MAT Sample Questions for Intelligence and Critical Reasoning | Boost Your Reasoning Skill

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning is a very important section in the MAT exam. In this article, we will discuss the previous year’s MAT Sample Questions and give answers to the questions like:

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

• What are the types of questions contained in MAT Reasoning Sample Papers?

• What is the best approach for the MAT Preparation Critical Reasoning section?

What is Intelligence and Critical Reasoning in MAT?

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.

Importance of Intelligence and Critical Reasoning in MAT Exam

This section holds significant weightage in the composite score and evaluates a candidate’s logical thinking, problem-solving ability and reasoning skills. These skills are very valuable in managerial roles and lots of top B-schools prefer candidates who score high in this section.

Accuracy in this section is very critical. So students should at least try to attempt 20-22 questions from this section to achieve a higher overall percentile.

How to Approach MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section?

Here are some tips to approach this section efficiently.

• Get familiar with topics like blood relations, statements- cause & effect which are very common in the exam.

• Practice regularly with MAT mock tests and MAT sample papers to brush up on your skills.

• As this section is time-consuming, so develop techniques to solve them quickly and with accuracy.

• Read the questions carefully and focus on the important words.

• Use diagrams for illustrations in the questions of blood relation, direction sense, and puzzles.

Types of Questions in MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

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 student's 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

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This Story also Contains

1. Types of Questions in MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
2. MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Sample Questions
3. How to Prepare for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section
4. MAT Critical Reasoning Practice: Key Strategies
5. MAT Analytical Skills Questions: Sample and Solutions
6. Practice Papers for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
7. Best Books and Resources for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation
8. Common MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Topics
9. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section Exam Pattern in MAT
10. How to Improve Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills for MAT
11. Mock Tests for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
12. Expert Tips for Scoring High in MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

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 course of actions, statements & conclusions-assumptions, and fact-inference-based questions, which will test student's ability to assess, interpret and evaluate the given information to form a judgment.

Here are some sample questions for student's 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.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Sample Questions

You can find the MAT intelligence and critical reasoning sample questions from previous year's papers or sample papers available online. We are providing you with the link in the next section.

MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Sample Paper 2024

Solved Examples of MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

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

How to Prepare for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section

Practice is the key to success in any exam. Here are some important points students should remember during the preparation for the MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section.

Study Tips for MAT Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning questions include Assumption based questions, inference-based questions, and strong & weak argument-based questions.

Here are tips to handle these types of questions.

• Familiarize yourself with every type of question from the sample papers and mock tests.

• Practice regularly from mock tests and past year’s papers to get a feel of the actual exam.

• Understanding logical fallacies will help you to quickly identify flawed arguments and solve critical reasoning questions.

Best Resources for MAT Analytical Reasoning Practice

Here are the names of some of MAT preparation books which will help you in MAT Analytical Reasoning Practice.

1. "How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT" by Arun Sharma

2. "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

Also, online platforms like careers360 are very good for mock tests and reviewing sample papers.

MAT Critical Reasoning Preparation Guide for 2024

Here are some points that are essential for MAT Preparation Critical Reasoning for 2024.

Daily practice: Daily practice every type of reasoning questions for 1-2 hours to get accustomed.

Practice puzzle solving: Solving puzzles like sudoku, and crosswords will help your mind to stay sharp.

Staying updated: Students can read editorials and opinion-based articles, which will enhance their ability to analyze arguments critically, which is useful for the reasoning section.

MAT Critical Reasoning Practice: Key Strategies

Here are some key strategies that candidates should use during MAT Critical Reasoning Practice.

Time Management Tips for MAT Intelligence Section

This section is very time-consuming. So having a proper time management strategy is necessary.

Here are some tips that will help you manage your time effectively.

• Regular mock tests will help you to have a clear picture of the type of questions asked in this section. You can prepare accordingly.

• During taking time-based mock tests, allot 1-1.5 minutes per question.

• Use the elimination method to eliminate obvious wrong answers and work with the remaining options to save time.

• Do not stuck on one question.

• Leave lengthy and confusing questions for the later part of the exam.

• Refrain from overthinking questions and spending more time on them. Trust your instincts and approach them accordingly.

Common Pitfalls in MAT Reasoning Section and How to Avoid Them

Students should avoid these common mistakes to excel in the MAT Reasoning section.

• Skipping important steps: In complex or lengthy questions, avoid jumping to relevant steps. It will often lead to mistakes.

• Not using diagrams for illustration: Remember to consider visualization techniques in the family tree and seating arrangement questions.

• Leaving complex problems during practice: Practice complex and easier questions to get familiar with all types of questions so that no surprises come in the exam.

