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SSC CGL Preparation – Day 16
Reasoning: Input-Output Reasoning (Repeated)
📘 What is Input-Output Reasoning?
Input-Output reasoning questions involve a sequence of operations (like shifting, rearranging, or transforming elements such as words, numbers, or both) applied in a step-by-step manner. You’re required to analyze the pattern in these steps and either determine the final output or find an intermediate one.
🧩 Why it’s Important for SSC CGL?
- Comes under High-Level Reasoning.
- Frequently appears in Tier 2 SSC exams, though sometimes in Tier 1 too.
- Tests your pattern identification, logical flow, and observation skills.
🧠 Types of Input-Output Problems
- Word Arrangement
- Alphabetical or reverse order
- Number Arrangement
- Ascending, descending, or based on odd/even
- Alphanumeric Series
- Words + Numbers rearranged by logic
- Mathematical Logic-Based
- Addition/Subtraction of numbers or digits
- Mixed Pattern (Combo of above)
- Both word and number rearrangements
⚙️ Approach to Solve Input-Output Questions
🔹 Step 1: Identify the Input
Start with the original series of words/numbers.
🔹 Step 2: Observe All Steps
Analyze how the order changes in Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, etc.
🔹 Step 3: Detect the Pattern
- Are words/numbers shifting?
- Is alphabetical/numerical order being applied?
- Are operations like addition/subtraction happening?
🔹 Step 4: Apply the Pattern
Use the detected logic to find the required step or output.
🧪 Example 1: Word-Based Rearrangement
Input: go 53 for 26 walk 39 to 72
Step I: 26 go 53 for walk 39 to 72
Step II: 26 for go 53 walk 39 to 72
Step III: 26 for 39 go 53 walk to 72
Step IV: 26 for 39 go 53 to walk 72
Step V: 26 for 39 go 53 to 72 walk
🧠 Explanation:
- Numbers and words are arranged alternatively.
- Lowest number, then alphabetically first word, next lowest number, next word…
🧪 Example 2: Number-Based Rearrangement
Input: 93 46 21 82 67
Step I: 21 93 46 82 67
Step II: 21 46 93 82 67
Step III: 21 46 67 93 82
Step IV: 21 46 67 82 93
🧠 Explanation:
- Numbers are arranged in ascending order by swapping the correct number at each position.
💡 Common SSC CGL Patterns
| Pattern Type | Logic |
|---|---|
| Ascending Order | Numbers placed from smallest to largest |
| Descending Order | Words/numbers from largest to smallest |
| Alphabetical Order | Words sorted A → Z |
| Position Swap | Swap from ends to center |
| Mathematical Operation | Add/subtract digits, reverse digits |
| Even/Odd Based | Separate & arrange accordingly |
📌 Tips to Solve Quickly
- Don’t jump to the answer. Spend time observing the steps.
- Compare each step carefully with the previous one.
- Write down the positions that changed.
- Maintain a chart if needed during practice.
- Practice mixed patterns — they are more likely in SSC.
⚠️ Common Traps
| Mistake | Tip |
|---|---|
| Missing mixed logic | Observe both numbers & words |
| Assuming uniform step logic | Logic can change mid-way |
| Not checking all options | Especially in MCQs |
| Rushing through pattern detection | Leads to wrong answers |
📝 Sample Question
Input: 45 ring 29 kite 81 fan 67 jump
Step I: 29 45 ring kite 81 fan 67 jump
Step II: 29 fan 45 ring kite 81 67 jump
Step III: 29 fan 45 jump ring kite 81 67
Step IV: 29 fan 45 jump kite ring 81 67
Step V: 29 fan 45 jump kite ring 67 81
Q: What will be the arrangement in Step IV?
✅ Answer: 29 fan 45 jump kite ring 81 67
(Note: rearrangement alternates between smallest number & alphabetically first word)
