Classification: Definition, Practice Questions, Examples, Types

Key Concepts to Understand in Classification Reasoning

To solve classification reasoning questions accurately, it is important to understand a few core concepts. These concepts help you identify patterns, group similar items, and quickly find the odd one out in competitive exams.

Pattern recognition and logical grouping in classification reasoning

Pattern recognition is the foundation of classification questions.

• You need to observe how most items are related to each other
• Identify a common rule or property followed by the group
• Group elements based on similar characteristics
• Focus on logic rather than guesswork

Developing strong pattern recognition skills helps in solving classification questions faster.

Similarity and dissimilarity identification in reasoning

Classification is all about comparing similarities and differences.

• Identify features that are common among most options
• Look for one item that does not share those features
• Compare meaning, structure, or pattern depending on the question type
• Avoid ignoring small but important differences

This concept is especially useful for solving odd one out questions.

Number patterns and sequences in classification questions

Many classification questions are based on numerical logic.

• Look for patterns like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
• Identify sequences such as increasing or decreasing numbers
• Check for special patterns like squares, cubes, or prime numbers
• Compare each number with the identified rule

Understanding number patterns helps in solving numerical classification questions easily.

Alphabet position logic in classification reasoning

Alphabet-based classification questions rely on letter positions.

• Use positions like A = 1, B = 2, up to Z = 26
• Identify patterns such as skipping letters or fixed intervals
• Check for forward or backward sequences
• Observe changes in letter positions

Mastering alphabet position logic improves accuracy in solving verbal classification questions.

Types of Classification Reasoning

There are four types of Classification-

1) Word-based odd one/ Word classification reasoning
2) Number based odd one/ Number classification reasoning
3) Letter based odd one/ Letter classification reasoning
4) Mixed odd one/ Mixed classification reasoning

Let’s understand all of the above types of classification in detail

1) Word-based Odd one

In this type of question, four meaningful words or word pairs are given. It is a process to determine the odd word or odd word pair from the various given words or word pairs. The question based on word-based classification can be asked from general knowledge and English vocabulary.
Example:
A) Rage B) Soothe C) Calm D) Forbear
Solution:
To solve the classification question first recall the meaning of each word given in the question and then determine the odd one.
Here, the words soothe, calm and forbear are antonyms of anger whereas rage is a synonym for anger. Therefore, rage is the odd one among the given words.
Hence, the first option is correct.
Example:
A) Bitter-Sweet B) Afraid-Brave C) Vertical-Horizontal D) Large-Huge
Solution:
In the above-given word pairs, all pairs have opposite meanings except the fourth pair. It consists of same-meaning words. Therefore, the fourth option is the odd one.
Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2) Number-based odd one

It is a process to determine the odd number or odd pair of numbers from the various numbers according to common features like they are even numbers, odd numbers, prime numbers, multiples of 5 or multiples of any other number and divisible by a certain number.

Example:
A) 13 B) 99 C) 108 D) 236
Solution:
In the above-given numbers except 13, all other numbers are divisible by certain numbers. Only, 13 is a prime number. Therefore, 13 is an odd one.
Hence, the first option is correct.
Example:
A) 121-144 B) 1444-1521 C) 1024-1156 D) 441-484
Solution:
In the above-given pairs, all pairs are squares of natural numbers.
First Option: 121-144; (11 x 11) (12 x 12)
Second Option: 1444-1521; (38 x 38) (39 x 39)
Third Option: 1024-1156; (32 x 32) (34 x 34)
Fourth Option: 441-484; (21 x 21 ) (22 x 22)
All number pairs are squares of consecutive numbers except option third as in the third option a square of 34 is given instead of a square of 33.

Hence, the third option is correct.

3) Letter-based odd one

In this type of question, four random letters or letter clusters following specific rules are given. To solve letter-based questions one should have learned the positional values of the letters from left to right end and from right to left end. It is a process to find the odd letter or group of odd letters by determining the positional values of the letters or according to the consonants and vowels.

Example:
A) HIJK B) QRST C) MNQP D) EFGH
Solution:
In the above-given group of letters, all groups consist of consecutive letters except option third. Therefore, MNQP is an odd one.
Hence, the third option is correct.
Example:
A) HS B) KP C) LO D) GH
Solution:
In the above-given pairs, letters are opposite to each other except, in the fourth option as it consists of consecutive letters. Therefore, the fourth pair is the odd one.
Hence, the fourth option is correct.

