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Many, if not all, exams to any university or competitive tests have an allocated section for testing the ability to solve problems based on puzzles and seating arrangement. It is a great way to assess any candidate’s aptitude for the job because a puzzle or a seating arrangement question shows how the person thinks and goes about a problem. There exists no one formula or one straightforward approach to a question. It is not a simple interest question where a formula is implemented, and answers will be found. Each problem is different and has to be approached as per the given data.
SEATING ARRANGEMENT AND PUZZLE-SOLVING PROBLEMS
These problems are simple in nature, but difficult to understand in the first go. It could involve the use of mathematical operations of Permutation and combination, sets, probability, statistics,etc,. However, they can also be solved without it. Seating arrangement questions involve arranging, grouping, or clustering a group of people, objects, or anything to fit specific conditions. On the other hand, puzzles can affect almost anything under the sun. It could involve word jumbles, shapes, blood relation, logical statements, patterns, and you name it. In comparison to seating arrangement questions, puzzle exercises are relatively basic and more to test the visual accuracy and the promptness of the candidate.
WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND SEATING ARRANGEMENT AND PUZZLE PROBLEMS?
Seating arrangements and puzzle exercises are challenging to categorize. However, they deal
with one common thing. That is to meet the given conditions of the question. Each question has one answer, which requires an intense and creative thought process. Although there is one solution (mainly because of these multiple-choice questions), they can be approached in many ways depending on the candidate’s level of understanding and aptitude. For instance, there is a question involving how to measure the time of the day. A lot depends on the nature of the question, but one can take the help of the sun’s position and then match it to the answers. At the same time, another can use the Trigonometric concept of heights and distances to observe the change in the angle of shadows.
TYPES OF PUZZLES
FLOOR PUZZLE: It involves the candidates analyzing the data regarding a particular building and its occupants on each floor. They must use the data and accordingly sort it out.
DOUBLE- LINE UP PUZZLE: Data about more than one variable will be given. The candidates need to analyze and compare findings to the answers.
SCHEDULING PUZZLE: This form of the puzzle often uses periodic time frames, like years and months, and what would happen if it continued.
SQUARE PUZZLE: Requires candidates to arrange given data in squares
LINEAR PUZZLE: Similar to the row seating arrangement, arranging data in linear form
BOX PUZZLE: Similar to square form but in 3 Dimensional figure
THINGS ONE MUST KEEP IN MIND WHILE SOLVING PUZZLES
One must keep a cool mind while attempting any puzzling or lengthy questions.One must keep in mind these things while solving or preparing for the same.
● It’s not rocket science. The questions are always going to be simple, just not straightforward.
● It is a knack to be able to solve such problems. It can be learned, but not overnight. It takes practice to approach the questions in a certain way.
● Understand the weightage. If a sum looks too complex and is time-consuming, let it go. A one-liner and a five-liner both will have the same mark weightage.
● Do not clutter your diagrams or plots to save time. In the very likely event that it gets messy, it will cause you to do all of it again.
● Read the question. As obvious as it may sound to many, this is one thing that not many do. Look out for those confusing and tricky words. Please do not mess up questions simply because you did not read them.
- Puzzle-solving has no one step or method. Only consistently practicing and trying to solve various puzzle exercises can eventually make one better at it.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to remember problems based on seating arrangements and puzzle-solving are meant to throw you off track. The very idea of puzzles and problem solving is to check and put your ability and brain function to test. One must always stay calm and read the question. All questions cannot be approached in one common procedure. Therefore, the approach differs between questions and all questions cannot be generalized ultimately. Puzzle-solving is simply rearranging given data after analyzing some aspects within it. Blood relation is often confusing but can be solved easily if one draws webs.
