Order AND Ranking Questions Placement

Last Updated: March 2026

Introduction to Order and Ranking

Order and Ranking is a logical reasoning topic that involves determining the position of objects or persons in a row, column, or specific arrangement. These questions test your spatial reasoning, ability to interpret positional information, and logical deduction skills. This topic is commonly asked in TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and almost all major company placement exams.

Why This Topic is Important

Order and Ranking questions assess:

Spatial visualization ability
Understanding of positional relationships
Left-right and top-bottom orientation
Quick calculation with positions
Ability to handle overlapping conditions

Companies That Ask Order and Ranking Questions (with Frequency)

Company	Frequency	Difficulty Level
TCS	High	Easy to Moderate
Infosys	High	Easy
Wipro	High	Easy
Cognizant	High	Easy to Moderate
Accenture	Moderate	Easy
Capgemini	Moderate	Easy
IBM	Moderate	Easy
Tech Mahindra	High	Easy
HCL	Moderate	Easy
LTI Mindtree	Moderate	Easy

KEY FORMULAS / CONCEPTS

╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║              ORDER AND RANKING FORMULA SHEET                     ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║                                                                  ║
║  LINEAR ARRANGEMENT (Single Row)                                 ║
║  ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────   ║
║                                                                  ║
║  Position from Left + Position from Right = Total + 1           ║
║                                                                  ║
║  If A is at position p from left in row of n persons:           ║
║  Position from right = n - p + 1                                ║
║                                                                  ║
║  Number of persons between two positions:                       ║
║  - If positions from same end: |p₁ - p₂| - 1                    ║
║  - If positions from opposite ends: p₁ + p₂ - n - 1             ║
║                                                                  ║
║  TWO PARALLEL ROWS                                               ║
║  ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────   ║
║                                                                  ║
║  If Row 1 and Row 2 face each other:                            ║
║  - Position from left in Row 1 corresponds to position          ║
║    from right in Row 2 (when facing each other)                 ║
║                                                                  ║
║  RANKING FROM TOP/BOTTOM (Vertical)                             ║
║  ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────   ║
║                                                                  ║
║  Rank from Top + Rank from Bottom = Total Students + 1          ║
║                                                                  ║
║  Number of students between two ranks:                          ║
║  - Same direction ranks: |R₁ - R₂| - 1                          ║
║  - Opposite direction: R₁ + R₂ - Total - 1                      ║
║                                                                  ║
║  OVERLAPPING RANKS                                               ║
║  ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────   ║
║                                                                  ║
║  When sum of positions > Total + 1: Overlap exists              ║
║  Overlap = (Position from Left + Position from Right) - (n+1)   ║
║                                                                  ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

30 Practice Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions

Question 1

In a row of 40 students, Ravi is 15th from the left. What is his position from the right?

Solution: Position from right = Total - Position from left + 1 = 40 - 15 + 1 = 26th from right

Question 2

In a class of 50 students, Priya ranks 8th from the top. What is her rank from the bottom?

Solution: Rank from bottom = 50 - 8 + 1 = 43rd from bottom

Question 3

In a row, A is 12th from the left and B is 18th from the right. If there are 30 people in the row, how many people are between A and B?

Solution: Position of A from right = 30 - 12 + 1 = 19th Position of B from right = 18th People between them = 19 - 18 - 1 = 0 (They are adjacent)

Question 4

Mohan is 20th from the left and 25th from the right in a row. How many people are in the row?

Solution: Total = Position from left + Position from right - 1 = 20 + 25 - 1 = 44 people

Question 5

In a row of 60 students, Ram is 25th from the left and Shyam is 30th from the right. How many students are between them?

Solution: Position of Shyam from left = 60 - 30 + 1 = 31st Ram is 25th from left Students between = 31 - 25 - 1 = 5 students

Question 6

In a class, Arjun ranks 12th from the top and 28th from the bottom. How many students are in the class?

Solution: Total = 12 + 28 - 1 = 39 students

Question 7

In a row, P is 15th from the left and Q is 20th from the right. If they interchange positions, P becomes 25th from the left. How many people are in the row?

Solution: When P moves to Q's position, P is 25th from left Q's original position from left = 25th Q is 20th from right Total = 25 + 20 - 1 = 44 people

Question 8

In a row of 45 students, A is 15th from the left end and B is 20th from the right end. C sits exactly between A and B. What is C's position from the left?