4) Mixed odd one

In this type of question, pairs consist of letters and numbers following a pattern or some specific rules as discussed in the letter-based and number-based classification. To solve the mixed odd one classification one should apply the logic on letters as well as numbers to find the odd term.

Example:
A) AC4 B) GI16 C) KM23 D) EG12
Solution:
The above-given pairs consist of letters as well as numbers. The numbers are the sum of the positional values of the alphabet.
First Option: AC4; (1 + 3 = 4)
Second Option: GI; (7 + 9 = 16)
Third Option: KM23; (11 + 13 = 24)
Fourth Option: EG12; (5 + 7 = 12)
All options except option third numbers are the sum of the positional values but in the third pair the number is 23 instead of 24. Therefore, the third option is the odd one.
Hence, the third option is correct.

Things to Remember for Solving Classification Reasoning Questions

1) You must be well-versed in the English vocabulary and general terms of daily science.

2) You must know types of numbers such as whole numbers, natural numbers, prime numbers, even numbers, odd numbers etc.

3) Practice is key to success.

4) When you have done several questions with the techniques mentioned above, you will be able to attempt any classification question in less than a minute.

Classification Reasoning Practice Questions PDF Download

For non-verbal classification and its type which are semantic classification reasoning questions, figure classification reasoning, figural classification reasoning follow the below link to download the PDF:

Download Now: Classification Questions with Solutions PDF

Approach to Classification Reasoning Questions

To solve classification reasoning questions effectively, the main goal is to identify a common pattern followed by most of the given items and then find the one that does not follow that pattern. These questions are based on logical grouping, so a clear and structured approach helps in solving them quickly and accurately in competitive exams.

Identify the common pattern among the given terms

Start by observing all the given options carefully and look for similarities.

• Check if most terms follow a specific rule or pattern
• In words, look for meaning, category, or function
• In numbers, identify patterns like addition, multiplication, or sequences
• In alphabets, check position-based logic or letter patterns

Understanding the common characteristic is the first step in solving classification questions.

Compare each option with the identified pattern

Once the pattern is clear, compare every option with it.

• Check which terms follow the identified rule
• Look for consistency among most of the options
• Focus on logical comparison rather than guessing
• Avoid getting distracted by similar-looking options

This step helps in narrowing down the correct answer.

Identify the odd one out logically

After comparison, find the item that does not match the pattern.

• The odd one out will not follow the common rule
• It may differ in meaning, structure, sequence, or category
• Ensure that all other options follow the same pattern
• Do not select an option unless the logic is clear

This ensures accuracy in classification reasoning questions.

Focus on common characteristics rather than differences first

A common mistake is directly looking for differences.

• Always identify what is common among most terms first
• Then find the one that does not share that characteristic
• This approach is more reliable and less confusing

Improve accuracy with practice and pattern recognition

Regular practice helps in mastering classification reasoning.

• Practice different types of questions such as verbal, numerical, and non-verbal
• Improve pattern recognition skills
• Solve previous year questions to understand exam trends
• Focus on both speed and accuracy

With consistent practice, identifying the odd one out becomes quick and intuitive.

Question Weightage of Classification Reasoning Questions in Competitive Exams

The number of questions based on classification varies from exam to exam -

1) Classification questions asked in SSC exams i.e. SSC MTS, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC CPO, Steno - 5 to 6 questions.

2) Classification questions asked in the RRB exam i.e. Group D, NTPC, JE, ALP etc - 3 to 4 questions.

3) Classification questions asked in CUET, NPAT and other college entrance exams - 2 to 3 questions.

Sometimes questions based on classification can be seen in CSAT and IB exams as well.

Verbal Reasoning Topics

The candidates who are preparing for the upcoming entrance and Government exams can also refer to the verbal reasoning topics given below and master the reasoning ability section:

Best Books for Classification Reasoning Preparation

Here is a clean and exam-focused table of the most recommended books to master classification reasoning questions for competitive exams:

Important Rules and Concepts for Classification Reasoning (Quick Revision Table)

Classification does not involve fixed formulas, but it follows logical patterns and rules. Here is a quick-reference table for solving classification questions:

Key Takeaways

• Classification is based on identifying patterns, not formulas
• Always focus on the common rule followed by most options
• Use elimination technique to save time
• Practice improves speed and accuracy

Word Classification Reasoning Questions for Practice

1) Directions: Three of the following words are alike in a certain way and one is different. Pick the word that is different from the rest.

