SHL Diagrammatic Reasoning — 2026 Guide
Abstract Reasoning Test 2026: Complete Guide
All SHL abstract and diagrammatic reasoning question types with worked examples, how abstract reasoning differs from inductive reasoning, which employers use it, and expert preparation strategies.
5Question types with examples
SHL+ Saville + Talent Q formats
Distinctfrom Inductive Reasoning
2026Fully updated
Section 01
What is an Abstract Reasoning Test?
An abstract reasoning test (also called diagrammatic reasoning or conceptual reasoning) assesses your ability to identify patterns, rules, and relationships in abstract visual information — shapes, diagrams, symbols, and spatial arrangements — without relying on language or prior knowledge. It is a measure of fluid intelligence: the ability to reason about novel problems for which you have no existing knowledge template.
Abstract reasoning is used as a measure of general cognitive ability because it is less influenced by educational background, language skills, or domain knowledge than verbal or numerical tests. A strong abstract reasoning score indicates high potential for analytical thinking, systems reasoning, and learning new concepts quickly — all valued across most professional roles.
Abstract reasoning is a broader category that includes inductive reasoning — but they are not the same test
"Abstract reasoning" is the general category of non-verbal, pattern-based cognitive tests. "Inductive reasoning" (as used by SHL specifically) refers to a particular format — shape sequences — within abstract reasoning. SHL calls its shape sequence test "Inductive Reasoning." Other providers call similar tests "Abstract Reasoning" or "Diagrammatic Reasoning." The skills overlap significantly but the question formats differ. This guide covers both, clearly distinguishing which format is which.
Section 02
Abstract Reasoning vs Inductive Reasoning: The Distinction
| Feature | SHL Inductive Reasoning | Abstract / Diagrammatic Reasoning (broader) |
|---|---|---|
| SHL product name | "Inductive Reasoning" (SHL TalentCentral) | "Abstract Reasoning" (Saville, Talent Q, Watson Glaser diagrammatic); "Diagrammatic Reasoning" (SHL older suites) |
| Primary format | Shape sequences: identify the rule(s) governing a series; select what comes next | Includes sequences AND matrices, odd-one-out, analogy, and classification formats |
| Core skill | Identifying multiple simultaneous rules in sequences | All abstract pattern recognition — sequences, spatial relationships, classification |
| Preparation approach | NSCRP scan framework for sequences; 5 attribute dimensions to check systematically | NSCRP for sequences; plus matrix reasoning; plus analogy and classification skills |
| Providers using this name | SHL TalentCentral (dominant) | Saville Assessment, Korn Ferry Talent Q (Aspects Logical), Cubiks, cut-e |
| Format diversity | Single format (sequences) | Multiple formats (5 types — see Section 4) |
For candidates sitting SHL TalentCentral specifically, the relevant guide is our Inductive Reasoning guide → which covers the SHL sequence format in depth. This guide covers the broader abstract reasoning landscape including all other formats.
Section 03
Test Formats & Providers
| Provider | Test Name | Format | Questions / Time | Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHL | Inductive Reasoning | Shape sequences (5 shapes → select 6th) | 12Q / 20 min | Big Four, banks, energy, most large employers |
| SHL | Diagrammatic Reasoning | Flowchart process diagrams; input → output | 20Q / 20 min | Technology and IT roles specifically; older SHL suites |
| Saville Assessment | Abstract Reasoning (Diagrammatic) | Sequences + matrices | 24Q / 18 min | Financial services, consulting (some firms) |
| Korn Ferry | Aspects Logical | Sequences (adaptive) | ~12–15Q / 18 min | Unilever, L'Oréal, Nestlé, Schneider |
| Cubiks | Logiks Abstract | Sequences + odd-one-out | 12Q / 4 min | Some public sector, insurance, utilities |
| Criteria Corp | CCAT Abstract | Multiple abstract formats | 50Q / 15 min | Technology companies, startups |
Section 04
All Question Types with Worked Examples
Type 1: Shape Sequences (SHL Inductive / Talent Q Aspects Logical)
Rules to scan: Number of shapes → Size → Colour/shading → Rotation → Position. Multiple rules operate simultaneously — identify all before selecting.
Box 1: 1 large black circle | Box 2: 2 medium grey circles | Box 3: 3 small white circles
Box 4: 1 large black triangle | Box 5: 2 medium grey triangles | Box 6: ?
Box 4: 1 large black triangle | Box 5: 2 medium grey triangles | Box 6: ?
Select the shape that correctly completes the sequence (Box 6).
✓ A: 3 small white triangles
Three rules operate simultaneously: (1) Number: cycles 1→2→3→1→2→3; Box 6 = 3. (2) Size: cycles large→medium→small→large→medium→small; Box 6 = small. (3) Colour: cycles black→grey→white→black→grey→white; Box 6 = white. (4) Shape: rows 1–3 use circles, rows 4–6 use triangles; Box 6 = triangle. Combining all four rules: 3 small white triangles. Option D fails because it uses circles, not triangles. Option B fails because colour should be white, not black.
