Chapter 05 Series 183

CHAPTER 05

Series
Series is a sequential order of letters, numbers or both Ex 01 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
arranged in such a way that each term in the series is series given below? SSC 10+2 2018
obtained according to some specific rules. These rules can 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, ?
be based on mathematical operations, place of letters in (a) 31 (b) 34 (c) 30 (d) 32
alphabetical order etc. Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
In questions based on series, a specified sequence/order of 17 20 23 26 29 32
letters, numbers or a combination of both is given where
one of the terms (letter/number/letter and number) of the +3 +3 +3 +3 +3
series is missing either at the end of the series or in ? 32
between the series or one of its term is incorrect which
does not fit into the series. Ex 02 9, 12, 16, 21, ?, 34. RRB NTPC 2016
(a) 30 (b) 27 (c) 28 (d) 35
The candidate is required to identify the pattern involved
in the formation of series and accordingly find the Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
missing or wrong term of the series. 9 12 16 21 27 34
On the basis of various types of questions that are asked
+3 +4 +5 +6 +7
in competitive exams, we have classified series into
several types as follows. ? 27

2. Subtraction Series
TYPE 01 In this type of series, the difference between the two
consecutive elements is same or in increasing or
Number Series decreasing order.
In such types of questions, a series of numbers is given Ex 03 Find the next number in the following series.
with one number/term missing from its place. RRB Group D 2018
The candidate is required to recognise the pattern 71, 63, 55, ?
involved in the formation of series and find the missing (a) 48 (b) 47 (c) 46 (d) 45
number accordingly. Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
Various different patterns are involved in the formation 71 63 55 47
of series. Now, let us discuss some most common
patterns involved in the formation of series. –8 –8 –8
? 47
1. Addition Series Ex 04 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
In this type of series, each time the same digit/number or following number series?
digit/number in increasing/decreasing order is added to 95, 94, 92, 89, 85, 80, ?
previous element to obtain the next element. (a) 74 (b) 69 (c) 75 (d) 77
184 Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical Reasoning

Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows 5. Double Addition Series
95 94 92 89 85 80 74 In this type of series, each time the digit/number is added
–1 –2 –3 –4 –5 –6
to the previous element in increasing order in such a way
that numbers to be added make another series.
? 74
Ex 09 Replace the question mark(?) in the following
3. Multiplication Series number series.
In this type of series, the ratio between two consecutive 1, 9, 22, 41, 67, ?
elements is same or in increasing/decreasing order, i.e. (a) 101 (b) 102
in this case, every time the previous element is multiplied (c) 108 (d) 115
by the same digit/number or the digits in increasing/ Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows
decreasing order to obtain the next element. 1 9 22 41 67 101

Ex 05 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the +8 +13 +19 +26 +34
following number series? SSC CHSL 2017
3, 12, 48, ? +5 +6 +7 +8
(a) 96 (b) 184 ? 101
(c) 192 (d) 384
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows 6. Double Addition and Subtraction Series
3 12 48 192 In this type of series, next element is obtained by
subtracting and adding some numbers from and to the
×4 ×4 ×4 previous number in alternate manner in increasing or
? 192 decreasing order.
Ex 06 What number should come next in the sequence The numbers to be added and subtracted make a
6, 18, 72 360, 2160, …… ? WBCS 2020 further series, the logic behind which is found by again
(a) 12120 (b) 13120 subtracting and adding some numbers from and to the
(c) 14120 (d) 15120 previous number in alternate manner in increasing or
decreasing order.
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
6 18 72 360 2160 15120 Ex 10 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
following number series? SBI PO 2018
×3 ×4 ×5 ×6 ×7
330, 80, 280, 120, 250, ?
? 15120 (a) 110 (b) 150
(c) 140 (d) 160
4. Division Series (e) 170
In this type of series, each time the previous element is Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows
divided by the same digit/number or the digits in –20
increasing/decreasing order to obtain the next element.
+40 +20

Ex 07 Find the missing number in the sequence.

CLAT 2018 330 80 280 120 250 140
9, 3, ___, 1/3, 1/9
–50 –30
(a) 2 (b) 6 (c) 1/2 (d) 1
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows +20

÷3 ÷3 ÷3 ÷3
9 3 1 1 1 ? 140
3 9

? 1
7. Same Number Multiplication and
Same Number Addition Series
Ex 08 Find the missing number in the sequence In this type of series, the next element is obtained by
UPSSSC Junior Assistant 2020 multiplying the previous number by a certain number
600 120 ? 10 5 5 and by adding a certain number in this multiplication.
(a) 20 (b) 40 (c) 30 (d) 25
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows Ex 11 Replace the question mark (?) in the following
number series with the suitable option.
600 120 30 10 5 5
5, 11, 23, 47, 95, ?
÷5 ÷4 ÷3 ÷2 ÷1 (a) 191 (b) 185
? 30 (c) 194 (d) 198
Chapter 05 Series 185

Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows 11. Same Number Multiplication and
5 11 23 47 95 191 Same Number Subtraction Series
In this type of series, each previous element is multiplied
2+1 2+1 2+1 2+1 2+1
by a certain number and then a certain number is subtracted
? 191 from this multiplication to obtain each next element.

