According to classical Indian school of logic, what is the correct sequence of steps involved in Anumana (inference)?

In Indian Philosophy, Anumana means the knowledge (mana) which we get after other knowledge. From the knowledge of the sign, we get a knowledge of the object possessing it. Therefore, Anumana means the knowledge which is preceded by Pratyaksa (highest of all Pramanas).

The Nyaya believes in a five-membered inference (of a syllogism):

1. Pratijna (Thesis): It is the thesis to be established, which makes a statement. It means that through which something is proved. For example, ‘the hill is fiery’.
2. Hetu (Reason): It states the reason for the statement. For example, ‘Because there is smoke on the hill’.
3. Udaharana (Exemplification): It is the universal proposition which shows the invariable concomitance between the reason and the inferable predicate supported by an example. For example, ‘whenever there is smoke, there is fire, e.g. the kitchen’.
4. Upanaya (Application): It is the application of the universal proposition to a particular instance. For example, ‘the hill is smoky’.
5. Nigamana (Conclusion): It is the conclusion drawn from the preceding members. For example, ‘therefore, the hill is fiery’.

All five members are categorical propositions.

Hence, the correct sequence of steps involved in Anumana (inference) is Pratijna, Hetu, Udaharana, Upanaya, Nigamana.