Order and Ranking
SSC GD Exam
1. What is Order and Ranking?
Order and Ranking is a logical reasoning topic that deals with arranging items or people in a specific sequence based on given conditions. It involves determining positions, ranks, and order from different perspectives.
Position Determination
Rank Analysis
Sequence Arrangement
Comparative Analysis
Simple Definition: Order and Ranking involves arranging elements in sequence and determining their positions from different viewpoints.
2. Types of Order and Ranking
Major Categories of Order and Ranking
Based on Structure
Position in a Row
Linear arrangement problems
Ranking among Groups
Comparative ranking analysis
Mixed Rankings
Combination of different types
Based on Complexity
Simple Ranking
Direct position finding
Comparative Ranking
Using comparison statements
Condition-based Ranking
Multiple conditions and rules
3. Position in a Row
Key Concepts for Linear Arrangement
Total Positions
Number of people/items
From Left/Right
Position counting methods
Position Formula
L + R - 1 = Total
Middle Position
Central position calculation
Position in a Row Examples
| Problem Type | Given Information | Question | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Position | A is 15th from left, 20th from right | Total people in row? | 15 + 20 - 1 = 34 |
| Position Change | B is 10th from left, 4 people left | Position from right? | Total - (10 - 4) + 1 |
| Between Positions | C is 8th from left, D is 12th from right | People between them? | Total - (8 + 12) |
| Interchange | After interchange, position changes | Find new positions | Use position difference |
4. Ranking among Groups
Group Ranking Concepts
Top/Bottom Rank
Highest/lowest positions
Comparative Rank
Better/worse than others
Rank Difference
Position gap calculation
Group Total
Total members in group
Group Ranking Examples
| Problem Type | Given Information | Question | Solution Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Ranking | A is 5th from top, 8th from bottom | Total students? | 5 + 8 - 1 = 12 students |
| Comparative Rank | A > B, B > C, C > D | Who is highest? | A > B > C > D (A is highest) |
| Rank Difference | A is 8th, B is 15th from top | People between them? | 15 - 8 - 1 = 6 people |
| Multiple Groups | Rank in class + rank in school | Find overall position | Use combined ranking formula |
5. Mixed Rankings
Complex Ranking Scenarios
Multiple Conditions
Combining different ranking types
Interchange Problems
Positions change after swapping
Height/Weight Ranking
Comparative physical attributes
Multi-dimensional
Ranking in different categories
Mixed Ranking Examples
| Scenario Type | Given Information | Complexity | Solving Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height + Rank | Tallest is 2nd in class, shortest is 8th | Medium | Combine height order with academic rank |
| Interchange | A and B swap positions, ranks change | Hard | Calculate position difference |
| Multiple Attributes | Rank by height, weight, and marks | Very Hard | Create comparison tables |
| Condition-based | If A > B and C > D, but B > C | Hard | Create complete order sequence |
6. Important Formulas & Rules
Key Formulas for Order and Ranking
Position Formulas
Total = L + R - 1
When position from left and right is known
Between = Total - (P1 + P2)
People between two positions
Middle = (Total + 1) ÷ 2
Middle position for odd total
Ranking Rules
Rank Difference = P2 - P1 - 1
People between two ranks
Interchange Effect
Sum of positions remains same
Comparative Order
A > B > C implies A > C
Always verify your answer by checking if it satisfies all given conditions!
7. How to Solve Order & Ranking Questions
Step-by-Step Approach:
Read Carefully
Understand all positions and ranks given
Draw Diagram
Sketch positions and relationships
Apply Formulas
Use appropriate formulas for calculations
Verify Solution
Check if answer satisfies all conditions
For complex problems, always create a visual representation or table to track positions and relationships!
8. Common Delhi Police / SSC Exam Facts
Position Problems → Most Common
Formula L+R-1 → Key Formula
Time Limit → 45-60 seconds per question
Diagram Method → Best Approach
Practice → Essential for Speed
Mixed Rankings → Higher Difficulty
9. Quick Recap
| Topic | Key Focus | Important Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Position in a Row | Linear Arrangement | Total = L + R - 1, Between = Total - (P1 + P2) |
| Ranking among Groups | Comparative Analysis | Rank Difference = P2 - P1 - 1 |
| Mixed Rankings | Complex Scenarios | Visual diagrams, Comparison tables |
| Problem Solving | Step-by-step Approach | Read → Draw → Calculate → Verify |
You've completed Order and Ranking!
Courage Tip: Remember the key formula L + R - 1 = Total, always draw diagrams for complex problems, and practice different types of ranking questions to improve your speed and accuracy in exams.
Master Reasoning for SSC GD Exam!
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