HCLTech Aptitude Assessment Question Bank
Complete Practice Set with Solutions — Powered by KN Academy
1. Verbal Reasoning
2. Logical Reasoning
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. Analytical Reasoning
5. Critical Reasoning
1. Verbal Reasoning (15 Questions)
Select the word that is most similar in meaning to 'ABUNDANT'.
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Correct Answer: Plentiful
Explanation: Abundant means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.
Find the correctly spelt word.
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Correct Answer: Accommodate
Explanation: The correct spelling is 'Accommodate' (two C's and two M's).
Rearrange the parts: 1. to / 2. the store / 3. went / 4. he
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Correct Answer: 4, 3, 1, 2
Explanation: The correct sentence structure is 'He went to the store' (4, 3, 1, 2).
Complete the sentence: 'Despite his best efforts, he could not ________ the complex issue.'
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Correct Answer: resolve
Explanation: After 'could not' (modal verb), we use the base form of the verb, which is 'resolve'.
Choose the antonym of 'MELANCHOLY'.
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Correct Answer: Cheerful
Explanation: Melancholy means a feeling of pensive sadness; its opposite (antonym) is cheerful.
Identify the meaning of the idiom: 'To spill the beans'.
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Correct Answer: To reveal a secret
Explanation: To spill the beans is an idiom meaning to disclose a secret or confidential information.
Choose the word that can replace the group of words: 'A person who hates mankind'.
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Correct Answer: Misanthrope
Explanation: A misanthrope is a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.
Select the correct passive voice of: 'The chef cooked a delicious meal.'
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Correct Answer: A delicious meal was cooked by the chef.
Explanation: Past simple active ('cooked') changes to past simple passive ('was cooked').
Select the correct indirect speech: He said, 'I am going to the market now.'
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Correct Answer: He said that he was going to the market then.
Explanation: 'Am going' changes to 'was going', and 'now' changes to 'then' in indirect speech.
Select the word with correct spelling.
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Correct Answer: Necessary
Explanation: The correct spelling is 'Necessary' (one 'c' and two 's's).
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition: 'She is proficient ________ German.'
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Correct Answer: in
Explanation: The correct preposition to use with proficient is 'in'.
Find the synonym of 'CANDID'.
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Correct Answer: Frank
Explanation: Candid means truthful and straightforward; frank.
Choose the correct option to fill in the blank: 'Neither the teacher nor the students ________ present.'
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Correct Answer: were
Explanation: According to the rule of proximity, when subjects are joined by 'neither... nor', the verb agrees with the closer subject ('students', which is plural, so 'were').
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'She ran quickly down the street.'
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Correct Answer: Adverb
Explanation: 'Quickly' describes how the action was performed, making it an adverb.
Select the most appropriate option to complete the sentence: 'Hardly had I stepped outside ________ it started to rain.'
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Correct Answer: when
Explanation: The correlative conjunction 'Hardly... when' is the grammatically correct pairing.
2. Logical Reasoning (15 Questions)
Look at this series: 2, 6, 18, 54, ... What number should come next?
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Correct Answer: 162
Explanation: Each number is multiplied by 3 to get the next number. 54 * 3 = 162.
If A is the brother of B; B is the sister of C; and C is the father of D, how D is related to A?
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Correct Answer: Cannot be determined
Explanation: C is D's father, so A is D's uncle. However, D's gender is unknown, so we cannot determine if D is a nephew or niece.
Syllogism: All cats are dogs. Some dogs are birds. Conclusion: Some cats are birds.
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Correct Answer: False
Explanation: False. There is no direct connection established between cats and birds in the statements.
In a certain code language, 'COMPUTER' is written as 'RFUVQNPC'. How is 'MEDICINE' written in that code?
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Correct Answer: EOJDJEFM
Explanation: The letters of the word are reversed, and then each letter is shifted +1 in the alphabet.
Find the missing number in the series: 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, ?
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Correct Answer: 49
Explanation: The series consists of squares of consecutive natural numbers (2^2, 3^2, 4^2, 5^2, 6^2, 7^2). 7^2 = 49.
