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.
Five friends—Arun, Bhavna, Chitra, Deepak, and Esha—are sitting in a row facing North. Arun is not at either end. Bhavna sits immediately to the right of Arun. Chitra is to the left of Deepak. Esha sits at the rightmost position. Deepak is not in the middle. Who sits in the middle position?
Practice 2medium
Five students—Aman, Bina, Chetan, Diya, and Eshan—scored different marks in a test. Aman scored more than Bina. Chetan scored less than Diya. Eshan scored the highest. Bina did not score the lowest. Diya scored more than Aman. Which student scored the second-highest?
Practice 3medium
Six items—P, Q, R, S, T, U—have different weights. T is heavier than Q. S is lighter than R. U is the heaviest. P is lighter than T. S is not the lightest. R is heavier than T. Which item is the second-heaviest?
Practice 4medium
Four people—Priya, Qasim, Ravi, and Sana—have different ages: 18, 22, 25, and 30 years. Priya is older than Qasim. Ravi is not the oldest. Sana is older than Priya. The person aged 22 is not Qasim. Who is 25 years old?
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.