Short answer: “logical reasoning” is a loose label. Test owners usually split it into deductive reasoning (draw a conclusion that must follow from the facts given) and inductive reasoning (find the rule in a pattern). Check your invitation for the exact test name. This page covers the deductive kind, and links to our guide for patterns.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. By Prepti. Spotted something out of date? Contact us.
What it measures
SHL says deductive reasoning tests measure your ability to draw logical conclusions from the information provided, identify strengths and weaknesses of arguments, and complete scenarios using incomplete information (SHL practice tests). Its Verify Deductive Reasoning fact sheet describes the test as evaluating arguments, analysing scenarios and drawing logical conclusions (SHL fact sheet).
Formats you may see
- Multiple choice from a short set of facts. SHL’s fact sheet shows a list of facts, then a question such as which statement “MUST be true”, with options A to E (SHL fact sheet).
- Interactive drag and drop. SHL’s practice page lists a mobile-enabled, interactive deductive version alongside a standard multiple-choice version (SHL practice tests).
- Timing. SHL’s Verify Deductive Reasoning fact sheet gives 20 minutes and a maximum of 18 questions, adaptive multiple choice (SHL fact sheet). That is one test. Yours may differ.
- Inside combined tests. SHL says its Verify G+ test has 30 questions, 10 each for numerical, deductive and inductive reasoning (SHL G+ fact sheet).
- Other names. KPMG UK describes a cognitive assessment on numerical and logical reasoning (KPMG UK).
How to answer
- Read only what is stated. Do not add facts you know from real life.
- Notice the question word. “Must be true” is stricter than “could be true”.
- Turn the facts into a quick diagram: arrows for “if… then”, a line for order.
- Check each option against the facts. Cross out any option that needs a fact you were not given.
- If nothing follows from the facts, the answer is “cannot tell”, where that option exists.
Three original worked examples
These are written by Prepti. They are not official questions.
Example 1. Which must be true?
Facts: Every report sent on a Friday is reviewed by Monday. The Q3 report was sent on a Friday.
Which must be true?
A. The Q3 report was sent on a Monday.
B. The Q3 report is reviewed by Monday.
C. Every report reviewed by Monday was sent on a Friday.
D. The Q3 report was not reviewed.
Answer: B. The facts link “sent on a Friday” to “reviewed by Monday”, and the Q3 report was sent on a Friday. Option C reverses the rule, which the facts do not allow.
Example 2. Can you tell?
Facts: Every analyst on the team has passed the screening. Priya is on the team and is an analyst. Marcus passed the screening.
Statement: Marcus is an analyst on the team.
Is the statement true, false, or cannot tell?
Answer: Cannot tell. The rule goes from analyst to passed screening, not the other way. Marcus passing does not show he is an analyst or on the team.
Example 3. Order.
Facts: Task A finishes before task B. Task C finishes after task B. Task D finishes before task A.
Which task finishes last?
Answer: C. The order is D, A, B, C.
Common mistakes
- Reversing a rule: “all A are B” does not mean “all B are A”.
- Using outside knowledge instead of the facts given.
- Picking an option that could be true, when the question asks what must be true.
- Spending too long on one item when the test is timed. Check your invitation for the time limit.
How to practise
Start with free practice from the owner. SHL lists deductive reasoning practice tests in two formats, interactive and standard multiple choice (SHL practice tests). Practise reading carefully before you practise speed. Our SHL test prep page lists SHL’s free resources and paid options.
Prepti has a free logical reasoning practice test of 15 original questions. This test uses number and letter patterns. This explainer also covers deductive items, which that test doesn’t include. The test is unofficial.
FAQ
Is logical reasoning the same as deductive reasoning? Test owners use the terms differently. SHL uses “deductive” and “inductive”. Check which one your invitation names.
Do I need paid prep? Start with free owner practice, then decide. See how we rank for how we compare options.
Sources
SHL practice tests page, SHL Verify Deductive Reasoning fact sheet, SHL Verify G+ fact sheet, KPMG UK graduate application process page. Last checked 15 October 2026.