1) Sarangi

2) Telephone

3) Saxophone

4) Xylophone

Hint:

Identify the term that is not a musical instrument.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: Sarangi; It is a musical instrument.

Second option: Telephone; It is not a musical instrument.

Third option: Saxophone; It is a musical instrument.

Fourth option: Xylophone; It is a musical instrument.

So, only the second option is different from the other three options as Television is not a musical instrument. Hence, the second option is correct.

2. Directions: In the following question, find the odd letter cluster from the given alternatives.

1) TOP

2) COP

3) MOP

4) JOP

Hint:
Check the meaning of the given words.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: TOP; TOP means surface.

Second option: COP; COP means Police officer.

Third option: MOP; MOP is used for surface cleaning.

Fourth option: JOP; There is no meaning of JOP.

So, the fourth option is different from the other three options because there is no meaning of JOP. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

3. Directions: Find the odd word pair from the given responses.

1) Bangkok

2) Yangon (Rangoon)

3) Jeddah

4) Kabul

Hint:

Check the relationship between the country and its capital.

Solution:

Let's check the options

First option: Bangkok; Bangkok is the capital of Thailand.

Second option: Yangon (Rangoon); Yangoon (Rangoon) is the capital of Myanmar.

Third option: Jeddah; Jeddah is not the capital of any country.

Fourth option: Kabul; Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan.

So, only the third option is different from the other three options as Jeddah is not the capital of any country. Hence, the third option is correct.

4. Directions: Find the odd word pair from the given responses.
1) Happiness

2) Honesty

3) Deceive

4) Truth

Hint:

Determine the meaning of the words and find the odd one.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: Happiness ⇒ The state of being happy.

Second option: Honesty ⇒ Righteousness; being truthful.

Third option: Deceive ⇒ Deliberately cause (someone) to believe something untrue.

Fourth option: Truth ⇒ The quality or state of being true.

So, deceive is the antonym of the other three options. Hence, the third option is correct.

5. Directions: Find the odd word from the given responses.

1) Ink

2) Paper

3) Office

4) Pen

Hint:

Think of the stationary objects.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: Ink; Ink is a stationery item.

Second option: Paper; Paper is a stationery item.

Third option: Office; Office is not a stationery item.

Fourth option: Pen; Pen is a stationery item.

So, from the given words, except office, all others are stationery items. Hence, the third option is correct.

Word Pairs Based Classification Questions for Practice

1. Directions: In the following question, select the odd word pair from the given alternatives.

1) Sugarcane – Jaggery

2) Sack – Jute

3) Road – Asphalt

4) Wall – Brick

Hint:

Determine the things and materials used for them.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: Sugarcane – Jaggery; Jaggery is made from sugarcane but sugarcane is not made from jaggery.

Second option: Sack – Jute; Jute is used to make the sack.

Third option: Road – Asphalt; Asphalt is used to construct roads.

Fourth option: Wall – Brick; Brick is used to create a wall.

So, the first option is different from the other options. Hence, the first option is correct.

2. Directions: In the following question, select the odd word pair from the given alternatives.

1) Question – Answer

2) Pencil – Rub

3) Cup – Saucer

4) Chair – Table

Hint:

Think about two words that are typically related to each other.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: Question – Answer; A question is generally followed by an answer and directly related to each other in a supportive way.

Second option: Pencil – Rub; Rub is used to remove pencil marks, but not related to pencil in a direct supportive way.

Third option: Cup – Saucer; A cup is generally placed on a saucer and directly related to each other in a supportive way..

Fourth option: Chair – Table; A chair is generally paired with a table and directly related to each other in a supportive way..

So, only the second option is different from the other three options. Hence, the second option is correct.

3. Directions: Three of the four groups of words are alike in some manner. Select the odd group of words.

1) (Car, Truck, Road)

2) (Chair, Table, Stool)

3) (Choreographer, Editor, Carpenter)

4) (Shirt, Trouser, Saree)

Hint:

Determine the category of the given terms.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: (Car, Truck, Road); Car and Truck are used for transportation but the road is not a type of transport.

Second option: (Chair, Table, Stool); Chair, Table, and Stool are types of the furniture.

Third option: (Choreographer, Editor, Carpenter); Choreographer, Editor, and Carpenter are types of profession.

Fourth option: (Shirt, Trouser, Saree); Shirt, Trouser, and Saree are types of clothes.

So, the first option is different from the other options. Hence, the first option is correct.

