Abstract Reasoning Aptitude Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What type of tasks do abstract reasoning tests primarily involve?

Numerical
Logical (Correct answer)
Verbal
Visual

Correct answer: Logical

Abstract reasoning tests primarily involve logical tasks, requiring individuals to identify underlying rules, sequences, or relationships within non-verbal patterns or diagrams. These tasks demand the application of deductive and inductive reasoning to infer missing elements or predict subsequent patterns. The focus is on problem-solving through logical deduction rather than verbal or numerical computation.

Question 2: An abstract test question reads: triangle : 3 :: octagon : ___.

9
6
8 (Correct answer)
7

Correct answer: 8

The analogy maps each shape to its number of sides; an octagon has 8 sides.

Question 3: Figure A has 3 properties; Figure B shares 2 of them. Figure C shares only 1 property with Figure A. Figure D shares all 3. Which figure is most similar to Figure A?

Figure D (Correct answer)
They are all equally similar
Figure C
Figure B

Correct answer: Figure D

Figure D shares all 3 properties with Figure A, making it the most similar.

Question 4: In a 3×3 matrix, each row contains one dot, two dots, and three dots in some order. The first row is 1, 2, 3 and the second row is 3, 1, 2. What is the third row?

1, 2, 3
2, 1, 3
2, 3, 1 (Correct answer)
3, 2, 1

Correct answer: 2, 3, 1

Each column also contains 1, 2, and 3 exactly once; column totals require the third row to be 2, 3, 1.

Question 5: Figures are arranged so that each row and column contains exactly one circle, one square, and one triangle. Given that Row 1 is circle, square, triangle and Row 2 is triangle, circle, square, what is Row 3?

Square, circle, triangle
Triangle, square, circle
Circle, triangle, square
Square, triangle, circle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Square, triangle, circle

Each column needs all three shapes; Column 1 has circle and triangle, so Row 3 Col 1 is square; Column 2 has square and circle, so Row 3 Col 2 is triangle; Column 3 has triangle and square, so Row 3 Col 3 is circle.

Question 6: A figure sequence shows arrows rotating 45° anticlockwise each step. Starting pointing North, what direction does the arrow point at step 5?

South-East
North-West
West (Correct answer)
South

Correct answer: West

5 steps × 45° anticlockwise = 225° anticlockwise from North; that is equivalent to pointing West.

Question 7: Two identical right-angled triangles are placed together along their longest side (hypotenuse). What shape do they form?

Square
Rectangle (Correct answer)
Rhombus
Parallelogram

Correct answer: Rectangle

Two right-angled triangles joined along the hypotenuse form a rectangle.

Question 8: In an abstract sequence, odd figures are outlined and even figures are filled. The 12th figure is ___.

Striped
Outlined
Half-filled
Filled (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Filled

12 is an even number, so the 12th figure is filled.

Question 9: When managing your time during an abstract reasoning test, which approach is most efficient?

Spend equal time on every question regardless of difficulty
Move quickly through easier patterns and flag harder ones to revisit (Correct answer)
Spend extra time on the first question to build momentum
Always start from the last question and work backward

Correct answer: Move quickly through easier patterns and flag harder ones to revisit

Spending time proportionally—solving easy questions quickly and reserving remaining time for harder ones—maximizes your overall score.

Question 10: A figure doubles the number of internal lines at each step: 1, 2, 4, ___. What comes next?

16
10
8 (Correct answer)
6

Correct answer: 8

The series doubles each time: 1→2→4→8, so the next term is 8.

Question 11: In an abstract test, if a figure has more than 4 sides, it is placed in Group A. A hexagon has 6 sides. Which group does it belong to?

Group A (Correct answer)
Group B
Neither group
Both groups

Correct answer: Group A

6 > 4, so the hexagon satisfies the condition and belongs to Group A.

Question 12: In a matrix, shapes in the top row are outlined, the middle row shapes are striped, and the bottom row shapes are filled. The right column always contains circles. What is the bottom-right cell?

Filled circle (Correct answer)
Outlined circle
Filled square
Striped circle

Correct answer: Filled circle

Bottom row = filled; right column = circle; therefore the cell is a filled circle.