Solution: Position of B from left = 45 - 20 + 1 = 26th A is at 15th, B is at 26th Middle position = (15 + 26)/2 = 20.5 Since C is between them: C is at 20th or 21st position

Question 9

In a row, Ram is 8th from the left and Shyam is 12th from the right. When they interchange positions, Ram becomes 22nd from the left. What is Shyam's new position from the right?

Solution: Original: Ram = 8th left, Shyam = 12th right After interchange: Ram = 22nd left (which was Shyam's position) Total students = 22 + 12 - 1 = 33 Shyam's new position from right = 33 - 22 + 1 = 12th from right (Or simply: Shyam takes Ram's original position: 8th from left = 33-8+1 = 26th from right)

Question 10

In a class of 40 students, Divya ranks 10th from the top. What is her rank from the bottom?

Solution: Rank from bottom = 40 - 10 + 1 = 31st from bottom

Question 11

In a row, there are 50 people. A is 20th from the left and B is 25th from the right. If C is sitting exactly in the middle of A and B, find C's position from the left.

Solution: Position of B from left = 50 - 25 + 1 = 26th A is at 20th, B is at 26th Middle = (20+26)/2 = 23rd C is at 23rd from left

Question 12

In a row, P is 18th from the left and Q is 22nd from the right. There are 6 people between P and Q. What is the total number of people in the row?

Solution: Two cases: Case 1: P is to the left of Q Position of P from right = Position of Q from right + 6 + 1 = 22 + 7 = 29th Total = 18 + 29 - 1 = 46

Case 2: Q is to the left of P (overlap) Position of P from right = 22 - 6 - 1 = 15th Total = 18 + 15 - 1 = 32

Question 13

In a class, Ravi's rank is 15th from the top and 20th from the bottom. How many students are in the class?

Solution: Total = 15 + 20 - 1 = 34 students

Question 14

In a row of 35 students, A is 12th from the left. B is 15th from the right. How many students are between A and B?

Solution: Position of B from left = 35 - 15 + 1 = 21st A is at 12th Students between = 21 - 12 - 1 = 8 students

Question 15

In a row, X is 10th from the left and Y is 15th from the right. If they swap positions, X becomes 20th from the left. How many people are between them originally?

Solution: When X moves to Y's position, X is 20th from left So Y's original position from left = 20th Total = 20 + 15 - 1 = 34 Original positions: X = 10th, Y = 20th from left = 15th from right ✓ People between = 20 - 10 - 1 = 9 people

Question 16

In a row of 48 students, A ranks 18th from the top. B is 12th from the bottom. How many students are between A and B?

Solution: Position of B from top = 48 - 12 + 1 = 37th Students between = 37 - 18 - 1 = 18 students

Question 17

In a row, A is 25th from the left and B is 20th from the right. C is sitting exactly between them. If total students = 50, what is C's position from the right?

Solution: Position of A from right = 50 - 25 + 1 = 26th Position of B from right = 20th Middle from right = (26 + 20)/2 = 23rd C is 23rd from right

Question 18

In a class of 45 students, Ram is ranked 12th. Shyam is 8 ranks below Ram. What is Shyam's rank from the bottom?

Solution: Shyam's rank from top = 12 + 8 = 20th Shyam's rank from bottom = 45 - 20 + 1 = 26th from bottom

Question 19

In a row, P is 16th from the left. Q is 22nd from the right. R is 4th to the right of P and also 4th to the left of Q. How many people are in the row?

Solution: Position of R from left = 16 + 4 = 20th Position of R from right = 22 - 4 = 18th? No wait, let me recalculate If R is 4th to the left of Q, and Q is 22nd from right: Position of R from right = 22 + 4 = 26th Total = 20 + 26 - 1 = 45 people

Question 20

In a row of 30 students, A is 8th from the left. B is 12th from the right. If C is exactly in the middle, how many students are between A and C?

Solution: Middle position = (30+1)/2 = 15.5, so positions 15 and 16 Let's take middle as 15th from either side A is 8th from left, C is 15th from left Students between = 15 - 8 - 1 = 6 students

Question 21

In a row, A is 14th from the left. B is 18th from the right. After interchanging positions, A becomes 22nd from the left. What was B's original position from the left?

