Ranking and comparison questions are based on determining the relative position of people or objects using the information given in a question. These questions may involve positions from the left, right, top, or bottom, as well as comparisons based on age, height, weight, marks, or other parameters.
For NIMCET 2027, ranking and comparison problems are part of the Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning section. The PW NIMCET preparation resources cover important reasoning concepts and question-solving approaches that can help students understand these problems better. A clear understanding of ranking concepts is useful for applying the right formulas and solving questions involving multiple conditions or changes in position.
Ranking and comparison reasoning deals with arranging individuals or objects according to their given positions or characteristics. The information may be provided directly through ranks or indirectly through comparison statements.
The major concepts covered under this topic include:
Ranking from the left and right: Determining the position of an individual from either end of a row.
Ranking from the top and bottom: Finding positions in a vertical arrangement.
Finding the total number: Calculating the total number of individuals when positions from both ends are provided.
Number of individuals between two positions: Determining how many people or objects are located between two given positions.
Position changes: Finding a new position or determining the original position after movement.
Comparison-based ranking: Arranging individuals according to characteristics such as age, height, weight, marks, or wealth.
The key to these questions is identifying the direction of the ranking and understanding whether the given positions refer to the same arrangement.
Ranking questions can often be solved quickly by using standard formulas. The formula required depends on whether the question provides positions from opposite ends, asks for the position from another end, or involves two individuals.
| Ranking Situation | Formula |
| Total number when left and right ranks are given | Left Rank + Right Rank − 1 |
| Total number when top and bottom ranks are given | Top Rank + Bottom Rank − 1 |
| Position from the opposite end | Total − Given Position + 1 |
| Number between two individuals in a non-overlapping case | Total − (Left Rank of A + Right Rank of B) |
| Number between two individuals in an overlapping case | (Left Rank + Right Rank) − Total − 2 |
The −1 in the total-number formula is used because the individual whose position is counted from both ends is included in both ranks.
Questions that ask for the number of people between two individuals may involve either overlapping or non-overlapping positions. Identifying the correct case is important before applying the formula.
In a non-overlapping situation, the positions represented by the two ranks do not cross each other. The sum of the relevant ranks is less than the total number of individuals.
The formula used is: Number Between = Total − (Left Rank of A + Right Rank of B)
In an overlapping situation, the sum of the given ranks is greater than the total number of individuals. This indicates that the two position counts overlap within the same row.
The formula used is: Number Between = (Left Rank + Right Rank) − Total − 2
The −2 adjustment accounts for the positions of the two individuals when the two ranking counts overlap.
Understanding the difference between these two cases can help you select the correct formula and avoid double-counting.
A fixed approach can make ranking and comparison questions easier to handle during the examination. You can follow these steps:
Identify the given positions: Determine whether the ranks are given from the left, right, top, or bottom.
Understand what the question asks: Identify whether the requirement is the total number, a person's position, the number between two individuals, or their relative order.
Convert the position if necessary: If the position from the opposite end is required, use the total number and the appropriate formula.
Identify the ranking case: For questions involving two positions, determine whether the positions are overlapping or non-overlapping.
Apply the relevant formula: Substitute the given values carefully.
Recheck the arrangement: Make sure the resulting position or number is logically consistent with the information provided.
For comparison questions, establish the order: Arrange all the given relationships before identifying the required person or position.
This approach is particularly useful when a question contains several statements and requires multiple deductions before reaching the answer.
Practice is important for improving speed and accuracy in ranking and comparison reasoning. You should include different types of questions rather than practising only one ranking formula.
A person is 11th from both ends in a row. What is the total number of people in the row?
Answer: 21
Solution:
Total number = 11 + 11 − 1 = 21
In a row of 50 people, A is 26th from the right and B is 31st from the left. How many people are between A and B?
Answer: 5
Solution:
Since 26 + 31 = 57 > 50, it is an overlapping case.
Number between = 57 − 50 − 2 = 5
In a row of 50 people, A is 15th from the left and B is 14th from the right. How many people are between A and B?
Answer: 21
Solution:
Since 15 + 14 = 29 < 50, it is a non-overlapping case.
Number between = 50 − 29 = 21
A person moves two places to the left and becomes 7th from the left in a row of 16 people. What was their original position from the left and what is their position from the right?
Answer: 9th from the left and 8th from the right.
Solution:
Original position from the left = 7 + 2 = 9th
Position from the right = 16 − 9 + 1 = 8th
Previous-year questions can help you understand how ranking and comparison concepts are framed in the examination. The questions may involve direct ranking, positions from opposite ends, number of individuals between two positions, or comparison-based arrangements.
While preparing this topic, you should pay attention to the type of information provided and the method required to reach the answer. Practising questions from different patterns can help in becoming familiar with both straightforward and multi-step ranking problems.
NIMCET Ranking and Comparison 2027 is a practice-oriented topic where accuracy depends on understanding positions and relationships correctly. You should be comfortable with left-right and top-bottom rankings, overlapping and non-overlapping cases, position changes, and comparison-based ordering.