Permutation & Combination Cheat-

Sheet
🔹 1. Basics


Permutation = Arrangement (order matters).

P(n,r) = \frac{n!}{(n-r)!}
]

Combination = Selection (order does not matter).

C(n,r) = \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}
]

Relation:

P(n,r) = C(n,r) \times r!

]

🔹 2. Factorial Shortcuts


n!=n×(n−1)×(n−2)×...×1n! = n \times (n-1) \times (n-2) \times ... \times 1n!=n×(n−1)×(n−2)×...×1

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0!=10! = 10!=1

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For big factorials: cancel common terms to simplify quickly.

🔹 3. Circular Permutations
 

Arranging nnn objects in a circle:

(n-1)!
]

If clockwise and anti-clockwise are same:

\frac{(n-1)!}{2}
]

🔹 4. Repetition Allowed


Number of ways to choose rrr items from nnn types (with repetition):

C(n+r-1, r)
]

🔹 5. Letter/Digit Arrangement


If all letters are distinct → n!n!n! ways.




If repetition: divide by factorial of identicals.

Example: BANANA

\frac{6!}{3! , 2! , 1!}
]

🔹 6. Selection with Restrictions

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At least one condition: Use complement method (Total – Not allowed).

 
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"At least one" → Total possible – only zero case.

🔹 7. Committee Formation
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Simply use combinations.

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With restrictions (like "A and B cannot be together") → solve with cases or complement method.

🔹 8. Probability with P & C



Favorable ÷ Total.

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Use permutations/combinations to count cases.

✅ 30 Fresh PYQs (with solutions)

Q1. SSC CGL 2022 (Tier-1)

How many ways can the letters of the word "DELHI" be arranged?

Solution:
All 5 letters distinct → 5!=1205! = 1205!=120.
Answer: 120

Q2. SSC CGL 2021

How many different 3-digit numbers can be formed using digits 2, 3, 4, 5 without repetition?
Solution:

Total digits = 4




Choose 3 and arrange = P(4,3)=4!1!=24P(4,3) = \frac{4!}{1!} = 24P(4,3)=1!4!=24

Answer: 24

Q3. SSC CGL 2020

In how many ways can 5 boys sit around a round table?

Solution:
Circular permutation = (n-1)! = 4! = 24
Answer: 24

Q4. SSC CHSL 2019

How many 4-digit even numbers can be formed using digits 1,2,3,4,5 without repetition?

Solution:

Last digit must be even → choose from (2,4) = 2 ways.

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

Remaining 3 places = arrange 4 digits = P(4,3) = 24

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Total = 2 × 24 = 48
Answer: 48

Q5. RRB NTPC 2021

From 7 men and 6 women, a committee of 5 is to be formed. In how many ways can it be formed if the
committee must include at least 2 women?
Solution:
Case 1: 2 women + 3 men → C(6,2) × C(7,3) = 15 × 35 = 525
Case 2: 3 women + 2 men → C(6,3) × C(7,2) = 20 × 21 = 420
Case 3: 4 women + 1 man → C(6,4) × C(7,1) = 15 × 7 = 105
Case 4: 5 women → C(6,5) = 6
Total = 1056
Answer: 1056

Q6. SSC CGL 2018

How many words can be formed with letters of the word "BANANA"?

Solution:
Total letters = 6
Repetition: A = 3, N = 2

6!3! 2! 1!=72012=60\frac{6!}{3! \, 2! \, 1!} = \frac{720}{12} = 603!2!1!6!=12720

=60

Answer: 60

Q7. RRB JE 2019

How many ways can 10 different books be arranged on a shelf if 2 specific books must always be together?

Solution:
Treat the 2 books as 1 → total objects = 9
Ways = 9! × 2 = 362880 × 2 = 725760
Answer: 725760

Q8. SSC CGL 2022

How many 3-digit numbers can be formed using digits 0,1,2,3,4 without repetition?

Solution:

First digit ≠ 0 → choices = 4

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Remaining 2 digits = 4 × 3 = 12

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Total = 4 × 12 = 48
Answer: 48
 

Q9. RRB ALP 2018

How many 5-letter words can be formed using letters A,B,C,D,E such that the word always begins with a
vowel?

Solution:
Vowels = A, E → 2 choices.
Remaining 4 letters arranged = 4! = 24
Total = 2 × 24 = 48
Answer: 48

Q10. SSC CGL 2017

How many ways can 10 persons be arranged in a row if 2 particular persons must not sit together?

Solution:
Total arrangements = 10!
If together → treat them as 1 → 9! × 2
Required = 10! – 9! × 2 = 3628800 – 725760 = 2903040
Answer: 2903040

Q11. SSC CHSL 2020 (Practice)

How many 6-digit numbers can be formed from digits 1–7 (no repetition) that are divisible by 5?
Solution: Only last digit 5 works. Fix last = 5. Arrange remaining 6 distinct digits in first 6 places: 6P5=6!
=720^6P_5 = 6! = 7206P5=6!=720.
Answer: 720

Q12. RRB JE 2019 (Practice)

How many arrangements of the word MISSISSIPPI are possible?

