Classification (Odd One Out)

1. What is Classification?

Classification is a logical reasoning exercise where you identify the odd one out from a group of items based on a common pattern or relationship. It tests your ability to recognize similarities and differences among given options.

Pattern Recognition

Logical Grouping

Analytical Thinking

Category Identification

Simple Definition: Classification means grouping similar items and identifying the one that doesn't belong to that group.

2. Types of Classification

Major Categories of Classification

Based on Content

Number Classification

Mathematical patterns & properties

Alphabet Classification

Letter patterns & positions

Word Classification

Semantic relationships

Based on Format

Figure Classification

Visual patterns & shapes

Mixed Classification

Combination of types

Verbal Classification

Sentence-based grouping

3. Number Classification

Common Number Classification Types

Even/Odd

Number parity

Prime/Composite

Prime numbers

Squares/Cubes

Perfect squares/cubes

Digit Sum

Sum of digits pattern

Number Classification Examples

Question	Odd One Out	Reason
4, 9, 16, 25, 35	35	Others are perfect squares (2²,3²,4²,5²)
11, 13, 15, 17, 19	15	Others are prime numbers
121, 144, 169, 196, 200	200	Others are perfect squares (11²,12²,13²,14²)
8, 27, 64, 100, 125	100	Others are perfect cubes (2³,3³,4³,5³)

4. Alphabet Classification

Common Alphabet Classification Types

Vowel/Consonant

Letter type

Position

Alphabet position

Mirror Image

Symmetrical letters

Word Formation

Letter combinations

Alphabet Classification Examples

Question	Odd One Out	Reason
A, E, I, O, U, C	C	Others are vowels
B, D, P, Q, R	R	Others have curved shapes
M, W, T, X, H	T	Others have horizontal symmetry
CAT, DOG, RAT, BALL, COW	BALL	Others are animals

5. Word Classification

Word Relationship Types

1

Semantic Relationships

Meaning-based classification

2

Category-based

Grouping by common category

3

Function-based

Based on purpose or function

4

Property-based

Based on characteristics

Word Classification Examples

Question	Odd One Out	Reason
Rose, Lotus, Marigold, Banyan	Banyan	Others are flowers, Banyan is a tree
Pen, Pencil, Eraser, Paper	Paper	Others are writing instruments
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa	Goa	Others are states, Goa is a Union Territory
Java, Python, C++, HTML	HTML	Others are programming languages

6. Figure Classification

Figure Relationship Types

Shape-based

Geometric Properties

Triangles, circles, squares etc.

Orientation

Rotation, reflection patterns

Size Pattern

Increasing/decreasing size

Pattern-based

Shading Pattern

Filled, hollow, striped etc.

Number of Elements

Lines, dots, shapes count

Position Pattern

Arrangement of elements

7. How to Solve Classification Questions

Step-by-Step Approach:

1

Observe All Options

Carefully examine all given items

2

Find Common Pattern

Identify what most items have in common

3

Identify the Mismatch

Find which item doesn't follow the pattern

4

Verify Your Answer

Double-check with all options

Always look for multiple possible patterns. The most obvious one is usually correct.

8. Common Delhi Police / SSC Exam Facts

Word Classification → Most Common

Number Patterns → Frequent

Category-based → Important

Time Limit → 30-45 seconds per question

Accuracy → Key to High Score

Practice → Essential for Speed

9. Quick Recap

Classification Type	Key Focus	Common Patterns
Number Classification	Mathematical Properties	Even/Odd, Prime, Squares, Digit Sum
Alphabet Classification	Letter Patterns	Vowel/Consonant, Position, Symmetry
Word Classification	Semantic Relationships	Category, Function, Properties
Figure Classification	Visual Patterns	Shape, Size, Shading, Orientation

You've completed Classification (Odd One Out)!

Courage Tip: Remember to first identify the common pattern among most items, then find which one breaks that pattern. Practice different types of classification questions to improve your speed and accuracy in exams.