Machine Input-Output Complete Guide (SSC + Example: Last element comes to front, others shift

Banking Style) right.

11️⃣What is Machine Input-Output? Mathematical Operations

A logical reasoning topic where a set of Numbers are transformed (doubled, halved, +1, -2,
words/numbers is given as Input. etc.).
Example: Replace each number with the next prime
The machine processes it step by step to form a new number.
arrangement.
Coding/Decoding Hybrid
Your task: Find the logic/pattern & answer based on Words converted using alphabetical positions or letter
the given steps. shifting.
2️⃣Common Types of Patterns Mixed (SSC Style)
(A) Word Arrangement Combination of arrangement + arithmetic.
 Alphabetical order (A → Z or Z → A)
 Word length order (small → large or large → 3️⃣Shortcut Formulas & Solving Approach
small) Step 1: Identify Movement
 Vowel/Consonant priority  Check whether first element is fixed or moves.
 First/Last letter arrangement  If extreme ends are shifting in each step →
👉 Trick: Always check the first word in each step → Sorting logic.
see if it is shifting alphabetically or by length.
Step 2: Check Order
(B) Number Arrangement  Numbers: Ascending / Descending?
 Ascending / Descending order  Words: A → Z / Z → A? Or Length-based?
 Even–Odd priority
 Square/Cube arrangement Step 3: Note Step Count
 Greatest → smallest digit sum  Usually, Steps = Number of elements – 1.
 Prime vs Composite grouping  Helps in predicting final step without writing all.
👉 Trick: Look at the first and last number in steps →
they reveal the sorting logic. Step 4: Answer Questions Smartly
 Don’t solve fully → Just decode the pattern.
(C) Mixed (Words + Numbers)
 Then jump directly to the step in question.
 Both words & numbers rearranged
simultaneously. 4️⃣SSC-Style Example
 Usually, words → alphabetical & numbers → Input:
ascending/descending. 85 23 47 12 64
👉 Trick: Track words separately & numbers separately. Step I: 12 85 23 47 64
Step II: 12 23 85 47 64
(D) Mathematical Operation Type (Bank PO style, Step III: 12 23 47 85 64
sometimes seen in SSC MTS/CHSL too) Step IV: 12 23 47 64 85
 Input numbers → Each step performs an Logic: Arranging numbers in ascending order (left to
operation (×2, ÷2, +3, digit sum, etc.). right).
 New sequence forms → final result after 4–6 👉 Shortcut: As soon as you notice smallest →
steps. leftmost, confirm ascending order. No need to write
👉 Trick: Compare Step 1 to Input → spot the exact all steps.
transformation.
5️⃣Common SSC Question Types
1️⃣Types of Machine Input-Output Find Step X: “What will be the sequence at Step III?”
Arrangement-Based 🔑 Trick: Predict directly using logic.
Words or numbers are rearranged in each step
(alphabetical, ascending, descending). Find Position: “Which element is second from left in
Example: Largest number comes first, then smallest, Step IV?”
then 2nd largest, etc. 🔑 Trick: Track position, don’t rewrite entire step.
Shifting/Rotation
Words/Numbers are shifted left/right step by step.
Find Final Arrangement: “What is Step V/final step?” Check: Order (ascending/descending/alphabetical)?
🔑 Trick: Sort instantly (words → A→Z, numbers → Math operation (+, −, ×, ÷)?
Ascending).
✅ Step 2: Identify Pattern in First Step
Find Number of Steps: Look at Step 1 output carefully → find what changed
🔑 Formula: Steps = Total elements – 1. from input.

