Classification: Definition, Practice Questions, Examples, Types

What is Classification in Reasoning?

Classification reasoning means grouping words numbers letters, or figures based on a shared pattern. Then, from the given options, you identify the one that doesn’t belong.

Key Concepts

Pattern Recognition

Figure out the main rule, or the relationship that most of the items follow.

Similarity and Dissimilarity

Now compare the choices properly, and look for the one that breaks the usual pattern.

Number Patterns

Search for number links like addition, multiplication, square values, cube values, or prime numbers.

Alphabet Logic

Use the letter positions (A = 1 to Z = 26) to catch sequences or patterns in alphabet based 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 word-based classification, you must identify the odd word or word pair that does not follow the common relationship or pattern among the given options.
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

In number-based classification, you must identify the odd number or number pair based on patterns such as even/odd numbers, primes, multiples, or divisibility.

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 letter-based classification, you must identify the odd letter or letter group using patterns based on alphabet positions, sequences, or vowel-consonant relationships.

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

You need to apply both alphabet and number logic to identify the odd pair.

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.

Tips to Solve Classification Questions

• Get a strong grasp of vocabulary and broad awareness, you know the kind that just sticks.

• Try to Know basic number ideas like prime numbers, even, odd, natural numbers, and whole numbers, and not only memorize them but understand what they mean.

• Also practice consistently so your speed and accuracy can both get better, little by little. Don’t rush, but keep working.

Classification Reasoning Practice PDF

Download the PDF below to practice verbal and non-verbal classification questions with solutions.

Download Now: Classification Questions with Solutions PDF

How to Handle Classification Questions

• First, try to spot the usual pattern in the given words, numbers, letters, or figures, like there is some hidden rule that keeps repeating.
• Then, go option by option and compare what each choice is actually doing, relative to that pattern.
• After that, pick the odd one out, the one that refuses to follow the same common rule, even if it looks similar at a glance.
• Don’t go by guesses, avoid assumptions, and only use logical relationships that are clearly there.

Exam Weightage

Classification based questions pop up a lot in SSC, RRB, Banking, CUET, CAT, XAT and also many other competitive exams. Usually you will see around 2 to 6 such questions, depending on which exam it is.

Verbal Reasoning Topics

Take a look at these verbal reasoning topics below, to help sharpen your insight a bit, and to boost your exam performance overall. Do it calmly, and dont rush, because the small details can matter.

Best Books for Classification Reasoning

The books below cover stuff about classification reasoning ideas, plus worked out examples, and some practice questions so you can get ready for competitive exams.

Important Rules and Concepts for Classification Reasoning

Use this quick revision table to get the common patterns and rules down, for how they show up in classification questions, and to solve those fast, properly.

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

Take a closer look at the non-verbal reasoning topics mentioned below, to help strengthen your visual thinking, pattern recognition, and the whole problem solving side for competitive exams. You’ll get better at seeing connections that you might miss, and that should make the questions feel more straightforward.