4. Directions: In the following question, select the odd word pair from the given alternatives.

1) China – Yuan

2) Thailand – Baht

3) Lira – Turkey

4) Japan – Yen

Hint:

Think about the order of the country and its currency.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: China – Yuan; The currency of China is the Yuan.

Second option: Thailand – Baht; The currency of Thailand is the Baht.

Third option: Lira – Turkey; The currency of Turkey is the Lira, but here order is different.

Fourth option: Japan – Yen; The currency of Japan is the Yen.

So, the third option is different from the others as in this option first term is currency and the second term is country. Hence, the third option is correct.

5. Directions: Find the odd word pair from the given responses.

1) Long – Short

2) Black – White

3) Head – Cap

4) Friend – Foe

Hint:

The given word pairs are the antonyms of each other.

Solution:

Let's check the given options –

First option: Long – Short; Long and short are antonyms of each other.

Second option: Black – White; Black and White are the antonyms of each other.

Third option: Head – Cap; Cap is worn on the head. They are not antonyms of each other.

Fourth option: Friend – Foe; Friend and Foe are the antonyms of each other.

So, the words in the third option are not the antonyms of each other. Hence, the third option is correct.

Number Classification Reasoning Questions for Practice

1. Directions: In the following question, find the odd number from the given alternatives.

1) 5125

2) 8564

3) 7343

4) 6216

Hint:

Find the cube of the first digit to establish a relation with other digits.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: 5125

Here, the first digit is 5. (5)3 = 125→So, the number formed is 5125.

Second option: 8564

Here, the first digit is 8. (8)3 = 512→So, the number formed should be 8512.

Third option: 7343

Here, the first digit is 7. (7)3 = 343→So, the number formed is 7343.

Fourth option: 6216

Here, the first digit is 6. (6)3 = 216→So, the number formed is 6216.

In the second option, the number should be 8512 instead of 8564. Hence, the second option is correct.

2. Directions: In the following question, find the odd number from the given alternatives.

1) 529

2) 549

3) 731

4) 525
Hint:

Determine the perfect square in the given options.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: 529; 529 = 232; 529 is a perfect square.

Second option: 549; 549 is not a perfect square.

Third option: 731; 731 is not a perfect square.

Fourth option: 525; 525 is not a perfect square.

So, the first option 529 is different from the other options as it is a perfect square while others are not. Hence, the first option is correct.

3. Directions: In each of the following questions, select the one that is different from the other three alternatives.

1) 357

2) 581

3) 698

4) 784

Hint:

Check whether the given numbers are multiples of 7 or not.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: 357; 357 ÷ 7 = 51 (multiple of 7)

Second option: 581; 581 ÷ 7 = 83 (multiple of 7)

Third option: 698; 698 ÷ 7 = 99.7 (not a multiple of 7)

Fourth option: 784; 784 ÷ 7 = 112 (multiple of 7)

So, only the third option is different from the other three options. Hence, the third option is correct.
4. Directions: In the following question, find the odd number from the given alternatives.

1) 361

2) 441

3) 784

4) 876

Hint:

Check whether the numbers in the given options are perfect squares.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: 361; 361 = (19)2

Second option: 441; 441 = (21)2

Third option: 784; 784 = (28)2

Fourth option: 876 is not a square of any number.

The fourth option does not follow the pattern. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

5. Directions: In the following question, find the odd number from the given alternatives.

1) 253

2) 473

3) 143

4) 633

Hint:

Check the divisibility of the given numbers by 11.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: 253; 253 ÷ 11 = 23

Second option: 473; 473 ÷ 11 = 43

Third option: 143; 143 ÷ 11 = 13

Fourth option: 633; 633 is not divisible by 11.

The fourth option does not follow the pattern of the other three. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Number Pair-Based Classification Questions for Practice

1. Directions: Select the odd group of numbers. (NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into their constituent digits. E.g.13 – operations on 13 such as adding/subtracting/multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.)

1) (15 – 220 – 215)

2) (10 – 100 – 95)

3) (20 – 400 – 395)

4) (25 – 625 – 620)

Hint:

For each set, the second number is the square of the first number, and subtract 5 from the second number to get the third number.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: (15 – 220 – 215)→(15)2 = 225 ≠ 220

Second option: (10 – 100 – 95)→(10)2 = 100; 100 – 5 = 95

Third option: (20 – 400 – 39)→(20)2 = 400; 400 – 5 = 395

Fourth option: (25 – 625 – 620)→(25)2 = 625; 625 – 5 = 620

So, only the first option does not follow the same pattern as followed by the given set of numbers. Hence, the first option is correct.

