Practical Knowledge & Intellectual Ability – Short Notes for Karnataka KREIS Exam 2026
For Karnataka KREIS Exam 2026, this section mainly tests common-sense application, logical thinking, problem-solving, observation, numerical ability, decision-making and interpretation of information.
1. Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning tests the ability to identify relationships and reach correct conclusions.
Important Topics
Analogy
Classification
Series
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Direction Sense
Ranking and Order
Venn Diagrams
Syllogism
Statement and Conclusion
Odd One Out
Logical Puzzles
Example:
Book : Reading :: Pen : Writing
2. Number Series
Find the relationship between numbers and identify the missing number.
Common patterns:
Addition/subtraction
Multiplication/division
Squares and cubes
Alternating patterns
Example:
2, 4, 8, 16, ? → 32
3. Coding-Decoding
A word, letter or number is changed according to a particular rule.
Important methods:
Alphabet position
Letter shifting
Reverse alphabet
Number coding
Symbol coding
Remember:
A = 1, B = 2, C = 3 … Z = 26.
4. Blood Relations
Questions are based on family relationships.
Important terms:
Father
Mother
Brother
Sister
Son
Daughter
Uncle
Aunt
Grandfather
Grandmother
Tip: Draw a simple family tree instead of solving mentally.
5. Direction Sense
Basic directions:
North – South – East – West
Also remember:
North-East
North-West
South-East
South-West
Tip: Always draw a small direction diagram when the question contains several turns.
6. Analogy
Analogy identifies a similar relationship between two pairs.
Example:
Bird : Nest :: Lion : Den
Possible analogy types:
Object and use
Person and profession
Animal and home
Part and whole
Cause and effect
7. Classification
Identify the item that does not belong to a particular group.
Example:
Apple, Mango, Banana, Carrot
Answer → Carrot, because it is a vegetable while the others are fruits.
8. Quantitative Ability
Basic mathematics is important for practical problem-solving.
Important Topics
Number System
Simplification
Fractions
Decimals
Percentage
Ratio and Proportion
Average
Profit and Loss
Simple Interest
Time and Work
Time, Speed and Distance
HCF and LCM
Data Interpretation
Important Formulas
Percentage
Percentage = (Part / Whole) × 100
Average
Average = Sum of observations / Number of observations
Profit
Profit = Selling Price − Cost Price
Loss
Loss = Cost Price − Selling Price
9. Time, Speed and Distance
Basic relationship:
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Therefore:
Distance = Speed × Time
Time = Distance ÷ Speed
These questions are commonly based on:
Trains
Vehicles
Walking
Relative speed
10. Time and Work
Important concept:
If a person completes a job in 10 days, their one-day work is 1/10.
For combined work, add individual work rates.
Example:
A completes a work in 10 days and B in 20 days.
Their combined one-day work:
1/10 + 1/20 = 3/20
So they complete the work in 20/3 days.
11. Data Interpretation
Data may be presented through:
Tables
Bar graphs
Pie charts
Line graphs
Pictographs
Questions generally ask:
Total
Difference
Average
Percentage
Ratio
Increase/decrease
Tip: Read the units and scale carefully before calculating.
12. Problem-Solving Ability
Practical questions may involve everyday situations such as:
Managing time
Comparing prices
Calculating change
Choosing the shortest route
Understanding schedules
Interpreting notices
Making decisions using given information
The best approach is to:
Understand → Identify facts → Apply logic → Eliminate wrong options → Select answer
13. Calendar and Clock
Calendar
Important concepts:
Odd days
Leap year
Number of days in months
Day/date relationships
Leap Year Rule:
A year divisible by 4 is generally a leap year, but century years must be divisible by 400.
Clock
Important topics:
Angle between hands
Time gained/lost
Coinciding hands
Opposite hands
14. Mental Ability
Mental ability questions test quick thinking.
Important areas:
Missing numbers
Missing letters
Pattern recognition
Mathematical reasoning
Logical puzzles
Arrangement problems
Sequence completion
Tip: Look for the simplest pattern first.
15. Observation and Attention
These questions test the ability to identify small differences or relationships.
Possible questions:
Figure matching
Figure classification
Mirror images
Water images
Embedded figures
Counting figures
Spotting differences
16. Decision Making
Decision-making questions provide a situation and several possible actions.
Choose the option that is:
Logical
Practical
Fair
Safe
Based on the given information
Avoid assumptions that are not stated in the question.
17. Practical General Knowledge
Practical knowledge may include everyday awareness of:
Road safety
Traffic rules
First aid
Banking
Digital payments
Public services
Disaster management
Environmental protection
Health and hygiene
Basic technology
Communication
Civic responsibilities
Road Safety
Follow traffic signals.
Wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.
Wear a seat belt in a car.
Do not use a mobile phone while driving.
Follow speed limits.
18. Computer and Digital Literacy
Important basic topics:
Computer hardware and software
Internet
Email
Web browsers
Search engines
Cyber safety
Digital payments
Password security
File and folder management
Basic MS Office concepts
Cyber Safety
Never share OTPs or passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords.
Avoid suspicious links.
Verify websites before entering personal information.
Enable two-factor authentication where available.
19. Intellectual Ability – Important Skills
KREIS candidates should develop:
Observation → Analysis → Logical Reasoning → Calculation → Decision Making → Problem Solving
These skills are more important than memorising large amounts of information.
KREIS Exam 2026 – High-Priority Topics
Reasoning: Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Ranking, Venn Diagrams, Syllogism
Numerical Ability: Percentage, Ratio, Average, Profit & Loss, SI, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, HCF/LCM
Mental Ability: Puzzles, Patterns, Missing Numbers, Logical Sequences
Data Skills: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs
Practical Knowledge: Road Safety, Health & Hygiene, First Aid, Banking, Digital Payments, Cyber Safety, Environment and Civic Responsibilities
Exam Strategy: Practice questions with a timer. Focus on accuracy first, then speed, and use option elimination whenever direct calculation is lengthy.