MAT 2026 Reasoning Sample Questions with Answers and Detailed Solutions

What is Intelligence and Critical Reasoning in MAT?

The MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section contains 30 questions out of 150 questions and carries 25% of the weightage of the overall score.

The questions in this section typically involve:

• Logical Reasoning

• Verbal reasoning

• Critical reasoning

Each question carries 1 mark and there is a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer.

Best Approach for the MAT Preparation Critical Reasoning Section

A structured approach ensures you maximise your score in the reasoning section of MAT 2026. Focus on strategy, time management, and smart practice.

Start with Easy Questions

Begin with the simpler questions in the sample papers to gain speed and confidence. Gradually move on to medium and high-difficulty questions for better accuracy.

Analyse Mistakes and Revise Regularly

After attempting each set of sample questions, review errors carefully. Identify patterns in mistakes and revise concepts to avoid repeating them in the actual exam.

Use Time Management Techniques During Practice

Practice solving questions under timed conditions. Allocate specific minutes to each type of reasoning question to simulate the real MAT 2026 exam environment.

Combine Sample Papers with Conceptual Study

While sample questions are crucial, balancing them with concept-based study ensures a deeper understanding. Strengthen foundational topics like series, puzzles, and critical reasoning principles.

Types of Questions in MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

The MAT 2026 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section includes questions on syllogisms, seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding, and puzzles designed to test analytical and logical thinking skills.

Logical Reasoning Questions in MAT

Logical reasoning questions include blood relations, Seating arrangements, syllogisms, clocks, and calendars, which will test a candidate's ability to analyze and understand patterns, relationships, and structures from the given information.

Here are some sample questions for students’ reference.

Q1. Direction: Solve the following question and mark the best possible option.

Saroj is the mother-in-law of Vani, who is the sister-in-law of Deepak. Rajesh is the father of Ramesh, the only brother of Deepak. How is Saroj related to Deepak?

1. Mother-in-law

2. Aunt

3. Wife

4. Mother

Correct Answer:- D

Explanation:-

Therefore, Saroj is the mother of Deepak.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Q2. Direction: Choose the correct answer from the options provided below to indicate the most appropriate word to complete the pair.

Square : Rectangle

1. Circle : Sphere

2. Pentagon : Hexagon

3. Rhombus : Trapezoid

4. Tangent : Perpendicular

Correct Answer:- C

Explanation:-

The analogy is of shapes having the same sides. As the Rhombus and Trapezoid both have four sides, it is the correct answer.

Analytical Reasoning Questions in MAT

Analytical reasoning questions include puzzles, series, set theory, Mathematical reasoning, and input-output which will focus on candidates' structured and logical thinking to solve problems.

Here are some sample questions for student's reference.

Q1. Direction: What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the following number/alphabetic series?

AI, BJ, CK, ‘?’

1. DL

2. DM

3. GH

4. LM

Correct Answer:- A

Explanation:-

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Q2. Direction: Read the information given below and answer the question that follows.

Persons X, Y, Z and Q live in red, green, yellow or blue-coloured houses placed in a sequence on a street. Z lives in a yellow house. The green house is adjacent to the blue house. X does not live adjacent to Z. The yellow house is in between the green and red houses. The colour of the house X lives in is:

1. Yellow

2. Green

3. Red

4. None of these

Correct Answer:- D
Explanation:-

After analyzing the given info, we can tabulate it. X lives in Blue House.

Therefore, the correct answer is D, i.e., None of these.

Critical Thinking Questions for MAT Preparation

Critical reasoning includes courses of action, statements & conclusions-assumptions, and fact-inference-based questions, which will test students’ ability to assess, interpret, and evaluate the given information to form a judgment.

Here are some sample questions for students’ reference.

Q1. Direction: In the question below, a statement is followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true and based on the information given in the statement. Mark your answer as

Statement:
There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of requests for berths in most of the long-distance trains during the current holiday season.

Courses of action:
I. The railway authority should immediately increase the capacity of each of these trains by attaching additional coaches.
II. The people seeking accommodation should be advised to make their travel plans after the holiday.

