British Army Recruit Battery (BARB) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which is the odd one out? Dog, Cat, Goldfish, Hamster, Eagle

Dog
Cat
Eagle (Correct answer)
Hamster

Correct answer: Eagle

An eagle is a wild bird of prey; all the others are common domestic pets.

Question 2: In the Letter Checking subtest, which skill is primarily being tested?

Verbal comprehension
Spatial rotation
Mathematical reasoning
Speed and accuracy of visual comparison (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Speed and accuracy of visual comparison

Letter Checking measures how quickly and accurately you can compare letter pairs under time pressure.

Question 3: A soldier jogs at 8 km/h for 45 minutes. How far does he travel?

6 km (Correct answer)
7 km
4 km
5 km

Correct answer: 6 km

45 minutes = 0.75 hours; Distance = 8 × 0.75 = 6 km.

Question 4: Statement: 'All paratroopers have passed the P Company selection. Trooper Hall has passed P Company.' Conclusion: 'Trooper Hall is a paratrooper.' Is the conclusion true?

Only after jump training
Yes
Cannot say (Correct answer)
No

Correct answer: Cannot say

Passing P Company is required for paratroopers but others may also have passed it, so we cannot confirm.

Question 5: How many pairs match? Set A: FG HI JK | Set B: FG HI JL

0
3
2 (Correct answer)
1

Correct answer: 2

FG and HI both match, but JK ≠ JL, giving 2 matching pairs.

Question 6: Statement: 'Some army bases have a swimming pool. Base Bravo is an army base.' Conclusion: 'Base Bravo has a swimming pool.' Is the conclusion true?

Only in warm climates
No
Yes
Cannot say (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cannot say

'Some' bases have pools, but we do not know whether Base Bravo is one of them.

Question 7: Statement: 'No officers are under 18. James is 17.' Conclusion: 'James is not an officer.' Is the conclusion true?

Cannot say
No
Yes (Correct answer)
Only if James enlisted recently

Correct answer: Yes

Since no officers are under 18 and James is 17, he cannot be an officer.

Question 8: Statement: 'All vehicles in the convoy are armoured. Vehicle 4 is in the convoy.' Conclusion: 'Vehicle 4 is armoured.' Is the conclusion true?

Yes (Correct answer)
Sometimes
No
Cannot say

Correct answer: Yes

Vehicle 4 is in the convoy and all convoy vehicles are armoured, so Vehicle 4 must be armoured.

Question 9: How many pairs match? Set A: AC EG IK | Set B: AC EH IK

2 (Correct answer)
1
3
0

Correct answer: 2

AC matches AC and IK matches IK, but EG ≠ EH, giving 2 matching pairs.

Question 10: Which word is most closely associated with 'DISCIPLINE'?

NOISE
CONTROL (Correct answer)
FREEDOM
CHAOS

Correct answer: CONTROL

'CONTROL' is most closely associated with 'DISCIPLINE' as discipline requires self-control and orderly conduct.

Question 11: How many pairs match? Set A: AB CD EF | Set B: BA CD EF

0
2 (Correct answer)
3
1

Correct answer: 2

CD and EF match, but AB ≠ BA because the order of letters matters, giving 2 matches.

Question 12: Which formula correctly expresses the relationship between distance (D), speed (S), and time (T)?

S = D × T
T = D × S
D = S × T (Correct answer)
D = S + T

Correct answer: D = S × T

Distance equals speed multiplied by time: D = S × T.

Question 13: Which word is most closely associated with 'MISSION'?

HOLIDAY
LEAVE
OBJECTIVE (Correct answer)
REST

Correct answer: OBJECTIVE

'OBJECTIVE' is most closely associated with 'MISSION' as a mission is defined by its goal or objective.

Question 14: Statement: 'No soldier with a medical exemption runs the mile. Private Reyes has a medical exemption.' Conclusion: 'Private Reyes does not run the mile.' Is the conclusion true?

Only during basic training
No
Cannot say
Yes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes

The statement covers all soldiers with a medical exemption, and Private Reyes is one of them, so the conclusion is true.

