Patwari Exam · Reasoning
Seating Arrangement in Reasoning
This note explains linear, circular, and direction-based seating arrangement questions step by step.
- Reasoning & Numerical Ability
- 5 min read
Verified 6 October 2026
Key Formulas & Methods
- Linear arrangement
- Linear arrangement: people seated in a row — "A is to the right of B" means B→A.
- Circular arrangement
- Circular arrangement: people seated at a round table — "facing the center" or "facing outward".
- Worked example
- Example: 6 people in a circle, B to A's left, D opposite C → work out the positions.
- Direction-based seating
- Direction-based seating: facing north → left side = west; facing south → left side = east.
- Row-position formula
- Row-position formula: if there are m people from the left and n from the right → total = m+n−1.
- Two-row arrangement
- Two-row arrangement: Row 1 and Row 2 facing each other — the direction reverses.
- Exam tip
- Exam tip: draw a table or circle; add one condition at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between linear and circular seating arrangement?+
In a linear arrangement people sit in a row, while in a circular arrangement people sit at a round table facing either the center or outward.
How do you find the total number of people in a row?+
If a person's position is m from the left and n from the right, the total number of people = m+n−1.
What is the best tip for solving seating-arrangement questions?+
Draw a table or circle and add one condition at a time, so everyone's position becomes clear.