Puzzle-Based Reasoning Questions with MCQs

20 Puzzle-Based Reasoning Questions with MCQs

Logical reasoning puzzles test a candidate’s problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. In exams like SSC CGL, banking, and other competitive exams, puzzle-based questions hold significant weight. Below are 20 unique puzzle-based reasoning questions with multiple-choice options and detailed explanations.

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1. Who is the Youngest?

A, B, C, and D are four friends. A is older than B but younger than D. C is younger than A but older than B. Who is the youngest?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: B) B
Explanation: B is younger than A and C, so B is the youngest.

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2. Find the Middle-Aged Person

Four persons A, B, C, and D are of different ages. A is older than C but younger than D. B is younger than C. Who is the second oldest?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: A) A
Explanation: The order is B < C < A < D. Hence, A is the second oldest.

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3. The Missing Number

Find the missing number in the series: 3, 6, 12, 24, ? , 96.

A) 36
B) 42
C) 48
D) 72

Answer: C) 48
Explanation: Each number is multiplied by 2: 3×2=6, 6×2=12, 12×2=24, so the missing number is 24×2 = 48.

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4. Find the Tallest Person

A is taller than B but shorter than C. D is shorter than A but taller than B. Who is the tallest?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: C) C
Explanation: The order is B < D < A < C. So, C is the tallest.

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5. Who is in the Middle?

Four friends are standing in a line. A is standing to the right of B. C is to the right of A but to the left of D. Who is in the middle?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: A) A
Explanation: The order is B < A < C < D. So, A is in the middle.

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6. Find the Odd One Out

A) 144
B) 169
C) 196
D) 198

Answer: D) 198
Explanation: 144, 169, and 196 are perfect squares (12², 13², 14²), but 198 is not.

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7. Number Puzzle

What comes next in the pattern: 5, 11, 23, 47, ?

A) 92
B) 95
C) 99
D) 101

Answer: B) 95
Explanation: Pattern follows (×2) + 1: 5×2+1=11, 11×2+1=23, 23×2+1=47, so 47×2+1=95.

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8. Find the Heaviest Object

A is heavier than B but lighter than C. D is lighter than A but heavier than B. Who is the heaviest?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: C) C
Explanation: The order is B < D < A < C. So, C is the heaviest.

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9. Who is in the Second Position?

Four athletes A, B, C, and D finished a race. B finished ahead of A but behind C. D was last. Who was second?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: B) B
Explanation: The order is C < B < A < D. So, B was second.

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10. Seating Arrangement

A is sitting to the left of B. C is sitting to the right of B. D is sitting to the right of C. Who is sitting at the extreme right?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: D) D
Explanation: The order is A < B < C < D. So, D is at the extreme right.

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11. Find the Missing Letter 

Find the missing letter in the series: B, D, G, K, ?, T.

A) M
B) N
C) O
D) P

Answer: C) O
Explanation: The pattern follows adding increasing gaps: +2, +3, +4, +5. So, K + 4 = O.

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12. Who is the Fastest?

Four runners A, B, C, and D compete in a race. C finishes ahead of A but behind B. D finishes after A. Who wins the race?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: B) B
Explanation: The order is B < C < A < D. So, B is the fastest.

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13. Logical Number Puzzle

Which number comes next: 2, 3, 6, 11, 18, ?

A) 27
B) 28
C) 29
D) 30

Answer: A) 27
Explanation: The pattern follows: +1, +3, +5, +7, +9. So, 18 + 9 = 27.

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14. Find the Heaviest Person

A is heavier than B but lighter than C. D is heavier than A but lighter than C. Who is the heaviest?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: C) C
Explanation: The order is B < A < D < C. So, C is the heaviest.

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15. Find the Missing Number

Find the missing number in the series: 4, 9, 16, 25, ?, 49.

A) 30
B) 36
C) 38
D) 40

Answer: B) 36
Explanation: The numbers are squares of consecutive numbers: 2², 3², 4², etc.

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16. Find the Direction

A man walks 10m North, turns right and walks 5m, then turns right again and walks 10m. In which direction is he now facing?

A) East
B) West
C) North
D) South

Answer: B) West
Explanation: He initially faced North, then East, then South. Now he faces West.

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17. Who is at the Center?

A, B, C, and D are sitting in a row. B is to the right of A but left of C. D is to the right of C. Who is in the center?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: C) C
Explanation: The order is A < B < C < D. So, C is in the center.

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18. Find the Logical Pattern

What comes next in the pattern: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ?

A) 30
B) 35
C) 36
D) 40

Answer: C) 36
Explanation: These are squares of natural numbers: 1², 2², 3², etc.

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19. Who is the Oldest?

A, B, C, and D are of different ages. A is older than B but younger than C. D is younger than A but older than B. Who is the oldest?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer: C) C
Explanation: The order is B < D < A < C. So, C is the oldest.

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20. Seating Arrangement Puzzle

A, B, C, and D are sitting around a circular table. A is sitting next to B. C is sitting opposite to A. Who is sitting next to D?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) Cannot be determined

Answer: B) B
Explanation: The arrangement is A - B - D - C. So, B is next to D.

 Conclusion

Puzzle-based reasoning questions are crucial for competitive exams. Practicing such logical puzzles enhances problem-solving skills and time management. Keep solving and improving your reasoning abilities!