SSC CGL Preparation – Day 11

Reasoning: Odd One Out (Classification)

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🔍 What is ‘Odd One Out’?

Odd One Out questions test your analytical and classification skills by presenting a group of items, numbers, letters, words, or figures, where one item does not follow the common rule or pattern followed by others. Your task is to identify the odd element that doesn’t fit the group.

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🧩 Types of Odd One Out Questions

1. Word-Based Odd One Out

• One word is unrelated to others in meaning, category, or function.

Example:
Apple, Banana, Carrot, Mango
🟢 Odd One Out: Carrot (a vegetable; others are fruits)

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2. Number-Based Odd One Out

• Numbers follow a particular mathematical logic; one doesn’t.

Example:
3, 7, 11, 15, 19
🟢 Odd One Out: 15 (not a prime number; others are primes)

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3. Letter/Alphabet-Based Odd One Out

• Based on alphabetical order, positions, or letter patterns.

Example:
ACE, BDF, GIK, XYZ
🟢 Odd One Out: XYZ (not in equal gaps; others have alternate letter pattern)

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4. Figure-Based Odd One Out (Non-Verbal)

• One image differs in shape, pattern, rotation, or count.

Example:
4 figures with 3 sides, 3 sides, 3 sides, and 4 sides
🟢 Odd One Out: 4-sided shape

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🧠 How to Solve Odd One Out Questions?

✔️ Step-by-Step Approach:

1. Identify the common trait shared by most of the items.
2. Look for categories: Animal, fruit, country, etc.
3. Check for patterns: Prime numbers, even/odd, alphabet sequence.
4. In figures, check for: number of lines, symmetry, rotation, closed/open shapes.
5. Eliminate systematically until one item doesn’t fit.

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🔢 Common Patterns to Watch Out For:

Category	Pattern to Observe
Words	Category (fruit, bird, tool)
Numbers	Prime, even/odd, square, cube, divisible
Alphabets	Position in alphabet, skips, symmetry
Figures	Rotation, symmetry, number of sides

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💡 Examples with Explanation

🔹 Example 1 (Word-Based):

Q: Dog, Cat, Cow, Crow
A: Crow (a bird; rest are mammals)

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🔹 Example 2 (Number-Based):

Q: 13, 17, 19, 21
A: 21 (not a prime number)

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🔹 Example 3 (Alphabet-Based):

Q: ABD, EFG, HIJ, KLM
A: ABD (not continuous; rest are)

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🔹 Example 4 (Figure-Based):

Q: 3 triangles, 3 triangles, 3 triangles, 1 square
A: 1 square (different shape)

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🧠 Practice Strategy

• Solve 10–15 Odd One Out questions daily.
• Practice mixed-type questions: verbal and non-verbal.
• Focus on speed + accuracy.
• Learn common number patterns (primes, cubes, etc.)

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✅ Tips for Mastery

1. Always read all options carefully.
2. Think logically, not emotionally. Avoid guessing by familiarity.
3. Use elimination method if confused.
4. Check for subtle clues in shapes and sequences.

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📝 Practice Questions (Try Yourself)

1. Knife, Spoon, Fork, Plate
2. 4, 9, 16, 18
3. PQR, STU, VWX, ABC
4. (In figures) – All circles except one square
5. Eagle, Parrot, Bat, Crow

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📌 Expected SSC CGL Question Count:

1–2 Questions in Tier 1 (Verbal or Non-Verbal)