6️⃣Practice Examples ✅ Step 3: Generalize Rule

Example 1 (Word) Apply same logic to other steps → confirm
Input: Mango Apple Orange Grape Banana consistency.
Output (Final): Apple Banana Grape Mango Orange
👉 Alphabetical (A → Z). ✅ Step 4: Apply to Asked Step
Don’t waste time solving all steps; directly jump to
Example 2 (Number) required step.
Input: 54 23 91 36 72
Output (Final): 91 72 54 36 23 Machine Input–Output Cheat Sheet (SSC CGL
👉 Descending Order. Quick Revision)
Example 3 (Mixed) 1. Alphabetical Arrangement
Input: 32 Rose 15 Lily 48 Lotus 21 Jasmine  Words rearranged alphabetically (A → Z or Z
Final: Jasmine Lily Lotus Rose 48 32 21 15 → A).
👉 Words: Alphabetical; Numbers: Descending.  Trick → Check first letters of words in Step 1.
 SSC PYQ Tip → If words shift one-by-one, count
7️⃣High-Scoring Shortcuts (Memory Tools) steps = no. of words.
✅ If numbers are present → Most common:
Ascending/Descending sort. 2. Numerical Arrangement
✅ If words are present → Most common: Alphabetical  Numbers arranged ascending or descending.
order.  Trick → If smallest goes left in each step →
✅ If both present → Treat separately. ascending.
✅ If steps look like “extreme numbers moving inwards” If largest goes right in each step → descending.
→ Double-ended sorting.  Shortcut → Last step is full sequence →
✅ Steps = (Number of items – 1). compare with input.
8️⃣SSC PYQ Snapshot 3. Mixed Arrangement (Words + Numbers)
🔹 SSC CGL 2021 (Tier-1):  Words arranged alphabetically, numbers arranged
Words arranged in alphabetical order → direct final ascending/descending simultaneously.
step asked.  Trick → Check whether words are placed left &
🔹 RRB 2019: numbers to right (or vice versa).
Numbers arranged descending with 1 number fixed
each step.
🔹 IBPS Clerk 2020 (similar style): 4. Left–Right Shifting
Mixed (Words + Numbers) → words alphabetical,  Smallest/ largest element shifts alternately left
numbers ascending. and right.
 SSC Trick → Step count = half of number of
5️⃣SSC Exam-Oriented Tips elements (approx).
✅ Don’t solve full step-by-step if question asks “What
will be Step IV?” → Directly derive from logic. 5. Digit-Based Arrangement
 Numbers rearranged based on sum of digits,
✅ If asked about position of a word/number in Step even–odd, or last digit.
X → just track that element.  Trick → If “25, 34, 52” become “25, 52, 34”,
check digit sum/ last digit rule.
✅ Practice mixed-pattern questions (arrangement +
shifting). 6. Letter–Number Coding inside Input–Output
 Example → If “CAT 12 DOG 45” becomes “12
Shortcut Tricks to Solve Quickly CAT 45 DOG”, then:
✅ Step 1: Observe Input vs Output  Words & numbers are rearranged in pairs.
Compare first and last step to see what changed.
 Trick → Numbers follow numerical rule, words Question: What is the sequence after Step II?
alphabetical. Solution:
Largest = 87 → Step I: 42 11 56 23 34 87
7. Every Second Step Jump Next largest = 56 → Step II: 42 11 23 34 56 87
 Not every element moves each step → Answer: 42 11 23 34 56 87
sometimes two placed at once. Trick: Track only maxima to the right; don’t reorder
 Trick → Compare Step 1 → Step 2, see if 1 or 2 the left part fully.
items fixed.
Q3. (Words: A→Z, one word per step)
8. Reverse/ Mirror Arrangement Input: mango apple orange grape banana
 Input reversed completely (last → first, first → Question: Final arrangement?
last). Answer: apple banana grape mango orange
 Trick → Step 1 = last element comes first → Trick: Dictionary order; compare first letters only (a <
recognize quickly. b < g < m < o).
9. Odd–Even Rule Q4. (Alternate ends: pick smallest to left, largest to
Odd numbers shift one side, even numbers shift other right)
side. Input: 33 5 78 12 60 41
Trick → Check first step → where odd/even goes. Rule: Step 1 place smallest at left; Step 2 place
largest at right; repeat.
10. Final Step Clues Question: What is Step III?
SSC often asks: Solution:
“What is Step X?” Smallest=5 → S1: 5 33 78 12 60 41
“How many steps required?” Largest=78 → S2: 5 33 12 60 41 78
Shortcut → Always predict final arrangement Next smallest among middle = 12 → S3: 5 12 33 60
pattern → then count backward. 41 78
Answer: 5 12 33 60 41 78
⚡️SSC Exam Quick-Tricks Trick: Work only on the shrinking middle window.
 Always spot the first & last step → saves time.
 If words involved → alphabetical; if numbers
→ ascending/descending.
 If mixed → one side words, other side Q5. (Words: Z→A)
numbers. Input: Rose Lily Jasmine Tulip Lotus
 Step count = No. of words/numbers (if single shift) Question: What is the second word in the final step?