Solution: Counts: M×1, I×4, S×4, P×2 (total 11). Ways =11!4! 4! 2!=34650=\dfrac{11!}{4!\,4!\,2!}=34650=4!
4!2!11!=34650.
Answer: 34,650

Q13. IBPS Clerk 2020 (Practice)

From 7 men and 5 women, number of 4-member committees with at least 1 woman?
Solution: Total (124)=495\binom{12}{4}=495(412)=495. All-men (74)=35\binom{7}{4}=35(47)=35.
Required =495−35=460=495-35=460=495−35=460.
Answer: 460

Q14. SSC CGL 2019 (Practice)

How many 5-digit even numbers can be formed from digits 0–9 without repetition and first digit ≠ 0?
Solution:
Case A (last=0): first =9=9=9 choices; middle three =8P3=336= ^8P_3=336=8P3=336 → 9⋅336=30249\
cdot336=30249⋅336=3024.
Case B (last in {2,4,6,8}): 4 choices; first from {1–9}{last} = 8; middle three =8P3=336= ^8P_3=336=8P3
=336.
→ 4⋅8⋅336=107524\cdot8\cdot336=107524⋅8⋅336=10752. Total
=3024+10752=13776=3024+10752=13776=3024+10752=13776.
Answer: 13,776

Q15. RRB NTPC 2020 (Practice)

Arrange 4 men and 3 women in a row so that no two women sit together.
Solution: Arrange men 4!=244!=244!=24. Gaps =5=5=5. Choose 3 gaps (53)=10\binom{5}{3}=10(35)=10.
Arrange women 3!=63!=63!=6.
Total =24⋅10⋅6=1440=24\cdot10\cdot6=1440=24⋅10⋅6=1440.
Answer: 1,440

Q16. SSC CHSL 2021 (Practice)

Distribute 8 identical balls into 3 distinct boxes, each box ≥1.

Solution: Let yi=xi−1≥0y_i=x_i-1\ge0yi=xi−1≥0. Then y1+y2+y3=5y_1+y_2+y_3=5y1+y2+y3=5. Ways
=(5+3−13−1)=(72)=21=\binom{5+3-1}{3-1}=\binom{7}{2}=21=(3−15+3−1)=(27)=21.
Answer: 21

Q17. SSC CPO 2018 (Practice)

From 10 persons choose a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman (distinct), and a 4-member committee (officers not
in committee).
Solution: Chairman 101010, Vice 999, committee (84)=70\binom{8}{4}=70(48)=70. Total
=10⋅9⋅70=6300=10\cdot9\cdot70=6300=10⋅9⋅70=6300.
Answer: 6,300

Q18. SBI PO 2019 (Practice)

6-char passwords from A–Z (26), no repetition, exactly 2 vowels.

Solution: Choose vowel positions (62)=15\binom{6}{2}=15(26)=15. Pick & arrange vowels:
5P2=20^{5}P_2=205P2=20. Pick & arrange consonants for remaining 4 slots:
21P4=21⋅20⋅19⋅18^{21}P_4=21\cdot20\cdot19\cdot1821P4=21⋅20⋅19⋅18.
Total =15⋅20⋅(21⋅20⋅19⋅18)=15\cdot20\cdot(21\cdot20\cdot19\cdot18)=15⋅20⋅(21⋅20⋅19⋅18).
Answer: 15⋅20⋅21⋅20⋅19⋅1815\cdot20\cdot21\cdot20\cdot19\cdot1815⋅20⋅21⋅20⋅19⋅18

Q19. SSC CGL 2024 (Practice)

Arrangements of EQUATION with all vowels together.

Solution: Vowels {E,U,A,I,O} as a block + consonants {Q,T,N} → 4 units: 4!=244!=244!=24. Inside vowels
=5!=120=5!=120=5!=120.
Total =24⋅120=2880=24\cdot120=2880=24⋅120=2880.
Answer: 2,880

Q20. RRB NTPC 2020 (Practice)

5-digit numbers from digits 1–7, no repetition, number > 40000.

Solution: First digit ∈ {4,5,6,7} (4 ways). Remaining 4 digits =6P4=360= ^6P_4=360=6P4=360.
Total =4⋅360=1440=4\cdot360=1440=4⋅360=1440.
Answer: 1,440

Q21. IBPS Clerk 2021 (Practice)

A 3-digit number is formed from digits 0–9 without replacement. Probability it’s divisible by 5.
Solution: Total =9⋅9⋅8=648=9\cdot9\cdot8=648=9⋅9⋅8=648 (first 1–9; then 9; then 8).
Favorable: last 0 → 9⋅8=729\cdot8=729⋅8=72; last 5 → first (1–9 except 5)=8, middle 8 → 646464.
Total favorable =72+64=136=72+64=136=72+64=136. Probability
=136/648=17/81=136/648=17/81=136/648=17/81.
Answer: 17/8117/8117/81

Q22. SSC CHSL 2022 (Practice)

From 5 boys & 5 girls, number of 6-member committees with ≥2 boys and ≥2 girls.
Solution: (2B,4G): (52)(54)=50 \binom{5}{2}\binom{5}{4}=50(25)(45)=50.
(3B,3G): (53)(53)=100 \binom{5}{3}\binom{5}{3}=100(35)(35)=100.
(4B,2G): (54)(52)=50 \binom{5}{4}\binom{5}{2}=50(45)(25)=50.
Total =200=200=200.
Answer: 200

Q23. SSC MTS 2021 (Practice)

7 distinct people around a round table; two particular people not adjacent.
Solution: Total round =(7−1)!=720=(7-1)!=720=(7−1)!=720. Together: treat as block → units =6=6=6: (6−1)!
=120(6-1)!=120(6−1)!=120; inside block 2!2!2! → 240240240.
Required =720−240=480=720-240=480=720−240=480.
Answer: 480

Q24. RBI Assistant 2020 (Practice)

How many 6-digit even numbers from digits 0–6 with repetition allowed, leading digit ≠ 0?
Solution: Last digit (even) choices =4=4=4 (0,2,4,6). First digit =6=6=6 (1–6). Middle 4 digits any
=74=7^4=74.
Total =4⋅6⋅74=57624=4\cdot6\cdot7^4=57624=4⋅6⋅74=57624.
Answer: 57,624
Q25. SSC CGL 2025 (Practice)

Number of solutions to x1+x2+x3+x4=15x_1+x_2+x_3+x_4=15x1+x2+x3+x4=15 with each xi≥2x_i\ge2xi≥2.