Question 15: In the BARB Letter Checking task, which answer correctly counts the matching pairs? Set A: XY PQ RS | Set B: XY PQ RT

0
3
1
2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2

XY matches XY and PQ matches PQ, so there are 2 matching pairs.

Question 16: Statement: 'All morning drills start at 0600. Today's drill started at 0600.' Conclusion: 'Today's drill is a morning drill.' Is the conclusion true?

No
Only on weekdays
Cannot say (Correct answer)
Yes

Correct answer: Cannot say

Other drills might also start at 0600, so we cannot confirm the drill is a morning drill.

Question 17: A supply runner travels at 80 km/h for 30 minutes. How far does he go?

50 km
20 km
30 km
40 km (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40 km

30 minutes = 0.5 hours; Distance = 80 × 0.5 = 40 km.

Question 18: A soldier walks 5 km at 4 km/h, then runs 10 km at 10 km/h. What is the total journey time?

1 hour 30 min
2 hours 30 min
2 hours
2 hours 15 min (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2 hours 15 min

Walking: 5 ÷ 4 = 1.25 hrs; Running: 10 ÷ 10 = 1 hr; Total = 2.25 hrs = 2 hours 15 min.

Question 19: How many pairs match? Set A: WX YZ AB | Set B: WX YZ CD

2 (Correct answer)
1
0
3

Correct answer: 2

WX and YZ both match, but AB ≠ CD, giving 2 matching pairs.

Question 20: In the BARB Letter Checking subtest, you are shown two sets of letter pairs. How many pairs match? Set A: AB CD EF | Set B: AB CE EF

2 (Correct answer)
3
1
0

Correct answer: 2

AB matches AB and EF matches EF, giving 2 matching pairs.

Question 21: How many pairs match? Set A: ZA BC DE | Set B: ZA BD DE

0
3
2 (Correct answer)
1

Correct answer: 2

ZA matches ZA, DE matches DE, but BC ≠ BD, so there are 2 matches — the correct answer is 2.

Question 22: Which is the odd one out? Copper, Silver, Gold, Bronze, Platinum

Gold
Bronze (Correct answer)
Silver
Platinum

Correct answer: Bronze

Bronze is an alloy (copper + tin); the others are pure precious metals.

Question 23: Which is the odd one out? Helmet, Body Armour, Beret, Combat Boots, Gloves

Helmet
Gloves
Beret (Correct answer)
Combat Boots

Correct answer: Beret

A beret offers no ballistic protection; all the others are protective or tactical equipment.

Question 24: A lever has its fulcrum in the middle. A 10 kg load is placed 2 m to the left. Where must a 5 kg effort be placed on the right to balance it?

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

Correct answer: 4 m

Moment = Force × Distance; 10 × 2 = 20 Nm; 5 × d = 20; d = 4 m.

Question 25: What skill does the BARB Odd One Out subtest primarily measure?

Reaction speed
Numerical computation
Ability to identify patterns and categorise items (Correct answer)
Vocabulary breadth

Correct answer: Ability to identify patterns and categorise items

The Odd One Out subtest assesses how quickly you can spot the item that does not fit a common category.

Question 26: Which word is most closely associated with 'PATROL'?

GUARD (Correct answer)
RETREAT
REST
SLEEP

Correct answer: GUARD

'GUARD' is most closely associated with 'PATROL' as both involve actively monitoring and protecting an area.

Question 27: Which answer best describes the format of questions in the BARB Reasoning subtest?

Sentence-based logical deductions with true/false/cannot say options (Correct answer)
Rotated shape comparisons
Multiple choice arithmetic problems
Verbal synonym matching

Correct answer: Sentence-based logical deductions with true/false/cannot say options

The Reasoning subtest presents verbal statements and asks candidates to evaluate whether a conclusion logically follows.

Question 28: A soldier must travel 75 km and has 1.5 hours. What minimum speed is required?

60 km/h
55 km/h
50 km/h (Correct answer)
45 km/h

Correct answer: 50 km/h

Speed = Distance ÷ Time = 75 ÷ 1.5 = 50 km/h.