1. if only Course of action I is strong

2. if only Course of action II is strong

3. if neither Course of action I nor II are strong

4. if both Course of action I and II are strong

Correct Answer:- A
Explanation:-

Option 1: The second course of action is illogical as we cannot tell people not to go out on holidays or change their plans because of non availability of seats in trains. First course of action is fine because it can be done and will also solve the stated problem.

Q2. Direction: In the question below, a statement is followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true and based on the information given in the statement. Mark your answer as

Statement:
The prices of foodgrains and vegetables have substantially increased due to the prolonged strike
call given by the truck owners' association.

Courses of action:
I. The government should immediately make alternative arrangements to ensure an adequate supply of food grains and vegetables in the market.
II. The government should take steps to cancel the licences of all vehicles belonging to the association.

1. if only Course of action I is strong

2. if only Course of action II is strong

3. if neither Course of action I nor II are strong

4. if both Course of action I and II are strong

Correct Answer:- A
Explanation:-

Option 1: 2nd course of action is not going to serve any purpose or solve the problem, and is therefore rejected.

1st course of action is logical and practical and will minimize the impact of a strike on the system.

How can we use MAT Exam Sample Questions for our preparation?

Practicing sample questions for the MAT 2026 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your reasoning skills. It helps familiarise you with the MAT 2026 exam pattern, time management, and the types of logical problems you will face.

Understanding the MAT 2026 Reasoning Exam Pattern

Before solving sample questions, it’s important to know the structure of the reasoning section. Focus on the number of questions, marking scheme, and sectional weightage so that practice becomes targeted and effective.

Benefits of Regular Practice with MAT 2026 Sample Questions

Solving a variety of MAT sample papers improves your speed, accuracy, and decision-making skills. It also helps identify your weak areas, so you can dedicate more time to topics where improvement is needed.

Integrating Sample Questions into Daily Study Routine

Create a schedule where you practice reasoning questions daily. Use MAT 2026 previous year questions, MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning mock tests, and sectional sample papers to ensure consistent progress.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Sample Questions

You can find the MAT intelligence and critical reasoning sample questions from MAT revious years’ papers. Let’s discuss some solved questions on intelligence and critical reasoning:

Q1. Direction: The question below contains a statement and two arguments numbered I and II. Assume the statement to be true and choose the correct answer according to the code given below.

Assertion: India follows a Presidential form of government

Reason: The President is the first citizen of the country

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

3. A is true but R is false.

4. A is false but R is true.

Correct Answer:- D
Explanation:-

A is false as India follows a parliamentary form of government, whereas R is correct, making option 4 the correct answer.

Q2. Five people — Aman, Baman, Chaman, Daman and Elan — are standing in a row such that each of them is facing North. Aman is to the right of Baman and Daman. Elan is to the left of Chaman. Daman is to the right of Chaman. Who among the five is standing at the rightmost end of the row?

1. Aman

2. Baman

3. Daman

4. Elan

Correct Answer:- A
Explanation:-

Daman is to the right of Chaman who is to the right of Elan.

Also, Aman is to the right of Baman and Daman (and hence Chaman and Elan as well).

Thus the person at the rightmost end of the row is Aman.

Practice Questions for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section

Here are some practice questions on Intelligence and Critical Reasoning for MAT.

Q1. Direction: Complete the series by replacing the missing term indicated by `7.

2 A, 4 D, 12 G, ?

1. 36 J

2. 36 I

3. 48 J

4. 48 I

Q2. Direction: Answer the question based on the given information.

Each of the six people — Ram, Mohan, Jatin, Vijay, Kirpal and Santosh — has a different surname — Singh, Vats, Rehman, Joshi, Kohli and Tyagi, not necessarily in the same order. These six people are standing in a row such that each of them is facing East. It is also known that: (i) There are exactly two people standing between Kirpal and Ram. (ii) Tyagi is the only person standing between Jatin and Rehman. (iii) Singh is standing to the right of Joshi. (iv) Ram is standing to the right of Vijay who is standing to the immediate left of Vats. (v) Kirpal's surname is neither Joshi nor Rehman. (vi) Mohan is standing to the immediate left of Santosh, who is standing at one of the ends of the row.

