Statement & Conclusions
Statement & Conclusions
A set of statements is given as true (even if they seem unrealistic). You must judge whether each conclusion follows logically — definitely, possibly, or not at all. The test distinguishes between what is explicitly stated, what can be inferred, and what is merely assumed.
Key Idea
A conclusion follows only if it is a direct, necessary logical deduction from the statements — not just a possibility, a common belief, or an implicit assumption.
Core Rules
Accept Statements as True
Treat every statement as an absolute fact for the purpose of this question, regardless of real-world accuracy
Before analysing any conclusion — suspend judgment on the realism of the statements.
Definite vs. Possible Conclusion
"Definitely follows" requires the conclusion to be true in all cases; "possibly follows" is used only when the question explicitly asks for possibility
When distinguishing between conclusion types in IBPS or SBI questions that have 'possibly' options.
Avoid Implicit Assumptions
Do not infer information that is not stated or directly derivable; a conclusion that relies on outside knowledge or common sense does not 'definitely follow'
When a conclusion seems reasonable but requires extra facts not present in the statements.
Universal vs. Particular Statements
"All A are B" does NOT imply "All B are A"; "Some A are B" implies "Some B are A" (conversion rule); apply these syllogistic rules carefully
When statements use quantifiers like all, some, no, none and the conclusion tests the reverse direction.
Both Conclusions Follow Test
If both conclusions are independently valid deductions from the same statements, mark 'Both follow'; if neither alone invalidates the other, they can coexist
When the question asks whether either, neither, or both conclusions follow from the given statements.
Relevant Exams
Statement-Conclusions is a staple in IBPS PO/Clerk reasoning (3–5 questions) and appears in UPSC CSAT reading-comprehension sets. The 'definite vs. possible' distinction is a frequent trap that eliminates careless test-takers.