Module 2 · RBI Grade B Reasoning Ability

Critical Reasoning

Arguments, assumptions, inferences, conclusions.

Arguments · Assumptions · Inferences · Conclusions

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Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamental concepts of Critical Reasoning
Apply key formulas and techniques to solve problems
Practice with exam-level questions to build speed and accuracy

Key Concepts

What is Critical Reasoning?

Critical Reasoning questions assess your logical thinking and ability to evaluate arguments, assumptions, and conclusions. These questions appear in RBI Grade B phase 2 exams and test your analytical skills at a higher level. Common types include statement-assumption, statement-argument, statement-conclusion, cause-effect, and course of action.

Types of Critical Reasoning Questions

1. Statement-Assumption: A statement is given followed by two assumptions. You must determine which assumption(s) is/are implicit in the statement. An assumption is something that must be true for the statement to be valid.

2. Statement-Argument: A statement followed by two arguments (for and against). You evaluate the strength of each argument. A strong argument is directly related to the statement, logical, and substantial.

3. Statement-Conclusion: A passage is given followed by conclusions. You determine which conclusion(s) logically follow(s) from the information given.

4. Cause-Effect: Two events are given. You determine whether one is the cause of the other, both are effects of a common cause, or they are independent.

5. Course of Action: A problem situation is described, followed by proposed actions. You evaluate which action(s) is/are appropriate and practical.

6. Strengthening/Weakening Arguments: A conclusion is given with supporting evidence. You identify which option strengthens or weakens the argument.

Solved Examples

Example 1 (Statement-Assumption)

Statement: 'The government should make voting compulsory to increase voter turnout.'
Assumptions:
I. Making voting compulsory will increase voter turnout.
II. Voter turnout currently is lower than desired.

a) Only I is implicit b) Only II is implicit c) Both are implicit d) Neither is implicit

Solution: c) Both are implicit. The statement suggests compulsory voting as a solution to increase turnout, which implies that voter turnout needs to increase (II) and that compulsory voting will achieve this (I).

Example 2 (Course of Action)

Situation: Waterlogging in the city after every heavy rainfall causes traffic jams and inconvenience to citizens.
Courses of Action:
I. The municipal corporation should clean and desilt the drainage system before the monsoon.
II. Citizens should be advised to stay indoors during heavy rainfall.

a) Only I follows b) Only II follows c) Both follow d) Neither follows

Solution: a) Only I follows. I is a practical and preventive action — cleaning drains addresses the root cause. II is impractical — citizens cannot stay indoors every time it rains heavily, and it does not solve the problem.

Example 3 (Cause-Effect)

Event A: The company's profits increased by 40% this quarter.
Event B: The company launched a new product line that became very popular.

a) A is the cause and B is the effect b) B is the cause and A is the effect c) Both are effects of a common cause d) No relationship

Solution: b) B is the cause and A is the effect. Launching a popular new product (B) likely led to increased sales and hence higher profits (A).

Shortcut Techniques

For statement-assumption: An assumption is implicit if its negation would make the statement invalid.
For cause-effect: Check temporality — the cause must precede the effect. Also check if there is a third factor causing both.
For course of action: The action must be practical, feasible, and address the root cause — not a temporary fix.
Read the question stem carefully — 'strong' vs 'weak' arguments require judgment about relevance and impact.

Pro Tip

In RBI Grade B, critical reasoning questions in the descriptive paper may ask you to write short essays evaluating an argument. Practice identifying logical fallacies — hasty generalization, false cause, circular reasoning — as they are often tested indirectly.

Advanced Problem Types

Competitive exams feature advanced variations combining multiple reasoning concepts. Master these to score high.

Multi-Step Problems

Some questions require applying multiple reasoning techniques sequentially. Break problems into clear steps.

Common Traps

Assuming a pattern continues without checking all elements
Misinterpreting negative statements in syllogisms
Forgetting wrapping in alphabet coding (Z to A transition)
Confusing directions (East vs West)
Overlooking either-or cases in syllogisms
Not considering all possible arrangements in puzzles

Pro Tip

For puzzles, start with the most concrete clue and build around it. Draw diagrams for seating arrangements and family trees for blood relations.

Advanced Problem Types

Competitive exams feature advanced variations combining multiple reasoning concepts. Master these to score high.

Multi-Step Problems

Some questions require applying multiple reasoning techniques sequentially. Break problems into clear steps.

Common Traps

Assuming a pattern continues without checking all elements
Misinterpreting negative statements in syllogisms
Forgetting wrapping in alphabet coding (Z to A transition)
Confusing directions (East vs West)
Overlooking either-or cases in syllogisms
Not considering all possible arrangements in puzzles

Pro Tip

For puzzles, start with the most concrete clue and build around it. Draw diagrams for seating arrangements and family trees for blood relations.

Advanced Problem Types

Competitive exams feature advanced variations combining multiple reasoning concepts. Master these to score high.

Multi-Step Problems

Some questions require applying multiple reasoning techniques sequentially. Break problems into clear steps.

Common Traps

Assuming a pattern continues without checking all elements
Misinterpreting negative statements in syllogisms
Forgetting wrapping in alphabet coding (Z to A transition)
Confusing directions (East vs West)
Overlooking either-or cases in syllogisms
Not considering all possible arrangements in puzzles

Pro Tip

For puzzles, start with the most concrete clue and build around it. Draw diagrams for seating arrangements and family trees for blood relations.

Advanced Problem Types

Competitive exams feature advanced variations combining multiple reasoning concepts. Master these to score high.

Multi-Step Problems

Some questions require applying multiple reasoning techniques sequentially. Break problems into clear steps.

Common Traps

Assuming a pattern continues without checking all elements
Misinterpreting negative statements in syllogisms
Forgetting wrapping in alphabet coding (Z to A transition)
Confusing directions (East vs West)
Overlooking either-or cases in syllogisms
Not considering all possible arrangements in puzzles

Pro Tip

For puzzles, start with the most concrete clue and build around it. Draw diagrams for seating arrangements and family trees for blood relations.

Practice Questions

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