Pointing to a photograph of a boy, Suresh said, 'He is the son of the only son of my mother.' How is Suresh related to that boy?
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Correct Answer: Father
Explanation: The only son of Suresh's mother is Suresh himself. Therefore, the boy is Suresh's son, making Suresh the father.
If code for 'PENCIL' is 'QFODJM', what is the code for 'PAPER'?
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Correct Answer: QBQFS
Explanation: Each letter is shifted forward by 1 position (+1). P->Q, A->B, P->Q, E->F, R->S = QBQFS.
Statements: All pens are books. All books are desks. Conclusions: I. All pens are desks. II. Some desks are pens.
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Correct Answer: Both I and II follow
Explanation: Both conclusions logically follow directly from the nested set relationships established.
Find the odd one out: 3, 5, 11, 14, 17, 21
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Correct Answer: 14
Explanation: All other numbers except 14 are prime numbers. 14 is a composite number.
If '+' means '-', '-' means '*', '*' means '/', and '/' means '+', evaluate expression logic.
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Correct Answer: 11
Explanation: Substitute mathematical operators according to the given rules and apply BODMAS.
Direction: A man walks 5 km South, turns left and walks 3 km, then turns right and walks 5 km. Which direction is he facing now?
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Correct Answer: South
Explanation: He initially walked South and his final turn was a right turn after moving south, meaning he faces South.
Which number replaces the question mark in the grid pattern: 2, 4, 6 | 3, 9, 27 | 4, 16, ?
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Correct Answer: 64
Explanation: Row pattern: element 1 squared = element 2, cubed = element 3. For row 3: 4^1=4, 4^2=16, 4^3=64.
How many letter pairs are there in the word 'UNIVERSITY' which have as many letters between them as in the alphabet?
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Correct Answer: Two
Explanation: Checking letter positions yields two valid pairs matching alphabetical spacing.
Statement: Should higher education be completely privatized in India? Arguments: I. Yes, it will improve quality. II. No, it will make education unaffordable for poor students.
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Correct Answer: Only argument II is strong
Explanation: Argument II highlights a valid economic barrier, whereas privatization alone does not guarantee quality.
If the 3rd day of a month is Monday, which day will be the 5th day after the 21st of that same month?
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Correct Answer: Wednesday
Explanation: 3rd is Monday. 21st is Friday. 5th day after 21st is 26th, which falls on a Wednesday.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (15 Questions)
If the cost price of 20 articles is equal to the selling price of 15 articles, find the profit percent.
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Correct Answer: 33.33%
Explanation: Let CP of 1 article = $1. CP of 15 = $15, SP of 15 = $20. Profit % = (5/15)*100 = 33.33%.
What is 15% of 60% of 400?
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Correct Answer: 36
Explanation: 60% of 400 = 240. 15% of 240 = (15/100) * 240 = 36.
A can do a piece of work in 8 days and B can do it in 12 days. How long will they take to complete it together?
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Correct Answer: 4.8 days
Explanation: Combined 1-day work = (1/8) + (1/12) = 5/24. Total days = 24/5 = 4.8 days.
A train 120m long is running at 54 km/hr. How much time will it take to pass a pole?
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Correct Answer: 8 seconds
Explanation: Speed = 54 * (5/18) = 15 m/s. Time = 120 / 15 = 8 seconds.
Find the compound interest on $10,000 at 10% per annum for 2 years, compounded annually.
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Correct Answer: $2,100
Explanation: Amount = 10000 * (1.1)^2 = 12100. CI = 12100 - 10000 = $2,100.
The average of 5 numbers is 27. If one number is excluded, the average becomes 25. Find the excluded number.
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Correct Answer: 35
Explanation: Sum of 5 = 135. Sum of 4 = 100. Excluded = 135 - 100 = 35.
A sum of money doubles itself in 5 years at simple interest. In how many years will it become 4 times itself?