OR half (if double shift). Final (Z→A): Tulip Rose Lotus Lily Jasmine
 Watch out for digit-based rules (SSC 2022-23 Answer: Rose
trend). Trick: Reverse alphabetical; list T, R, L, L, J quickly.
Machine Input–Output (SSC CGL) – Part 1: Q1– Q6. (Numbers: even then odd; within each,
Q20 ascending)
(Each has: Input, task, Solution, and the Quick Trick.) Input: 39 22 14 35 48 17 6
Question: Final arrangement?
Q1. (Ascending order, one item fixed per step) Answer: 6 14 22 48 17 35 39
Input: 85 23 47 12 64 Trick: Partition evens/odds, then sort each block.
Step I: 12 85 23 47 64
Step II: 12 23 85 47 64 Q7. (Length of words: short→long; ties A→Z)
Step III: 12 23 47 85 64 Input: cat blue a zebra hi
Step IV: 12 23 47 64 85 Question: Final arrangement?
Question: What will be Step III for the input? Lengths: a(1), hi(2), cat(3), blue(4), zebra(5)
Answer: 12 23 47 85 64 Answer: a hi cat blue zebra
Trick: Smallest number moves left each step Trick: First by length; same length by dictionary.
(selection-sort feel). Stop at the asked step.
Q8. (Alphanumeric: words A→Z first, then
Q2. (Descending order from right) numbers ↓)
Input: 42 11 56 23 87 34 Input: 32 Rose 15 Lily 48 Lotus 21 Jasmine
Machine places the largest at the right end each Question: Final arrangement?
step. Words A→Z: Jasmine, Lily, Lotus, Rose
Numbers ↓: 48, 32, 21, 15 Final (↑): 7 18 39 65 402
Answer: Jasmine Lily Lotus Rose 48 32 21 15 Question: Final sequence after transformation?
Trick: Treat words and numbers as separate lanes. Answer: 7 18 39 65 402
Trick: Apply reverse once; sort results.
Q9. (Right-shift rotation)
Input: 7 3 9 1 5 Q15. (Z→A, one at left per step)
Rule: Each step: last element comes to front. Input: nut apple zebra mango berry
Question: What is Step IV? Q: Step II?
Steps: Order Z→A: zebra, nut, mango, berry, apple
S1: 5 7 3 9 1 Build:
S2: 1 5 7 3 9 S1: zebra apple mango nut berry (place ‘zebra’ left;
S3: 9 1 5 7 3 keep relative others)
S4: 3 9 1 5 7 S2: next ‘nut’ to the second slot → zebra nut apple
Answer: 3 9 1 5 7 mango berry
Trick: For n=5, Step k = rotate by k (mod n). Answer: zebra nut apple mango berry
Trick: Place next correct item at next left slot.
Q10. (Operation: replace with sum of digits; then
ascending) Q16. (Middle-out: smallest to left, second smallest
Input: 86 901 72 444 39 to right, then third to left, …)
Step I: Replace by sum of digits ⇒ 14, 10, 9, 12, 12 Input: 26 11 47 5 39 18
Final: Ascending with stable order of equals. Sorted ascending: 5,11,18,26,39,47
Question: What is the final sequence of sums? Build:
Answer: 9 10 12 12 14 S1: left=5 → 5 …
Trick: Do the transformation first, then one quick sort. S2: right=47 → 5 … 47
S3: left next=11 → 5 11 … 47
Q11. (Largest to left each step) S4: right next=39 → 5 11 … 39 47
Input: 14 67 29 51 38 S5: left next=18 → 5 11 18 26 39 47
Question: Step II? Question: Final?
Solution: Answer: 5 11 18 26 39 47
S1 (largest=67 to left): 67 14 29 51 38 Trick: You can jump straight to sorted final; the steps
S2 (next largest=51 to next left slot): 67 51 14 29 38 pattern just explains movement.
Answer: 67 51 14 29 38
Trick: It’s selection to the left boundary. Q17. (Words by last letter A→Z; tie by A→Z full
word)
Q12. (Words: move the lexicographically smallest Input: delta gamma beta alpha kappa
to front each step) Last letters: a,a,a,a,a → tie ⇒ full word A→Z
Input: kite apple drum ball Final: alpha beta delta gamma kappa
Q: Step III? Question: Final? Answer: as above.
S1: apple kite drum ball Trick: When primary key ties, use secondary key.
S2: among rest (ball, drum, kite) smallest=ball →
apple ball kite drum Q18. (Numbers: replace with next prime; then
S3: next smallest among (drum, kite)=drum → apple descending)
ball drum kite Input: 8 14 20 24 30
Answer: apple ball drum kite Next primes: 11, 17, 23, 29, 31
Trick: Just pick the smallest of the unsettled tail. Descending: 31 29 23 17 11
Question: Final? Answer: 31 29 23 17 11
Q13. (Odd to left ↓, even to right ↑) Trick: Memorize small primes up to 31.
Input: 42 13 27 8 35 2 19
Odd (↓): 35, 27, 19, 13 Q19. (Left-shift rotation)
Even (↑): 2, 8, 42 Input: 4 1 6 9 2 7
Final: 35 27 19 13 2 8 42 Rule: Each step: first element goes to end.
Question: Final arrangement? Answer: as above. Q: Step V?
Trick: Two sorts, two directions. S1: 1 6 9 2 7 4
S2: 6 9 2 7 4 1
Q14. (Digit-reverse then ascending) S3: 9 2 7 4 1 6
Input: 81 204 56 93 7 S4: 2 7 4 1 6 9
Transform: 18, 402, 65, 39, 7 S5: 7 4 1 6 9 2
Answer: 7 4 1 6 9 2 ✅ Answer: 14 + 47 = 61
Trick: Step k = left-rotate by k (mod n). Trick: Pure ascending order arrangement.

