Core ConceptRead 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.
Formula BlockMemorise — 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.
Exam PatternsWhat 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.
Worked ExampleSolve 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.
Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these
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 to Remember
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-Specific Tips
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.
Five friends—Aman, Bhavna, Chirag, Diya, and Esha—are sitting in a row facing North. Each person has a different height: 150cm, 160cm, 170cm, 180cm, and 190cm (not necessarily in that order).
Clues:
1. Bhavna is taller than Aman but shorter than Chirag.
2. Diya is the shortest person.
3. Esha is taller than Chirag.
4. The person sitting in the middle (position 3) is 170cm tall.
5. Aman is not in position 1 or position 5.
Who is 180cm tall?
Practice 2easy
Five students—Aman, Bina, Chetan, Diya, and Eshan—scored different marks. Aman scored more than Bina. Chetan scored less than Diya. Bina scored more than Chetan. Eshan scored less than Aman but more than Diya. Who scored the second highest?
Practice 3easy
Five friends—Arun, Bhavna, Chitra, Deepak, and Esha—are sitting in a row facing North. Arun sits to the left of Bhavna. Chitra sits to the right of Deepak. Bhavna sits to the left of Chitra. Deepak is not at either end. Who sits second from the left?
Practice 4easy
Six boxes are stacked vertically (1 = bottom, 6 = top). Box P is above Box Q. Box R is below Box S. Box T is immediately above Box U. Box S is above Box P. Box U is at position 3. Which box is at position 5?
Practice 5easy
Four people—Vikram, Wanda, Xavier, and Yuki—have different ages. Vikram is older than Wanda. Xavier is younger than Yuki. Wanda is older than Xavier. Yuki is not the oldest. Who is the second oldest?
Practice 6easy
Six people—P, Q, R, S, T, U—are sitting around a circular table facing inward. P sits immediately to the right of Q. R sits two seats to the right of P. S sits immediately to the left of T. U sits opposite to R. If we count clockwise from P, who is the third person?
Practice 7medium
Five friends—Arun, Bhavna, Chitra, Deepak, and Esha—are sitting in a row facing North. Each has a different age: 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 years. Based on the following clues, determine who is 28 years old.
Clue 1: Arun is older than Bhavna but younger than Chitra.
Clue 2: Deepak is not the oldest and not the youngest.
Clue 3: Esha is older than Arun.
Clue 4: The person sitting in the middle position is 28 years old.
Clue 5: Bhavna sits to the left of Arun, and Chitra sits to the right of Esha.
Clue 6: Deepak sits at one of the end positions.
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.