What is the surname of Kirpal?

1. Kohli

2. Tyagi

3. Singh

4. Vats

Q3. Vijayan started walking towards South. After walking 15 metres he turned to the left and walked 15 metres. He again turned to his left and walked 15 metres. How far is he from his original position and in which direction?

1. 15 metres, North

2. 15 metres, South

3. 30 metres, East

4. 15 metres, East

Q4. A man while looking at the photograph of a woman said, "She is the paternal grandmother of children of my wife's brother". How is the man related to the woman?

1. Brother-in-law

2. Son

3. Father

4. Son-in-law

Q5. Direction: Answer the question based on the given information.

Seven objects — A, B, C, D, E, F and G — were distributed among three boxes such that the number of objects in each box was found to be different. No two among A, B and C are in the same box. E and G are in the same box. Exactly one between C and D is in the same box as F.

If both F and C are in the same box then which object is placed alone in one of the boxes?

1. A

2. B

3. D

4. Either A or B

Study Tips for MAT 2026 Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning questions in MAT 2026 often include assumption-based questions, inference-based questions, and strong vs weak argument questions. Understanding these types and practicing them regularly is key to improving performance. We have provided below the MAT Preparation Tips:

Familiarize Yourself with Question Types

Go through MAT 2026 sample questions and mock tests to understand the exam pattern. Knowing the type of questions in advance helps you plan time effectively during the exam.

Regular Practice from Mock Tests and Previous Papers

Consistent practice using MAT previous year papers and online mock tests helps simulate real exam conditions and improves problem-solving speed.

Understand Logical Fallacies

Learning common logical fallacies allows you to identify weak arguments quickly, a crucial skill for solving critical reasoning questions efficiently.

Best Resources for MAT 2026 Analytical Reasoning Practice

High-quality preparation of MAT 2026 Study materials make a significant difference in MAT 2026 reasoning performance.

MAT 2026 Critical Reasoning Preparation Strategy and Common Mistakes

Effective preparation for MAT 2026 reasoning requires structured practice, time management, and avoiding common pitfalls such as overthinking or skipping crucial steps in logical problems.

Daily Practice Routine

Practice 1–2 hours daily, focusing on all types of reasoning questions. This consistent effort builds familiarity with patterns and increases accuracy.

Puzzle Solving Exercises

Engage in puzzles like sudoku, crosswords, and seating arrangements to enhance logical thinking and analytical speed.

Staying Updated with Current Affairs

Reading editorials, opinion articles, and reasoning-based news pieces improves your ability to analyze arguments critically, a skill that is tested in MAT 2026 reasoning questions.

Time Management in the Reasoning Section

The reasoning section can be time-consuming, so managing your time effectively is essential.

• Take timed MAT 2026 Mock Test to simulate exam conditions.

• Allocate 1–1.5 minutes per question for optimal speed.

• Use the elimination method to discard wrong options quickly.

• Don’t get stuck on one question; move on and return later if time permits.

• Attempt easier questions first to boost confidence.

Common Pitfalls in MAT 2026 Reasoning Section

• Skipping steps: Avoid skipping logical steps in complex questions to reduce errors.

• Not using diagrams: Visual tools help in solving seating arrangements, blood relations, and puzzle questions efficiently.

• Neglecting complex problems: Practice both easy and difficult questions to prepare for all scenarios.

• Random guessing: Avoid blind guesses; make educated guesses after eliminating incorrect options.

• Overthinking: Trust your instincts to answer within the time limit.

Tricks to Improve Accuracy in MAT 2026 Intelligence and Reasoning

• Practice multiple sets of questions for each topic to understand common patterns.

• Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps to minimize mistakes.

• Take time-bound mock tests to manage anxiety and improve focus during the real exam.

• Verify answers by substituting them back into the question.

• Trust your first logical instinct rather than overanalyzing.

• Analyze mistakes from mock tests and ensure they don’t repeat.

MAT 2026 Analytical Skills Questions: Sample and Solutions

Here are some MAT Analytical Skills Questions and solutions that will help you in your preparation for the MAT 2026 exam.

