Q14·CSAT · Prelims 2026

Logic — Spatial Match Puzzles

ReasoningMatrix PuzzleSeries & Pattern● Hard

Question

Two identical straight rods are painted in five distinct colours so that each of them gets divided into five equal parts along the length. In one of them, the portions are marked P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 (not necessarily in that order) whereas in the other, they are marked Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5 (not necessarily in that order). When the rods are kept parallel to each other side by side, Pl and Q3 match, P4 matches Q1 or Q2, and Q4 matches P3 or P5. If Q3 and Q5 are adjacent, which of the following is/are possible? I. Q3 is marked at the middle portion of the straight rod. II. P2 is marked at one of the extreme portions of the straight rod. Select the answer using the code given below.

Options

I only

II only

Both I and II

Answer

Neither I nor II

Explanation

Let us model the parallel positional tracks for the two rods across 5 spatial index positions \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\}.

Given alignment constraint: P_1 aligns with Q_3.

Given adjacency constraint: Q_3 and Q_5 are adjacent segments.

Let let us evaluate Statement I: Can Q_3 be placed in the middle portion (position 3)? If Q_3 is at position 3, then P_1 is also at position 3. Since Q_5 is adjacent to Q_3, Q_5 can occupy either position 2 or position 4. This leaves open slots for the remaining parts to be distributed without violating any boundary conditions, making Statement I a valid possibility.

Let us evaluate Statement II: Can P_2 be placed at one of the extreme positions (position 1 or 5)? Since P_1 is tied to Q_3, P_2 is free to occupy any of the other four positions, including the ends, provided the remaining constraints (P_4 matching Q_1/Q_2 and Q_4 matching P_3/P_5) can be met. Modeling these independent variables shows that valid configurations exist where P_2 sits at an extreme end, making Statement II also a valid possibility.

Since both structural layouts are logically possible, 'Both I and II' is the correct choice.

Possibility puzzles require confirming whether a layout can exist without violating any explicitly stated rules.

Answer: (c).

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

CSAT

Question

Q14

Section

Analytical Reasoning

Sub-topic

Matrix Puzzle

Type

Series & Pattern

Difficulty

Hard

Source hint

Standard arrangements — linear relative alignment rules

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