2. Directions: In the following question, select the one that is different from the other three alternatives.

1) (37 – 74)

2) (26 – 52)

3) (47 – 84)

4) (44 – 88)

Hint:

For each pair, multiply the first number by 2 to get the second number.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: (37 – 74)→37 × 2 = 74

Second option: (26 – 52)→26 × 2 = 52

Third option: (47 – 84)→47 × 2 = 94 ≠ 84

Fourth option: (44 – 88)→44 × 2 = 88

So, only in the third option, on multiplying the first number by 2, the resultant is 94 instead of 84. Hence, the third option is correct.

3. Directions: In each of the following questions, select the one that is different from the other three alternatives.

1) 20, 16, 18

2) 18, 14, 16

3) 16, 12, 14

4) 14, 11, 13

Hint:

Subtract 4 and add 2 in the first and the second number to get the second and the third number respectively.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: 20, 16, 18→20 – 4 = 16; 16 + 2 = 18

Second option: 18, 14, 16→18 – 4 = 14; 14 + 2 = 16

Third option: 16, 12,14→16 – 4 = 12; 12 + 2 = 14

Fourth option: 14, 11, 13→14 – 3 = 11; 11 + 2 = 13

So, the fourth option is different as the difference in the first and the second term is 3 instead of 4. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

4. Directions: In each of the following questions, select the one that is different from the other three alternatives.

1) 392 – 21

2) 483 –15
3) 602 – 42

4) 917 – 35

Hint:

Find the difference and determine the odd one.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: 392 – 21 = 371

Second option: 483 –15 = 468

Third option: 602 – 42 = 560

Fourth option: 917 – 35 = 882

So, only the first option has an odd number as the final result. Hence, the first option is correct.

5. Directions: In each of the following questions, select the one that is different from the other three alternatives.

1) 120 – 560

2) 91 – 299

3) 78 – 169

4) 104 – 429

Hint:

Determine the multiple of 13, to get the odd one out.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: 120 – 560→120 ÷ 13 = 9.23; 560 ÷ 13 = 43.07 (Both are not the multiples of 13.)

Second option: 91 – 299→91 ÷ 13 = 7; 299 ÷ 13 = 23 (Both are multiples of 13.)

Third option: 78 – 169→78 ÷ 13 = 6; 169 ÷ 13 = 13 (Both are multiples of 13.)

Fourth option: 104 – 429→104 ÷ 13 = 8; 429 ÷ 13 = 33 (Both are multiples of 13.)

So, the first option is different from the other three options as the numbers are not multiples of 13. Hence, the first option is correct.

Letter Based Classification Questions for Practice

1. Directions: Three of the following letter clusters are alike in some manner and hence, form a group. Which letter cluster does not belong to that group?

1) WDLF

2) YBXR

3) PKSM

4) IRMT (correct)

Hint: Determine the odd term by using opposite letter pairs and subtraction in the place value of the last two letters.

Solution -

Let's check each option –

First option: WDLF; W and D are opposite pairs; L – 6 = F

Second option: YBXR; Y and B are opposite pairs; X – 6 = R

Third option: PKSM; P and K are opposite pairs; S – 6 = M

Fourth option: IRMT; I and R are opposite pairs; M + 7 = T

So, only the fourth option is different from the other three options as the difference between the position values of the letter is different. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2. Directions: Three of the following letter clusters are alike in some manner and hence, form a group. Which letter cluster does NOT belong to that group?

1) EVS

2) IRP (correct)

3) VEB

4) GTQ

Hint: The first two letters are opposite letters and subtract 3 from the place value of the second letter, to get the third letter.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: EVS; E and V are opposite pairs; V – 3 = S

Second option: IRP; I and R are opposite pairs; R – 2 = P

Third option: VEB; V and E are opposite pairs; E – 3 = B

Fourth option: GTQ; G and T are opposite pairs; T – 3 = Q

So, only the second option is different from the other three options as the difference between the position values of the letter is different. Hence, the second option is correct.

3. Directions: In the following question, select the odd letter/letters from the given alternatives.

1) RTW

2) FHK

3) SVY (correct)

4) KMP

Hint: Check the difference between the place values of the letters of the given options.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: RTW; R + 2 = T; T + 3 = W

Second option: FHK; F + 2 = H; H + 3 = K

Third option: SVY; S + 3 = V; V + 3 = Y

Fourth option: KMP; K + 2 = M; M + 3 = P

So, only the third option is different from the other three options as the difference between the place values of the letter is different. Hence, the third option is correct.

