Seating Arrangement is one of the favourite topics asked in Banking exams. If we analyze last year’s SBI Clerk Prelims exam, we can see that questions on this topic were asked in all the shifts. Generally, aspirants are scared of this section as there is too much information which makes the question a lengthy one. However, please be informed that usually 12-15 questions are asked in this exam and if you gain mastery over this section, you can get a good edge over your competitors. Only a month is left for SBI Clerk Prelims and since the Prelims date ain’t announced yet, it only makes more sense to start preparing for the exam. Get started with your preparation by taking a Free Mock Test of SBI Clerk Prelims and see how many seating arrangement questions you are able to answer correctly. Now that you get an idea of these questions, let’s get an overview of the seating arrangement concept.
In a seating arrangement question, you are provided with some info and based on that you are asked questions. If you solve the complete puzzle accurately, all the answers’ marks are yours. There can be 4 kinds of puzzles namely:
Linear Arrangement: in this kind of puzzle, people sit in one line. The information which is provided is who is sitting left/right to whom. It can also be given that who is (or who isn’t) sitting at the extreme left/ right. This is generally the easiest kind of seating arrangement puzzle.
Double Row Arrangement: In this case, there are two rows of people who may face each other. Apart from the information which is given in linear arrangement puzzles, it can also be added who is (or isn’t) facing whom. Also, some people may be facing south and some may face north.
Circular Arrangement: Here, people sit in a circular arrangement. Since the arrangement is circular there is no extreme left/ right end which can be confusing to some aspirants. People can face towards the centre or they may face outside the centre.
Squarer/ Rectangular Arrangement: This arrangement is similar to circular arrangement; the difference is that instead of sitting in a circle, people sit in a rectangle. Here also, People can face towards the centre or they may face outside the centre.
Tips to keep in mind while solving seating arrangement questions
To help you in this topic, we have come up with some tips. Have a look.
Try not to start with negative information. Start with positive and definitive information. If possible, negative information should be used at the last to rule out possibilities and to connect the dots.
Read the given information carefully. Remember, all the information you need is out there. You just need to arrange the information logically.
There will be 2 types of information: Direct & Indirect. While direct information clearly mentions the information, indirect information is nothing but the connection between different pieces of information. Ideally, you should start solving the puzzle with the help of direct information, you should take it forward with the help of indirect information.
Consider all the possible scenarios especially when you are dealing with negative pieces of information. A is seated next to B is very obvious. But if A is not seated next to B it means that you have to think about A sitting next to everybody but B. As you move along the question, a majority of the possibilities will be ruled out.
There is a difference between sitting right and sitting immediately right. If B is sitting right to A that implies that there may be 1 or more person between A & B. But if B is sitting immediately right to A, that means that there is nobody between A & B. The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary- Download Free PDF
Nowadays, there are additional attributes mentioned in a seating arrangement puzzle for eg. people’s preference for food, cities etc. Please keep in mind that whatever more information is provided, it basically remains a seating arrangement question.
Remember: Whether it’s solving the questions quickly or quickly identifying which question is easy, moderate or difficult; only practice can help you out. Take a Free Mock Test of SBI Clerk Prelims right away to see how do you fare in solving seating arrangement questions in a controlled environment.
We sincerely hope that the above information will boost your speed as well as accuracy while solving seating arrangement questions. Also, we strongly suggest that you take the free mock test of SBI Clerk Prelims if you haven’t taken it yet. This is all from us in this article. Keep taking Mocks & practice thoroughly. Wishing you all the best with your preparation!