Top 10 Reasoning Topics for IBPS AFO 2026

Top 10 Reasoning Topics for IBPS AFO 2026: Reasoning is an important section in the IBPS AFO exam. A good score in reasoning can boost your overall performance. Kushal Anand, PW’s educator, has shared a guide on the 10 most important reasoning topics for IBPS AFO 2026. 

Candidates can cover these topics effectively with proper planning and daily practice. Here, explain these topics, their importance, and the preparation strategy.

IBPS AFO Reasoning Syllabus

The official IBPS AFO syllabus includes the following topics:

• Coding-Decoding

• Input-Output

• Alphanumeric Series

• Seating Arrangement

• Puzzle

• Inequalities

• Blood Relation

• Syllogism

• Order & Ranking

• Data Sufficiency

• Distance & Direction

• Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning

This syllabus is broad, but analyzing past exams helps identify which topics are more important.

IPBS AFO Exam Weightage Analysis (Up to 2025)

Based on trends from previous exams, the reasoning section usually has 50 questions. The difficulty level is moderate, but smart question selection is key.

• Seating Arrangement & Puzzles: Around 20 questions, usually 4 sets of 5 questions each. Moderate difficulty.

• Syllogism, Direction & Distance, Blood Relation, Inequalities: A significant number of questions come from these topics.

• Meaningful Words: High-risk topic. Attempt only if your vocabulary is strong. High chance of negative marking.

• Other Topics: Pair Formation, Chinese Coding, Logical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, and Input-Output form the remaining questions.

This analysis shows that some topics appear regularly and have high weightage, while others are optional or less frequent.

Top 10 Reasoning Topics for IBPS AFO 2026

To maximize your score, the following ten topics should be the primary focus of your preparation.

1. Seating Arrangement

This is a high-weightage topic. You can expect about 10 questions from here. Questions usually involve people sitting in a circle, a square, or a straight line. Sometimes, they face North or South.

2. Puzzles

Puzzles are the backbone of the reasoning section. Like seating arrangements, puzzles also yield around 10 questions. Common types include floor-based puzzles, box puzzles, and day or month-based scheduling.

3. Inequalities

This is one of the easiest topics to score marks quickly. You will see 4 to 5 questions. You just need to understand the relationship between symbols like greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=).

4. Syllogism

Syllogism is a core topic in banking exams. You will usually find 3 to 4 questions. It tests your ability to draw logical conclusions from given statements. Using Venn diagrams is the best way to solve these.

5. Blood Relation

This topic is consistent in every exam. You can expect 2 to 3 questions. It tests your understanding of family trees. Practice drawing clear diagrams to avoid confusion.

6. Direction Sense

Direction sense questions are straightforward. You will likely see 2 questions. You need to track a person's movement across North, South, East, and West.

7. Data Sufficiency

Data sufficiency questions can be tricky. They combine concepts from puzzles, blood relations, and directions. You have to decide if the given information is enough to answer the question.

8. Alphanumeric Series

This topic involves a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. It is a scoring area with 2 to 3 questions. These are usually easy and take very little time to solve.

9. Chinese Coding

Also known as "Message Coding," this is easier than traditional input-output. You can expect 3 to 4 questions. It involves finding the code for specific words by comparing sentences.

10. Order and Ranking

Order and ranking questions focus on the position of people in a row or their comparison based on height or marks. It is a simple topic that guarantees a few quick marks.

Strategic Tips for Success in IBPS AFO

Preparing for the reasoning section requires focus and a clear plan. Understanding important topics and their patterns makes preparation more effective.

• Daily Practice: Dedicate time every day to solving at least two sets of puzzles and seating arrangements.

• Avoid Guessing: There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. Only mark an answer if you are sure.

• Time Management: Use your 40 minutes wisely. Solve easy topics like Inequalities and Coding-Decoding first to build confidence.

• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy before the actual exam.

Covering these 10 reasoning topics can help you confidently attempt 40+ questions in the IBPS AFO reasoning section. Seating arrangement and puzzles are the backbone of the reasoning score. Daily practice and consistent effort are key to success. Follow a disciplined study plan and use multiple resources to strengthen your reasoning skills.

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