Table of Contents
What is Machine Input Output in Bank PO
Machine Input Output is a reasoning topic where a machine rearranges a given input following a specific pattern across multiple steps. You need to identify the logic and answer questions based on it.
In IBPS PO Mains, 5 questions (1 set) are asked from Input Output. It can be a scoring area if you identify the pattern quickly.
Types of Input Output Questions
- Word Arrangement: Words arranged alphabetically or by length
- Number Arrangement: Numbers arranged in ascending/descending order
- Mixed: Both words and numbers
- New Pattern: Mathematical operations on numbers, letter shifting
Word Arrangement Pattern
In this type, words are arranged alphabetically either from left to right or right to left.
Example
Input: tiger lion elephant zebra monkey
Step 1: elephant tiger lion zebra monkey (elephant first alphabetically)
Step 2: elephant lion tiger zebra monkey (lion next)
Step 3: elephant lion monkey tiger zebra
Step 4: elephant lion monkey tiger zebra (final)
Number Arrangement Pattern
Numbers arranged in ascending or descending order, or by sum of digits, or by even/odd.
Example
Input: 45 23 67 12 89 34
Step 1: 89 45 23 67 12 34 (largest first)
Step 2: 89 67 45 23 12 34
Step 3: 89 67 45 34 23 12
Mixed Word + Number
Words arranged alphabetically on one side, numbers on the other.
Example
Input: cat 45 dog 23 apple 67
Step 1: apple cat 45 dog 23 67 (word + number)
New Pattern Input Output
Recent exams have introduced new patterns:
- Mathematical operation: Add/subtract numbers
- Letter shifting: Each letter shifted by +1 or -1
- Vowel-consonant: Vowels arranged separately
Practice Questions
Q1. Input: 24 56 12 78 34 89
Step 1: 89 24 56 12 78 34
Step 2: 89 78 24 56 12 34
Which number will be at 3rd position from left in Step 3?
Ans: Step 3: 89 78 56 24 12 34. 3rd position = 56
FAQs
Q1. How many questions come from Input Output?
Usually 5 questions (1 set) in IBPS PO Mains. Sometimes 0 in Prelims.
Q2. How much time for one set?
Target 4-5 minutes. If pattern is unclear in 2 minutes, skip and return later.
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Last updated: June 02, 2026. Call +91-9804490328.