Competitive exam reasoning

Blood Relation Shortcuts with Family-Tree Methods

The safest shortcut in blood relations is a small diagram. Mark generations and known genders, then trace the relationship without filling in facts the question never gave.

1

Draw a compact family tree

Use horizontal links for partners and vertical links from parent to child. Add gender only when it is stated or logically guaranteed.

Solved exampleIf A is B's mother and B is C's father, A is C's grandmother.
Common trapA person's name does not establish gender.
2

Assign generation levels

Give the reference person level 0. Move up one level for a parent, down one for a child, and stay on the same level for a sibling.

Solved exampleA is B's father and B is C's sister. A is one generation above C and is C's father.
Common trapGeneration alone cannot determine the side of the family or gender.
3

Read nested relations from inside out

Start with the named person closest to the final relationship and move outward one link at a time.

Solved exampleThe brother of Ravi's mother is Ravi's maternal uncle.
Common trapReading the phrase mechanically from left to right often attaches a relation to the wrong person.
4

Keep maternal and paternal branches separate

Label the parent through whom a relative is connected. This matters when options distinguish the mother's side from the father's side.

Solved exampleA father's sister is a paternal aunt; a mother's sister is a maternal aunt.
Common trapDo not drop the branch label merely because both people are called an aunt or uncle.
5

Accept insufficient information

If gender, marriage or a parent link is missing, the exact relationship may not be determinable.

Solved exampleIf A is B's child and B is C's sibling, A may be C's niece or nephew unless A's gender is known.
Common trapNever invent a detail just to force a specific option.

Frequently asked questions

Should blood-relation questions be solved mentally?

Very short chains can be mental, but a small family diagram is usually faster and safer once three or more relationships are involved.

What does generation level tell me?

It tells you how far above or below one person is, but you still need gender and the correct family branch to name the relationship.