The MBA entrance examinations (CAT, XAT, NMAT, IIFT, IBSAT etc.) comprises of Logical Reasoning section, which tests the mental ability and non- verbal skills of candidates. Questions in this section are quite different from questions in any other section, because they are indirect, require candidates to manipulate and interpret shapes, patterns, diagrams, numbers and the like. To attempt these questions, it is important for candidates to keep their personal judgments and subjectivity aside and treat the question for what it is, rather than employing external knowledge on them.
1. Familiarity
The candidates will be able to do the questions in LR without being judgmental or bias only when they acquaint themselves with the various types of questions in LR. In no other section does question such as the following appear:
Eg.- If All men are dogs
All cats are men
Then,
i. All men are cats
ii. All cats are men
iii. Some dogs are men
iv. None of the above
Clearly candidates may not be used to attempting these questions in their day- to- day work. They might even think these questions to be nonsensical based on their experience and judgment. Therein, lies the purpose of these questions. These are designed to test candidates’ ability to think alternatively, rationalize the given proposition and derive the right conclusion. Hence, candidates have to familiarize themselves with the possible questions in LR and practice.
2. Be objective
The best way to go about answering Logical Reasoning is to not bring your opinions into it. Each problem of Logical Reasoning is different and requires a different approach. Some questions are about missing numbers, alphabets or patterns, some about Premises, Conclusions, Assumptions, Inference and so on, they cannot be solved with one strategy. Preconceived opinions, biases, hunch, subjectivity will not get you to the right answer. You need to be objective, suspend your common sense while doing these questions as a lot of these questions will defy sense.
3. Practice
There is no substitute for practice before the exams. Particularly, for LR, practice becomes an indispensable thing. You can get a knack of doing these questions and also develop the right temperament for these questions. While you practice, focus on the ways of doing these questions. Since these questions cannot be predicted like some of the other sections, you cannot memorise anything. What you can do is understand the strategies that may apply to them and try them out in the exam to solve the unique problem.
4. Be open minded
It is impossible to predict what kind of questions may come in the exam in LR, and as it is each question will demand a unique approach. Hence, the best way is to keep an open mind in the exam and think of all possibilities, all ways of coming to an answer. The more you restrict yourself to set formulae and approaches, the more difficult these questions will become for you.
5. Train your mind
LR is a mental process and only the sharpest minds can solve it in the quickest time. Activities such as Sudoku, Crosswords and Chess sharpen the mind and also teach you to be less judgmental and more open to the possibilities.
Logical Reasoning is a test of your mind and reasoning. Attempt it without being judgemental and carry an open mind to the exam.
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