How to Solve Assertion-Reason Questions (Step by Step)

By Mohit · Founder & Editor, qpaper · 5 October 2026 · 4 min read

In short

An Assertion-Reason question gives two statements, A (assertion) and R (reason). Check whether A is true, whether R is true, and whether R correctly explains A. The four standard options cover every combination, so the method is: judge A alone, judge R alone, then judge the link between them.

The four standard options

Assertion-Reason questions in CBSE papers use the same four options every time. Learn them once and the rest is practice.

(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

A 3-step method

Step 1: Read A alone and decide if it is a true statement. Ignore R for now.

Step 2: Read R alone and decide if it is a true statement. Do not worry about how it relates to A yet.

Step 3: If both are true, ask one question: does R give the reason for A? If yes, pick (A). If not, pick (B). If only one is true, pick (C) when only A is true, or (D) when only R is true.

Common traps

A sentence can be true on its own but still not explain the assertion. This is the most common reason students pick (A) by mistake.
Words like 'always', 'never' or 'only' often make a statement false. Check them first.
Do not assume R is correct just because it sounds scientific. Check it against the textbook fact.

Practice it now

Open the sample paper on qpaper, pick the Assertion-Reason section, and attempt it in practice mode. Each answer shows the correct option and the reasoning right away.

Generate a CBSE sample paper free

Original questions, answer key, PDF or Word — Class 9 & 10 Maths & Science, in Hindi or English.

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Frequently asked questions

Can both A and R be false?

No. The four standard options do not include 'both false', so one of A or R is always true.

Does R always have to explain A in option (A)?

Yes. Option (A) needs both statements to be true and R to be the correct reason for A.