Syllogism for Bank Exams

By : Akash Mishra

Updated : Jul 19, 2022, 20:38

Logical Reasoning is a compulsory section in almost all competitive exams. Even banking exams including IBPS PO, IBPS SO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS RRB, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, SBI SO, RBI Officer Grade B, A, C, NABARD, and most other exams have a logical reasoning section. It is divided into verbal and non-verbal reasoning. One of the most common types of reasoning questions is Syllogism problems in bank exams.

‘Syllogism’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘Syllogismos’ which means a conclusion or an inference. Therefore, Syllogism is a type of verbal reasoning where two or more statements (premises) are given, and based on that; a conclusion is to be drawn. The first statement is a general statement known as the major premise, whereas the second statement is specific and is called the minor premise. A conclusion is to be drawn with the help of both statements. 

For instance, 

A: All men like to play cricket.
B: Karan is a man.
Conclusion: Karan likes to play cricket.

Types of Syllogism in Reasoning

Syllogism syllabus for bank exams includes three kinds of syllogism. There are no particular syllogism topics for bank exams. You can get complete knowledge of the syllogism to be able to get through the recruitment drive. Take a look at the type of syllogism and the examples contained herewith.

Type of Syllogism 

Example

  • Conditional- conditional syllogism problem in bank exams are hypothetical questions where if A is true, then B is also true. A conclusion is to be drawn with the help of logic

A: Abhay is an artist.

B: Abhay likes to do the painting.

Conclusion: Abhay is fond of acrylic paints.

  • Categorical- categorical syllogism includes three propositions or categories. All three statements contain two propositions.

A: All humans are living creatures.

B: All living creatures are mortal.

C: Therefore, all humans are mortal.


Statement C is true. In this case, a mortal is a major category which includes living creatures. Living creatures include humans. Therefore, humans come under the category of the mortal.


A: All humans are living creatures.

B: All animals are living creatures.

C: All humans are animals.


In this case, statement C is false. Living creatures is the major category that is divided into two sub-categories, humans and animals. Therefore, humans and animals do not overlap with each other.


In categorical syllogism, the conclusion includes two out of the three categories.

  • Disjunctive- the disjunctive syllogism formula for bank exams focuses on the authenticity of either of the two premises. It means that if A is true, B is false and if B is true, then A is false. It means that either A or B is true. 

A: Karan will either be at home or the office.

B: Karan is at the office right now.


Conclusion: Karan is not at home.



Tips and Tricks To Prepare For Syllogism

The apt knowledge of the tips and tricks to solve the syllogism questions will assist the candidates in solving the questions with accuracy and getting ahead in the selection process. Also, some of the banking exams have sectional time limits which become even more essential for the candidates to get hold of the core concepts and fundamentals. While making syllogism notes for bank exams, It is important to keep the following tips and tricks in mind.

  • Read the premises and the conclusion carefully. Find out which pattern is being followed.
  • Look out for words like all, few, some, at least as the answers depend on it.
  • Try solving the syllogism question in a sequential manner.
  • Do not make assumptions. Follow the premises carefully and then analyse the conclusion.

Importance of Syllogism Section of Banking Exams

The syllogism holds immense importance in the banking exams. Getting a hold of the core concepts and fundamentals will assist the candidates in getting ahead in the selection process and be able to devise a unique strategy to solve the questions. You can also bring forth effective and efficient alternatives to solve the questions in the requisite time span. Take a look at the elaborated and illustrated importance of the syllogism topic in the banking exams.

  • The Syllogism section in the banking exams tests the reasoning ability and logical skills of the candidate. 
  • You are required to read the premises, analyse the conclusion and decide whether the conclusion is true or not.
  • At least 5 marks in the logical reasoning section of bank exams are reserved for syllogism questions.
  • If you attempt the question incorrectly, there is negative marking. Therefore, it’s important to prepare syllogism questions for bank exams as it helps you secure marks.

Most Recommended Books for Syllogism

You must pick the most recommended books that will provide you with an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the topics centering on syllogism. Take a look at the recommended books and the publications mentioned here. Refer to these books to hone your skills and enhance your preparation module. If you want to practice syllogism topics for bank exams and other reasoning questions, you can refer to the following books: 

Book Name

Author

Publication

A New Approach to Logical Reasoning

B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali

Arihant Publication

Verbal Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

S.Chand Publication

SSC Reasoning Chapterwise

S.N. Prasad

Kiran Publication

A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Non-verbal

-

Arihant Publication

Why Choose BYJU'S Exam Prep For Banking Exams?

If you are aspiring to be a bank officer or a clerk, BYJU'S Exam Prep is the best platform to prepare for banking exams. Along with the overall preparation material, BYJU'S Exam Prep also focuses on individual sections and topics. It offers you syllogism questions and answers for bank exams. In addition to this, BYJU'S Exam Prep also provides syllogism quiz for bank exams, syllogism question and answers pdf for bank exams, so you can study smoothly and concentrate on the syllabus. You can also avail free syllogism online tests for bank exams and other preparation material. BYJU'S Exam Prep banking material helps you prepare for both prelims and mains of all banking exams.

FAQs

What are the syllogism questions?

Syllogism questions are a form of logical reasoning questions that include two statements or premises from which a conclusion has to be derived. The candidates can get complete knowledge of the questions centering on syllogism in order to excel in the exam.

What are the three elements of syllogism?
Syllogism questions comprise three elements, namely, major premise, minor premise, and conclusion. Complete knowledge of the syllogism questions will assist the candidates in getting ahead with an impeccable plan of action for the exam.

How do you solve syllogism questions?
The best syllogism formula for bank exams is to make a Venn diagram. You must inculcate the habit of solving the syllogism questions on regular basis in order to accomplish the desired job. Complete knowledge of the syllogism topic will enable the candidates in learning the core concepts and the fundamentals.

How many marks are allotted for syllogism in banking exams?
Syllogism syllabus for bank exams has a weightage of at least 5 marks. You can get the complete details of the syllogism questions for the banking exams to be able to excel in the exam and move ahead in the recruitment drive.

What is a valid and invalid syllogism?
When the conclusion is true if one of the premises is true, it is known as a valid syllogism. When the conclusion is that one of the premises is true, it is known as an invalid syllogism.

What are the most recommended books for syllogism?

It is of prime essentiality to handpick the best books to be able to formulate an effective strategy to move ahead in the exam. The books that can be referred by the candidates for preparing the syllogism are A New Approach to Logical Reasoning by B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali, Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal, A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Non-verbal by Arihant Publications.