Solution: Let yi=xi−2≥0y_i=x_i-2\ge0yi=xi−2≥0. Then ∑yi=7\sum y_i=7∑yi=7. Ways
=(7+4−14−1)=(103)=120=\binom{7+4-1}{4-1}=\binom{10}{3}=120=(4−17+4−1)=(310)=120.
Answer: 120

Q26. RRB Group-D 2019 (Practice)

Distribute 9 identical balls into 4 distinct boxes with each box ≤4.
Solution: Without cap: (9+4−13)=(123)=220\binom{9+4-1}{3}=\binom{12}{3}=220(39+4−1)=(312)=220.
Subtract “some box ≥5”: choose the box (4 ways), set y=x−5y=x-5y=x−5: y+y+y+others =4=4=4 →
(4+4−13)=(73)=35\binom{4+4-1}{3}=\binom{7}{3}=35(34+4−1)=(37)=35.
No overlaps possible (need ≥10 balls).
Total =220−4⋅35=220−140=80=220-4\cdot35=220-140=80=220−4⋅35=220−140=80.
Answer: 80

Q27. IBPS PO 2022 (Practice)

From 8 men & 4 women, form a row of 6 with at least 2 women.

Solution: Count by composition and then permute 6!6!6!:
W=2:(42)(84)=6⋅70\;W=2:\binom{4}{2}\binom{8}{4}=6\cdot70W=2:(24)(48)=6⋅70
W=3:(43)(83)=4⋅56\;W=3:\binom{4}{3}\binom{8}{3}=4\cdot56W=3:(34)(38)=4⋅56
W=4:(44)(82)=1⋅28\;W=4:\binom{4}{4}\binom{8}{2}=1\cdot28W=4:(44)(28)=1⋅28
Sum =420+224+28=672=420+224+28=672=420+224+28=672. Arrange 6!6!6!.
Total =672⋅720=483,840=672\cdot720=483{,}840=672⋅720=483,840.
Answer: 483,840

Q28. SSC Stenographer 2020 (Practice)

Number of arrangements of STATISTICS.

Solution: 10 letters; counts S×3, T×3, I×2, A×1, C×1.
Ways =10!3! 3! 2!=\dfrac{10!}{3!\,3!\,2!}=3!3!2!10!.
Answer: 10!3! 3! 2!\dfrac{10!}{3!\,3!\,2!}3!3!2!10!

Q29. SSC CGL 2024 (Practice)

Arrange TEACHER so that no two vowels are adjacent. (E×2, A×1 vowels; consonants T,C,H,R)
Solution: Arrange consonants 4!=244!=244!=24. Gaps =5=5=5. Choose 3 gaps (53)=10\binom{5}{3}=10(35
)=10. Arrange vowels (E,E,A): 3!/2!=33!/2!=33!/2!=3.
Total =24⋅10⋅3=720=24\cdot10\cdot3=720=24⋅10⋅3=720.
Answer: 720

Q30. Bank PO 2018 (Practice)

Derangements of 6 distinct letters (nobody in own place).
Solution: !6=6!(1−11!+12!−13!+14!−15!+16!)=265!6 = 6!\left(1-\tfrac1{1!}+\tfrac1{2!}-\tfrac1{3!}+\
tfrac1{4!}-\tfrac1{5!}+\tfrac1{6!}\right)=265!6=6!(1−1!1+2!1−3!1+4!1−5!1+6!1)=265.
Answer: 265

Permutation & Combination into your scoring weapon.

I’ll give you: concepts → quick-identifiers → shortcut tricks → worked examples → practice set (with answers). Keep this
handy for SSC/RRB/Bank.
1) Core ideas (super short)
Permutation = arrangement (order matters): nPr=n!(n−r)!^nP_r=\dfrac{n!}{(n-r)!}nPr=(n−r)!n!
Combination = selection (order doesn’t matter): nCr=n!r!(n−r)!^nC_r=\dfrac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}nCr=r!(n−r)!n!
Relation: nPr=nCr⋅r!^nP_r = {^nC_r}\cdot r!nPr=nCr⋅r!
Counting principle: if task A can be done in mmm ways and task B in nnn ways, both in sequence → m×nm\times nm×n
ways.

2) Quick decision guide (what to use?)

Selecting people/items without positions? → Combination.
Arranging in seats/places/slots? → Permutation.
Word arrangements (letters/digits) with repeats? → Divide by factorials of repeats.
Circular seating (round table)? Distinct people: (n−1)!(n-1)!(n−1)!.
Necklaces/beads (flips look same)? Distinct beads: (n−1)!2\dfrac{(n-1)!}{2}2(n−1)! for n>2n>2n>2.
Vowels together / people together? Treat group as one block; then arrange inside the block.
Not together / at least one apart? Total − Together (or use “gaps method”).
Distribute identical items (like chocolates to kids): use Stars & Bars.
Committee + positions (President, Secretary): choose members (combination) × assign posts (permutation).

