Syllogism Shortcuts & Practice Questions for IBPS RRB Clerk and PO 2025

Syllogism is one of the most important topics in the Reasoning section of IBPS RRB Exam, which is often discussed due to its logical nature and scoring potential. It tests the candidate’s ability to draw valid conclusions from the given statements, making it a must-have for those aiming to score high marks in the Reasoning Ability section. Given its frequent appearance in previous IBPS RRB Clerk and PO 2025, mastering syllogisms is indispensable for candidates.

Syllogism Shortcuts for IBPS RRB Clerk and PO 2025

Syllogism is a form of logical reasoning that involves drawing conclusions from two or more given statements or premises. Rooted in ancient logic, the concept was formalized by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, but today, it holds practical importance in competitive exams like IBPS RRB. To tackle these problems accurately, candidates are encouraged to follow standardized rules and techniques. One of the most effective methods for solving syllogism questions is using Venn diagrams, which visually map out relationships between the given statements, making it easier to deduce valid conclusions.

Tricks & Rules of Syllogism for IBPS RRB Clerk and PO 2025

Syllogism is a very scoring and easy topic in the Reasoning section of the IBPS RRB exam. By following some simple rules and tricks, you can solve these questions quickly and accurately.

Use Venn Diagrams: Always draw Venn diagrams to visualize the statements clearly. It helps you check the conclusions properly.

Pay Attention to Key Words: Words like “some,” “all,” “no,” “not,” “at least,” and “a few” are crucial. Read them carefully before jumping to conclusions.

Two Negative Statements = No Positive Conclusion: If both statements are negative, no positive conclusion can be drawn.

Two Positive Statements = No Negative Conclusion: If both statements are positive, a negative conclusion is not valid.

Possibility Conclusions: If a conclusion says “It is possible,” and it fits in even one correct diagram, then it is considered true.

No Conclusion from Two Particular Statements: If both statements are particular (e.g., “Some A are B” and “Some B are C”), then no definite conclusion can be drawn.

Conclusion Must Follow Both Statements: A valid conclusion must be true based on both given statements, not just one.

Be Cautious with “Some not”: “Some not” is a strong negative statement. It can only be concluded when it is clearly shown in the Venn diagram.

Don’t Assume Reversibility

• “All A are B” does not mean “All B are A”
• “Some A are B” does not mean “Some B are A”

Avoid such reverse logic unless the question supports it.

Real-World Knowledge Is Not Allowed: Only use the information provided in the statements. Real-life facts should not influence your answer.

Practice Questions for IBPS RRB Clerk and PO 2025

Directions (1-5): In the question below, three statements are given followed by the conclusions. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows from the given statements disregarding commonly known facts.

Q1. Statements: Only a few Peacocks are Ostrich.

Only a few Rats are Swans.

Some Swans are Peacocks.

Conclusions: I. Some Rats can be Ostrich.

1. All Swans being Ostrich is a possibility.

(a) Only I follows

(b) Only II follows

(c) Either I or II follows

(d) Neither I nor II follows

(e) Both I and II follow

Q2. Statements: All Boards are Tube lights.

Only a few Wires are Boards.

All Switches are Boards.

Conclusions: I. All wires being Switches is a possibility.

1. Some Switches being Wires is a possibility.

(a) Only I follows

(b) Only II follows

(c) Either I or II follows

(d) Neither I nor II follows

(e) Both I and II follow

Q3. Statements: Some Eagles are Pigeons.

Only a few Parrots are Eagles.

All Parrots are Peacocks.

Conclusions: I. Some Peacocks can be Pigeons.

1. No Eagles are Peacocks.

(a) Only I follows

(b) Only II follows

(c) Either I or II follows

(d) Neither I nor II follows

(e) Both I and II follow

Q4. Statements: All Cats are Dogs.

Only a few Dogs are Rabbits.

All Rabbits are Rats.

Conclusions: I. Some Cats are Rats.

1. No Cats are Rats.

(a) Only I follows

(b) Only II follows

(c) Either I or II follows

(d) Neither I nor II follows

(e) Both I and II follow

Q5. Statements: All Animals are foods.

Only a few Birds are Humans.

All foods are Humans.

Conclusions: I. Some Birds are not Humans.

1. No Animals are Humans.

(a) Only I follows

(b) Only II follows

(c) Either I or II follows

(d) Neither I nor II follows

(e) Both I and II follow

Directions (6-10): In each question below, some statements are given followed by some conclusions. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows from the given statements, disregarding commonly known facts:

(a) Only I follow

(b) Only II follow

(c) Either I or II follow

(d) Neither I nor II follow

(e) Both I and II follows

Q6. Statements: Only a few Study is Research

No Study is Flower

All Food is Research

Conclusions: I. All Flower is Food is a possibility

1. Atleast some Food is study

Q7. Statements: All Blue is Grey

Only a few Olive is Grey

No Green is Blue

Conclusions: I. Some Green is Grey is a possibility

1. All Blue is Olive is a possibility

Q8. Statements: Only Apple is Mango

No Grapes is Apple

No Orange is Grapes

Conclusions: I. Some Apple is Orange

1. All Orange is Apple is a possibility

Q9. Statements: All Paper is Pen

All Pencil is Book

No Paper is Pencil

Conclusions: I. No Book is Paper

1. Some Pencil is Pen

Q10. Statements: Only a few Flower is Fruit

No Tree is Fruit

Some Green is Tree

Conclusions:  I. No Green is Fruit

1. Some Fruit is Green