The most important yet difficult aspect of banking and other competitive examinations is that of puzzles and seating arrangements. The reason behind the inclusion of such questions in these examinations is to test the candidates' ability to think logically and analytically, their focus, and the way in which they solve problems. Many questions on puzzles and seating arrangements are often found in banking exams such as IBPS PO, SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, RBI Assistant, and SSC because such questions measure a candidate's efficiency and speed of understanding information.
As far as the nature of questions asked in this section is concerned, they are very long and require a proper understanding of situations and relations. However, any student who prepares himself/herself with an appropriate strategy and smart methods can do well in solving these types of questions.
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How to master puzzle and seating arrangement questions
Understand the basics first
It is essential that one should first understand the basics before solving difficult problems. At the outset, the learner should familiarize himself/herself with all sorts of seating arrangements like squares, triangles, circles, and lines. In the same way, puzzles like floor arrangements, time scheduling, ranking, family relations, and box puzzles constitute some of the basic puzzles.
Proper preparation begins with the knowledge of working with positioning, relations, and directions. Beginners should start off with simple problems before proceeding to difficult ones.
Learn different types of puzzle questions
Different kinds of puzzles have been found in competitive examinations. Some of the common types include:
Linear seating puzzle
Circular seating puzzle
Two-row puzzle
Floor and flat puzzle
Month and date puzzle
Schedule puzzle
Box puzzles
Ranking/Comparison puzzles
By knowing the pattern of each type of puzzle, a candidate will be able to solve questions faster.
Improve your observation skills
For solving the riddles quickly, observation is very important. It is important for candidates to observe each statement to find out hints that will help solve the puzzle. Incorrect planning and time wastage will occur as a consequence of failing to note even one point.
Candidates should mark words such as “immediate left,” “third to the right,” “facing” not, “between,” or “opposite.” Such hints reduce any confusion and help to formulate clear groups.
Use diagrams and short symbols
One of the best ways of solving queries regarding seating arrangements is through drawing suitable diagrams. The understanding of positions and relationships among people or objects becomes easier when shown visually.
Moreover, students should also create short symbols and acronyms for commonly used words. Examples include:
L means Left.
R means Right.
M means Masculine,
F means Female, and
↑ ↓ mean direction.
In exams, the use of symbols makes calculations and planning easy and saves time.
Start with direct information
It is always advisable to begin solving any puzzle by using facts that are direct and certain. Starting from statements that give definite positions or relationships is a good way forward. The candidates can then connect indirect clues to finalize the arrangement.
It should never be attempted to make guesses without having enough facts, as this will only lead to confusion.
Practice time management
However, failure to approach the puzzle questions appropriately may result in spending much time on them. The candidates should avoid spending much time working on only difficult puzzles. The first thing that the kids need to do is solve mild questions to gain quick scores.
The use of timers in training helps to raise the speed of solving the questions.
Focus on accuracy along with speed
Students commit careless mistakes simply because they only care about time. Considering the fact that negative marking can affect the final grade, accuracy is also very important. The arrangements should always be considered before picking the options.
Accuracy can be improved over time by adopting the right methods for answering stepwise questions.
Solve previous year questions
Questions and difficulty patterns of examination can also be analyzed on the basis of old year papers. The same patterns of puzzles may appear after some modifications in the papers of banks. Confidence level and pattern recognition of students are increased by solving old year question papers.
Moreover, mock tests help the candidates recognize their weak areas and improve their exam skills.
Develop a systematic approach
Puzzle solving calls for a systematic way of thinking. What students should do is:
Thoroughly study the whole question.
Find out what hints are directly available
Make a correct diagram.
Start from the data that is known
Make gradual linkages between indirect hints.
Examine all conditions.
Answer each question confidently.
Systematic thinking leads to less confusion and better results in solving problems.
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Conclusion
Banking examinations, as well as other competitive examinations, require puzzle questions as well as seating arrangement questions to have high marks, but this requires proper planning and practice. Candidates may solve such types of questions faster and with greater accuracy if they have knowledge about basic concepts, develop their observational skills, use diagrams, and maintain proper systematic approaches. Exam fear can be removed, and confidence boosted with proper practice, old year question papers, and mock tests. Candidates may improve their performance in reasoning by learning such questions with dedication and the right approaches.
