Logical Reasoning Tricks for CLAT and IPMAT

Expert Strategies from Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi

Logical Reasoning (LR) plays a pivotal role in determining success in competitive entrance exams like CLAT and IPMAT. It tests your ability to think clearly and critically, while demanding speed, accuracy, and sound decision-making under pressure. For students targeting top law and management institutes, excelling in LR is non-negotiable.

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we train aspirants to decode Logical Reasoning with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Whether you're aiming to crack CLAT’s passage-based reasoning or IPMAT’s analytical challenges, this guide shares essential tricks, strategies, and daily practice routines to boost your performance.

---

Understanding the Logical Reasoning Section

In CLAT:

• Passage-based questions test your ability to analyze arguments, identify assumptions, detect flaws, and draw inferences.

• Emphasis is on critical reasoning, not puzzle-solving.

• Strong reading comprehension is essential.

In IPMAT (IIM Indore & Rohtak):

• Focus on analytical reasoning — puzzles, series, syllogisms, blood relations, and coding-decoding.

• Speed and accuracy are critical.

• Understanding the distinction between the two exams helps you apply the right tricks strategically.

---

Trick 1: Eliminate the Obvious – Don’t Search for the Perfect Answer

Many questions have closely worded choices. Instead of looking for the perfect option, eliminate the obviously incorrect ones first.

Why it works:
This improves your odds significantly. In CLAT-style questions, this often narrows it down to two choices, after which evidence from the passage helps determine the best one.

---

Trick 2: Treat Every Passage Like a Courtroom Case (CLAT)

When reading a CLAT reasoning passage, adopt a legal mindset:

• What is the claim or conclusion?

• What evidence supports it?

• Is there a flaw in the logic?

• Could the opposite argument be true?

Practice Tip: After reading each passage, summarize the argument in one line. This helps separate reasoning from fluff.

---

Trick 3: Decode the Question Stem

Understand exactly what the question is asking. Common question types include:

• Strengthen/Weaken the argument

• Identify an assumption

• Point out a flaw

• Draw a conclusion

Knowing the type helps you scan for the relevant data quickly.

---

Trick 4: Visualize Problems (IPMAT)

For analytical reasoning in IPMAT:

• Draw tables

• Sketch diagrams

• Use abbreviations

Example:
In a seating arrangement with 7 people around a circle, draw the layout immediately. This reduces confusion and prevents backtracking.

---

Trick 5: Use Options to Work Backwards

When stuck, plug in the answer options instead of solving from scratch.

When to use:

• Input-output puzzles

• Syllogisms

• Assumption questions

• Cause-effect reasoning

Sometimes, reverse-solving is faster and more effective.

---

Trick 6: Master Keywords and Logical Connectors

Words like however, therefore, although, but, because, despite, and hence guide reasoning.

• In CLAT: Helps identify conclusions and contradictions.

• In IPMAT: Helps follow logical flow, especially in assumption or cause-effect questions.

---

Trick 7: Keep a Reasoning Logbook

Maintain a notebook to record:

• Mistakes made

• Time taken per question

• Question types you struggle with

Review weekly to identify patterns and focus on weak areas.

---

Trick 8: Avoid Overthinking

Stick to what’s in the passage — don’t project your personal opinions.

Example:
If the passage says “recycling is ineffective,” treat it as fact, even if you personally disagree.

---

Trick 9: Prioritize and Move On

• In IPMAT: Skip time-consuming questions like complex puzzles. Return later if time permits.

• In CLAT: Don’t dwell on questions you feel should be easy. If unsure, guess and move on.

---

Daily Practice Plan

Tip: Add 15–20 minutes of revision daily to consolidate strategies and log errors.

---

What to Avoid

• Guessing randomly without eliminating options

• Rushing through reasoning passages

• Ignoring mock test analysis

• Only practicing strong areas

• Skipping revision of previously solved questions

---

How Career Launcher South Ex Supports LR Mastery

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we offer:

• Section-wise classes tailored to CLAT and IPMAT

• Regular workshops on puzzles, RC logic, and advanced reasoning

• Daily drills and take-home assignments

• Detailed error analysis and expert faculty feedback

• Mock test strategy sessions focused on reasoning sections

We don’t just teach tricks — we help you build habits. And habits win exams.

---

Final Thoughts

Logical Reasoning is not just a section — it's a thinking skill. Like any skill, it improves with:

• Smart practice

• Focused revision

• Strategic shortcuts

Whether you're dissecting a legal argument or decoding a complex puzzle, the right approach gives you the edge.

Start slow. Stay consistent. Log your progress.
These small steps lead to big results.

Think logically. Practice deliberately. Perform exceptionally.