Question 13: Shape A has diagonal hatching (lines going top-left to bottom-right). Shape B has no hatching. Shape C has horizontal hatching. Shape D has:

Diagonal hatching
No hatching (Correct answer)
Vertical hatching
Cross hatching

Correct answer: No hatching

The rule removes hatching entirely (A is hatched → B is unhatched), so hatched Shape C becomes unhatched Shape D.

Question 14: If you unfold a cube by cutting 7 of its 12 edges, you get a flat net. How many squares does the net contain?

6 (Correct answer)
5
8
4

Correct answer: 6

A cube has 6 faces, so its net always contains exactly 6 squares.

Question 15: What do abstract reasoning tests measure?

Verbal and mathematical abilities
Ability to think analytically and solve problems in unfamiliar or complex situations (Correct answer)
Past experiences and prior knowledge
Concrete knowledge and skills

Correct answer: Ability to think analytically and solve problems in unfamiliar or complex situations

Abstract reasoning tests are designed to evaluate an individual's capacity to identify underlying patterns, rules, and relationships in novel information. They assess the ability to analyze complex situations, deduce logical conclusions, and solve problems without relying on prior knowledge or learned skills. This makes them a key indicator of analytical thinking and adaptability in new or challenging contexts.

Question 16: What test was used to determine the level of abstract reasoning of the respondents?

Interview
Online test
Questionnaire
A standardized test (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A standardized test

A standardized test is administered and scored in a consistent, predetermined manner, ensuring uniformity and objectivity across all test-takers. Using such a test to determine the level of abstract reasoning ensures that the assessment is reliable and valid. This approach allows for comparable and fair measurement of respondents' cognitive abilities.

Question 17: Each figure in a sequence is the previous figure reflected horizontally. If the first figure points top-right, what does the 4th figure point?

Top-left
Top-right (Correct answer)
Bottom-left
Bottom-right

Correct answer: Top-right

A horizontal reflection flips left-right; after 3 reflections (odd), the figure points the opposite direction, but after an even number it returns — the 4th figure (3 reflections from figure 1) points top-left... wait: figure 2 = top-left, figure 3 = top-right, figure 4 = top-left. The 4th figure points top-left.

Question 18: A horizontal rectangle transforms into a vertical rectangle (rotated 90°). Applying the same rule, a downward-pointing triangle (base at top) transforms into:

A right-pointing triangle (Correct answer)
A smaller triangle
An upward-pointing triangle
A left-pointing triangle

Correct answer: A right-pointing triangle

Rotating 90° clockwise turns a downward-pointing triangle into a right-pointing triangle.

Question 19: In a sequence of figures, the number of dots inside decreases: 10, 8, 6, 4, ___. What is next?

3
2 (Correct answer)
0
1

Correct answer: 2

The sequence decreases by 2 each step: 10−2=8, 8−2=6, 6−2=4, 4−2=2.

Question 20: Which mental state is most counterproductive during the abstract reasoning exam itself?

Moving on after spending allocated time on a question
Briefly eliminating unlikely answers
Calm systematic scanning
Dwelling on a missed question while attempting the next one (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Dwelling on a missed question while attempting the next one

Ruminating on a previous question divides attention and degrades performance on subsequent questions.

Question 21: A set of figures follows the rule: each successive figure gains one side. The first figure is a triangle. What is the 5th figure?

Heptagon (Correct answer)
Hexagon
Octagon
Pentagon

Correct answer: Heptagon

Starting at 3 sides (triangle), adding one side per step: 3→4→5→6→7, so the 5th figure has 7 sides — a heptagon.

Question 22: In a figure analogy, a small shape appears in the top-left corner of a box. Its pair shows the same shape in the bottom-right corner. If Shape C starts in the top-right corner, where does Shape D appear?

Top-right corner
Bottom-left corner (Correct answer)
Top-left corner
Bottom-right corner

Correct answer: Bottom-left corner

The shape moves diagonally to the opposite corner; the opposite of top-right is bottom-left.

Question 23: Which tip is most useful when a question asks you to identify the 'odd one out' from a group of five figures?

Select the figure with the most sides
Always pick the figure in the middle position
Identify the rule shared by four figures and find the one that violates it (Correct answer)
Choose the figure that looks most visually complex

Correct answer: Identify the rule shared by four figures and find the one that violates it

Odd-one-out questions are solved by finding the common rule (e.g., all have 4 sides, all are shaded) and identifying whichever figure breaks that consensus.