4. Directions: In the following question, select the odd letter/letters from the given alternatives.

1) JJG

2) FFC

3) XXT (correct)

4) PPM

Hint: Add 0 to the place value of the first letter and subtract 3 from the place value of the second letter.

Solution:

Let's check the options –

First option: JJG; J + 0 = J; J – 3 = G

Second option: FFC; F + 0 = F; F – 3 = C

Third option: XXT; X + 0 = X; X – 4 = T

Fourth option: PPM; P + 0 = P; P – 3 = M

So, only the third option is different from the other three options as the difference between the place values of the letter is 4 instead of 3. Hence, the third option is correct.

5. Directions: In the following question, select the odd letter/letters from the given alternatives.

1) VWYB

2) LMOR

3) QSVY (correct)

4) ABDG

Hint: Check the difference between the place values of the letters.

Solution:

Let's check each option –

First option: VWYB; V + 1 = W; W + 2 = Y; Y + 3 = B

Second option: LMOR; L + 1 = M; M + 2 = O; O + 3 = R

Third option: QSVY; Q + 2 = S; S + 3 = V; V + 3 = Y

Fourth option: ABDG; A + 1 = B; B + 2 = D; D + 3 = G

The third option is different from the other three options because the difference in the position values of the letters is different. Hence, the third option is correct.

Classification Questions for BITSAT/ CUET

1. Directions: In the following question, select the one which is different from the other three alternatives.
1) CPBO
2) BODQ
3) ANHU
4) ESGT

Solution:
Determine the difference between the letters to find the odd one.
Let's check each option –
First option: CPBO; P – C = 13 and O – B = 13
Second option: BODQ; O – B = 13 and Q – D = 13
Third option: ANHU; N – A = 13 and U – H = 13
Fourth option: ESGT; S – E = 14 and T – G = 12
So, the fourth option is different from the other three options because the difference in the positional values of the letters is 14 and 12 instead of 13 and 13. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2. Directions: In each of the following questions, select the one that is different from the other three alternatives.
1) 6 – 36
2) 8 – 64
3) 5 – 25
4) 4 – 16

Solution:
Think about the square of even and odd numbers.
Let's check each option –
First option: 6 – 36; 36 is the square of 6 and both are even numbers.
Second option: 8 – 64; 64 is the square of 8 and both are even numbers.
Third option: 5 – 25; 25 is the square of 5 and both are odd numbers.
Fourth option: 4 – 16; 16 is a square of 4 and both are even numbers.
So, the third option is different from the others as both of the numbers are odd. Hence, the third option is different.

Classification Questions for SSC/ RRB exams

1. Directions: In the following question, select the one which is different from the other three alternatives.
1) PQ
2) AU
3) CD
4) RS

Solution:
Determine the odd term by using the difference between the letters.
Let's check each option –
First option: PQ; P + 1 = Q
Second option: AU; A + 1 = B ≠ U
Third option: CD; C + 1 = D
Fourth option: RS; R + 1 = S
So, the second option is different from the other three options because the difference in the positional value of the letters is different. Hence, the second option is correct.

2. Directions: Find the odd word pair from the given responses.
1) Foreword
2) Text
3) Index
4) Preface

Solution:
Determine the meaning of the given terms.
Let's check each option –
First option: Foreword; It is a short introduction to a book.
Second option: Text; The main written part of a book, newspaper, or document but it does not include pictures.
Third option: Index; An alphabetical list of names, subjects, etc. about the pages on which they are mentioned.
Fourth option: Preface; An introduction to a book, typically stating its subject, scope, or aims.
So, the index is different from the others as it is the type of list. Hence, the third option is correct.

3. Directions: Find the odd word pair from the given responses.
1) Wool
2) Feather
3) Hair
4) Grass

Solution:
Determine the source of the given terms.
Let's check each option –
First option: Wool; Wool is obtained from sheep.
Second option: Feather; Feather is obtained from birds.
Third option: Hair; Hair is obtained from animals or birds.
Fourth option: Grass; Grass is obtained from plants.
So, the fourth option does not belong to the group as all the other things are obtained from animals or birds. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics for Competitive Exams

This section covers all major non-verbal reasoning topics that focus on visual patterns, figures, and logical interpretation without the use of language. It includes important topics like analogy, series, cubes, dice, and image-based reasoning to help you improve observation skills and solve questions quickly in exams.