Data Sufficiency
Data Sufficiency
Data sufficiency questions test whether given statements provide enough information to answer a question — you do not need to solve the problem, only determine if it can be solved.
Key Idea
Focus on sufficiency, not the actual answer. Check each statement independently first, then together. Stop as soon as you know the answer is determinable.
Core Rules
Statement Independence
First check Statement I alone, then Statement II alone, before combining
Always — this is the standard evaluation order.
Five-Option Framework
(a) I alone sufficient, (b) II alone sufficient, (c) Both together needed, (d) Either alone sufficient, (e) Both together not sufficient
Standard answer choices in banking exams (IBPS PO/SBI PO).
Uniqueness Test
A statement is sufficient only if it leads to exactly one answer — multiple possible answers means insufficient
When a statement narrows possibilities but does not fix a unique answer.
Combine Only When Needed
Combine statements only after confirming neither alone is sufficient
Prevents wasting time on combination when one statement already works.
Relevant Exams
Data sufficiency is a staple in banking exams — IBPS PO typically has a set of 5 questions. Speed comes from recognizing sufficiency patterns without fully solving the underlying problem.