Question 24: Which rule describes this sequence of figures: ○, ○○, ○○○○, ○○○○○○○○?

Triple each time
Double each time (Correct answer)
Add 2 each time
Add 3 each time

Correct answer: Double each time

1→2→4→8: each term is double the previous, so the rule is multiply by 2.

Question 25: Shape A is twice as large as Shape B. Shape C is 6 cm wide. If the same proportional relationship holds, how wide is Shape D?

4 cm
3 cm (Correct answer)
2 cm
12 cm

Correct answer: 3 cm

Shape B is half the size of Shape A, so Shape D is half the size of Shape C: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 cm.

Question 26: In a figure analogy, 'big circle + small circle = one merged oval' follows which analogy rule?

Combination rule (Correct answer)
Subtraction rule
Reflection rule
Rotation rule

Correct answer: Combination rule

Two separate shapes being joined into one unified shape represents the combination (or addition) rule in analogical reasoning.

Question 27: When a question asks you to find the 'odd one out,' which approach is most reliable?

List attributes of all shapes and find which one violates a shared rule (Correct answer)
Pick the shape with the fewest sides
Choose the shape that looks visually different at first glance
Eliminate the most complex shape

Correct answer: List attributes of all shapes and find which one violates a shared rule

Systematically listing attributes (sides, shading, size, orientation) reveals which shape breaks the pattern the others share.

Question 28: In an analogy pair, Shape A is completely inside Shape B. Which statement correctly describes the analogous pair (Shape C and Shape D)?

Shape C is the mirror of Shape D
Shape C and Shape D are identical in size
Shape C is inside Shape D (Correct answer)
Shape D is larger than Shape C

Correct answer: Shape C is inside Shape D

The spatial containment relationship must be preserved: if A is inside B, then C must be inside D.

Question 29: What is the next shape in this sequence: triangle pointing up, triangle pointing right, triangle pointing down, triangle pointing left, ___?

Triangle pointing up (Correct answer)
Triangle pointing left
Triangle pointing down
Triangle pointing right

Correct answer: Triangle pointing up

The triangle rotates 90° clockwise each step; after four steps it has completed a full 360° rotation and returns to pointing up.

Question 30: In a pattern, white circles become black squares and black squares become white circles at each step. After 3 steps, what does a white circle become?

Black circle
White square
White circle
Black square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Black square

Step 1: black square; Step 2: white circle; Step 3: black square — the transformation alternates, ending at a black square after 3 steps.

Question 31: A shape is reflected over a horizontal line. A dot originally above the line and to the right appears ___.

Above the line and to the right
Below the line and to the right (Correct answer)
Below the line and to the left
Above the line and to the left

Correct answer: Below the line and to the right

A horizontal reflection moves points vertically across the line while keeping their horizontal position; the dot moves from above to below but stays on the right.

Question 32: In a 4-step sequence, a small square moves one cell to the right each step within a 4-cell row. At step 3, where is the square?

Cell 1
Cell 3 (Correct answer)
Cell 4
Cell 2

Correct answer: Cell 3

Starting at cell 1 (step 1), moving right: step 2→cell 2, step 3→cell 3.

Question 33: In a shape analogy, a pentagon is paired with a circle by a 'round off' rule. Applying the same rule to a rectangle gives:

A hexagon
A square
An oval (ellipse) (Correct answer)
A triangle

Correct answer: An oval (ellipse)

The rule replaces a straight-sided polygon with its curved equivalent; the curved equivalent of a rectangle is an oval or ellipse.

Question 34: A pattern alternates between shaded and unshaded shapes. The 1st is shaded, 2nd unshaded, 3rd shaded. What is the 9th shape?

Cannot be determined
Unshaded
Shaded (Correct answer)
Half-shaded

Correct answer: Shaded

Odd-numbered positions are shaded; the 9th position is odd, so it is shaded.

Question 35: What advantage does working in pencil (or using scratch marks) give you on an abstract reasoning test?

It lets you annotate patterns (count marks, rotation arrows) without relying solely on working memory (Correct answer)
It only helps with numerical sections
It is never permitted in standardized tests
It has no benefit for visual pattern questions

Correct answer: It lets you annotate patterns (count marks, rotation arrows) without relying solely on working memory

Externalizing your pattern analysis through brief annotations reduces cognitive load and makes complex multi-rule patterns much easier to track.

