Ranking and Order Test for SSC CGL
Master Position and Sequence Logic
1. Introduction
Ranking and Order Test questions are a common topic in SSC CGL reasoning. They test your ability to analyze positions, heights, or ranks in a logical sequence.
These questions are scoring because once you understand the pattern, they can be solved quickly using shortcuts.
2. Definition
Ranking and Order Test questions involve arranging people or objects in a sequence based on certain conditions such as height, weight, marks, or position in a race.
Example: "Ravi is 5th from the top in a class of 20 students. What is his rank from the bottom?"
Solution: Total students = 20
Rank from bottom = Total – Rank from top + 1 = 20 – 5 + 1 = 16
Answer: 16
3. Types of Ranking and Order Questions
Based on Position in a Line or Row:
Questions on front/back, left/right, or distance between persons.
Example: "A is 3rd from the left, B is 4th from the right. How many people are there?"
Based on Height or Marks:
Arrange persons in ascending or descending order.
Example: "Five students scored 90, 85, 75, 80, 95 marks. Find the second highest."
Age or Weight Ranking:
Determine position based on age, weight, or other attributes.
Example: "John is older than Mary but younger than Peter. Who is the oldest?"
Complex Multi-Step Ranking:
Combination of multiple conditions; often requires tabular representation.
Example: "A is taller than B but shorter than C. D is shorter than B but taller than E. Who is the tallest?"
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I: "Ravi is 7th from the top and 14th from the bottom."
Answer: 20 students (7 + 14 - 1 = 20)
2019 Tier I: "Five friends are sitting in a row. A is to the left of B, C is to the right of D."
Answer: Solve using a table
2020 Tier I: "Marks of 5 students are 45, 50, 60, 55, 65."
Answer: 55 (Third highest)
Practicing previous year questions helps visualize sequences and shortcuts for ranking problems.
5. Strategy to Approach Ranking and Order Questions
- Read carefully: Identify all conditions mentioned in the question
- Use a table or diagram: Helps in arranging positions or ranks logically
- Convert positions if needed: Top to bottom, left to right
- Look for shortcuts: Rank from top → Rank from bottom: N – Rank from top + 1
- Practice regularly: 5–10 questions daily improves speed and accuracy
6. Quick Recap
- Ranking and Order Test questions involve positioning people or objects logically
- Types: Line/row position, height/marks, age/weight, complex multi-step ranking
- Use tables, diagrams, and formulas for fast solutions
- Regular practice ensures faster solving under exam pressure
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. A is 8th from the top in a class of 25. What is A's rank from the bottom?
2. Five students scored 65, 70, 55, 60, 75. Find the second lowest.
3. P is taller than Q but shorter than R. S is shorter than Q. Who is the tallest?
4. A sits to the left of B. C sits to the right of D. Who is in the middle?
5. Ravi is 12th from the top and 19th from the bottom. How many students are there?
Click for Answers
1. 18 (25 - 8 + 1 = 18)
2. 60 (Sorted: 55, 60, 65, 70, 75)
3. R (R > P > Q > S)
4. Cannot be determined (Insufficient information)
5. 30 (12 + 19 - 1 = 30)
Use tables or diagrams to solve multi-step questions effectively.
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