Analytical Reasoning

Statement & Assumption

Identify implicit assumptions

Statement and Assumption questions test your ability to identify what is implicitly assumed (taken for granted) in a given statement.

What is Statement & Assumption?

An assumption is something that is not explicitly stated but must be true for the statement to be logically valid. You must evaluate whether given assumptions are implicit in the statement.

Why is it Important?

This is a critical topic for management entrance exams (CAT, MAT) and banking exams, testing higher-order analytical thinking.

Key Techniques

An assumption must be necessary for the statement to make sense
If the assumption is restating the statement, it's usually implicit
Extreme/absolute assumptions are usually not implicit
Test by negation — if negating the assumption makes the statement meaningless, it's implicit

Common Patterns

•Assumptions about capability/willingness

•Assumptions about existence/availability

•Assumptions about effectiveness

•Assumptions about cause-effect

💡 Pro Tips

1.Use the negation test: negate the assumption — if the statement becomes absurd, the assumption is implicit

2.Assumptions that go beyond the scope of the statement are not implicit

3.Be wary of assumptions with extreme words (all, never, only)

📋 Exams Where Asked

CATMATSNAPXATIBPS POSBI PO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the negation test for assumptions?

Negate (reverse) the assumption. If the original statement becomes illogical or meaningless with the negated assumption, then the assumption IS implicit.

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