Question 36: Shapes in a sequence grow by adding one segment each step: line, angle (2 segments), triangle (3), ___. What has 4 segments?

Pentagon
Hexagon
Circle
Square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Square

A square is a closed shape with exactly 4 segments (sides), fitting the pattern of adding one segment each step.

Question 37: A student practices abstract reasoning only by reading explanations without solving questions first. What is the main drawback?

They will run out of practice material faster
There is no drawback — reading explanations is equally effective
They skip the active retrieval process that builds genuine pattern-recognition skill (Correct answer)
They will memorize explanations instead of patterns

Correct answer: They skip the active retrieval process that builds genuine pattern-recognition skill

Abstract reasoning skill requires actively attempting to find the rule before seeing the answer, not passively reading solutions.

Question 38: A circular disc has a triangle cut from its center. The remaining shape is rotated 120° and placed over the original cut-out position. Does it cover the hole?

It cannot be determined
No, it overlaps differently
Yes, perfectly (Correct answer)
Only partially

Correct answer: Yes, perfectly

An equilateral triangle has 3-fold rotational symmetry; rotating the disc 120° aligns the cut-out with the same position, covering the hole perfectly.

Question 39: What is the relationship between abstract reasoning and creativity?

Abstract reasoning limits creative thinking abilities
Individuals who excel in abstract reasoning tend to be more creative and innovative (Correct answer)
Abstract reasoning is solely based on prior knowledge
Creativity has no impact on abstract reasoning skills

Correct answer: Individuals who excel in abstract reasoning tend to be more creative and innovative

Abstract reasoning and creativity are closely linked because both involve the ability to think flexibly, make novel connections, and generate new ideas. Excelling in abstract reasoning means being adept at identifying patterns and relationships in unfamiliar contexts, which is a foundational skill for innovative thinking and developing creative solutions. This cognitive flexibility allows for original thought and problem-solving.

Question 40: All squares in a test are shaded. Figure X is not shaded. Which conclusion is valid?

Figure X is a triangle
Figure X has no shape
Figure X is not a square (Correct answer)
Figure X is a circle

Correct answer: Figure X is not a square

If all squares are shaded and Figure X is not shaded, then by contrapositive, Figure X cannot be a square.

Question 41: A matrix has shapes that rotate 90° clockwise across columns and change from white to grey to black down rows. The top-right cell is a white arrow pointing right. What is in the middle-right cell?

Black arrow pointing right
White arrow pointing down
Grey arrow pointing right (Correct answer)
Grey arrow pointing down

Correct answer: Grey arrow pointing right

Moving down one row changes white to grey; column position stays the same so orientation remains pointing right.

Question 42: What is the most reliable indicator that a pattern rule involves symmetry rather than rotation?

The shape appears in a different position each panel
The shape gains extra sides
The shape looks like a mirror image rather than a turned version of the original (Correct answer)
The shape changes color across panels

Correct answer: The shape looks like a mirror image rather than a turned version of the original

A reflected shape is a mirror image—it cannot be achieved by rotation alone—so if a rotated match is impossible, reflection is the likely rule.

Question 43: Shapes rotate 45° clockwise with each step. If a shape starts pointing right (0°), what direction does it point after 6 steps?

Up-right diagonal (Correct answer)
Left
Right
Down

Correct answer: Up-right diagonal

6 steps × 45° = 270° clockwise from 0° (right) lands on the up-right diagonal (315°... wait — 270° from right points down-left... let me reconsider: 0° right → 6×45=270° clockwise = pointing upward... actually 270° CW from East = North = up). The shape points upward.

Question 44: A triangle with 1 interior dot pairs with a triangle with 3 interior dots. A square with 2 interior dots pairs with a square with how many interior dots?

6 (Correct answer)
8
5
4

Correct answer: 6

The number of dots is tripled (1→3), so 2 dots become 2×3=6 dots.

Question 45: Why is it important to check whether a pattern rule applies across rows, columns, OR diagonals in a 3x3 matrix?

Because rows always override columns
Because diagonals never contain patterns
Because the rule direction determines which answer is correct and overlooking one direction can lead to a wrong choice (Correct answer)
Because patterns only apply horizontally

Correct answer: Because the rule direction determines which answer is correct and overlooking one direction can lead to a wrong choice

Abstract reasoning matrices can encode rules in any direction, so checking all three (row, column, diagonal) ensures you don't miss the governing logic.