• Leaving easier questions for later: Some students leave easier questions for the later part of the exam. Attempt them first to boost your confidence.

• Wasting too much time on a single question: We waste much time on one question which results in time loss. To avoid it, do not spend too much time on one question. Move on to the next question and return at the exam's end.

• Random guesses: Students often take random guesses in questions that they are not sure of. Instead, take an educated guess after eliminating the wrong options.

Tricks to Improve Accuracy in MAT Intelligence and Reasoning

Incorrect questions cost marks. So maintaining accuracy is a priority for the exam.

Here are some tips to improve your accuracy in the MAT Intelligence and Reasoning section.

• Practice multiple practice sets for each topic to get familiar with the patterns and approach them quickly during the exam.

• Break down complex problems into smaller manageable parts to avoid mistakes.

• Attempt time-based mock tests to get accustomed to the anxiety and time pressure during the exam. So when the actual exam comes, you can stay calm and focused.

• After getting the answer, put that value in the question to be sure of the answer.

• Trust your first logical instinct rather than overanalyzing problems.

• Analyze the mistakes from the mock tests and make sure those mistakes don't repeat.

MAT 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 exam.

Sample Analytical Reasoning Questions for MAT

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 Analytical Skills Problems Efficiently

Here are some points students can follow to solve MAT Analytical reasoning problems efficiently.

• Read the question carefully and understand the category of the question.

• For syllogism questions, use diagrams for better visualization.

• Eliminate extreme or wrong options first, then analyze the remaining options. This will increase the chance of selecting the right answer.

• Follow the allotted time chart that you have made during the practice of mock tests and do not overspend time on one question.

Practice Papers for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Where to Find Free MAT Reasoning Sample Papers

How to Use MAT Sample Papers for Exam Preparation

MAT sample papers are great to use during the preparation for the MAT Exam if you use them effectively. Here are some ways you can use them to get maximum benefits.

• Review the last 5-6 year's questions to understand the trend and common question types.

• Practice the sample papers in a quiet setting with strict time limits to mimic the real exam environment.

• Analyze the solutions of the sample papers and understand the problem-solving techniques.

• Maintain a log after attempting each sample paper to track your progression.

Importance of Solving Previous Year MAT Reasoning Papers

Previous year’s MAT Intelligence Questions guide students on the right path and hold significant importance in their preparation.

• Practicing MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning questions beforehand will make you familiar with the type of questions that will appear in the exam.

• Taking time-based sample paper tests will simulate a real exam environment.

• Regular practice will also increase your speed and accuracy in this section.

• Reasoning questions need logical deduction, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, which get sharpened during the practice of sample papers.

• You will also be aware of the common pitfalls and challenges in this section.

• You can make an efficient strategy to maintain time.

• Consistent practice will boost your confidence and you will recognize the patterns of the questions with ease.

Best Books and Resources for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation

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

Online Resources for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

• Preparation for MAT at Careers360

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’ 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

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.

• In Data sufficiency questions, you do not need to do the full calculation. You have to determine if the statements are sufficient to get the answer.

• Read the question carefully and understand what is being asked.

• Check both statements independently if they are sufficient on their own. Also, check if both statements are combined required to answer the question.

• Do not assume any other data points on your own and only focus on the given data.

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Section Exam Pattern in MAT

Number of Questions in MAT Intelligence Section

A total of 30 questions come from the MAT Intelligence section.

Weightage of MAT Critical Reasoning in Final Score

Critical reasoning holds significant weightage in the overall percentile as 30 out of 150 questions appear from this section. This is a high-scoring section as well if students prepare for this section in a structured manner.

Sectional Timing and Marks Distribution in MAT Reasoning

How to Improve Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills for MAT

Here are some tips that will help you to improve your analytical and critical thinking skills for MAT.

Exercises to Boost Logical Thinking for MAT

Logical thinking can be sharpened in many ways. Here are some of them:

• Solve crossword puzzles, sudoku, and logic grid puzzles regularly.

• Practice pattern recognition questions involving numbers and letters from the mock tests and sample papers.

• Play strategy-based games like chess, and checkers to enhance your ability to plan and foresee outcomes.

• Use Venn diagrams in questions related to blood relations and family trees.

Daily Practice Routine for MAT Intelligence Section

Here is a demonstration of a routine for a day to practice for the MAT intelligence section. You should make changes accordingly as per your preferences.

Morning: Start the morning with easier topics like coding-decoding, number series, and direction sense. Allot 30-45 minutes to practice them.

Daytime: Practice more complex topics like blood relations, seating arrangements, and logical puzzles for 1-1.15 hours.

