GATE CS - GENERAL APTITUDE:Analytical Ability

Analytical Ability for GATE GA

Analytical items reward drawing a diagram more than clever shortcuts.

Number and letter series

Find the rule (add primes, ×2+1, alternate sequences). Check the last step against every option before locking.

Seating / arrangement (short)

Linear vs circular; left/right from whose perspective. Sketch seats; mark fixed people first; place "two away" constraints next.

Blood relations

Convert language to a tiny family tree. "A is brother of B" does not decide A's gender relative to a third person without more data — do not invent.

Sets / Venn

Two- and three-set word problems: write

$|A \cup B| = |A|+|B|-|A \cap B|$.

For three sets, expand fully or use a Venn sketch with seven regions.

Coding–decoding / odd one out

Pattern must explain all options; if two patterns fit, look for the one used consistently on every character/position.

Exam closing tip

GA mistakes are often misreads, not hard math. Underline what is asked (minimum, maximum, cannot be determined) before computing.

Overview: GA overview. Practice: GA quiz · GATE hub.