Question 29: Statement: 'Every sniper in the regiment completed advanced marksmanship. Lance Corporal Price is a sniper in the regiment.' Conclusion: 'Lance Corporal Price completed advanced marksmanship.' Is the conclusion true?

Cannot say
Yes (Correct answer)
Only recently
No

Correct answer: Yes

The universal statement covers every sniper in the regiment, and Lance Corporal Price is one of them.

Question 30: What BARB score is generally required to be eligible for the widest range of British Army jobs?

40 or above
60 or above (Correct answer)
26 or above
80 or above

Correct answer: 60 or above

A BARB score of 60 or above opens up the broadest selection of roles in the British Army.

Question 31: Soldier A can complete a task in 6 hours alone. Soldier B can complete the same task in 3 hours alone. How long will they take working together?

1.5 hours
2 hours (Correct answer)
4 hours
2.5 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

A's rate = 1/6, B's rate = 1/3; Combined = 1/6 + 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2 task per hour; Time = 2 hours.

Question 32: What score represents the maximum possible matching pairs in a single BARB Letter Checking item?

2
5
3 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 3

Each BARB Letter Checking item contains exactly 3 pairs, so the maximum score is 3.

Question 33: A bolt is tightened with a spanner 30 cm long using 20 N of force. What torque is applied?

4 Nm
6 Nm (Correct answer)
10 Nm
8 Nm

Correct answer: 6 Nm

Torque = Force × Distance = 20 × 0.3 = 6 Nm.

Question 34: Two gears are meshed together. Gear A has 20 teeth and Gear B has 40 teeth. If Gear A turns at 100 rpm, how fast does Gear B turn?

100 rpm
150 rpm
200 rpm
50 rpm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50 rpm

Gear ratio = 20/40 = 1/2; Gear B turns at 100 × (1/2) = 50 rpm.

Question 35: A soldier must cover 100 km. He cycles the first 40 km at 20 km/h and drives the remaining 60 km at 60 km/h. What is the total time?

2 hours 30 min
2 hours (Correct answer)
3 hours 30 min
3 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

Cycling: 40 ÷ 20 = 2 hrs; Driving: 60 ÷ 60 = 1 hr; Total = 3 hours.

Question 36: A drone covers 450 km at 150 km/h. How long is the flight?

3.5 hours
2.5 hours
4 hours
3 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 hours

Time = 450 ÷ 150 = 3 hours.

Question 37: Which word is most closely associated with 'COMMAND'?

ORDER (Correct answer)
SURRENDER
QUESTION
RETREAT

Correct answer: ORDER

'ORDER' is most closely associated with 'COMMAND' as both refer to directing others to act.

Question 38: A hydraulic jack has an input piston area of 5 cm² and an output piston area of 50 cm². A 10 N force on the input produces what output force?

50 N
100 N (Correct answer)
10 N
200 N

Correct answer: 100 N

Mechanical advantage = 50 ÷ 5 = 10; Output force = 10 × 10 = 100 N.

Question 39: A spring stretches 5 cm when a 10 N force is applied. What force is needed to stretch it 15 cm?

35 N
25 N
20 N
30 N (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 N

Spring constant k = 10 ÷ 0.05 = 200 N/m; Force = 200 × 0.15 = 30 N.

Question 40: Which simple machine is a wedge most similar to in terms of mechanical principle?

Pulley
Lever
Wheel and axle
Inclined plane (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inclined plane

A wedge is essentially a moving inclined plane that converts force direction to split or lift objects.

Question 41: How many pairs match? Set A: LM NP QR | Set B: LM NP QR

2
3 (Correct answer)
1
0

Correct answer: 3

All three pairs — LM, NP, and QR — are identical, giving 3 matches.

Question 42: How many pairs match? Set A: OQ RS TU | Set B: OQ RS TU

1
3 (Correct answer)
0
2

Correct answer: 3

All three pairs are identical, so the answer is 3.