Q20. (Alphanumeric tokens: sort numbers ↑; Q25.

words Z→A; words first) Input: “dog cat elephant lion tiger”
Input: car 31 bat 12 apple 27 dog If in the last step all words are arranged in reverse
Words (Z→A): dog, car, bat, apple alphabetical order, what will be 2nd word from left?
Numbers (↑): 12, 27, 31 ✅ Answer: lion
Final: dog car bat apple 12 27 31 Trick: Reverse dictionary: tiger → lion → elephant →
Question: Final arrangement? Answer: as above. dog → cat.
Trick: Two lanes, opposite directions, words placed
before numbers. Q26.
Q21. Input: “48 36 24 60 72”
Input: “pen book paper eraser scale sharpener” Step I: 24 36 48 60 72
Step I: book pen paper eraser scale sharpener How many numbers remain unchanged in their
Step II: book eraser pen paper scale sharpener position?
Step III: book eraser paper pen scale sharpener ✅ Answer: 3 (36, 48, 60)
What will be Step IV? Trick: Ascending order → only 24 and 72 shift, others
Options: remain.
A) book eraser paper pen scale sharpener
B) book eraser paper pen sharpener scale Q27.
C) book eraser paper pen scale sharpener Input: “India China Japan Korea Nepal”
D) None of these Step I: China India Japan Korea Nepal
✅ Answer: B Step II: China India Japan Korea Nepal
Trick: Words arranged in dictionary order How many steps required?
(ascending), one at a time. Step IV → "scale" moves ✅ Answer: 1
after "pen". Trick: Already arranged after Step I.

Q22. Q28.
Input: 36 45 72 18 90 Input: “pen ink pencil eraser”
Step I: 18 36 45 72 90 If 2nd element from left and right are interchanged,
Step II: 18 36 45 72 90 new sequence?
How many steps are required to complete the ✅ Answer: pen pencil ink eraser
arrangement? Trick: Swap 2nd from left (ink) with 2nd from right
A) 1 (pencil).
B) 2
C) 3 Q29.
D) 4 Input: “18 27 45 12 30”
✅ Answer: B Step I: 12 18 27 30 45
Trick: Numbers are arranged in ascending order. Which number is 2nd from right in Step I?
Only 2 steps needed. ✅ Answer: 30
Trick: Ascending order.
Q23.
Input: “green yellow blue red pink” Q30.
Step I: blue green yellow red pink Input: “yellow orange black red white”
Step II: blue green pink yellow red Step I: black yellow orange red white
What is Step II’s 3rd word from the right? Step II: black orange red white yellow
✅ Answer: pink What is Step II’s 2nd from left?
Trick: Alphabetical arrangement; Step II places “pink” ✅ Answer: orange
before “yellow red”. Trick: Alphabetical order in stages.

