Puzzles and Seating Arrangements are often the most time-consuming and challenging sections in the IBPS PO exam. Aspirants who solve them efficiently gain a huge advantage, as these questions carry high marks and can make or break the sectional cut-off.

• Carry high weightage in Reasoning Section
• Time-consuming if not approached strategically
• Test logical thinking and analytical ability
• Often determine sectional cut-offs

Mastering these can significantly boost your overall IBPS PO score.

1. Seating Arrangement – Linear, Circular, Square
2. Blood Relation Puzzles
3. Order and Ranking Puzzles
4. Scheduling Puzzles – Day/Time based
5. Comparison/Group Puzzles – Age, Height, Weight

Focus on frequent patterns to save time during exams.

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully

• Identify number of people/items
• Note important conditions (left/right, neighbors, facing direction)

Step 2: Use Visual Representation

• Draw diagrams or tables for clarity
• Use abbreviations for names/items

Step 3: Fill Sure Positions First

• Start with information given explicitly
• Avoid guessing initially

Step 4: Apply Conditional Logic

• Use process of elimination for uncertain positions
• Combine multiple conditions logically

Step 5: Double-Check before Answering

• Re-check all conditions to avoid careless mistakes

1. Practice Regularly: Daily 30–45 minutes on puzzles
2. Recognize Patterns: Identify common puzzle types in previous exams
3. Avoid Guesswork: Only attempt questions with logical clarity
4. Time Management: Spend maximum 4–5 mins per puzzle in Prelims
5. Shortcut Techniques: Learn linear-to-circular conversion tricks

• Not drawing diagrams or writing notes
• Misinterpreting conditions
• Spending too long on a single puzzle
• Forgetting to cross-verify positions

Avoiding these ensures better speed and accuracy.

• Start with easy puzzles from previous papers
• Gradually increase difficulty level
• Attempt daily puzzle sets from online platforms
• Simulate exam timing for time-bound practice
• Analyze mistakes and revise regularly

Linear Seating Arrangement

• Represent left/right using arrows or symbols
• Fill fixed positions first

Circular Seating Arrangement

• Fix one person as reference
• Use clockwise and anticlockwise rules

Complex Puzzles

• Break down into small parts
• Solve each part sequentially
• Combine partial solutions at the end

• Attempt easy puzzles first
• Skip questions that consume more than 4–5 minutes
• Use elimination method to narrow down options
• Practice 3–4 puzzles daily for speed and accuracy

Mastering puzzles and seating arrangements requires consistent practice, strategic thinking, and shortcut techniques. By following a structured approach, aspirants can solve these questions quickly and accurately, gaining a significant edge in IBPS PO 2026.

Q1. How much time should I spend on a puzzle in Prelims?
Max 4–5 minutes per puzzle.

Q2. Should beginners start with circular or linear arrangements?
Start with linear arrangements and gradually move to circular.

Q3. How many puzzles should I practice daily?
3–4 puzzles daily with full analysis.

Q4. Are seating arrangements more important in Mains?
Yes, as the questions are more complex and carry more marks.

Practice smart, apply logic, and crack puzzles and seating arrangements easily in IBPS PO 2026.