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.
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→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.
Six boxes—P, Q, R, S, T, U—are stacked vertically. Box R is heavier than Box Q. Box S is lighter than Box T. Box P is heavier than Box S. Box U is the lightest. Box T is heavier than Box Q. Which of the following must be true?
Practice 2easy
Five friends—Aman, Bhavna, Chetan, Deepa, and Esha—are sitting in a row facing North. Bhavna is to the right of Aman. Chetan is to the left of Deepa. Esha is at one end. Deepa is not at either end. Aman is immediately to the left of Chetan. Who is sitting second from the left?
Practice 3easy
Five students—Vikram, Wanda, Xavier, Yuki, and Zara—scored different marks. Xavier scored more than Vikram. Wanda scored less than Yuki. Vikram scored more than Zara. Xavier scored less than Yuki. Wanda scored more than Zara. Who scored the second-highest marks?
Practice 4easy
Three boxes—Box A, Box B, and Box C—contain different numbers of items. Box A contains more items than Box B. Box C contains fewer items than Box A. Box B contains more items than Box C. If Box A contains 50 items, which of the following is definitely true?
Practice 5easy
Five friends—Aman, Bhavna, Chirag, Deepak, and Esha—are comparing their heights. From the clues below, determine who is the second tallest.
Clue 1: Aman is taller than Bhavna but shorter than Chirag.
Clue 2: Deepak is taller than Esha but shorter than Aman.
Clue 3: Esha is taller than Bhavna.
Clue 4: Chirag is the tallest among all five.
Who is the second tallest?
60-Second Revision — Comparison Puzzle
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.