34  Fact–Inference–Judgement

34.1 Introduction

In reasoning sections of aptitude exams, distinguishing between facts, inferences, and judgements is crucial.
These questions assess your ability to interpret statements, draw logical conclusions, and separate objective truth from opinions.

34.2 1) Core Concepts

34.2.1 Fact

  • A statement that can be verified or objectively proven.
  • Does not depend on belief or opinion.
  • Example: “The sun rises in the east.”

34.2.2 Inference

  • A logical conclusion drawn from a fact or observation.
  • May not be directly stated but must follow logically.
  • Example: If “All birds can fly” and “A sparrow is a bird” → we infer “A sparrow can fly”.

34.2.3 Judgement

  • An opinion, belief, or evaluation based on values, preferences, or personal outlook.
  • Cannot be verified as true/false universally.
  • Example: “Democracy is the best form of government.”

34.3 2) How to Identify Them

  • Fact: Check if it can be tested or verified.
  • Inference: See if it is a conclusion that follows from a fact.
  • Judgement: Look for subjectivity, opinion, or normative words like should, good, bad, better, best.

34.4 3) Typical Exam Instructions

“You are given a statement followed by a few conclusions. Identify whether each is:
- F (Fact)
- I (Inference)
- J (Judgement).”

34.5 4) Examples

34.5.1 Example 1

Statement: “The literacy rate in India has increased from 65% in 2001 to 74% in 2011.”
- Conclusion A: India is improving in education. → Inference
- Conclusion B: 74% literacy is not enough. → Judgement
- Conclusion C: The literacy rate was 65% in 2001. → Fact

34.5.2 Example 2

Statement: “The metro train carries more than 1 million passengers daily in Delhi.”
- Conclusion A: Metro is popular in Delhi. → Inference
- Conclusion B: Government should expand metro services to other cities. → Judgement
- Conclusion C: Delhi metro carries 1 million passengers daily. → Fact

34.5.3 Example 3

Statement: “More people are shifting to online shopping platforms.”
- Conclusion A: E-commerce is growing in India. → Inference
- Conclusion B: Online shopping is better than offline shopping. → Judgement
- Conclusion C: More people are shifting to online platforms. → Fact

34.6 5) Practice Questions

Classify each as Fact (F), Inference (I), or Judgement (J):

  1. “The Earth orbits the Sun once every 365 days.”
  2. “Since the company’s revenue is rising, profits are also likely to rise.”
  3. “This city has the best weather in the country.”
  4. “The average life expectancy in Japan is 84 years.”
  5. “People should exercise daily to stay healthy.”
  6. “India’s GDP growth is projected at 6.5% this year.”
  7. “A rising GDP indicates that employment opportunities will increase.”
  8. “Cricket is the most exciting game to watch.”

34.7 6) Suggested Answers

  1. F
  2. I
  3. J
  4. F
  5. J
  6. F
  7. I
  8. J

34.8 Summary

  • Fact: Objective, verifiable.
  • Inference: Logical conclusion drawn from facts.
  • Judgement: Subjective opinion or evaluation.
  • Exam tip: Always test if the statement can be proved → Fact; if it must be concluded → Inference; if it expresses value/opinion → Judgement.