You are given information about positions, rankings, or arrangements. Your job is to determine the exact order or find specific positions of elements in that arrangement
💡Key Rules
Always work systematically from left to right or top to bottom. When multiple conditions are given, satisfy all conditions simultaneously. Pay attention to words like 'between', 'immediately', 'adjacent', 'next to', and 'opposite'
→Types of Questions
Linear arrangements (single row), circular arrangements, and ranking based on performance, height, weight, or age. SSC CGL frequently asks about finding positions, counting people between two positions, or determining who sits where
⚡Shortcut Technique 1
Use the 'Anchor Method'. Find the most restrictive condition first and use it as your starting point. This saves time and reduces errors.
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Worked Example
Solve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
D sits at one end. Let's place D at the left end: D _ _ _ _
2
Step 2
A sits two places to the left of E. This means there's exactly one person between A and E. Possible positions: A_E or positions 2 and 4.
3
Step 3
Since D is at position 1, A can be at position 2 and E at position 4: D A _ E _
4
Step 4
B sits immediately to the right of C. The remaining positions are 3 and 5. So C must be at position 3 and B at position 5.
Final arrangement: D A C E B
Verification: A is two places left of E ✓, B is immediately right of C ✓, D is at one end ✓
Shortcut Technique 2: Use the 'Elimination Method' for ranking questions. When given partial information about ranks, eliminate impossible positions systematically.
Common Mistakes: Students often confuse 'left' and 'right' directions. Always maintain consistent orientation. Another mistake is not checking if the final arrangement satisfies ALL given conditions. Many students also misinterpret 'between' (which excludes endpoints) and 'among' (which can include endpoints).
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Exam Patterns
What examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL typically asks 1-2 questions on this topic. Questions usually involve 5-8 people or objects. Linear arrangements are more common than circular ones. The difficulty level is moderate, and these questions are scoring if approached systematically.
Five friends are standing in a line: Anil, Bina, Charu, Deepak, and Ema. Charu is in the middle. Anil is to the left of Bina. Ema is at one end. Which position is Anil in?
Practice 2easy
Seven books are arranged on a shelf. Book P is 3rd from the left. What is its position from the right?
Practice 3easy
In a race of 100 runners, Priya finishes 25th. How many runners finished after her?
Practice 4easy
In a class ranking, Vikram is 12th from the top and 19th from the bottom. How many students are in the class?
Practice 5easy
In a class of 40 students, Raj ranks 15th from the top. What is his rank from the bottom?
Practice 6easy
In a queue of 50 people, Meera is 18th from the front. How many people are behind her in the queue?
Practice 7medium
In a race, Priya finishes ahead of Qureshi. Qureshi finishes ahead of Ravi. Sita finishes ahead of Priya. Who finishes last among these four?
Practice 8medium
Seven friends A, B, C, D, E, F, G are standing in a line. D is 4th from the left. B is 2nd to the right of D. What is B's position from the left?
Practice 9medium
Among 5 books on a shelf, Book P is heavier than Book Q. Book R is lighter than Book S. Book Q is heavier than Book R. Book S is lighter than Book P. Which book is the lightest?
Practice 10medium
In a queue of 8 people, Meera is 5th from the front. How many people are behind Meera in the queue?
Practice 11medium
In a class of 40 students, Rajesh ranks 12th from the top. What is his rank from the bottom?
60-Second Revision — Ranking & Order
Remember: Draw the arrangement as you solve, don't rely on mental calculation
Formula: People between positions A and B = |A-B| - 1
Trap: 'Left of' and 'Right of' depend on your reference direction - stay consistent
Technique: Start with the most restrictive condition to save time
Check: Verify final arrangement satisfies ALL conditions before marking answer
Key Words: 'Immediately' means adjacent, 'between' excludes endpoints
Pattern: SSC prefers 5-7 people linear arrangements over complex circular ones