay calm and focused:

• Don’t Panic: If you find a question too hard, skip it and move to the next one.

• Use a Structured Approach: Organize your time and stick to a plan. First, solve the easy questions, then move to the medium-level questions, and leave the hard ones for later.

• Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude throughout the exam, as this will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.

---

Key Resources for Reasoning Preparation

• Books:

  • “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Agarwal

  • “Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Agarwal

  • “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey

• Online Platforms:

  •  great resources and live sessions for reasoning preparation.

  • provide mock tests, practice questions, and analysis.

• Mobile Apps:

  • practicing reasoning tricks and shortcuts.

  •  daily reasoning practice.

---

Conclusion

Mastering the Reasoning section of the SBI PO 2025 exam is crucial to your success. By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your speed, accuracy, and problem-solving abilities, ensuring you tackle even the most challenging reasoning questions with ease. Regular practice, focused revision, and a calm, structured approach will help you ace the SBI PO Reasoning section and increase your chances of success.