Solution: After interchange, A is at B's original position = 22nd from left Total = 22 + 18 - 1 = 39 B's original position from left = 22nd

Question 22

In a class of 36 students, Raj is 8th from the top. After some students join, he becomes 12th from the top. How many new students joined?

Solution: Originally: 8th from top means 7 students above him New: 12th from top means 11 students above him Students added above Raj = 11 - 7 = 4 But they could also be added below. Assuming added above: New total = 36 + 4 = 40 (but need 11 above him...) Actually: Originally 36 total, Raj at 8th New: Raj at 12th, so 11 students above, and still 29 below (from original) New total = 11 + 1 + 29 = 41 Students joined = 41 - 36 = 5 students

Question 23

In a row, P is 20th from the left. Q is 25th from the right. R is exactly between P and Q. Total people = 50. How many people are between P and R?

Solution: Position of Q from left = 50 - 25 + 1 = 26th P is at 20th, Q is at 26th R is in middle = (20+26)/2 = 23rd People between P and R = 23 - 20 - 1 = 2 people

Question 24

In a row of 42 people, A is 15th from the left. B is to the right of A such that there are exactly 8 people between them. What is B's position from the right?

Solution: Position of B from left = 15 + 8 + 1 = 24th Position of B from right = 42 - 24 + 1 = 19th from right

Question 25

In a class, Mohan ranks 18th from the top and 32nd from the bottom. After 5 new students join at the top, what is his new rank from the bottom?

Solution: Original total = 18 + 32 - 1 = 49 New total = 49 + 5 = 54 Mohan's new position from top = 18 + 5 = 23rd New rank from bottom = 54 - 23 + 1 = 32nd from bottom

Question 26

In a row, X is 12th from the left and Y is 18th from the right. They interchange positions. Now X is 25th from the left. How many people are between them in their new positions?

Solution: Y's original position from left = 25th Total = 25 + 18 - 1 = 42 X's new position = 25th from left = 18th from right (Y's original) Y's new position = 12th from left = 31st from right People between = 25 - 12 - 1 = 12 people

Question 27

In a row of 55 students, A is 20th from the left. B is to the left of A such that C, who is exactly in the middle of the row, is equidistant from both A and B. What is B's position from the right?

Solution: Middle position = (55+1)/2 = 28th A is at 20th, C is at 28th Distance AC = 28 - 20 = 8 B is 8 positions to the left of C = 28 - 8 = 20th from left But A is at 20th, so B coincides with A? Recheck: B is to the left of A Actually: B should be at 28 - 8 = 20, but that's A So B is at 20 - 8 = 12th from left? No, equidistant means distance same C at 28, A at 20, distance = 8 B should be at 28 + 8 = 36 or 28 - 8 = 20 Since B is left of A, this problem has inconsistency or B is at 20 (same as A) Re-reading: Maybe C is equidistant in terms of people between? Let's assume B at position x, C at 28, A at 20 |28-x| = |28-20| = 8, so x = 20 or 36 If B is left of A, and A is at 20, B < 20, so no valid position Maybe problem means different interpretation. Let's say B is at 12th or similar Actually: If C is exactly middle at 28, A at 20 (8 left), B should be 8 right at 36 B's position from right = 55 - 36 + 1 = 20th from right

Question 28

In a row, P is 30th from the left and Q is 25th from the right. They interchange positions. Now P is 40th from the left. How many people were originally between P and Q?

Solution: Q's original position from left = 40th Total = 40 + 25 - 1 = 64 Original: P at 30th, Q at 40th from left = 25th from right ✓ People between = 40 - 30 - 1 = 9 people

Question 29

In a class of 48 students, A is ranked 16th. B is 8 ranks above A. C is 6 ranks below B. What is C's rank from the bottom?

Solution: B's rank = 16 - 8 = 8th from top C's rank = 8 + 6 = 14th from top C's rank from bottom = 48 - 14 + 1 = 35th from bottom

Question 30

In a row, Ram is 15th from the left. Shyam is to the right of Ram. When they interchange positions, Ram becomes 28th from the left. How many people are between them in their original positions?

Solution: Shyam's original position from left = 28th Total = need Shyam's position from right... not given directly Wait: After interchange, Ram is at Shyam's position = 28th from left But Ram was originally 15th from left Total students? We need more info or assume... Actually, we can find: Shyam's position from right = ? Total = 28 + (Shyam's position from right) - 1 From original: Ram at 15th, Shyam at 28th from left People between = 28 - 15 - 1 = 12 people

SHORTCUTS & TRICKS

Trick 1: Left-Right Formula

Position from Right = Total - Position from Left + 1

Trick 2: Between Two People (Same Direction)

People between = |Position₁ - Position₂| - 1

Trick 3: Between Two People (Opposite Direction)

First convert both to same direction, then apply Trick 2.