Type 2: Matrix / Grid Reasoning (Saville, Raven's)
A 3×3 grid with one cell missing. Rules operate both across rows and down columns simultaneously — identify both dimensions before selecting the answer.
Row 1: [Circle + 1 dot] | [Square + 2 dots] | [Triangle + 3 dots]
Row 2: [Circle + 2 dots] | [Square + 3 dots] | [Triangle + 1 dot]
Row 3: [Circle + 3 dots] | [Square + 1 dot] | [?]
Row 2: [Circle + 2 dots] | [Square + 3 dots] | [Triangle + 1 dot]
Row 3: [Circle + 3 dots] | [Square + 1 dot] | [?]
What completes the matrix?
✓ A: Triangle + 2 dots
Column 3 always contains triangles. Row 3 needs a shape consistent with both row and column rules. Dot count rule: each row contains 1, 2, and 3 dots in some order (each appears exactly once). Row 3 has 3 dots (Col 1) and 1 dot (Col 2), so Col 3 needs 2 dots. Matrix rules almost always operate both horizontally AND vertically — always check both axes before confirming your answer.
Type 3: Odd One Out (Cubiks Logiks, some abstract tests)
Five shapes are shown. Four share a common property; one does not. Identify the rule that four share, and select the exception.
Shape A: Large black circle
Shape B: Small black circle
Shape C: Medium black square
Shape D: Large grey triangle
Shape E: Small black triangle
Shape B: Small black circle
Shape C: Medium black square
Shape D: Large grey triangle
Shape E: Small black triangle
Which shape is the odd one out?
✓ D: Shape D (Large grey triangle)
Shapes A, B, C, E are all black. Shape D is grey — it is the only non-black shape. The odd-one-out rule is the colour attribute. In odd-one-out questions, try each attribute in turn (shape type, colour, size, number of sides, fill pattern) until you find the one where exactly four shapes share a value and one does not. The answer is always the shape that breaks the rule shared by the other four — not just a shape that looks different overall.
Type 4: Analogy (A is to B as C is to ?)
Identify the transformation rule applied to convert A into B, then apply the same transformation to C to produce the answer.
A: Large black square → B: Small white square
C: Large black circle → D: ?
C: Large black circle → D: ?
What is D?
✓ A: Small white circle
Transformation A→B: Size changes Large→Small; Colour changes Black→White; Shape stays the same (square→square). Apply same transformation to C (large black circle): Size: Large→Small; Colour: Black→White; Shape: circle stays circle. Result: Small white circle. Analogy questions require identifying every dimension that changes AND every dimension that stays constant, then applying both sets of rules consistently to C.
Type 5: Diagrammatic / Process Reasoning (SHL Diagrammatic)
A flowchart shows a series of operations applied to an input shape. Trace the shape through each operation in sequence to identify the output.
Input: Large black circle
Operation 1 [FLIP COLOUR]: Black → White / White → Black
Operation 2 [SHRINK]: Large → Medium / Medium → Small
Operation 3 [FLIP COLOUR]: Black → White / White → Black
Output: ?
Operation 1 [FLIP COLOUR]: Black → White / White → Black
Operation 2 [SHRINK]: Large → Medium / Medium → Small
Operation 3 [FLIP COLOUR]: Black → White / White → Black
Output: ?
What is the output shape?
✓ B: Medium black circle
Trace step by step: Input = Large black circle. After Op 1 (FLIP COLOUR): Large white circle. After Op 2 (SHRINK): Medium white circle. After Op 3 (FLIP COLOUR): Medium black circle. The key error candidates make is skipping a step or applying operations in the wrong order. Always process each operation sequentially, updating the shape's state after each operation before moving to the next. Shape (circle) is unchanged throughout — only size and colour are affected by these operations.
Section 05
The NSCRP Scan Framework for Sequence Questions
For sequence-based abstract reasoning questions (Types 1 and 4 above), a systematic scanning approach is far more reliable than searching for patterns randomly. The NSCRP framework gives you 5 attributes to check in order — the same 5 attributes that SHL builds its rules around.
| Letter | Attribute | What to Look For | Common Rule Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| N | Number | How many shapes are in each box? | +1 per step; cycles 1→2→3→1; alternates 1/2 |
| S | Size | Are shapes growing, shrinking, or cycling? | Large→Medium→Small cycling; alternating big/small |
| C | Colour/Shading | Is fill colour changing? | Black→Grey→White cycling; alternating black/white; stripes rotating |
| R | Rotation | Is the shape rotating between boxes? | +45°, +90°, or +180° per step; oscillating rotation |
| P | Position | Is the shape or a sub-element moving? | Moving clockwise around box perimeter; shifting diagonally |
Use NSCRP to eliminate, not construct
Rather than building the answer from scratch, apply your NSCRP analysis to eliminate incorrect options. Typically 3–4 options fail at least one attribute check. The remaining option is your answer — confirm it passes all attributes before selecting. This elimination approach is faster and more reliable under time pressure than constructing the expected answer from scratch.