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Correct Answer: 15 years
Explanation: To get 3 times interest, time required is 3 * 5 = 15 years.
The ratio of two numbers is 3:4 and their LCM is 180. Find the numbers.
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Correct Answer: 45, 60
Explanation: 12x = 180 => x = 15. Numbers are 3(15)=45 and 4(15)=60.
Evaluate: (112 * 112 + 18 * 18 + 2 * 112 * 18)
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Correct Answer: 16900
Explanation: Expression expands to (112 + 18)^2 = (130)^2 = 16900.
A container contains 40 liters of milk. 4 liters are replaced with water twice. Find final milk quantity.
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Correct Answer: 32.4 liters
Explanation: Remaining milk = 40 * (1 - 4/40)^2 = 40 * (0.81) = 32.4 liters.
Find the HCF of 108, 288, and 360.
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Correct Answer: 36
Explanation: Prime factorization common factors yield HCF = 36.
The speed of a boat in still water is 10 km/hr and the stream speed is 2 km/hr. Find downstream speed.
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Correct Answer: 12 km/hr
Explanation: Downstream speed = Boat speed + Stream speed = 10 + 2 = 12 km/hr.
If 2^x = 32, what is the value of x^3?
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Correct Answer: 125
Explanation: 2^5 = 32 => x = 5. Then 5^3 = 125.
A shopkeeper marks goods 20% above CP and allows a 10% discount. Find net profit percentage.
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Correct Answer: 8%
Explanation: CP = 100, MP = 120. SP = 120 - 12 = 108. Profit % = 8%.
What is the angle between the hour hand and minute hand of a clock at 3:30?
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Correct Answer: 75 degrees
Explanation: Angle formula |30H - 5.5M| = |90 - 165| = 75 degrees.
4. Analytical Reasoning (15 Questions)
Five friends A, B, C, D, and E sit in a row. A is next to B, C is next to D, D is not with E. E is left end. Who is in the middle?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Arrangement from left: E, B, A, C, D. Therefore, A is in the middle.
If South-East becomes North, North-East becomes West and so on. What will West become?
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Correct Answer: South-East
Explanation: Directions shift clockwise by 135 degrees. West becomes South-East.
Which of the following does not belong to the group?
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Correct Answer: Cube
Explanation: Cube is a 3-Dimensional figure, whereas the others are 2-Dimensional shapes.
A watch reads 4:30. If the minute hand points East, in what direction will the hour hand point?
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Correct Answer: North-East
Explanation: Rotating the standard clock face layout 90 degrees counter-clockwise maps the hour hand to North-East.
Find the missing number in the matrix: [2, 3, 5], [4, 9, 25], [3, 2, ?]
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Correct Answer: 1
Explanation: Row values correspond to squares of elements (3^2=9, 2^2=4, so 1^2=1).
Six persons P, Q, R, S, T, U sit around a circular table facing center. Who sits opposite to P?
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Correct Answer: Q
Explanation: Mapping the circular seating sequence correctly places Q diametrically opposite to P.
In a row, Rohit is 15th from left and Suresh is 18th from right. If they interchange positions, Rohit becomes 22nd from left. Find total children.
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Correct Answer: 39
Explanation: Total = New left position + Old right position - 1 = 22 + 18 - 1 = 39.
Which figure comes next: Circle, Triangle, Square, Pentagon, ...
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Correct Answer: Hexagon
Explanation: Each shape adds one side sequentially (3, 4, 5 sides), making the next a 6-sided Hexagon.
Book : Publisher :: Film : ?
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Correct Answer: Producer
Explanation: A publisher funds and releases a book, similarly a producer funds and releases a film.
Inequality evaluation: If A @ B, B # C (where @ is greater, # is equal), find conclusion.
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Correct Answer: A @ C
Explanation: A > B and B = C yields A > C, represented as A @ C.
Find the odd one out among letter clusters: ACE, GIK, MOQ, WXY
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Correct Answer: WXY
Explanation: WXY contains consecutive letters, whereas others skip one letter between each position.
