Fact, Inference, and Judgment (FIJ) questions are a common feature in exams like MBA CET and other aptitude tests. While identifying facts is usually straightforward, distinguishing between inference and judgment often confuses students. Understanding this difference is the key to scoring high in verbal reasoning.
A Fact is something that can be verified objectively. It is based on data, records, or observable events. For example, “The company’s revenue increased by 20%” is a fact because it can be checked through financial reports.
| Fact | G strategy |
|---|---|
| Keywords | is, are, was, were, data, percentage, number, recorded, measured |
| Nature | Verifiable information / objective statement / can be proven true or false |
| Example 1 | The company’s revenue increased by 20% |
| Example 2 | The bridge construction began in January 2023 |
An Inference, on the other hand, is a logical conclusion drawn from facts. It is not directly stated but is derived using reasoning. For instance, “The increase in revenue suggests the product is performing well” is an inference. The keyword here is logic—there is no opinion, only deduction..
| Inference | G strategy |
|---|---|
| Keywords | suggests, implies, likely, must be, probably, indicates |
| Nature | Logical conclusion (not directly stated) |
| Example | Sales increased → demand is high (derived logic) |
A Judgment reflects personal opinions, beliefs, or value statements. Words like “should,” “best,” “excellent,” or “unethical” are strong indicators of judgment. For example, “The management is doing an excellent job” cannot be proven and is therefore a judgment.
| Judgement | G strategy |
|---|---|
| Keywords | should, must, best, worst, excellent, unethical |
| Nature | Opinion / advice / value statement |
| Example 1 | Management is excellent |
| Example 2 | Government should act |
MBA CET: Fact, Inference & Judgment
1. Fact: Verifiable information (True/False).
2. Inference: Conclusion or logical deduction based on facts.
3. Judgment: Opinion, value statement, or approval/disapproval.
- The company’s annual revenue increased by 20% this fiscal year.
- The management is doing an excellent job of navigating the market crisis.
- Higher revenues suggest that the new product line is being well-received by customers.
- If this growth continues, the company will likely double its valuation in five years.
- Given the current traffic congestion, the flyover project should have been completed earlier.
- The bridge construction began in January 2023 and is scheduled to end in 2025.
- Delayed infrastructure projects are the primary reason for the city’s slow economic growth.
- The engineers are working overtime to meet the upcoming deadline.
- Regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Since he goes to the gym every day, he must be very conscious of his health.
- Everyone should dedicate at least thirty minutes a day to physical activity.
- The local gym recorded a 50% increase in memberships last month.
- The movie broke all previous box office records within the first weekend.
- It is the most moving and artistic film produced in this decade.
- The high ticket sales indicate a strong preference for action-thrillers among the youth.
- The director will probably win several awards for this masterpiece.
- The temperature in the Arctic has risen by 2 degrees Celsius over the last decade.
- This rise in temperature is causing the polar ice caps to melt at an alarming rate.
- Environmental protection is the most important duty of the modern government.
- Future generations will suffer if we do not act on climate change immediately.
- India is the world’s most populous country as of 2024.
- A large population is a burden on the natural resources of any nation.
- With more people, there will be a higher demand for housing and jobs in the coming years.
- The government must implement strict population control measures.
- The tech giant’s stock price dropped by 5% following the news of the data breach.
- Investors are losing confidence in the company’s security protocols.
- It is unethical for companies to store personal data without advanced encryption.
- The CEO’s apology was not sincere enough to calm the shareholders.
- Organic farming does not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
- Organic food tastes much better and is healthier than conventionally grown food.
- The rise in organic food sales implies that people are becoming more health-conscious.
- Farmers should be given subsidies to switch to organic methods.
- The literacy rate in the state has improved from 70% to 85% in five years.
- This improvement is a result of the effective implementation of the ‘Education for All’ scheme.
- Education is the only tool that can truly empower the marginalized sections of society.
- More schools will be needed if the number of students continues to grow at this rate.
- The athlete won the gold medal in the 100-meter sprint.
- He is undoubtedly the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen.
- His consistent performance suggests he has trained harder than his competitors.
- Winning a gold medal is a dream come true for any professional sportsman.
Mastering Fact, Inference, and Judgment (FIJ) for MBA Entrance Exams
Fact = Google kar sakte ho
Inference = Dimaag laga ke nikala
Judgment = Dil se bola
Fact, Inference, and Judgment (FIJ) questions are a common feature in exams like MBA CET and other aptitude tests. While identifying facts is usually straightforward, distinguishing between inference and judgment often confuses students. Understanding this difference is the key to scoring high in verbal reasoning.
A Fact is something that can be verified objectively. It is based on data, records, or observable events. For example, “The company’s revenue increased by 20%” is a fact because it can be checked through financial reports.
An Inference, on the other hand, is a logical conclusion drawn from facts. It is not directly stated but is derived using reasoning. For instance, “The increase in revenue suggests the product is performing well” is an inference. The keyword here is logic—there is no opinion, only deduction.
A Judgment reflects personal opinions, beliefs, or value statements. Words like “should,” “best,” “excellent,” or “unethical” are strong indicators of judgment. For example, “The management is doing an excellent job” cannot be proven and is therefore a judgment.
The simplest way to differentiate is to ask: Can this be verified? If yes, it’s a fact. If not, check whether it is based on logic (inference) or opinion (judgment). Another quick trick is: inference uses the brain, judgment uses the heart.
With regular practice and awareness of keywords, FIJ questions become predictable and scoring. Mastering this concept not only improves accuracy but also boosts confidence in the verbal section.
