How to Start Preparing for Reasoning?

Reasoning is an essential skill to learn, whether you are preparing to take competitive exams, job tests, or school level Olympiads. Reasoning questions are aimed at determining how well you can think logically, analyze the information, and make conclusions based on patterns, data, and provided situations.

However, the initial question to most beginners is the same, where to start?

This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to develop a solid reasoning base starting with nothing. We will go through the kinds of reasoning, preparation techniques, and pitfalls. This blog is specifically composed to inform the students and aspirants who are interested in knowing how to begin and continue reasoning preparation.

Why Is Reasoning Important in Competitive Exams?

Reasoning is not only about scoring marks; it's also about sharpening your brain’s logical faculties. Here’s why it plays a critical role:

Types of Reasoning You Should Know

Understanding the categories of reasoning is the first step to an efficient study plan. Reasoning can broadly be classified into the following:

1. Verbal Reasoning

Involves logic-based questions expressed in words. Examples:

• Syllogism

• Blood relations

• Series completion

• Coding-decoding

2. Non-Verbal Reasoning

Relies on visual or image-based problems. Examples:

• Figure series

• Mirror images

• Embedded figures

• Paper folding

3. Analytical & Logical Reasoning

This segment tests critical thinking. Examples include:

• Puzzles

• Data sufficiency

• Statement and conclusion

• Seating arrangement

When preparing, make sure that you are using a book on verbal and non verbal reasoning that gives you an equal exposure to each of the segments. Also, a book on logical reasoning will guide you to solve more difficult analytical patterns that are common in government and corporate examinations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Preparing for Reasoning

Having learned the types, it is time to analyze the roadmap to learning reasoning on the beginner to advanced level:

Step 1: Start With the Basics

Start with easy problems such as number and letter series. These develop your pattern recognition skills. The Nonverbal Reasoning Book is a wonderful option to know pictorial and diagrammatic logic.

Step 2: Set Topic-wise Goals

Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on mastering one topic at a time. For example:

• Week 1: Odd One Out

• Week 2: Blood Relations

• Week 3: Figure Completion

This method builds confidence and a strong base.

Step 3: Understand the Logic Behind Every Answer

Never memorize, always understand why an answer is correct. With a logical reasoning book, look at the solutions section once you have completed each practice test.

Step 4: Time Constrained Practice

It is not only important to solve problems but also to solve them fast. Begin by doing untimed practice, and then slowly impose time limits to get a feel of the real exam pressure.

What Is the Best Time to Practice Reasoning Daily?

Morning or evening — the best time depends on your concentration span. However, most experts recommend early mornings when your brain is fresh.

How long does it take to master reasoning?

It is dependent on your level. It takes 2-3 months of practice to establish a solid base in case you are a beginner. Nevertheless, 2 months more can be needed to learn how to solve puzzles and logical caselets.

When you are using a daily practice plan and a verbal and non-verbal reasoning book, you can go through the basic and intermediate parts in 60 days.

Can I prepare for reasoning without coaching?

Absolutely. One of the most self-learnable subjects is reasoning. Coaching is not necessary when you have a well-organized non-verbal reasoning book and you are complementing it with online practice websites or mock papers.

Which section of reasoning is the most difficult?

Analytical puzzles and seating arrangement questions are the most time-consuming for most students. These issues are usually multi-step logics. That is where a step-by-step book on logical reasoning can come in especially useful.

What should I pay more attention to verbal or non-verbal reasoning?

Concentrate on both, but alter according to the exam you are aiming for. In school level or Olympiad examinations, non-verbal reasoning usually prevails. Verbal and logical reasoning is more in the case of civil services and banking exams.

How to Manage Time While Solving Reasoning Questions?

Here are some tips that can help you optimize time during practice and exams:

• Skip long puzzles initially and come back later

• Avoid spending too much time on a single question

• Identify question types you are fastest at and solve them first

• Use rough paper efficiently to draw diagrams or figure arrangements

How to Use Reasoning Books Effectively?

Don’t just passively read the questions — here’s how to get the most out of your reasoning material:

Use This Table as Your Weekly Reasoning Plan:

Keep one verbal and non-verbal reasoning book and one logical reasoning book with diverse exercises and mock test sets for structured improvement.

Read More: What is Verbal Reasoning and Nonverbal Reasoning?

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Reasoning Preparation

• Memorizing patterns instead of understanding logic

• Ignoring time-bound practice

• Not analyzing incorrect answers

• Practicing only easy problems

• Using poor-quality or outdated materials

Expert Tips to Stay Consistent

• Make a reasoning notebook to note down tricks and shortcuts.

• Give weekly mock tests to assess your growth.

• Reward yourself after completing hard sections.

• Engage with reasoning-based games or puzzles online to stay sharp.

Final Thoughts

Reasoning is not just an exam section; it's a brain-training tool that enhances your logical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving efficiency. With the right mindset, consistent practice, and good-quality material like a non verbal reasoning book and a logical reasoning book, you can easily master this subject.

Whether you’re just starting or want to improve your reasoning score, the strategies shared above will keep you on the right track.