Aptitude tests are often the first real hurdle in your internship application process. Companies like PwC, Deloitte, Shell, and many others use SHL and Dragnet assessments to filter thousands of candidates down to a manageable few. You need aptitude test hacks—specific strategies to crack the logic faster than everyone else. This isn’t about being naturally smart. It’s about knowing the patterns employers expect you to see. With the right hacks, you can improve your score significantly, even if you don’t consider yourself a logic puzzle expert.
The Two Giants: Understanding the Logic Behind SHL and Dragnet
Even though SHL and Dragnet tests look different, they measure the same core skills: your ability to spot patterns, work with data, and think clearly under time pressure. Understanding the logic each test uses is your first aptitude test hack. Let’s break down what makes each unique so you can target your practice.
What SHL Logic Tests (Verify G+) Expect from You
SHL tests are used globally and come in several types. For logical reasoning, you will most likely face the SHL Verify G+ Inductive and Deductive sections. Inductive reasoning asks you to find the next figure in a sequence or spot the missing piece in a matrix. Deductive reasoning gives you rules and asks you to see what must be true. The interactive format may also require you to click and drag items to complete patterns, which adds an extra layer of challenge.
What Dragnet Logic Tests Expect from You
Dragnet is the major test provider for Nigerian companies like NLNG, Chevron, and Access Bank. The Dragnet logical reasoning section is mostly abstract. You get sequences of rotating shapes, alternating patterns, and 3×3 matrices. A key hack: Dragnet abstract questions often hide up to four rules in one question, such as shapes moving diagonally while also alternating between black and white. You need to solve step by step, eliminating one wrong option at a time.
The “5-Pattern Variable” Hack That Works for Both Test Makers
Both SHL and Dragnet rely on the same five variables in their abstract logic questions. You just need to know what to look for:
- Shape Changes: Is the shape turning into something else? Circle to square to star?
- Size Changes: Is it getting bigger, smaller, or cycling through small, medium, large?
- Rotation or Position: Is the shape moving clockwise, anticlockwise, or jumping corners?
- Color or Shading: Are the patterns black, white, or hatched, and does it alternate?
- Number: Does the count of a specific object in a box predict something in the next box?
Here is an actionable checklist you can use for any abstract logic question.
Abstract Logic Question Solver’s Checklist
- Step 1: Scan the Row. Does the pattern change left to right, top to bottom, or both?
- Step 2: Check Shapes. Are any of the 5 variables changing? (Shape, Size, Rotation, Shading, Number).
- Step 3: Isolate One Rule. Look at just the first two boxes. Spot one change. Track that change across the sequence.
- Step 4: Eliminate. Compare the options to your rule. Cross out any option that breaks it.
- Step 5: Find the Second Rule. Apply the elimination hack again to find the next hidden rule until only one answer remains.
5 Real Practice Questions to Build Your Speed
You have seen the theory. Now, let us apply these aptitude test hacks to actual questions. You can use the official SHL mobile app on your phone to get comfortable with the interactive interface, but practice with a timer running. The SHL App is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. It helps you simulate the real test environment.
Question 1: SHL Deductive Reasoning (If/Then Statements)
You have two statements:
- If the team finishes the report by Tuesday, then the client meeting is on Thursday.
- The client meeting is not on Thursday.
What must be true?
A) The report is finished by Tuesday.
B) The report is not finished by Tuesday.
C) The team did not write the report.
Hack: This is a classic denial of the consequent. If A then B. Not B means not A. So, the report is not finished by Tuesday. Answer is B.
Question 2: SHL Inductive Reasoning (Next in Sequence)
Look at a sequence of shapes: A circle, then a square, then a triangle, then a circle, then a square. What comes next? The shapes are growing slightly larger each time and the shading alternates between white and black.
Hack: Break the sequence into two parts: shape and shading. The shape sequence is repeating: circle, square, triangle. So after a square, a triangle comes. The shading alternates each time. The square was white, so the triangle must be black. Look for a black triangle.
Question 3: Dragnet Abstract Reasoning (Matrix Pattern)
You see a 3×3 grid. The top row has a black arrow pointing up, a white arrow pointing right, and a black arrow pointing down. The middle row has a white arrow pointing left, a black arrow pointing up, and a white arrow pointing right. What goes in the bottom right cell?
Hack: Find the matrix rule. Often, rows or columns follow a logical rule like rotation. Here, the arrows in each row seem to rotate 90 degrees clockwise each step. The missing arrow should be black and pointing left to complete the pattern of a white arrow pointing down followed by a black arrow pointing left.
Question 4: Dragnet Numerical Logic (Word Problem)
A train travels 360 km in 6 hours. It covers 2/3 of the distance in the first 4 hours. What is its average speed for the last 2 hours?
Hack: Use the Dragnet process: Read the last sentence first. The question asks for the speed in the last 2 hours. First, find 2/3 of 360 km = 240 km traveled in the first 4 hours. The remaining distance is 120 km. Speed = Distance / Time. 120 km / 2 hours = 60 km/h.
Question 5: SHL Numerical Logic (Data Table)
A table shows Product A sold 500 units at $10 each and Product B sold 300 units at $20 each. What is the total revenue?
A) $8,000
B) $11,000
C) $14,000
D) $15,000
Hack: Estimate first. 500 * $10 = $5,000. 300 * $20 = $6,000. Total is $11,000. Answer is B.
The Formula That Turns Raw Data into the Right Answer
This is the most powerful aptitude test hack you will learn today. It is a formula for numerical reasoning questions. Follow these steps every time and you will never miss a step.
The “Read-Plan-Check” Formula for Numerical Logic
- R – Read the Question Line First: Ignore the chart. Find the last line of the question first (e.g., “…what is the profit in Q2?”). This tells you exactly what number you are searching for.
- P – Plan Your Math: Look at the answer options. Are they far apart ($500, $1,000) or very close ($510, $515)? If they are far apart, you can estimate. If they are close, you need exact math.
- C – Calculate and Check: Do the math once. Then, quickly check if it makes sense. Does a 25% profit on $100 make $25? Yes. Your “check” takes 3 seconds but saves you from silly mistakes.
A Real-World Limitation: These hacks will not work if you do not practice them. I once helped an intern who spent three weeks memorizing formulas but never sat with a real timer. When the real test started, the pressure of the clock made her forget every single hack. You must practice under real conditions. Use a stopwatch. Sit in a quiet room. That is the only way these hacks become automatic.
Summary
Competing for an internship means you cannot afford to go in unprepared. Using proven aptitude test hacks for SHL and Dragnet logic can immediately improve your pattern recognition and speed. Focus on the five variable rule for abstract questions and the read-plan-check formula for numerical problems.