Question 43: An armoured vehicle engine produces 400 kW. If 80 kW is lost to heat, what is the engine's efficiency?

75%
80% (Correct answer)
70%
85%

Correct answer: 80%

Useful output = 400 − 80 = 320 kW; Efficiency = (320 ÷ 400) × 100 = 80%.

Question 44: A patrol covers 90 km in 2 hours. What is its average speed?

45 km/h (Correct answer)
60 km/h
40 km/h
50 km/h

Correct answer: 45 km/h

Speed = Distance ÷ Time = 90 ÷ 2 = 45 km/h.

Question 45: Which of the following is an example of a third-class lever?

Wheelbarrow
Tweezers (Correct answer)
Crowbar
Seesaw

Correct answer: Tweezers

In tweezers the effort is between the fulcrum and the load, making them a third-class lever.

Question 46: A wheel has a radius of 0.5 m and rotates at 2 revolutions per second. What is the linear speed of a point on its rim?

4π m/s
3π m/s
π m/s
2π m/s (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2π m/s

Circumference = 2π × 0.5 = π m; Linear speed = π × 2 = 2π m/s.

Question 47: If a vehicle's speed is doubled, what happens to the time needed to cover the same distance?

Time doubles
Time is halved (Correct answer)
Time is unchanged
Time increases by 50%

Correct answer: Time is halved

Time = Distance ÷ Speed; doubling speed halves the time required.

Question 48: Statement: 'All field engineers carry a radio. Sergeant Walsh carries a radio.' Conclusion: 'Sergeant Walsh is a field engineer.' Is the conclusion true?

No
Cannot say (Correct answer)
Only on operations
Yes

Correct answer: Cannot say

Others besides field engineers may carry radios, so we cannot confirm Sergeant Walsh's role.

Question 49: Statement: 'Some recruits passed the BARB test. Sarah is a recruit.' Conclusion: 'Sarah passed the BARB test.' Is the conclusion true?

Yes
No
Cannot say (Correct answer)
False only if Sarah failed

Correct answer: Cannot say

Because only 'some' recruits passed, we cannot determine whether Sarah was one of them.

Question 50: A soldier sorts 90 documents in 1.5 hours. How many documents per minute is that?

0.5 per minute
1 per minute (Correct answer)
1.5 per minute
2 per minute

Correct answer: 1 per minute

90 documents ÷ 90 minutes = 1 document per minute.

Question 51: How many pairs match? Set A: MP QS UV | Set B: NP QS UV

3
2 (Correct answer)
0
1

Correct answer: 2

QS matches QS and UV matches UV, but MP ≠ NP, giving 2 matching pairs.

Question 52: A soldier runs 12 kilometres at a constant speed of 6 km/h. How long does the run take?

1 hour
1.5 hours
2 hours (Correct answer)
3 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

Time = Distance ÷ Speed = 12 ÷ 6 = 2 hours.

Question 53: A convoy averages 40 km/h for the first 2 hours and 60 km/h for the next 3 hours. What is the total distance?

250 km
220 km (Correct answer)
260 km
260 km

Correct answer: 220 km

First leg: 40 × 2 = 80 km; Second leg: 60 × 3 = 180 km; Total = 260 km.

Question 54: Statement: 'Most recruits find the Reasoning subtest challenging. Lee is a recruit.' Conclusion: 'Lee finds Reasoning challenging.' Is the conclusion true?

Yes, always
Yes
Cannot say (Correct answer)
No

Correct answer: Cannot say

'Most' does not mean 'all,' so Lee may or may not find it challenging — we cannot say for certain.

Question 55: Vehicle A travels at 60 km/h and Vehicle B travels at 40 km/h. Both start at the same point at the same time. After 2 hours, how far apart are they?

80 km
60 km
20 km
40 km (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40 km

Vehicle A covers 120 km and Vehicle B covers 80 km, so they are 40 km apart.

Question 56: How many pairs match? Set A: GH JK LM | Set B: GI JK LN

3
1 (Correct answer)
2
0

Correct answer: 1

Only JK matches JK; GH ≠ GI and LM ≠ LN, so just 1 match — wait, only JK matches, giving 1.

