Optical illusion: Only people with high IQ can spot the 96 among 99s in 10 seconds

Optical illusion IQ test: Are you someone who enjoys a quick brain teaser? Here's a brilliant optical illusion that doubles as an IQ test. It’s trending online and challenging people to find 96 hidden within a sea of 99s – and here’s the catch – you’ve got just 10 seconds to crack it!

Let’s see if your mind is sharp enough to solve this tricky puzzle.



This visual test features an image packed with the number 99 repeated in a neat, distracting pattern. But hidden somewhere within this pattern is a sneaky 96.

Your task? Find 96 among the 99s — and do it in under 10 seconds.

Sounds easy? Not really. Many people spend over a minute trying to spot the difference. It’s one of those optical illusions that really mess with your brain and put your observation skills to the test.

A Quick Hint to Help You Spot It


Here's a little tip: Focus your eyes on the middle part of the image.

That’s right — the 96 has been cleverly hidden near the centre, camouflaged perfectly within the rows of 99s. The similar shapes, font style, and spacing are designed to fool your brain into thinking the entire image is made up of the same number.

Don’t forget — 99 and 96 look very alike at a glance, especially in a patterned design like this. It’s an illusion meant to trick even the sharpest minds!


Ever wondered why optical illusions like this are so tricky?

It’s because of something called pattern recognition. Our brains are wired to quickly process visual information by grouping similar shapes together. So when your eyes scan the image, your brain assumes all the numbers are 99, completely ignoring the 96.

This mental shortcut saves time — but in this case, it works against you. Only people with high attention to detail and strong visual discrimination skills are able to break the pattern and find 96 fast.


If you spotted the 96 quickly — congratulations! You probably have an excellent eye for detail and strong cognitive skills. These kinds of IQ tests show just how good you are at spotting what others miss.

If you didn’t get it the first time, don’t worry. That’s the fun of optical illusions — they’re meant to challenge your perception and give your brain a good workout. Scroll back up and take another look. Once you see the hidden 96, you’ll wonder how you missed it the first time!


Believe it or not, doing these visual puzzles is more than just fun — it's actually good for your mental health! Here’s how solving optical illusions like this can help your brain:

• Improves focus and attention
• Enhances observation and memory
• Trains your brain to spot differences quickly
• Helps reduce stress with engaging mental breaks
• Sharpens problem-solving and critical thinking skills

So, even if you didn’t find the answer in 10 seconds, just attempting the puzzle gives your brain a solid IQ test-style boost!


Here we have highlighted the answer for you. Please see the image below



Think your friends can beat your time? Share this mind-bending optical illusion with them and challenge them to find 96 in under 10 seconds. It's a fun and competitive way to test your brainpower — and theirs!

Whether you’re a puzzle lover or just looking to keep your brain sharp, these visual tests are a great way to stay mentally active. Keep trying more and see how high your IQ really is!

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.