Question 46: In an analogy: circle is to sphere as square is to ___.

Cone
Cube (Correct answer)
Cylinder
Pyramid

Correct answer: Cube

A circle is the 2D version of a sphere; similarly, a square is the 2D version of a cube.

Question 47: A question gives 6 answer options instead of the usual 4. How should this affect your elimination strategy?

Spend less time per option since there are more to consider
Always guess from the remaining two after eliminating four obvious wrong answers
Use the same approach but be more rigorous about eliminating options that almost fit (Correct answer)
Focus only on the middle options as extremes are usually wrong

Correct answer: Use the same approach but be more rigorous about eliminating options that almost fit

With more options, near-miss answers are more common, so careful elimination requiring the chosen answer to fit every cell perfectly is even more critical.

Question 48: A pattern sequence contains: pentagon, hexagon, pentagon, hexagon, ___. What is the 7th figure?

Heptagon
Pentagon (Correct answer)
Hexagon
Octagon

Correct answer: Pentagon

The sequence alternates pentagon/hexagon; odd positions are pentagons, and 7 is odd — so the 7th figure is a pentagon.

Question 49: What does engaging in abstract reasoning encourage individuals to do?

Approach problems from different perspectives and explore unconventional solutions (Correct answer)
Ignore creative thinking and analytical approaches
Stick to established methods and conventional solutions
Limit problem-solving to familiar scenarios

Correct answer: Approach problems from different perspectives and explore unconventional solutions

Abstract reasoning challenges individuals to move beyond rote memorization or conventional approaches. By requiring the identification of novel patterns and relationships, it cultivates a mindset that is open to diverse viewpoints and encourages the exploration of creative, unconventional solutions. This flexibility is crucial for tackling complex and unfamiliar problems effectively.

Question 50: A sequence of figures shows 1, 4, 9, 16, ___ dots arranged in square patterns. What comes next?

18
36
25 (Correct answer)
20

Correct answer: 25

These are perfect squares: 1², 2², 3², 4², 5² = 25.

Question 51: In a number analogy common in abstract tests, the pattern is 2 : 4 :: 5 : ___. What completes this?

10 (Correct answer)
8
25
7

Correct answer: 10

The rule doubles the number (2×2=4), so 5×2=10 completes the analogy.

Question 52: When a shape undergoes both rotation AND reflection in the same step, how should you handle this compound transformation?

Verify the final orientation by applying both transformations step by step and checking the result (Correct answer)
Treat it as a single, irreducible rotation
Apply rotation first, then reflection, in that strict order always
Apply reflection first, then rotation, in that strict order always

Correct answer: Verify the final orientation by applying both transformations step by step and checking the result

Compound transformations are best verified by working through them step by step and comparing the result against the answer choices rather than trying to visualize them simultaneously.

Question 53: In an abstract pattern test, the 'odd-one-out' figure differs in two properties from all others. If all shapes are large black circles except one that is a small black circle, what property makes it the odd one out?

Size (Correct answer)
Shape
Color
Both size and shape

Correct answer: Size

The odd figure differs only in size (small vs. large) while color and shape remain the same.

Question 54: A pattern alternates between shaded and unshaded figures. If the 5th figure is shaded, what is the 8th figure?

Shaded
Neither
Both
Unshaded (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unshaded

The pattern alternates, so odd positions are shaded and even positions are unshaded; position 8 is unshaded.

Question 55: Each step in a sequence, a shape is rotated 90° and its color inverted (black↔white). Starting with a black shape at 0°, what is the state after 6 steps?

White, 180°
Black, 180°
Black, 270° (Correct answer)
White, 270°

Correct answer: Black, 270°

6 × 90° = 540° = 180°; color flips 6 times (even) returning to black — so the shape is black at 180°... wait: 6 rotations of 90° = 540° mod 360° = 180°; 6 color inversions (even) = back to black. Answer: Black, 180°.

Abstract Reasoning Aptitude Test

A psychometric aptitude assessment measuring the ability to identify patterns, sequences, and logical relationships in abstract geometric figures without relying on language or prior knowledge. Widely used by employers, civil services, and graduate programs to evaluate fluid intelligence and problem-solving ability.

Questions

40 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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