Question 57: Why is speed important in the BARB Letter Checking subtest?

Correct answers score double after a time limit
The subtest is timed and more correct responses improve your score (Correct answer)
Letters become smaller over time
You are penalised for wrong answers

Correct answer: The subtest is timed and more correct responses improve your score

The subtest is timed, so answering more items accurately within the time limit raises your overall score.

Question 58: Why is mechanical comprehension tested in the BARB for certain British Army roles?

To evaluate suitability for technical and engineering trades (Correct answer)
To assess physical strength
To determine fitness classification
To measure general intelligence only

Correct answer: To evaluate suitability for technical and engineering trades

Mechanical comprehension scores help match recruits to technical trades such as engineering, vehicle mechanics, and weapons systems roles.

Question 59: A fluid flows through a horizontal pipe. According to Bernoulli's principle, where is the pressure lowest?

Where the pipe is narrowest (Correct answer)
Pressure is uniform throughout
Where the fluid moves slowest
Where the pipe is widest

Correct answer: Where the pipe is narrowest

Bernoulli's principle states that faster-moving fluid has lower pressure; speed is highest (and pressure lowest) where the pipe is narrowest.

Question 60: Statement: 'No rank below corporal can authorise leave. Private Daniels is a private.' Conclusion: 'Private Daniels cannot authorise leave.' Is the conclusion true?

Sometimes
No
Cannot say
Yes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes

Private is below corporal, so Private Daniels falls in the group that cannot authorise leave.

Question 61: A factory produces 500 units in 10 hours. How many units are produced in 7 hours?

360
350 (Correct answer)
300
400

Correct answer: 350

Rate = 500 ÷ 10 = 50 units/hr; In 7 hrs = 50 × 7 = 350 units.

Question 62: A screw has a pitch of 2 mm. How many full turns are needed to advance it 10 mm?

6 turns
5 turns (Correct answer)
4 turns
3 turns

Correct answer: 5 turns

Turns = Distance ÷ Pitch = 10 ÷ 2 = 5 turns.

Question 63: What is the best strategy for maximising your score on the BARB Letter Checking subtest?

Focus only on the first letter of each pair
Read each pair aloud to yourself
Scan each pair quickly from left to right without second-guessing (Correct answer)
Skip difficult items and return later

Correct answer: Scan each pair quickly from left to right without second-guessing

Rapid, systematic scanning from left to right minimises hesitation and maximises the number of items answered correctly.

Question 64: Statement: 'Most recruits score above 50 on the BARB. Recruit Patel is taking the BARB.' Conclusion: 'Recruit Patel will score above 50.' Is the conclusion true?

Cannot say (Correct answer)
Yes
Likely but not certain
No

Correct answer: Cannot say

'Most' provides probability but not certainty — Recruit Patel's individual score is unknown.

Question 65: A team of 4 soldiers loads a truck in 2 hours. How long would it take 8 soldiers working at the same rate?

45 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour (Correct answer)
1.5 hours

Correct answer: 1 hour

Doubling the workforce halves the time: 2 ÷ 2 = 1 hour.

Question 66: A convoy travels for 3 hours at 50 km/h. What distance does it cover?

175 km
150 km (Correct answer)
100 km
200 km

Correct answer: 150 km

Distance = Speed × Time = 50 × 3 = 150 km.

Question 67: Water flows through a pipe that narrows from 4 cm to 2 cm in diameter. What happens to the water's speed?

It stays the same
It quadruples (Correct answer)
It halves
It doubles

Correct answer: It quadruples

Cross-sectional area is proportional to diameter squared; halving diameter reduces area by 4×, so speed increases 4×.

Question 68: Which is the odd one out? Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal, Staff Sergeant, Lieutenant

Private
Lieutenant (Correct answer)
Lance Corporal
Staff Sergeant

Correct answer: Lieutenant

Lieutenant is a commissioned officer rank; all the others are non-commissioned ranks.