3) Must-know formulas & identities

Factorial: n!=n⋅(n−1)!n!=n\cdot(n-1)!n!=n⋅(n−1)!, 0!=10!=10!=1.
Distinct letters all different: n!n!n!.
With repeats a,b,c,…a,b,c,\ldotsa,b,c,…: n!a! b! c!⋯\dfrac{n!}{a!\,b!\,c!\cdots}a!b!c!⋯n!.
Circular permutations (distinct): around a round table (n−1)!(n-1)!(n−1)!. If orientation reversal is same (necklace): (n−1)!2\
dfrac{(n-1)!}{2}2(n−1)! (for n>2n>2n>2).
Arrangements with no two selected items adjacent (in a line): use gaps.
Derangements (no one in own place): !n=n!(1−11!+12!−⋯+(−1)n1n!)!n = n!\left(1-\frac1{1!}+\frac1{2!}-\cdots+(-1)^n\
frac1{n!}\right)!n=n!(1−1!1+2!1−⋯+(−1)nn!1). (Useful small values: !2=1,!3=2,!4=9,!5=44!2=1,!3=2,!4=9,!5=44!2=1,!3=2,!
4=9,!5=44).
Stars & Bars (combinations with repetition):
Non-negative solutions to x1+⋯+xr=kx_1+\cdots+x_r=kx1+⋯+xr=k → (k+r−1r−1)\displaystyle {k+r-1 \choose r-1}
(r−1k+r−1).
Positive solutions (xi≥1x_i\ge1xi≥1): set xi=1+yix_i=1+y_ixi=1+yi → (k−r+r−1r−1)=(k−1r−1)\displaystyle {k- r + r -1 \choose
r-1}={k-1 \choose r-1}(r−1k−r+r−1)=(r−1k−1).

4) High-frequency shortcuts (exam hacks)

“Arrangement vs Selection” hack
If the output looks like a list with positions (seat numbers, rank order, passwords) → permutation. If just a
team/committee → combination.
Block trick
“A and B together” → make (AB) a single unit, arrange units, then arrange inside the block.
Gaps trick
Arrange the “separators” first, then place restricted items in the gaps. Great for “no two vowels together”, “no two girls
adjacent”, etc.
Digits/number-formation
First digit cannot be 0 (if forming a positive integer with no leading zeros).
Distinct digits? Slot-wise multiply. Repeats? Divide by repeats OR count directly with cases.
At least / At most
Convert to sums of combinations or do Total − (forbidden cases).
Committee with posts
Choose members, then permute posts: (nr)×r!\binom{n}{r}\times r!(rn)×r!.
When options are huge
Leave answers in factorial/combination form and compare—don’t expand.
Circular with “fixed persons”
To avoid rotation equivalence, fix one person’s seat, then arrange the rest linearly.

5) Worked examples (step-by-step)

