Lok Sewa IQ & Reasoning: Tips, Tricks & Free Practice Questions

The IQ and Mental Ability section is a mandatory part of Lok Sewa Aayog preliminary examinations across all levels — Kharidar, Nayab Subba, and Adhikrit. While many candidates focus heavily on GK and constitution, the IQ section can be a game-changer. With the right approach, you can solve most IQ questions in under 30 seconds, giving you a significant time advantage in the exam hall.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down every type of IQ question asked in Lok Sewa exams, share battle-tested shortcuts, and provide free practice resources to help you dominate this section.

Types of IQ Questions in Lok Sewa Exams

Lok Sewa IQ questions can be broadly categorized into four types. Understanding these categories is the first step toward building a systematic preparation strategy.

1. Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning tests your ability to understand and reason using concepts framed in words. Common subtypes include:

• Analogy: Book : Read :: Pen : ? (Answer: Write)
• Classification: Identifying the odd one out from a group
• Coding-Decoding: Letter shifting, word substitution, number patterns
• Series Completion: Letter and word series
• Blood Relations: Family tree problems
• Direction Sense: Movement-based problems using cardinal directions

2. Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning involves visual information and shapes. These questions test spatial awareness and pattern recognition:

• Figure Series: Finding the next figure in a sequence
• Figure Analogy: Similar to verbal analogy but with images
• Mirror Images: Identifying the mirror reflection of a figure
• Water Images: Reflection over a horizontal axis
• Embedded Figures: Finding a smaller shape hidden within a larger one
• Paper Folding and Cutting: Predicting the unfolded pattern

3. Analytical Reasoning

Analytical questions require logical deduction from given information:

• Syllogism: Drawing conclusions from given statements
• Venn Diagrams: Set-based problems
• Seating Arrangement: Circular, linear, and rectangular arrangements
• Puzzles: Logical arrangement puzzles with multiple constraints
• Data Sufficiency: Determining if given data is enough to answer a question

4. Mathematical / Numerical Reasoning

These are arithmetic-based questions disguised as IQ problems:

• Number Series: Finding the missing number in a sequence
• Missing Number in Figures: Numbers arranged in geometric shapes
• Mathematical Operations: Substitution-based arithmetic
• Age Problems: Calculating ages based on given conditions
• Calendar Problems: Finding days of the week for given dates

Common Patterns and Solving Techniques

Number Series Shortcuts

When you see a number series, check these patterns in order:

1. Difference: Check the difference between consecutive numbers (constant or increasing/decreasing).
2. Ratio: Check if numbers are multiplied or divided by a constant.
3. Squares/Cubes: Check if numbers are squares, cubes, or near-squares/cubes.
4. Prime Numbers: Check if the series is based on prime numbers.
5. Alternating Patterns: Two different patterns may alternate (e.g., +2, ×2, +2, ×2).

Coding-Decoding Patterns

Common coding patterns in Lok Sewa exams:

• Reverse Alphabet: A=26, B=25, C=24... (Z=1)
• +1 / -1 Shift: Each letter shifted by a fixed number
• Vowel-Consonant Swap: Special patterns for vowels
• Word Reversal: The word is written in reverse order

Blood Relations Made Easy

Use a standard notation system:

• Male: +, Female: –
• Generation above: ↑, Generation below: ↓
• Draw the family tree instead of solving mentally

Time Management for the IQ Section

In a typical Lok Sewa preliminary exam, you get 45 minutes for 50 questions. The IQ section usually has 10–15 questions. Your target should be:

Practice Questions with Solutions

Question 1: Analogy

Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ?

Solution: A doctor works in a hospital. Similarly, a teacher works in a school. Answer: School

Question 2: Number Series

2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?

Solution: Differences are 4, 6, 8, 10... so next difference is 12. 30 + 12 = 42. Alternatively, the series is n×(n+1): 1×2, 2×3, 3×4, 4×5, 5×6, 6×7 = 42.

Question 3: Coding

If CAT is coded as 3120, how is DOG coded?

Solution: C=3, A=1, T=20. So DOG = D=4, O=15, G=7 → 4157.

Question 4: Direction

A man walks 5 km north, turns right and walks 3 km, then turns right again and walks 5 km. How far is he from the starting point?

Solution: After the movements, he is 3 km east of the start. Answer: 3 km

Free IQ Mock Test Links

Apply what you have learned with our free IQ and reasoning mock tests:

Recommended Daily IQ Practice Schedule

1. Morning (15 min): Solve 10 verbal reasoning questions.
2. Afternoon (15 min): Solve 10 non-verbal / figure-based questions.
3. Evening (15 min): Solve 10 numerical reasoning questions.
4. Weekend: Take a full 50-question IQ mock test under timed conditions.

Conclusion

IQ and reasoning is not about being "born smart" — it is about recognizing patterns and applying systematic techniques. With the shortcuts and strategies shared in this guide, combined with consistent practice on Crack Lokshewa's free IQ tests, you can turn the IQ section from a weakness into one of your strongest scoring areas.

Frequently Asked Questions