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Reasoning, it's the most open-ended and confusing topic  in any competitive exam because there is no defined or selected syllabus for this particular part. The mastery of this section is constantly challenging for the CUET aspirants because it is completely  based on common sense.

Out of 60 questions from the General Aptitude section of CUET, the average percentage  in Reasoning varies from 30 to 35 %. Though in  CUET, the standard is not expected to be as difficult as  CAT or other similar examinations, but since this is a test of rejection,  we can expect occasional bouncers.

Reasoning topics

The different topics of Reasoning, which are commonly asked in CUET are:

Verbal and Non-verbal 

Verbal

— Number and Alphabet Series

— Test of Direction Sense

— Coding-Decoding

— Logical Reasoning and arrangements

— Blood Relations

— Syllogism and Venn Diagram

— Statements and Argument

— Critical Reasoning

— Cube and Dice, Clocks and Calendars

Non-verbal

— Non-Verbal series and odd-one-out

— Grouping Identical Figures

— Matrix Pattern

— Mirror and Water images

— Cube and Dice

Questions can come from a combination of topics as well.

Sectional description of verbal and non-verbal reasonings:

Verbal reasoning

The sub-sectional description of topics is as given below:

— Number and Letter Series (you are expected to find the right sequence of some given numbers or letters),

— Blood Relation test (you got to figure out how is X a relative of Y, depending on a really crazy statement ),

— Direction Sense Test (You have to visualize yourself travelling and then deciding which direction you are headed to)

— Coding-decoding (where you have to decipher the code of words and decode them or vice-versa).

— Seating and Miscellaneous Arrangement (questions where you are expected to figure out the positions of a given set of persons on the basis of given data or arriving at the correct sequence).

— Clocks and calendars (where you are expected to find dates and time)

Besides there are questions from logical Venn diagrams and critical reasoning too which tests your judgmental ability.

Non-verbal reasoning

The questions from non-verbal reasoning tests are mostly based on mathematical concepts such as symmetry, rotation, mirroring, shape, size and direction, and involve diagrams rather than words. Typical questions include:

— Spotting the odd shape out (e.g. a four-sided shape in a group of three-sided shapes)

— Working out what a shape would look like when folded

— Identifying the mirror image of a given shape

— Working out the next diagram in a sequence

— Finding two identical shapes in a series of four shapes

— Identifying what a shape would look like when rotated by a certain angle

Tips to improve in Reasoning

Below some tips to improve this section are given below:

Invest a little more time and draw schematic diagrams:

Don’t jump to solve questions instantly. Try to create a mental picture first of the particular situation and use symbols to arrive at the solution. Organize the information schematically by using tables, symbols, and diagrams, which will minimize the work involved.

Give priorities to the question types:

The group questions like seating arrangement are high return questions, since by solving one puzzle, you will get 2-3 questions correct. The test-takers normally will want to invest time in these questions, but it has its own risks , depending on whether you start your paper with these questions or do it in the middle after having attempted some of the questions you are confident about. As a general strategy, attempt the standalone questions first to get that confidence.

Don’t be judgemental:

Remove your preconceived perceptions regarding this section when you start . Limit yourself to finding the answers needed and nothing more. Don’t be judgmental or make assumptions; remember, you are required to work within the given parameters.

Eliminate options:

Eliminate answer choices after  drawing the schematic diagram. Parallel processing of information assimilation and question scanning has to take place and  this will come by practice.

Check and Recheck:

Remember to check and recheck again the answers so that you are sure you are marking the correct choice.

In conclusion, nobody can get all the questions correct, so don’t make it an  issue when you can’t crack a set. Move on, instead of lingering over a problem repeatedly you can always come back to it later if you have the time left after solving the sure one. Also, it is a deliberate attempt on the part of the question-setters to give some questions which should not be attempted at first glance. Following guided preparation can only lead you to success.