Q24. Q31.
Input: “25 14 36 47 18” Input: “11 22 33 44 55 66”
Step I: 14 25 36 47 18 Numbers arranged in descending order. What is 3rd
Step II: 14 18 25 36 47 number from right?
What is the sum of 1st and last numbers in Step II? ✅ Answer: 33
Trick: Order → 66, 55, 44, 33, 22, 11.
Q32. If numbers → ascending (small → big) or
Input: “mango banana apple grape” descending (big → small).
Final arrangement in ascending dictionary order? Steps → each step shifts 1 word/number at correct
✅ Answer: apple banana grape mango position.
Watch for middle, 2nd from left/right, last element
Q33. questions.
Input: “28 42 35 49 21” SSC mostly asks direct pattern identification (unlike
Step I: 21 28 35 42 49 banking’s 6–7 steps).
Which number is at middle position?
✅ Answer: 35 Q41. (SSC CGL 2021)
Input: 53 17 84 26 95
Q34. Step I: 17 53 84 26 95
Input: “sun moon star earth mars” Step II: 17 26 53 84 95
Final arrangement in reverse alphabetical order? What will be Step III?
✅ Answer: sun star moon mars earth Solution:
The machine arranges numbers in ascending order
Q35.
by moving the smallest forward.
Input: “32 64 16 48 80”
Step III = 17 26 53 84 95 (already sorted).
Step I: 16 32 48 64 80
Answer: Step II itself is final.
What is difference between 1st and last numbers?
Trick: If already sorted in step, stop early.
✅ Answer: 80 – 16 = 64
Q42. (SSC CGL 2018)
Q36.
Input: pen book apple table
Input: “red blue green yellow white”
Step I: apple pen book table
Step I: blue green red white yellow
Step II: apple book pen table
What is 2nd element from right in Step I?
Step III: apple book pen table
✅ Answer: white
Which step is final?
Q37. Solution:
Input: “45 15 30 60 90” Words arranged alphabetically.
Step I: 15 30 45 60 90 Final arrangement: apple book pen table.
How many numbers are divisible by 15? Answer: Step II.
✅ Answer: All 5 numbers
Q43. (SSC CGL 2020)
Q38. Input: 9 27 3 81 6
Input: “a b d e c” Step I: 3 9 27 6 81
Step I: a b c d e Step II: 3 6 9 27 81
How many steps needed? Step III: 3 6 9 27 81
✅ Answer: 1 How many steps needed?
Answer: 2 steps.
Q39. Shortcut: Count swaps to reach ascending order.
Input: “north south east west”
Final arrangement in dictionary order? Q44. (SSC CGL 2017)
✅ Answer: east north south west Input: dog cat lion tiger
Step I: cat dog lion tiger
Q40. Step II: cat dog lion tiger
Input: “72 18 54 36 90” Final arrangement?
Step I: 18 36 54 72 90 Solution: Alphabetical.
Which number is 2nd from left in Step I? Final = cat dog lion tiger.
✅ Answer: 36 Answer: Step I.

✅ Trick Summary for Part 2 (Q21–Q40): Q45. (SSC CGL 2022)

Input: 45 12 36 18 27
If words → mostly dictionary order (A → Z) or Step I: 12 45 36 18 27
reverse order (Z → A). Step II: 12 18 45 36 27
Step III: 12 18 27 45 36
Step IV: 12 18 27 36 45
What is Step IV?
Answer: 12 18 27 36 45.
Trick: Pure ascending swap method.

Q46. (SSC CGL 2016)

Input: rose lily jasmine sunflower
Step I: jasmine rose lily sunflower
Step II: jasmine lily rose sunflower
Final Step?
Answer: jasmine lily rose sunflower.
Shortcut: Arrange alphabetically step by step.

Q47. (SSC CGL 2019)

Input: 72 15 93 42 27
Step I: 15 72 93 42 27
Step II: 15 27 72 93 42
Step III: 15 27 42 72 93
Final Step?
Answer: Step III.
Shortcut: Observe smallest brought forward stepwise.

Q48. (SSC CGL 2017)

Input: sun moon star sky
Step I: moon sun star sky
Step II: moon sky sun star
Final sequence?
Answer: Alphabetical → moon sky star sun.

Q49. (SSC CGL 2023)

Input: 28 14 42 56 7
Step I: 7 28 14 42 56
Step II: 7 14 28 42 56
How many steps?
Answer: 2 steps.
Shortcut: Direct ascending order check.

Q50. (SSC CGL 2025 – Eduquity)

Input: lamp fan chair table sofa
Step I: chair lamp fan table sofa
Step II: chair fan lamp table sofa
Step III: chair fan lamp sofa table
What is Step III?
Answer: chair fan lamp sofa table.
Trick: Alphabetical swapping of words.

🎯 Final Summary of Machine Input–Output (2015–

2025)
 Number Arrangement: Usually
ascending/descending.
 Word Arrangement: Alphabetical order
(dictionary style).
 SSC Trend: Mostly 2–4 steps required.
 Shortcut: Don’t simulate all steps if pattern is
clear → directly jump to final.