UGC NET Paper 1 Notes – Reasoning (Including Mathematical) + MCQs
Main Objective: Test your ability to identify logical patterns, solve numerical and alphabetical series, apply coding-decoding logic, and interpret relationships through classification and analogy.
Syllabus Breakdown & What to Focus On
| Subtopic | What to Study | Key Pointers |
| 1. Number Series | – Identify patterns in a sequence of numbers
– Types: Arithmetic, Geometric, Square/Cube, Prime, Alternating Series |
Learn common tricks: +2, ×2, -1², etc. Break the series down and check step-wise logic. |
| 2. Letter Series | – Series based on alphabetic patterns
– Forward/backward sequences, skip patterns, reverse alphabets |
Revise A–Z positions (A=1 to Z=26). Watch for consistent shifts (e.g., +2, -3, etc.). |
| 3. Codes (Coding-Decoding) | – Letter coding: Based on alphabet order
– Number coding: Words converted to number patterns – Substitution coding: Words replaced by other words/symbols |
Focus on consistent transformation. Practice with both direct and reverse logic. |
| 4. Relationships (Blood Relations) | – Identify relationships from statements
– Use family tree logic: paternal/maternal, cousin, in-law, etc. |
Use symbol-based representation (e.g., M → F = daughter). Watch out for gender and direction clues. |
| 5. Classification (Odd One Out) | – Identify which element does not belong to a group
– Based on logic: number properties, spelling, concept, order |
Always look for underlying common feature and eliminate based on logic. |
Common Patterns to Memorise
| Category | Example | Concept |
| Number Series | 2, 4, 8, 16, ? | Geometric progression (×2) |
| Letter Series | A, C, E, G, ? | Alternate letters (+2 each) |
| Coding | CAT → DBU | +1 to each letter (C→D, A→B, T→U) |
| Blood Relation | “Rahul is the brother of Riya, who is the daughter of Meena” → What is Rahul to Meena? | Son |
| Classification | Apple, Mango, Potato, Banana → Odd one out? | Potato (not a fruit) |
Smart Study Tips
- Practice 10 questions daily from each subtopic.
- Maintain a notebook of series/coding types for quick revision.
- Use letter-number chart (A=1 to Z=26) while solving alphabet questions.
- For relationship questions, draw simple family trees.
- Attempt timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.