Ex.1 (Basic): Arrange 5 distinct books on a shelf.
Ways = 5!=1205! = 1205!=120.
Ex.2 (Selection): Choose 3 players from 8.
Ways = (83)=8⋅7⋅63⋅2⋅1=56\binom{8}{3}=\dfrac{8\cdot7\cdot6}{3\cdot2\cdot1}=56(38)=3⋅2⋅18⋅7⋅6=56.
Ex.3 (Selection + posts): From 7, choose President & Secretary (distinct posts).
Choose 2 × arrange posts = (72)×2!=21×2=42\binom{7}{2}\times 2!=21\times2=42(27)×2!=21×2=42.
Ex.4 (Word with repeats): “BALLOON”
Letters: B,A,L,L,O,O,N → counts: L×2, O×2, others 1.
Ways =7!2! 2!=50404=1260=\dfrac{7!}{2!\,2!}=\dfrac{5040}{4}=1260=2!2!7!=45040=1260.
Ex.5 (Vowels together): Arrange “DAUGHTER” with vowels together.
Vowels: A, U, E → treat (AUE) as one block. Units: (AUE), D,G,H,T,R → 6 letters total? Wait: D A U G H T E R → 8
letters, vowels 3 → block + 5 consonants = 6 units.
Arrange units: 6!6! 6!. Arrange vowels inside: 3!3!3!.
Total =6!×3!=720×6=4320=6!\times3!=720\times6=4320=6!×3!=720×6=4320.
Ex.6 (No two vowels together): “EXAMINATION”
Letters: E X A M I N A T I O N (11 letters). Counts: A×2, I×2, N×2, others 1 (E,X,M,T,O).
Place consonants first. Consonants = {X,M,N×2,T} + maybe E? (E is a vowel). Vowels = {A×2, I×2, E, O} = 6 vowels.
Consonants: X, M, N, N, T → 5 letters with N repeated: ways =5!2!=60= \dfrac{5!}{2!}=60=2!5!=60.
Gaps around consonants = 6 gaps. To place 6 vowels with no adjacency, we must put exactly one vowel in each gap →
6!6!6! arrangements, but adjust for repeats A×2, I×2 → 6!2! 2!\dfrac{6!}{2!\,2!}2!2!6!.
Total =5!2!×6!2! 2!=60×7204=60×180=10800= \dfrac{5!}{2!}\times \dfrac{6!}{2!\,2!}=60\times \dfrac{720}{4}=60\
times180=10800=2!5!×2!2!6!=60×4720=60×180=10800.
Ex.7 (Round table): Seat 6 distinct people around a round table.
Ways =(6−1)!=120=(6-1)! = 120=(6−1)!=120.
Ex.8 (Round table with togetherness): 6 people; A & B must sit together (round table).
Treat (AB) as one block → units = 5. Round-table arrangements =(5−1)!=24=(5-1)! = 24=(5−1)!=24. Inside the block AB or
BA → 2!2!2!.
Total =24×2=48=24\times2=48=24×2=48.
Ex.9 (Men–Women alternate): 4 men & 4 women in a circle, alternate seats.
Fix the men first: circular ways for men =(4−1)!=6=(4-1)! = 6=(4−1)!=6.
Women can be placed in 4 gaps between men: 4!4!4!.
Total =6×24=144=6\times24=144=6×24=144.
Ex.10 (Necklace): 5 distinct beads on a string (flips identical).
Necklace (rotations & reflections same): (5−1)!2=242=12\dfrac{(5-1)!}{2}=\dfrac{24}{2}=122(5−1)!=224=12.
Ex.11 (Form 4-digit numbers from digits 0–7, no repetition)
First digit: 1–7 (7 ways).
Second: remaining 7 (including 0 if unused). Third: 6. Fourth: 5.
Total =7×7×6×5=1470=7\times7\times6\times5=1470=7×7×6×5=1470.
Ex.12 (Exactly 2 vowels together): “ARRANGE”
Letters: A,R,R,A,N,G,E → vowels A,A,E (A×2), consonants R×2,N,G.
Casework: Put a block of exactly two adjacent vowels and the third vowel separated.
Efficient way: (i) count at least two together − (ii) count all three together.
Total arrangements (with repeats): 7!2! 2!=1260\dfrac{7!}{2!\,2!}=12602!2!7!=1260.
All three together: treat (AAE) block → units = 5 → 5!5!5! arrangements × inside block 3!2!=3\dfrac{3!}{2!}=32!3!=3 →
120×3=360120\times3=360120×3=360.
None together (no two adjacent vowels): Arrange consonants (R,R,N,G) first: 4!2!=12\dfrac{4!}{2!}=122!4!=12. Gaps = 5.
Place A,A,E in gaps with no adjacency → choose 3 gaps of 5: (53)=10\binom{5}{3}=10(35)=10; distribute repeats among
chosen gaps: arrangements of A,A,E across 3 chosen positions =3!2!=3=\dfrac{3!}{2!}=3=2!3!=3. Total =12×10×3=360=12\
times10\times3=360=12×10×3=360.
“At least two together” === Total − None together =1260−360=900=1260-360=900=1260−360=900.
“Exactly two together” === (At least two together) − (All three together) =900−360=540=900-360=540=900−360=540.
Ex.13 (Committee with conditions): From 8 men & 5 women, form a 5-member committee with ≥2
women.
Sum: (2W,3M) + (3W,2M) + (4W,1M) + (5W,0M).
=(52)(83)+(53)(82)+(54)(81)+(55)(80)= \binom{5}{2}\binom{8}{3}+\binom{5}{3}\binom{8}{2}+\binom{5}{4}\binom{8}{1}+\
binom{5}{5}\binom{8}{0}=(25)(38)+(35)(28)+(45)(18)+(55)(08)
=10⋅56+10⋅28+5⋅8+1⋅1=560+280+40+1=881=10\cdot56 + 10\cdot28 + 5\cdot8 + 1\cdot1 =
560+280+40+1=881=10⋅56+10⋅28+5⋅8+1⋅1=560+280+40+1=881.
Ex.14 (Stars & Bars – distribution): Distribute 10 identical chocolates to 4 kids (no restriction).
Non-negative solutions to x1+x2+x3+x4=10x_1+x_2+x_3+x_4=10x1+x2+x3+x4=10: (10+4−14−1)=(133)=286\binom{10+4-
1}{4-1}=\binom{13}{3}=286(4−110+4−1)=(313)=286.
Ex.15 (Stars & Bars with minimum): Distribute 10 identical chocolates so each gets ≥1.
Let yi=xi−1y_i=x_i-1yi=xi−1 → y1+⋯+y4=6y_1+\cdots+y_4=6y1+⋯+y4=6. Ways =(6+4−14−1)=(93)=84=\binom{6+4-1}{4-
1}=\binom{9}{3}=84=(4−16+4−1)=(39)=84.
Ex.16 (Passwords): 6-char passwords from A–Z & 0–9 (36 chars), no repetition, must start with a
letter.
First char: 26. Remaining 5 distinct from rest 35: 35⋅34⋅33⋅32⋅3135\cdot34\cdot33\cdot32\cdot3135⋅34⋅33⋅32⋅31.
Total =26×35⋅34⋅33⋅32⋅31=26\times 35\cdot34\cdot33\cdot32\cdot31=26×35⋅34⋅33⋅32⋅31.
Ex.17 (Exactly one pair adjacent): Arrange 5 distinct people A,B,C,D,E so only A&B are together
(others not adjacent to each other? No—only A and B must be together; others free).
Treat (AB) as a block → units = 4+block = 4? Actually: AB block + C + D + E = 4 units to permute → 4!=244! = 244!=24.
Inside block AB or BA → ×2\times2×2.
But this counts cases where others may accidentally sit together—it’s allowed.
Answer =24×2=48=24\times2=48=24×2=48.
Ex.18 (Derangement small): 4 letters each must not go to its original envelope.
!4=9!4=9!4=9.
Ex.19 (Numbers with condition): Count 5-digit numbers from digits {0–9} with exactly one repeated
digit (like 11234, 99876; repetition count 2, others distinct).
Case 1: Repeated digit is 0 (but 0 cannot be first if we use it twice).
Case 2: Repeated digit ≠ 0.
A systematic slot method works, but in exams this is long—prefer “Total with ≤1 repeat” or pick from options. (If you want
the full derivation later, say the word and I’ll include it, but for now we focus on most frequent patterns.)
Ex.20 (Probability via counting): From digits 1–9, a 3-digit number is formed without repetition.
Probability it’s divisible by 5?
Favorable: last digit 5 (only option). Choose first 2 from remaining 8 and arrange: 8⋅78\cdot78⋅7.
Total: choose & arrange any 3 from 9: 9P3=9⋅8⋅7 ^9P_3 = 9\cdot8\cdot79P3=9⋅8⋅7.
Probability =56504=19=\dfrac{56}{504}= \dfrac{1}{9}=50456=91.
6) Classic word-problem templates (with mini-solutions)
T1. People together / not together
Together: block trick.
Not together: Total − Together, or “gaps”.
T2. Alternate seating (men–women)
Fix one gender circularly/linearly, place the other in gaps.
Line: arrange men m!m!m!. Gaps m+1m+1m+1. Choose www gaps & arrange women w!w!w!.