Question 69: Vehicle A leaves at 09:00 travelling at 60 km/h. Vehicle B leaves the same point at 10:00 travelling at 90 km/h in the same direction. When does B catch A?

12:00 (Correct answer)
11:30
11:00
13:00

Correct answer: 12:00

A has a 60 km head start; relative speed = 30 km/h; Time to catch = 60 ÷ 30 = 2 hrs after B departs = 12:00.

Question 70: In the BARB Reasoning subtest, what type of thinking is primarily assessed?

Numerical calculation
Deductive logical reasoning (Correct answer)
Vocabulary range
Creative problem solving

Correct answer: Deductive logical reasoning

The Reasoning subtest assesses whether you can apply logical rules to reach valid conclusions.

Question 71: Two vehicles head toward each other. Vehicle X is 180 km away and travels at 60 km/h; Vehicle Y travels at 30 km/h. When do they meet?

2 hours (Correct answer)
4 hours
3 hours
1.5 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

Combined speed = 90 km/h; Time = 180 ÷ 90 = 2 hours.

Question 72: A helicopter flies 300 km in 1.5 hours. What is its speed?

150 km/h
180 km/h
200 km/h (Correct answer)
250 km/h

Correct answer: 200 km/h

Speed = 300 ÷ 1.5 = 200 km/h.

Question 73: How many stores in both groups have a turnover of £250,001 or more?

466
558 (Correct answer)
8
458
11

Correct answer: 558

To find stores in both groups with turnover of £250,001 or more, you add the chain store count and local designer shop count for that turnover band. The other options result from reading only one group, misreading the row, or adding incorrect rows from the table.

Question 74: In the BARB Reasoning subtest, you are given a statement and must decide if a conclusion follows. Statement: 'All soldiers are fit. Tom is a soldier.' Conclusion: 'Tom is fit.' Is the conclusion true?

Cannot say
Yes (Correct answer)
No
Sometimes

Correct answer: Yes

The conclusion follows directly from the two premises, so it is true.

Question 75: A pump fills a tank at 50 litres per minute. The tank holds 1,500 litres. How long to fill it?

35 minutes
25 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 minutes

Time = 1,500 ÷ 50 = 30 minutes.

Question 76: How many pairs match? Set A: TU VW XY | Set B: TU VX XY

0
1
2 (Correct answer)
3

Correct answer: 2

TU matches TU and XY matches XY, but VW ≠ VX, giving 2 matching pairs.

Question 77: Two objects are connected by a rope over a frictionless pulley. Object A weighs 8 kg and Object B weighs 5 kg. Which way will the system move?

Object B descends
They remain stationary
They oscillate indefinitely
Object A descends (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Object A descends

Object A is heavier (8 kg > 5 kg), so it will descend and Object B will rise.

Question 78: A pulley system uses two pulleys. What effect does adding a second pulley have?

It triples the rope length needed
It doubles the required effort
It halves the effort needed to lift a load (Correct answer)
It has no effect on effort

Correct answer: It halves the effort needed to lift a load

A two-pulley system provides a mechanical advantage of 2, halving the effort required.

Question 79: One machine fills 120 sandbags in 6 hours. A second machine fills 180 sandbags in 6 hours. How many sandbags do both machines fill together in 6 hours?

300 (Correct answer)
320
260
280

Correct answer: 300

120 + 180 = 300 sandbags in 6 hours.

Question 80: Gear A (10 teeth) drives Gear B (30 teeth) which is on the same shaft as Gear C (10 teeth). Gear C drives Gear D (20 teeth). If Gear A turns at 300 rpm, what is Gear D's speed?

75 rpm
150 rpm
100 rpm
50 rpm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50 rpm

A→B: 300 × (10/30) = 100 rpm; B and C share a shaft so C = 100 rpm; C→D: 100 × (10/20) = 50 rpm.

British Army Recruit Battery (BARB)

The BARB test is a computer-based aptitude assessment used by the British Army to evaluate candidates' suitability for military roles, measuring reasoning, perception, numerical, mechanical, and work rate abilities to produce a General Trainability Index (GTI) score.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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