Order and Ranking Reasoning – Concept, Types, Examples
Order and Ranking Reasoning is an important topic in logical reasoning that appears frequently in competitive exams such as SSC, Banking, Railways, UPSC, and other aptitude tests. It tests a candidate’s ability to determine the position or rank of a person or object based on given conditions.
In this article, you will learn the meaning of order and ranking reasoning, its types, formulas, and examples in a simple and easy way.
What is Order and Ranking in Reasoning?
Order and Ranking refers to determining the relative position of people or objects in a sequence. The sequence may be based on criteria like height, marks, age, position, or preference.
For example:
- Finding who stands 1st, 2nd, or last in a queue
- Determining a person’s rank from the left or right side
- Calculating the total number of people in a row
These problems involve analyzing the given conditions and identifying the correct order or rank.
Key Features of Order and Ranking Reasoning
- Determines position in a row or sequence
- Often involves left–right or top–bottom ranking
- Used in many competitive exams
- Requires logical thinking and calculation
Types of Order and Ranking Questions
Below are the most common types of Order and Ranking Reasoning questions.
1. Rank from Left or Right
In these questions, the position of a person is given from one side.
Example:
Rahul is 5th from the left in a row.
2. Total Persons in a Row
You may be asked to find the total number of people.
Formula:
| Situation | Formula |
|---|---|
| Total number of persons | Left rank + Right rank − 1 |
Example:
| Rank from Left | Rank from Right | Total Persons |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 6 | 15 |
Calculation:
10 + 6 − 1 = 15 persons
3. Finding Rank from Opposite Side
If the total number of persons and rank from one side are known, we can find the rank from the opposite side.
| Formula | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rank from opposite side = (Total persons − Rank from given side) + 1 | Used to find position from other side |
Example:
| Total Persons | Rank from Left | Rank from Right |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 7 | 14 |
Calculation:
(20 − 7) + 1 = 14
4. Persons Between Two People
Sometimes questions ask how many people are standing between two persons.
| Person A Rank | Person B Rank | Persons Between |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 12 | 3 |
Formula:
Persons Between = Difference − 1
5. Position Interchange
Two people exchange positions and you must determine their new ranks.
Example:
| Person | Original Rank | After Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5 | 8 |
| B | 8 | 5 |
Example Question
Question:
In a row of students, Anil is 9th from the left and 12th from the right. Find the total number of students.
Solution:
| Rank from Left | Rank from Right | Total Students |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 12 | 20 |
Calculation:
9 + 12 − 1 = 20 students
Tips to Solve Order and Ranking Questions
- Carefully note left and right positions
- Use formulas to avoid calculation mistakes
- Draw a simple row diagram
- Practice different question patterns
- Read the question twice before solving
Where Order and Ranking Questions Are Asked
These questions appear in many exams, including:
- SSC (CGL, CHSL)
- Bank Exams (IBPS, SBI)
- Railways Exams
- UPSC and State PSC
- Insurance Exams (LIC, ADO)
FAQ – Order and Ranking Reasoning
1. What is Order and Ranking reasoning?
Order and Ranking reasoning involves determining the position or rank of people or objects in a sequence based on given conditions.
2. Why is Order and Ranking important in competitive exams?
It tests logical thinking and analytical ability, which are essential for reasoning sections in exams like SSC, Banking, and Railways.
3. What is the formula to find the total number of persons in a row?
Total Persons = Rank from Left + Rank from Right − 1
4. What are the common types of Order and Ranking questions?
Common types include: Rank from left or right Total number of persons Persons between two people Interchange of positions Comparison-based ranking
5. How can I improve in Order and Ranking reasoning?
You can improve by: Practicing daily reasoning questions Learning formulas Solving mock tests Understanding different question patterns