Similarities and Differences Questions for Railway Exams
If you're grinding for the RRB NTPC or Group D exams, you’ve likely realized that "Reasoning" isn't just one subject—it’s a test of how your brain organizes the world. The Similarities and Differences questions is the perfect example. It shows up in the General Intelligence section as "Classification" or "Odd One Out," but it also sneaks into the General Science section.
The logic is simple: you’re given a group of things, and you have to find the "hidden link" that connects most of them. The one that doesn't fit? That’s your answer. It sounds easy until you’re 45 minutes into a CBT and your brain starts blurring the lines.
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Mastering Similarities and Differences in Reasoning and Science
In the Railway recruitment world, speed is everything. You don't just need to find the answer; you need to find it in 30 seconds. The similarities and differences questions are designed to test your "mental sorting" speed. Whether you are comparing historical figures or looking at the similarities and differences between biological structures, the process is exactly the same: Identify the rule, test the items, and isolate the outlier.
Why This Topic is a Score-Booster
The beauty of classification questions is that they don't require long calculations. They require an "eyes-open" approach to the syllabus. You’ll encounter this in three main ways:
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Word Classification: Finding the commonality in a list of tools, states, or currencies.
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Number Classification: Using math properties like "is this a prime number?" or "is this a multiple of 7?"
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Science Comparisons: This is a heavy hitter. You’ll be asked about the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells or to distinguish the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.
How to Solve Similarity and Difference Questions
To get these right every single time, you need a "human" system. Don't just guess. Follow these logical steps used by top scorers.
1. The Reasoning "Odd One Out" Logic
Always establish a rule that covers three of the four options. If you only find a link between two, keep looking.
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Example (Semantic): Choose the odd one: (A) Jupiter, (B) Saturn, (C) Venus, (D) Moon.
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The Thinking: Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus are planets. The Moon is a satellite. The similarities and differences here are based on astronomical classification.
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Example (Numerical): Choose the odd one: (A) 121, (B) 169, (C) 225, (D) 289.
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The Thinking: 121 ($11^2$), 169 ($13^2$), and 289 ($17^2$) are squares of prime numbers. 225 ($15^2$) is the square of a composite number.
2. Biology: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
In the Science section, you’ll definitely see questions on the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
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The Similarities: Both have a plasma membrane to protect themselves and ribosomes to make proteins. They both carry genetic material.
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The Differences: Think of Prokaryotes (like bacteria) as a simple "studio apartment"—no separate rooms, just one open space. Eukaryotes (like humans or plants) are "luxury mansions" with a dedicated room for the DNA (the nucleus) and specialized "appliances" called organelles.
3. Biology: Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells
This is a classic "Similarities and Differences" favorite. When comparing the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells, remember their lifestyle.
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The Similarities: Both are Eukaryotic. They both have a nucleus, mitochondria (the "powerhouse"), and a cell membrane.
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The Differences: Plants can't move to find food, so they have Chloroplasts to cook using sunlight. They also need to stand tall without a skeleton, so they have a rigid Cell Wall. Animal cells have neither. Also, plant cells have one massive water tank (Vacuole), while animal cells have tiny ones.
4. Molecular Level: DNA vs. RNA
Questions on the similarities and differences between dna and rna test your focus on details.
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Similarities: Both use a phosphate backbone and share Adenine, Guanine, and Cytosine.
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Differences: DNA is like the "Master Blueprint" (double-stranded, uses Thymine). RNA is like the "Work Order" sent to the factory floor (single-stranded, uses Uracil). Also, DNA has Deoxyribose sugar, while RNA has Ribose.
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Practical Takeaways for Your 2026 Prep
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Look for the "Second Layer": Sometimes a number is both odd and a square. If three options are odd and one is even, that’s your answer. But if all are odd, look for a second layer like "is it a prime number?"
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Science Visuals: When you study the similarities and differences between cell types, draw them. Your brain remembers a sketch of a cell wall much better than a bullet point in a book.
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Language Nuance: In the Reasoning section, sometimes the difference is just in the "gender" of the word or whether it's a "singular/plural" form. Read carefully!
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Similarities and Differences in Railway Exams FAQs
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How much time should I spend on these questions?
Since there’s no math involved, you should aim for 15 to 20 seconds per question. This saves you time for the heavy numerical problems. -
What are the main similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Common ground: Both have cytoplasm, ribosomes, and a cell membrane. Difference: Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus and fancy organelles like mitochondria; Prokaryotes are much simpler and lack a nucleus. -
Is "Similarity and Difference" different from "Analogy"?
Yes. Analogy asks you to find a relationship (A is to B as C is to D). Classification asks you to find the outlier in a group. -
How do I remember the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells?
Just remember the "Green House" rule. Plants are green (Chloroplasts) and built like a house with a solid wall (Cell Wall). Animals are soft and move around. Both share the "living machinery" like the nucleus and mitochondria. -
Are there any tricks for DNA vs. RNA?
Memorize the "Unique Base." DNA has Thymine; RNA has Uracil. If a question mentions Uracil, it’s always talking about RNA.
