Non-Verbal Reasoning
SSC GD Exam
1. What is Non-Verbal Reasoning?
Non-Verbal Reasoning involves solving problems using visual information, patterns, and shapes rather than words. It tests your ability to analyze visual information and identify relationships, similarities, and differences.
Visual Analysis
Pattern Recognition
Spatial Intelligence
Logical Deduction
Simple Definition: Non-Verbal Reasoning is the ability to understand and analyze visual information and solve problems based on visual patterns and relationships.
2. Types of Non-Verbal Reasoning Problems
Major Categories of Non-Verbal Reasoning
Based on Content
Mirror Images
Reflection of figures
Water Images
Inverted reflection
Embedded Figures
Hidden shapes in patterns
Based on Content
Paper Folding & Cutting
Predicting unfolded patterns
Counting Figures
Finding hidden shapes
Pattern Completion
Completing visual sequences
3. Mirror Image
Mirror Image Concepts & Rules
Left-Right Reversal
Sides get swapped
Top-Bottom Same
Vertical position unchanged
Clockwise becomes Anti
Direction reverses
Asymmetry Changes
Lopsided elements flip
Mirror Image Examples & Rules
| Element Type | Original | Mirror Image | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphabets | A, B, C, D, E | A, , , , | Only symmetrical letters remain same |
| Numbers | 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 | 1, , , 9, 8, 6 | Some numbers transform into others |
| Shapes | Triangle pointing right | Triangle pointing left | Horizontal orientation reverses |
| Clock Times | 3:25 | 8:35 | Use 11:60 - given time formula |
4. Water Image
Water Image Concepts & Rules
Top-Bottom Reversal
Vertical inversion
Left-Right Same
Horizontal position unchanged
Upside Down
Complete vertical flip
Vertical Asymmetry
Top-bottom features swap
Water Image Examples & Rules
| Element Type | Original | Water Image | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphabets | B, C, D, E, H | , , , , H | Only horizontally symmetrical letters remain |
| Numbers | 0, 1, 3, 8 | 0, 1, , 8 | Only vertically symmetrical numbers remain |
| Shapes | Triangle pointing up | Triangle pointing down | Vertical orientation reverses |
| Clock Times | 6:15 | 5:45 | Use 5:60 - given time formula |
5. Embedded Figures
Embedded Figures Concepts & Rules
Shape Identification
Recognize hidden shapes
Rotation & Orientation
Shapes may be rotated
Proportion Maintenance
Size relationships matter
Boundary Recognition
Identify shape outlines
Embedded Figures Problem Types
| Problem Type | Description | Solving Strategy | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Embedding | Find simple shape in complex figure | Look for exact shape match | Shape outline and proportions |
| Rotated Embedding | Shape is rotated in complex figure | Mentally rotate the target shape | Angular relationships |
| Partial Overlap | Shape partially hidden in figure | Trace complete boundaries | Complete shape identification |
| Multiple Shapes | Several shapes embedded together | Systematic search approach | Pattern separation |
6. Paper Folding & Cutting
Paper Folding Concepts & Rules
Fold Symmetry
Mirror image along fold
Layers Creation
Multiple identical patterns
Cut Through Layers
Affects all folded layers
Unfold Pattern
Symmetrical arrangement
Paper Folding Problem Types
| Folding Type | Cut Pattern | Unfolded Result | Key Concept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Fold | Cut near edge | Two symmetrical holes | Mirror symmetry along fold line |
| Double Fold | Corner cut | Four symmetrical holes | Multiple mirror symmetries |
| Triangular Fold | Center cut | Radial pattern | Rotational symmetry |
| Multiple Folds | Complex shape cut | Repeated pattern | Layered symmetry |
7. Counting Figures
Counting Figures Concepts & Formulas
Systematic Counting
Methodical approach
Size Classification
Count by dimensions
Overlap Consideration
Avoid double counting
Formula Application
Use counting formulas
Counting Figures Formulas & Examples
| Figure Type | Counting Formula | Example | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Lines | n(n-1)/2 | 5 points → 10 lines | Count lines between points |
| Rectangles | [m(m+1)/2] × [n(n+1)/2] | 3×3 grid → 36 rectangles | Grid-based rectangle counting |
| Triangles | Pattern specific formulas | Varies by arrangement | Systematic classification needed |
| Squares | n(n+1)(2n+1)/6 | 4×4 grid → 30 squares | Count squares of all sizes |
8. Important Rules & Formulas
Key Rules for Non-Verbal Reasoning
Mirror Image Rule: Left and right reverse, top and bottom remain same
Horizontal reflection only
Water Image Rule: Top and bottom reverse, left and right remain same
Vertical reflection only
Embedded Figures: Look for exact shape match in size, proportion and orientation
Ignore extra lines in complex figure
Paper Folding: Each fold creates mirror symmetry along the fold line
Number of layers = 2^(number of folds)
Counting Figures Formulas
| Figure Type | Formula | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squares in Grid | n(n+1)(2n+1)/6 | n×n grid total squares | 4×4 → 4×5×9/6=30 |
| Rectangles in Grid | [m(m+1)/2] × [n(n+1)/2] | m×n grid rectangles | 3×3 → 6×6=36 |
| Straight Lines | n(n-1)/2 | n non-collinear points | 5 points → 10 lines |
| Triangles in Pattern | Pattern specific | No universal formula | Count systematically |
9. How to Solve Non-Verbal Reasoning Problems
Step-by-Step Approach:
Identify Problem Type
Determine which non-verbal category
Apply Specific Rules
Use appropriate rules for that category
Visualize & Mentally Transform
Create mental images of transformations
Verify with Options
Check your answer against given choices
For mirror/water images, remember the key difference: Mirror reverses left-right, Water reverses top-bottom!
10. Common Problem Types
Frequently Asked Non-Verbal Reasoning Problems
Examination Based
Alphabet/Numer Mirror Images
Find mirror reflection of characters
Clock Time Reflections
Mirror/water images of clock times
Complex Shape Reflections
Mirror/water images of diagrams
Logical Reasoning
Figure Completion
Find missing part of pattern
Pattern Series
Identify next figure in sequence
Figure Analogy
Find relationship between figures
11. Common Delhi Police / SSC Exam Facts
Mirror Images → Most Common
Water Images → Frequent
Time Limit → 45-60 seconds per question
Visualization → Key Solving Technique
Practice → Essential for Speed
Counting Figures → Higher Difficulty
12. Quick Recap
| Topic | Key Concept | Important Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Image | Horizontal Reflection | Left-right reverse, top-bottom same |
| Water Image | Vertical Reflection | Top-bottom reverse, left-right same |
| Embedded Figures | Hidden Shape Detection | Exact match in size and orientation |
| Paper Folding | Symmetry Prediction | Each fold creates mirror symmetry |
| Counting Figures | Systematic Enumeration | Use formulas for grids, count systematically for others |
You've completed Non-Verbal Reasoning!
Courage Tip: Remember the key difference between mirror and water images, practice visualization skills for embedded figures, use systematic counting methods for figure enumeration, and understand symmetry principles for paper folding problems. Regular practice with different problem types will significantly improve your speed and accuracy in exams.
Master Reasoning for SSC GD Exam!
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