Matrix arrangement problems are the most common problem types in all aptitude test entrance exams. Unlike linear arrangement problems these are dealt with more than one variable/ property of the objects. In linear arrangement, where the objects had only one property – their positioning, objects in matrix arrangement have multiple properties.

In general the information that is provided in these question is of two types:

1.Direct information: Information relating to an object with its property 2. Indirect information: Information that relates two or more properties of an object.

To handle this type of questions 1st we have to note down all the given information, then find out the parameters about which more information is given and then make a table and co-relate the given parameters to find out exact match.

For example- if it is given that four students P, Q, R, and S belongs to 4 different cities namely Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. If it is given that P doesn’t belongs to Chennai and Delhi, Q belongs to Kolkata then we can represent this information as:

Lets proceed towards the questions and see how to deal these types of questions.

(Qs. 1-5): Direction: Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below.
P, Q, R, S, T and M are six students of a school, one each studies in Class I – VI. Each of them has a favorite color from red, black, blue, yellow, pink and green, not necessarily in the same order. Q likes black and does not study in Class IV or V. the one who studies in Class IV does not like green. P studies in Class II. M likes blue and does not study in Class IV. The one who likes yellow studies in Class VI. S likes pink and studies in Class I. R does not study in Class VI.

Ex.1. In which class does R study?
(a) V    (b) III    (c) IV   
(d) Data inadequate    (e) None of these
Ex.2. Which color does R like?
(a) Black    (b) Yellow    (c) Green   
(d) Blue    (e) None of these
Ex.3. Which color does P like?
(a) Green    (b) Yellow    (c) Red
(d) Data inadequate   (e) None of these
Ex.4. Which of the following combinations is correct ?
(a) P – II – Yellow   (b) Q – III – Green    (c) S – I – Black
(d) T – V – Yellow    (e) None of these
Ex.5. In which class does M study ?
(a) IV    (b) III    (c) II
(d) V    (e) None of these

Solution:- Draw a table with Student, Subject and Sport.
P studies in Class II.
Q likes black.
R does not study in Class VI.
S likes pink and studies in Class I.
M likes blue.
Q likes black and does not study in Class IV or V.
The one who studies in Class IV does not like green.
M likes blue and does not study in Class IV.
The one who likes yellow studies in Class VI.
R does not study in Class VI.
Based on the above information, the classification of the group is as follow in the table.

1. (c) is the right answer
2. (e) is the right answer
3. (a) is the right answer
4. (e) is the right answer
5. (d) is the right answer