A cube painted red on all faces is cut into 64 smaller identical cubes. How many have no face painted?
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Correct Answer: 8
Explanation: Formula (n - 2)^3 where n = 4 gives (4-2)^3 = 8 unpainted inner cubes.
Statement: All keys are locks. Some locks are doors. Conclusion: Some keys are doors.
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Correct Answer: False
Explanation: False. No guaranteed direct logical overlap exists between keys and doors.
If WATER is coded as YCVGT, how is FIRE coded?
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Correct Answer: HKTG
Explanation: Each letter shifts forward by 2 positions (+2). F->H, I->K, R->T, E->G = HKTG.
Four positions of a dice are given. Which number is on the face opposite to 3?
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Correct Answer: 5
Explanation: Standard dice orientation rules determine that 5 lies opposite to 3.
5. Critical Reasoning (15 Questions)
Statement: 'Use our software to increase your company's productivity.' Assumption I: People want productivity. Assumption II: Software is cheap.
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Correct Answer: Only I is implicit
Explanation: Advertisements appeal to consumer desires, but pricing is not assumed.
Statement: Petrol prices increased sharply. Course of Action: Government should reduce taxes on petrol.
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Correct Answer: Follows
Explanation: Reducing taxes is a practical administrative step to mitigate high prices.
Cause: Heavy rainfall for 48 hours. Effect I: Traffic jams. Effect II: Schools declared holiday.
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Correct Answer: Both are effects of the common cause
Explanation: Traffic jams and school closures are both direct consequences of heavy rain.
Assertion (A): Iron expands in summer. Reason (R): Metals expand when heated.
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Correct Answer: Both A & R are true, R is correct explanation
Explanation: Summer heat causes metals like iron to expand.
Statement: Regular exercise reduces heart disease risks. Assumption: People want to reduce heart disease risks.
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Correct Answer: Implicit
Explanation: Health advice relies on the assumption that people value avoiding health risks.
Statement: Municipal corporation bans single-use plastic bags starting next month.
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Correct Answer: Course of action follows
Explanation: Represents an administrative policy decision aimed at environmental sustainability.
Which strengthens: 'Electric cars are better for urban air quality than petrol cars.'
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Correct Answer: Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Explanation: Zero tailpipe emissions directly supports cleaner urban air quality.
Which weakens: 'Building wider highways will eliminate traffic congestion completely.'
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Correct Answer: Induced demand causes more people to drive.
Explanation: Induced demand demonstrates that congestion is not eliminated permanently.
Statement: Heavy school bags strain children. Course of Action: Schools should restrict textbooks to digital formats or lockers.
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Correct Answer: Follows
Explanation: It is a logical and practical solution to reduce physical strain.
Premise 1: All scientists are curious. Premise 2: Some curious people are creative. Conclusion: Some scientists are creative.
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Correct Answer: Invalid
Explanation: Overlap between curious and creative people does not guarantee scientists fall into that specific subset.
Statement: Local trains delayed by 3 hours due to fog. Course of Action: Cancel all long-distance trains indefinitely.
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Correct Answer: Does not follow
Explanation: Canceling all long-distance trains indefinitely is an extreme and disproportionate measure.
Identify assumption: 'Buy brand X shoes for ultimate comfort.' Assumption: Other shoes do not offer ultimate comfort.
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Correct Answer: Implicit
Explanation: Superlative advertising claims implicitly contrast themselves against alternative products.
Statement: River water pollution is alarming. Course of Action: Factories dumping untreated waste must be heavily penalized.
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Correct Answer: Follows
Explanation: Penalizing polluters is a direct regulatory action to curb river pollution.
Main premise: Cybersecurity training is essential because phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated.
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Correct Answer: Phishing attacks are sophisticated.
Explanation: The underlying driver stated in the text is the rising sophistication of phishing attacks.
Statement: Literacy rate rose by 15%. Conclusion: Poverty has been completely eradicated.
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Correct Answer: Does not follow
Explanation: Increased literacy correlates with growth, but does not guarantee total poverty eradication.