Seating puzzles (linear, circular, matrix) are 5–8 marks every paper. Learn the diagram method that solves any seating arrangement in under 4 minutes.
5–8 questions per paper, all from 1 puzzle. Solve the puzzle and you bank 5–8 marks at once.
1. Linear: people in a row, facing N or S 2. Circular: people around a table, facing centre or outward 3. Matrix: people with multiple attributes (profession, colour, age)
Linear: (n slots) Circular: draw n dots around a circle; mark centre-facing arrows Matrix: a 2D grid (people × attributes)
Look for "A sits at the extreme end" or "B sits second to the right of C" — these lock positions. Skip relative clues ("D sits next to E") until you have anchors.
With anchors placed, the relatives snap into open slots.
If only one slot is open and one person remains, they go there.
"Second to the right of X" — measure from X's perspective clockwise "Second to the left" — counter-clockwise Facing outward reverses left/right — this is where 60% of mistakes happen
Read clues: 60 seconds Draw + fill: 2 minutes Answer 5 questions: 90 seconds Total: under 4 minutes for 5 marks
Do 2 seating puzzles daily for 2 weeks. SSCIntel's Reasoning practice serves these at PYQ + Brutal difficulty.
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