Evening: Attempt topic-wise timed mock tests for 30-45 minutes.

Night: Review the mock test results and solutions for 30 minutes. Prepare the next day's routine before going to bed.

Mental Exercises to Sharpen Reasoning Abilities

Here are some mental exercises which will sharpen your reasoning abilities.

• Practice mental math calculations without a calculator and challenge yourself every day.

• Read articles, and journals, and analyze arguments to identify assumptions, inferences, and conclusions.

• Practice mind mapping for the problems that require visual representation.

• Brain teasers, sudoku, and chess also help to sharpen your mind.

Mock Tests for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

To understand the importance of taking Mock tests, go through this section.

Benefits of Taking MAT Mock Tests

Here are some benefits of taking regular mock tests.

• Mock tests are prepared closely following the real exam pattern and syllabus. So you will get an in-depth idea about the questions that will be asked in the real exam.

• You can enhance your time management skills by giving regular mock tests. Try to complete all the questions including complex reasoning questions within the allotted time.

• Consistent practice of mock tests will increase your speed as well as accuracy.

• Giving full-length mock tests will also build your mental stamina to sit for 150 minutes in one sitting which is critical for performing well in the exam.

How to Analyze Your Performance in MAT Reasoning Mock Tests

After attempting mock tests, reviewing the results is very important. Here are some tips on how you should analyze your performance.

• Identify the topics where you did the question entirely wrong. It means you need to learn the basics again and practice more on that particular topic.

• If you are taking too much time on any specific types of questions, then look for alternative methods to solve those problems in a quicker time.

• Check the reason for the unanswered questions to understand. If it is for the time constraints or the difficulty level of the question.

• Set yourself a goal for the next mock test to improve accuracy and performance.

• Compare your scores with other aspirants who have attempted the same test to understand your position.

Free Mock Test Links for MAT Critical Reasoning Preparation

During the initial phase of the preparation, free mock tests are very helpful for section-wise practice as well as full-length mock tests. These tests give us a peek at the original exam format and help us to choose the best platform from which we can practice paid mock tests.

Here are some links which should be useful for MAT exam preparation.

MAT Prep Tips

All About MAT Exam

Expert Tips for Scoring High in MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Last-Minute Preparation Tips for MAT Reasoning

Here are some last-minute preparation tips which students should follow to score well in this section.

• Revise key points related to key topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms, and coding to ensure you have a clear understanding of these topics.

• Avoid learning any new or unfamiliar topics at the last minute. Trust in your preparation and focus on the areas you have already prepared.

• Practice some sample questions for each important topic.

• Note down important formulae, techniques, and shortcuts and revise them.

• Review some of the more frequent mistakes you have made during the tests and make sure you do not repeat them in the exam.

• Do not stay awake late. A good night's sleep will help you to remain calm and focused during the reasoning section.

How to Stay Calm and Focused During the MAT Reasoning Exam

The reasoning section demands the most concentration among all due to its time-consuming nature. Here are some tips to stay calm and focused.

• Take a deep breath to calm your nerves and stay focused.

• Always clear your mind and answer one question at a time. This will help to prevent feeling overwhelmed by the time pressure.

• Solving easier questions at the beginning will boost your confidence and leave you composed for the challenging questions.

• If you are unsure of any answers, don't just take a random guess. Try to eliminate the obvious wrong options. Then analyze the rest of the options to get the correct answer.

• A positive mindset will always help in this situation. Avoid any types of negative thoughts and approach this section calmly.

• Do not stuck on one question. If you find a question very difficult, move on to the next. You can always return to it at the end of the exam if time permits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in MAT Intelligence Section

Here are some of the common mistakes students should avoid in the MAT intelligence section.

Some of the students stay stuck in one difficult question and waste precious time which could be useful to solve other easier questions.

Rushing through questions will often lead to misinterpretation of the statements and missing data points.

Students often overlook all the options and jump to conclusions getting the first possible answer. In these exams, options often look alike but with slightly different meanings.

Most of the students try to attempt all the questions with less accuracy which then leads to lower scores.

Do not disregard key terms like “Only and Only If,” “Unless,” “Not,” “Definitely,” “All,” “Some,” and “None,” and negative prefixes like “un-,” “dis-,” “non-,” etc.

Practice mock tests regularly and analyze the previous year's sample papers to understand the pattern of the exam. If you are stuck in any problem, get help from the internet or YouTube. You can also join online communities or study groups and discuss with fellow peers to gain new insights and difficult problem-solving techniques. With the right mindset, resources, and strict routine, you will achieve your goal.