Sample Analytical Reasoning Questions for MAT 2026

Q1. Direction: Read the information given below and answer the question that follows.

Among five boys, Vineet is taller than Manick, but not as tall as Ravi. Jacob is taller than Dilip but shorter than Manick. Who is
the tallest in their group?

1. Ravi

2. Manick

3. Vineet

4. Dilip

Q2. Direction: What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the following number/alphabetic series?

D-4, F-6, H-8, J-10, ‘?’

1. K-12

2. M-14

3. L-12

4. M-13

Solutions to Analytical Skills Questions in MAT

Solution 1:

Correct Answer:- A
Explanation:-

R > V > M & M > J > D.
On combining we get R > V > M > J > D.
So R is the tallest in the group.

Solution 2:

Correct Answer:- C

Explanation:-

How to Solve MAT 2026 Analytical Skills Problems Efficiently

Solving MAT 2026 Analytical Reasoning problems efficiently requires focus, strategy, and regular practice. Here are some tips to improve speed and accuracy:

• Read Questions Carefully: Understand the type of reasoning question before attempting.

• Use Diagrams for Syllogisms: Visualising relationships helps solve complex problems faster.

• Eliminate Wrong Options First: Remove extreme or unlikely options to narrow down choices.

• Follow Time Allocation: Stick to the time chart created during mock tests and avoid spending too long on one question.

• Regular Practice: Daily practice using sample papers and previous year questions builds accuracy and confidence.

Best Books and Resources for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation

High-quality best books for MAT 2026 Preparation provide targeted MAT 2026 analytical reasoning practice, sample papers, and mock tests to help aspirants build speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.

Recommended Books for MAT Critical Reasoning

1. General Intelligence and Critical Reasoning for MAT/ CMAT/ MHCET/ NMAT Exams by Disha Experts

2. A New Approach to REASONING Verbal & Non-Verbal by B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali

3. How to Crack Test Of Reasoning- REVISED EDITION by Jaikishan and Premkishan

Must-Have Study Materials for MAT Reasoning Preparation

You must have

• Standard books for reasoning as mentioned above.

• Access to online sample papers.

• Previous years’ MAT question papers.

• Current year’s official sample paper.

Also, have access to platforms like careers360 for online mock tests.

Common MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Topics

MAT 2026 reasoning questions frequently cover topics like puzzles, series, seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding, syllogisms, and critical argument analysis. Here you can check the topics to prepare for this section.

Logical Deductions in MAT

Logical deductions topics include:

Decision Making and Inference-based Questions in MAT

Decision-making questions are based on different scenarios.
These scenarios can be based on different subjects like:

MAT Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving Techniques

Here are some techniques to solve data sufficiency questions.

How to Improve Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills for MAT 2026

Developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills is essential for scoring high in the MAT 2026 Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section. Regular practice, logical exercises, and smart strategies can help you solve questions efficiently and accurately.

Exercises to Boost Logical Thinking for MAT 2026

• Solve Puzzles and Sudoku: Regular practice of crossword puzzles, sudoku, and logic grid puzzles sharpens reasoning skills.

• Pattern Recognition Practice: Work on number series, letter series, and mixed pattern questions from MAT 2026 mock tests and sample papers.

• Strategy-Based Games: Playing chess or checkers enhances planning and foresight abilities.

• Venn Diagrams: Use diagrams for blood relation and family tree questions to visualize relationships clearly.

Daily Practice Routine for MAT 2026 Intelligence Section

Creating a consistent study routine ensures regular exposure to all types of reasoning questions:

• Morning: Focus on easier topics like coding-decoding, number series, and direction sense (30–45 minutes).

• Daytime: Practice complex topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, and puzzles (1–1.15 hours).

• Evening: Attempt timed topic-wise mock tests (30–45 minutes).

• Night: Review solutions, analyse mistakes, and plan the next day’s routine (30 minutes).

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Mock Test 2026

Candidates can find the link to practice MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning mock test 2026 in the table below.

MAT 2026 Ebooks by Careers360

Careers360 offers helpful MAT 2026 eBooks that you can download in PDF format. These eBooks include tips for each section, the latest exam pattern, solved questions, and sample papers.