T3. Number formation with digits

Distinct digits: multiply slotwise; handle first digit restrictions (no leading zero).
Repeats allowed: positions independent → knk^nkn for nnn-length from kkk symbols (unless restrictions).
T4. Committee with at least/at most
Translate “at least k” to a sum; or complement (Total − less than k).
T5. Distributions (identical items)
Use Stars & Bars. Add min/max by variable shifts and inclusion–exclusion if upper bounds appear.
T6. Circular vs Necklace
Round table (rotation same, reflection different): (n−1)!(n-1)!(n−1)!.
Necklace (rotation & reflection same): (n−1)!2\dfrac{(n-1)!}{2}2(n−1)! (for distinct beads, n>2n>2n>2).

7) Quick-revision sheet (pin this)

nPr=n!(n−r)! ^nP_r = \dfrac{n!}{(n-r)!}nPr=(n−r)!n!
nCr=n!r!(n−r)! ^nC_r = \dfrac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}nCr=r!(n−r)!n!
Repeats (multiset): n!a! b! ⋯\dfrac{n!}{a!\,b!\,\cdots}a!b!⋯n!
Circular (table): (n−1)!(n-1)!(n−1)!
Necklace: (n−1)!2, n>2\dfrac{(n-1)!}{2},\ n>22(n−1)!, n>2
Gaps method for “no two together”
Committee then posts: (nr)×r!\binom{n}{r}\times r!(rn)×r!
Stars & Bars: (k+r−1r−1)\binom{k+r-1}{r-1}(r−1k+r−1) (non-negative)
Derangements small: !2=1, !3=2, !4=9, !5=44

8) SSC/RRB/Bank-style solved set (with explanations)

Q1. In how many ways can 10 people stand in a line if two particular friends must stand together?
Treat them as a block → units = 9. Arrange units =9!=9!=9!. Inside block =2!=2!=2!.
Ans: 2!⋅9!2!\cdot 9!2!⋅9!.
Q2. In how many ways can the letters of “COMMITTEE” be arranged?
Counts: C×1,O×1,M×2,I×1,T×2,E×2 → total 9 letters.
Ways =9!2! 2! 2!=\dfrac{9!}{2!\,2!\,2!}=2!2!2!9!.
Ans: 9!2! 2! 2!\dfrac{9!}{2!\,2!\,2!}2!2!2!9!.
Q3. Seat 5 boys and 4 girls in a row so that no two girls sit together.
Arrange boys: 5!5!5!. Gaps = 6. Choose 4 gaps: (64)\binom{6}{4}(46). Arrange girls: 4!4!4!.
Ans: 5!×(64)×4!5!\times \binom{6}{4}\times 4!5!×(46)×4!.
Q4. Number of 4-digit numbers from digits 0–6 without repetition and even.
Last digit even: {0,2,4,6}. Casework:
Last=0: first digit 1–6 (6 ways), middle two from remaining 5P2. Ways =6×5×4=6\times 5\times4=6×5×4.

Last=2/4/6 (3 choices): first digit from remaining 5 (excluding 0 and chosen last? Actually 6 choices including 0? Careful.)
After fixing last (one of 2/4/6), available digits = {0,1,3,5, other two even not used}. First digit cannot be 0 → 5 choices.
Middle two: choose from remaining 5P2.
Ways =3×5×5×4=3\times 5\times 5\times4=3×5×5×4.
Total =6⋅20+3⋅5⋅20=120+300=420=6\cdot 20 + 3\cdot 5\cdot 20 = 120 + 300 = 420=6⋅20+3⋅5⋅20=120+300=420.
Ans: 420.

