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Comparison Puzzle

AFCAT · Logical Reasoning

Also prepare for:NDA CDS Agniveer Agni Army

← Parallel Row Puzzle

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Core Concept

Read this first — the foundation of the topic

→Core Concept

Comparison puzzles work by giving you clues like 'A is taller than B' or 'C scored less than D'. You must use these clues to arrange all items in a line (ascending or descending order). Think of it like solving a chain where each link connects two items

💡Key Rules

Read all statements carefully before starting. 2

→Use symbols to track relationships

> (greater), < (less), = (equal). 3. Combine individual statements to create a complete chain. 4. Check your final answer against all given statements. 5. Watch for indirect comparisons — sometimes you must link multiple statements together.

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Formula Block

Memorise — at least one formula appears in every paper

If A > B and B > C, then A > C (Transitive Property). This is the backbone of all comparison puzzles.

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Exam Patterns

What examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs

SSC CGL typically asks: - Who is the tallest/shortest/oldest/youngest? - Arrange in increasing/decreasing order. - Find positions of specific people in the arranged order. - Handle 5-7 people with 4-6 comparative statements. Shortcut/Trick: Draw a simple line or arrow diagram. Write names and connect them with arrows showing the direction of comparison. This visual method solves 90% of puzzles faster than written logic.

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Worked Example

Solve this step-by-step before moving on

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Step 1

Write statements using symbols. Raj > Priya ... (1) Anu > Raj ... (2) Sita < Priya ... (3) Mohan > Anu ... (4)

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Step 2

Link the chain. From (1): Raj > Priya From (2): Anu > Raj, so Anu > Raj > Priya From (4): Mohan > Anu, so Mohan > Anu > Raj > Priya From (3): Sita < Priya, so Sita is even smaller

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Step 3

Final order from tallest to shortest. Mohan > Anu > Raj > Priya > Sita Answer: Mohan is the tallest. Common Mistake: Students often ignore indirect relationships. If A > B and C > A, they sometimes forget that C > B as well. Always trace the complete chain before answering. Also, don't assume anything not stated in the problem.

🔑 Key Points

Comparison puzzles require you to arrange items in order using given statements about relationships.
Use the transitive property: if A > B and B > C, then definitely A > C.
Always draw a visual line or arrow diagram to track relationships clearly.
Read every statement carefully; indirect comparisons are often hidden in the clues.
Check your final answer by verifying it satisfies all given statements.
Common properties compared in SSC CGL: age, height, weight, marks, salary, and speed.

📌 Exam Facts

Comparison puzzles in SSC CGL typically involve 5-7 persons and 4-6 comparative statements.
The transitive property (if A > B and B > C, then A > C) is the mathematical foundation of all comparison puzzles.
Most SSC CGL comparison puzzles ask for the maximum or minimum person in a specific property.
Puzzle statements use comparative words: 'taller', 'heavier', 'older', 'scored more', 'earns less'.
Arrow diagram method is the fastest solving technique, reducing error rate to below 5%.
SSC CGL comparison puzzles rarely involve more than 3 levels of indirect comparison.
The time limit for solving one comparison puzzle is typically 1-1.5 minutes in actual exam.

🚀 60-Second Revision

Remember: Always create a visual chain or arrow diagram; it reduces mistakes and saves time.
Formula: Use transitive property A > B and B > C means A > C without exception.
Trap: Don't ignore indirect statements; link all clues together before concluding.
Method: Read statement → Convert to symbol → Link the chain → Verify answer against all statements.
Pattern: SSC asks 'who is tallest/shortest' or 'arrange in order' — both solved by the same chain method.
Common error: Assuming relationships not stated in the problem — stick only to given information.
Time saving: Solve in 60-90 seconds by drawing arrows instead of writing explanations.

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