Trick 4: Interchange Problems

After interchange, the new position of one person = original position of the other.

Trick 5: Total Students Formula

Total = Position from Top + Position from Bottom - 1

Trick 6: Middle Position

Middle position = (Total + 1)/2 (for odd total) Or positions at Total/2 and Total/2 + 1 (for even total)

Trick 7: Overlap Detection

If sum of positions from opposite ends > Total + 1, there is overlap.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the +1: In formulas like Total = Left + Right - 1, students often forget -1.
Direction Confusion: Mixing up left-right or top-bottom positions.
Interchange Confusion: Not tracking who moves where in interchange problems.
Between vs From: "Between A and B" excludes A and B themselves.
Overlap Errors: When positions overlap, adjust calculations accordingly.
Even vs Odd Total: Middle position calculation differs for even and odd totals.
Not Drawing: Sketch a quick diagram to visualize positions.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I remember all the formulas? A: Focus on understanding: Position from one end + Position from other end = Total + 1. Most formulas derive from this.

Q2: What if the problem doesn't give total number of students? A: Use interchange information or "between" information to set up equations and solve for total.

Q3: How do I handle multiple conditions? A: Break down step by step. Find one position, then use it to find the next.

Q4: Are ranking and position the same? A: Yes, generally interchangeable. "5th rank from top" = "5th position from top."

Q5: How much time should I spend per question? A: 30-45 seconds is ideal. Practice mental calculation to improve speed.

Master these 30 questions and you'll excel at Order and Ranking in your placement exams!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary range for placements in 2026 for companies that ask Order & Ranking questions?

For many Indian IT services companies (like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and similar recruiters), the salary for freshers in 2026 commonly falls in the mid-to-high single digits LPA, depending on the role and campus policy. However, the exact CTC varies by company, location, and the final selection outcome after aptitude and interview rounds.

What is the eligibility criteria for placement 2026 when Order & Ranking is part of the aptitude test?

Eligibility usually includes a minimum percentage/CGPA in graduation (often 60%+ or equivalent) and a standard backlogs policy as per the company’s rules. Most companies also require that you are graduating in 2026 (or within their allowed batch window) and meet any age/degree-type criteria.

How difficult are Order and Ranking questions in placement exams for 2026?

Order and Ranking questions are considered moderate difficulty because they rely on careful reading of constraints rather than advanced math. The difficulty increases when multiple conditions are given (e.g., “between,” “at the ends,” “exactly two positions away,” and mixed “left/right” or “before/after” statements).

How should I prepare for Order and Ranking questions to improve my chances in 2026 placements?

Start with basic patterns (linear arrangements, “who is at the ends,” and simple “between” conditions), then move to complex mixed constraints. Practice with timed sets daily, maintain a step-by-step approach (marking positions, eliminating impossible cases), and review mistakes to avoid repeating logic errors.

What are the interview rounds where Order & Ranking questions typically appear?

Order and Ranking questions are most commonly found in the written aptitude section of the recruitment process (online test/assessment). Some companies may also include similar logical reasoning questions in subsequent rounds, but the core placement screening typically happens during the aptitude test stage.

What common topics are asked alongside Order and Ranking in placement 2026 exams?

You’ll often see a mix of logical reasoning topics such as Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, and Number Series. Many tests combine these with Quant and Verbal sections, so your overall aptitude speed and accuracy matter.

How do I apply for placements 2026 in companies that test Order & Ranking skills?

Typically, you apply through your college’s placement cell and the company’s official recruitment portal or campus drive registration link. Ensure your profile details (CGPA/percentage, graduation year, backlogs status) match eligibility requirements, and prepare documents like resume and transcripts as per the company checklist.

What is the selection rate for placements 2026, and how much does Order & Ranking affect it?

Selection rates vary widely by college, company, and batch size, but they are generally competitive, often only a fraction of applicants clear aptitude screening and move to interviews. Strong performance in logical reasoning (including Order & Ranking) helps you qualify consistently, especially because these questions are scoring when approached systematically.