Section 06
Which Employers Use Abstract / Diagrammatic Reasoning?
| Test Type | Employer Examples | Context |
|---|---|---|
| SHL Inductive (sequences) | Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Shell, BP, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Civil Service Fast Stream | Standard SHL battery — most common format in UK graduate recruitment |
| SHL Diagrammatic (flowcharts) | Technology roles specifically; IT graduate programmes; software companies using SHL suites | Replaces or supplements Inductive for technology roles; tests process reasoning |
| Korn Ferry Aspects Logical (sequences, adaptive) | Unilever, L'Oréal, Nestlé, Schneider Electric, Lloyds | Same concept as SHL Inductive but adaptive — difficulty increases with correct answers |
| Saville Abstract / Diagrammatic | Some consulting firms, financial services (firm-specific) | Sequences + matrix formats; less common than SHL but growing |
| Cubiks Logiks Abstract | Insurance (Aviva, AXA), utilities, some public sector | Very short (4 minutes); fast pace is the primary challenge |
Section 07
Preparation Strategies
- Identify which format your employer uses before preparing. If your employer uses SHL TalentCentral, you need inductive sequence practice. If they use Saville, prepare for sequences + matrices. If Cubiks, practise speed as the primary variable. Preparing for the wrong format is inefficient — confirm first.
- Learn NSCRP and apply it systematically to every sequence question. Candidates who check attributes randomly or by visual inspection miss multi-rule combinations. The NSCRP framework ensures you check all 5 dimensions in every question — which is the only way to reliably identify multi-rule sequences.
- For matrix questions: always check both axes. Matrix reasoning requires identifying rules that operate independently across rows AND down columns. Identifying a rule in one direction only leads to choosing an answer that satisfies that rule but fails the other axis. Confirm your answer satisfies both row-rule and column-rule before selecting.
- For diagrammatic/process questions: trace step by step, never jump. The most common error in flowchart questions is skipping a step or applying two operations simultaneously. Always process operations sequentially, fully updating the shape's state after each operation before moving to the next.
- Use timed practice to build speed. Abstract reasoning tests are time-pressured — typically 90–120 seconds per question for SHL Inductive, and as little as 20 seconds per question for Cubiks Logiks. Speed comes from NSCRP fluency and elimination habit, not from reading faster. Timed practice builds this fluency.
- If you sit SHL Inductive tests regularly, your preparation transfers to Talent Q Aspects Logical. The underlying question format is identical. The main difference is the adaptive scoring — Talent Q increases difficulty rapidly with correct answers. This requires maintaining full concentration even when early questions feel straightforward.
Section 08
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between abstract reasoning and inductive reasoning?+
Abstract reasoning is the broad category of non-verbal, pattern-based cognitive tests. Inductive reasoning (as named by SHL) is a specific test within this category, using shape sequences as its format. When SHL says "Inductive Reasoning," they mean their shape sequence test specifically. Other providers call similar tests "Abstract Reasoning" or "Diagrammatic Reasoning." Additionally, abstract reasoning tests can include matrix reasoning, analogy, odd-one-out, and process/flowchart formats — not just sequences.
Can you prepare for abstract reasoning, or is it a fixed intelligence measure?+
You can meaningfully prepare — and most candidates should. Abstract reasoning tests do measure fluid intelligence, which is relatively stable, but test performance is also affected by: familiarity with question formats, speed of rule identification (which improves with practice), and reduction of cognitive load from the unfamiliar interface. Candidates who practise with the specific question types they'll face consistently outperform equally intelligent candidates who sit the test without preparation.
How many rules are typically active in a single SHL Inductive question?+
Typically 2–4 simultaneous rules at medium difficulty; 4–5 at high difficulty. At the start of a practice session or test, expect simpler questions with 2 rules (e.g. shape cycling + colour cycling). As difficulty increases — either because you're answering correctly in an adaptive test or because the test is progressing — expect more rules operating simultaneously with more subtle attributes (e.g. rotation by specific degrees, movement of internal elements). The NSCRP framework ensures you systematically check all 5 possible dimensions rather than stopping after identifying 2.
Is SHL Diagrammatic Reasoning the same as SHL Inductive Reasoning?+
No — they are different SHL products measuring overlapping but distinct skills. SHL Inductive Reasoning uses shape sequences (identify what comes next in a series). SHL Diagrammatic Reasoning uses flowchart/process diagrams (trace an input through a series of operations to identify the output). Both are non-verbal and test pattern recognition and logical reasoning, but the question format and skill emphasis differ. Technology roles are most likely to use Diagrammatic; most other roles use Inductive.
What is Raven's Progressive Matrices and how does it relate to abstract reasoning tests?+
Raven's Progressive Matrices is the foundational psychometric instrument that modern abstract/diagrammatic reasoning tests are based on. It uses matrix grid patterns with one cell missing — candidates must identify the rules governing the matrix and select the correct missing piece. It is one of the most researched measures of fluid intelligence in psychology. Modern commercial abstract reasoning tests (Saville, Cubiks) are heavily influenced by Raven's matrix format. SHL Inductive Reasoning uses a related but distinct sequence format rather than matrices.
Ready to Prepare for Abstract Reasoning?
Practice abstract and inductive reasoning questions alongside the full aptitude test battery — all timed, all free.