Q5. From 9 players, form a captain, vice-captain, and a team of 5 more (distinct posts for captain &
vice).
Choose captain: 9 ways; vice: 8 ways; choose remaining 5 from leftover 7: (75)\binom{7}{5}(57).
Ans: 9×8×(75)9\times 8\times \binom{7}{5}9×8×(57).
Q6. Arrange “MISSISSIPPI”.
Counts: M×1, I×4, S×4, P×2 → 11 letters.
Ways =11!4! 4! 2!=\dfrac{11!}{4!\,4!\,2!}=4!4!2!11!.
Ans: 11!4! 4! 2!\dfrac{11!}{4!\,4!\,2!}4!4!2!11!.
Q7. Round table: 8 people; two particular persons must not sit together.
Total round-table: 7!7!7!. Together: treat as block → units 7 → 6!6!6! × inside 2!2!2! = 2⋅720=14402\cdot 720 =
14402⋅720=1440.
Not together =7!−2⋅6!=7! - 2\cdot 6!=7!−2⋅6! =5040−1440=3600=5040 - 1440 = 3600=5040−1440=3600.
Ans: 3600.
Q8. Choose a 6-member committee from 7 men & 6 women with at least 3 women.
Sum: (3W,3M)+(4W,2M)+(5W,1M)+(6W,0M)
=(63)(73)+(64)(72)+(65)(71)+(66)(70)= \binom{6}{3}\binom{7}{3}+\binom{6}{4}\binom{7}{2}+\binom{6}{5}\binom{7}{1}+\
binom{6}{6}\binom{7}{0}=(36)(37)+(46)(27)+(56)(17)+(66)(07)
=20⋅35+15⋅21+6⋅7+1⋅1=700+315+42+1=1058=20\cdot35 + 15\cdot21 + 6\cdot7 + 1\cdot1 =
700+315+42+1=1058=20⋅35+15⋅21+6⋅7+1⋅1=700+315+42+1=1058.
Ans: 1058.
Q9. Number of solutions in non-negative integers to x1+x2+x3+x4=12x_1+x_2+x_3+x_4=12x1+x2+x3
+x4=12.
Stars & Bars: (12+4−14−1)=(153)=455\binom{12+4-1}{4-1}=\binom{15}{3}=455(4−112+4−1)=(315)=455.
Ans: 455.
Q10. 5 couples around a round table; no couple sits together.
Total: 9!9!9! for round? Careful: round-table with 10 people → (10−1)!=9!(10-1)! = 9!(10−1)!=9!.
Count “no couple together” is tough directly. Use couples-gap method:
Arrange the 5 men: (5−1)!=24(5-1)! = 24(5−1)!=24. Gaps between men = 5. To avoid adjacency, each woman must sit in a
distinct gap not next to her partner—but two forbidden gaps per woman (the ones adjacent to her partner). This needs
inclusion–exclusion.
(Advanced; rarely full derivation in Tier-1. If you want full PIE walk-through, say the word and I’ll add it.)
Q11. 7-letter words from “TEACHER” with vowels together.
Vowels: E,A,E → (EAE) block + T,C,H,R = 5 units → 5!5!5!. Inside vowels: 3!2!=3\dfrac{3!}{2!}=32!3!=3.
Ans: 5!×3=3605!\times 3 = 3605!×3=360.
Q12. 4 different maths books and 3 different novels on a shelf; novels must be together.
Treat novels as a block → units: 4 books + 1 block = 5 → 5!5!5!. Inside the novel block: 3!3!3!.
Ans: 5!⋅3!=7205!\cdot 3! = 7205!⋅3!=720.
Q13. How many 3-digit even numbers from digits 1–7 without repetition?
Last digit even: {2,4,6} (3 ways). First digit from remaining 6 (cannot be 0 anyway), middle from remaining 5.
Ans: 3×6×5=903\times 6\times 5=903×6×5=90.
Q14. 6-member committee from 10 people; probability two particular people are both in it.
Favorable: choose remaining 4 from other 8: (84)\binom{8}{4}(48). Total committees: (106)\binom{10}{6}(610).
Probability =(84)(106)=70210=13=\dfrac{\binom{8}{4}}{\binom{10}{6}}=\dfrac{70}{210}=\dfrac{1}{3}=(610)(48)=21070=31.
Ans: 1/31/31/3.
Q15. Derangements: In how many ways can 5 distinct letters be placed in 5 addressed envelopes
wrongly?
!5=44!5=44!5=44.
Ans: 44.
9) Practice set (exam-style) — try first, then check below
Arrange “ASSASSIN” (A×3, S×4, I×1, N×1).

From 10 students, form a team of 4 with at least 1 girl, given girls=3, boys=7.

4-digit numbers from digits {0–8} (no repetition), divisible by 5.

Round table: 7 people; A & B sit together, C opposite A. How many?

Distribute 12 identical balls to 5 boxes, each box ≤5 balls.

Arrange “STATISTICS” so that no two T’s are adjacent.

From 9 people choose 3 posts: Chairman, Vice, Secretary (distinct).

5 men & 4 women in a row, women not together (no two adjacent).

6-letter strings from A–Z with at least one vowel (vowels A,E,I,O,U), no repetition.
6 beads on a necklace (all distinct).

Form 3-digit numbers from digits 2–9, repetition allowed, probability number is odd and has distinct digits.

“PROBABILITY”: vowels together.

8 seats in a row; two VIP seats are 1st and 8th. From 6 people choose who sits in VIP seats and arrange the rest.

Number of non-negative integer solutions of x1+x2+x3=20x_1+x_2+x_3=20x1+x2+x3=20 with x1≤10x_1\le 10x1≤10.

Seat 5 boys and 5 girls alternately in a circle starting with a boy.

7-digit phone codes from digits 0–9, leading digit non-zero, digits may repeat; how many contain at least one zero?

From 12 books (5 novels, 7 texts), arrange on shelf with novels together and texts together.

From 8 players, form a captain and a team of 4 more (captain cannot be in the 4).

Number of ways to place 5 identical balls into 3 distinct boxes with each box at least 1 ball.

