How to Solve Venn Diagram Questions in NIFT Logical Reasoning 2026

In almost every NIFT entrance exam , a question related to Venn diagrams pops up, and if tackled with the proper approach, they are considered to be one of the easier subjects to score full marks. The rationale behind Venn diagrams is simple: sets and overlaps, just an approximation of how many people or things belong to different groups. The calculation part seems to give most students trouble, not the logic behind it, especially when you have three overlapping circles and think back from the total. If you understand the stepwise process and practice problems with it, these questions will be free marks for you in the exam!

How to Solve Venn Diagram Questions in NIFT Logical Reasoning 2026

I'll walk you through the exact procedure for solving any Venn diagram question; the secret is to be methodical along very precise lines and not to jump around with the numbers in a haphazard fashion.

Step 1: Understand What You're Given

First read the question properly and write down the information that they have given. Venn-diagram-type questions tell you about totals, intersections, and very rarely about what's outside all the circles.

Step 2: Draw Your Diagram and Label Everything

Otherwise, the appropriate shape for a two-set problem would be two circles. Then, label all parts so as not to get confused later. A three-set Venn diagram would have these parts:

• Only A (not in B or C)
• Only B (not in A or C)
• Only C (not in A or B)
• A and B only (not C)
• B and C only (not A)
• A and C only (not B)
• All three (A, B, and C)
• None (outside all circles)

Step 3: Start From the Center

This is the primary rule- begin by filling in the center intersection of all three circles before filling the outer parts. This will prevent double-counting or messing up your numbers.

Example Problem: Out of 100 students surveyed:

• 60 like Cricket
• 50 like Football
• 40 like Hockey
• 30 like both Cricket and Football
• 20 like both Football and Hockey
• 25 like both Cricket and Hockey
• 15 like all three sports

Let's solve this systematically:

Now adding everything up: 15 + 15 + 5 + 10 + 20 + 15 + 10 = 90 students like at least one sport.

Students who like none of these sports = 100 - 90 = 10 students

Step 4: Use the Formula When Needed

At times, you may be required to apply the principle of the inclusion and exclusion formula, especially when they do not give you all the overlaps as such.

For two sets: n(A or B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A and B)

For three sets: n(A or B or C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A and B) - n(B and C) - n(A and C) + n(A and B and C)

Step 5: Double-Check Your Work

Make this check before you go ahead and grade your answer. It will most likely cure a majority of calculation errors if all your numbers add up to the total provided in the problem.

Common Question Types You'll See

Type 1: Find people who like only one thing: These are straightforward - just subtract all the overlaps from the main set.

Type 2: Find people who like at least two things: Add up all the intersection regions (two-way overlaps + three-way overlap).

Type 3: Find people who like exactly two things: Add the two-way overlaps but don't include the three-way overlap.

Type 4: Find people who like none: Subtract the total of all sections from the overall total given.

Venn diagrams are one of the most scoring topics in the logical reasoning section for NIFT, provided one has a methodical approach. The key is to start from the middle intersection and work towards the periphery. Do five to six different types of problems, and come exam time, you'll do these questions in two minutes flat.

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