Derangement: number of ways 4 people pick hats so no one gets their own.

Answers (sketches)
9!4! 3!\dfrac{9!}{4!\,3!}4!3!9!.

(31)(73)+(32)(72)+(33)(71)=3⋅35+3⋅21+1⋅7=105+63+7=175\binom{3}{1}\binom{7}{3}+\binom{3}{2}\binom{7}{2}+\binom{3}
{3}\binom{7}{1}=3\cdot35+3\cdot21+1\cdot7=105+63+7=175(13)(37)+(23)(27)+(33)(17)=3⋅35+3⋅21+1⋅7=105+63+7=175.

Last digit {0,5}. Case 0: first 1–8 (8 ways), middle two: 7P2=427P2=427P2=42 → 336. Case 5: first from {1–8 except 5} =
7, middle two from remaining 7P2=42 → 294. Total 630.

Fix A at top (to break rotation). B must be adjacent to A: 2 choices (left/right). C must be opposite A: 1 seat fixed.
Remaining 4 people in remaining 4 seats: 4!4!4!. Ans: 2⋅24=482\cdot 24=482⋅24=48.

Without upper bound: (12+5−15−1)=(164)\binom{12+5-1}{5-1}=\binom{16}{4}(5−112+5−1)=(416). Subtract cases where

some box has ≥6 via inclusion–exclusion. Let y1=x1−6≥0y_1=x_1-6\ge0y1=x1−6≥0 etc. Count for each box:
(10+5−14)=(144)\binom{10+5-1}{4}=\binom{14}{4}(410+5−1)=(414). Add back overlaps where two boxes ≥6: impossible
(12 balls). So (164)−5(144)\binom{16}{4}-5\binom{14}{4}(416)−5(414).

Total 10!3! 3! 2!\dfrac{10!}{3!\,3!\,2!}3!3!2!10!. Place non-T letters first; apply gaps for T’s. (Detailed count yields) 7!3! 2!(83)\
dfrac{7!}{3!\,2!}\binom{8}{3}3!2!7!(38).

9P3=9⋅8⋅7=504 ^9P_3 = 9\cdot8\cdot7=5049P3=9⋅8⋅7=504.

Arrange men: 5!5!5!. Gaps=6. Choose 4 gaps: (64)\binom{6}{4}(46). Arrange women: 4!4!4!. Ans: 5!(64)4!5!\binom{6}{4}4!
5!(46)4!.
Total 6-letter from 26 no repeat: 26P6^{26}P_626P6. None-vowel (all consonants 21): 21P6^{21}P_621P6. At least one
vowel =26P6−21P6= {}^{26}P_6 - {}^{21}P_6=26P6−21P6.

Necklace (flip same): (6−1)!2=60\dfrac{(6-1)!}{2}=602(6−1)!=60.

Total (repetition allowed): 8⋅8⋅8=5128\cdot 8\cdot 8 =5128⋅8⋅8=512. Favorable: last odd (4 choices), first two distinct from
last and each other: 7⋅67\cdot 67⋅6. Probability =4⋅42512=168512=2164=\dfrac{4\cdot 42}{512}=\dfrac{168}{512}=\
dfrac{21}{64}=5124⋅42=512168=6421.

“PROBABILITY” (11 letters; vowels O,A,I,I → A×1, I×2, O×1): treat vowel block + consonants. Units = 8 → 8!8!8!. Inside
vowels: 4!2!=12\dfrac{4!}{2!}=122!4!=12. Ans: 8!×128!\times 128!×12.

Choose 2 for VIP: 6P2 ^6P_26P2 ways and assign to seats 1 & 8: 2!2!2!. Remaining 4 in middle seats: 4P4=4! ^4P_4=4!
4P4=4!. Ans: 6P2⋅2!⋅4! ^6P_2 \cdot 2! \cdot 4!6P2⋅2!⋅4!.

Without bound: (20+3−12)=(222)\binom{20+3-1}{2}=\binom{22}{2}(220+3−1)=(222). Subtract x1≥11x_1\ge 11x1≥11: set

y1=x1−11≥0y_1=x_1-11\ge0y1=x1−11≥0 → y1+x2+x3=9y_1+x_2+x_3=9y1+x2+x3=9 → (112)\binom{11}{2}(211). Ans:
(222)−(112)=231−55=176\binom{22}{2}-\binom{11}{2}=231-55=176(222)−(211)=231−55=176.

Fix boys circularly: (5−1)!=24(5-1)! = 24(5−1)!=24. Place girls in gaps: 5!5!5!. Ans: 24×120=288024\times
120=288024×120=2880.

Total with leading non-zero: first 9 choices (1–9), others 10 each: 9⋅1069\cdot 10^69⋅106. None with zero (all digits 1–9):
979^797. At least one zero =9⋅106−97=9\cdot 10^6 - 9^7=9⋅106−97.

Treat novels block and texts block → arrange 2 blocks: 2!2!2!. Inside: novels 5!5!5!, texts 7!7!7!. Ans: 2!⋅5!⋅7!2!\cdot 5!\
cdot 7!2!⋅5!⋅7!.

Choose captain: 8. Choose 4 team members from remaining 7: (74)\binom{7}{4}(47). Ans: 8(74)8\binom{7}{4}8(47).

Positive solutions to x1+x2+x3=5x_1+x_2+x_3=5x1+x2+x3=5: (5−13−1)=(42)=6\binom{5-1}{3-1}=\binom{4}{2}=6(3−15−1

)=(24)=6.

!4=9!4=9!4=9.