8. Same Number Multiplication and Ex 15 Replace the question mark (?) in the series given
below with the correct option.
Addition in Increasing Order Series 4, 5, 7, 11, 19, 35, ?
In this type of series, each previous element is multiplied (a) 67 (b) 76 (c) 55 (d) 45
by same number while numbers in increasing order are
added respectively, in these multiplications to obtain the Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows
next element. 4 5 7 11 19 35 67

Ex 12 Select the correct option that will fill in the blank and 2–3 2–3 2–3 2–3 2–3 2–3
complete the series. SSC Steno 2019 ? 67
6, 13, 28, 59, ?, 249
(a) 120 (b) 118 (c) 98 (d) 122 12. Same Number Multiplication and
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows Subtraction in Increasing Order Series
6 13 28 59 122 249 In this type of series, each previous element is multiplied
by a certain number and then from such multiplications,
×2+1 ×2+2 ×2+3 ×2+4 ×2+5 numbers in increasing order are subtracted, respectively
? 122 to obtain each next element.
Ex 16 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
9. Increasing Order Multiplication and following number series?
Same Number Addition Series 4, 7, 12, 21, 38, ?
In this type of series, each previous element is multiplied (a) 75 (b) 71 (c) 78 (d) 77
respectively by numbers in increasing order and then a
Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
certain number is added in such multiplications to obtain
the next element. 4 7 12 21 38 71

2–1 2–2 2–3 2–4 2–5

Ex 13 Replace the question mark (?) in the given series
with suitable option. ? 71
3, 6, 15, 48, 195, ?
(a) 978 (b) 897 (c) 688 (d) 945 13. Increasing Order Multiplication and
Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows Same Number Subtraction Series
In this type of series, each previous element is multiplied
3 6 15 48 195 978
by numbers in increasing order respectively and then
1+3 2+3 3+3 4+3 5+3
from such multiplications, a certain number is subtracted
to obtain each next element.
? 978
Ex 17 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
10. Increasing Order Multiplication and following number series?
Increasing Order Addition Series 4, 6, 16, 62, 308, ?
In this type of series, the previous elements are multiplied (a) 990 (b) 1721 (c) 698 (d) 1846
respectively by numbers in increasing order and then Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
numbers in increasing order are added respectively in such 4 6 16 62 308 1846
multiplications to obtain the next elements.
2–2 3–2 4–2 5–2 6–2
Ex 14 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
following number series? ? 1846
4, 5, 12, 39, 160, ?
(a) 225 (b) 695 (c) 805 (d) 790 14. Increasing Order Multiplication and
Increasing Order Subtraction Series
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows
In this type of series, previous elements are multiplied
4 5 12 39 160 805
respectively by numbers in increasing order and then
1+1 2+2 3+3 4+4 5+5
numbers in increasing order are subtracted respectively
from such multiplications to obtain each next element.
? 805
186 Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical Reasoning

Ex 18 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the Ex 22 Replace the question mark (?) in the series given
following number series? below with the suitable option.
3, 5, 13, 49, 241, ? 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, ?
(a) 1541 (b) 4411 (a) 155 (b) 216 (c) 210 (d) 177
(c) 1600 (d) 1441 Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows 1 8 27 64 125 216
3 5 13 49 241 1441
(1)3 (2)3 (3)3 (4)3 (5)3 (6)3
2–1 3–2 4–3 5–4 6–5
? 216
? 1441
18. Square Addition/Subtraction Series
15. Multiplication and Division Series In this type of series, square of numbers in a particular
In this type of series, each next element is obtained by manner are added or subtracted respectively to each
the operation of multiplication and division alternately. element to obtain the next element.
Ex 19 Replace the question mark (?) in the given series Ex 23 Which number will come next in the following
with the suitable option. series?
24, 72, 36, 108, 54, ? 3, 7, 16, 32, 57, ……… SSC CPO 2018
(a) 145 (b) 162 (a) 85 (b) 80 (c) 98 (d) 93
(c) 158 (d) 165
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
3 7 16 32 57 93
24 72 36 108 54 162
+4=(2)2 +9=(3)2 +16=(4)2 +25=(5)2 +36=(6)2
3 2 3 2 3

? 162 19. Cube Addition/Subtraction Series

Ex 20 Replace the question mark (?) in the given series In this type of series, cube of numbers in a particular
with the suitable option. manner are added or subtracted, respectively to each
6, 3, 9, 4.5, 13.5, ? element to obtain the next element.
(a) 6.75 (b) 7 (c) 8.4 (d) 8
Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows
Ex 24 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
series given below?
6 3 9 4.5 13.5 6.75 1, 2, 10, 37, 101, ?
(a) 226 (b) 215 (c) 218 (d) 229
2 3 2 3 2
Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows
? 6. 75
1 2 10 37 101 226
16. Square Series 3 3 3 3 3
In this type of series, each element is the square of a +(1) +(2) +(3) +(4) +(5)

number in a certain sequence. ? 226

Ex 21 Replace the question mark (?) in the series given 20. Square and Cube Addition Series
below with the suitable option. In this type of series, square and cube of numbers are
49, 64, ?, 100, 121 SSC CGL 2017
added alternately in increasing order respectively to
(a) 74 (b) 80 obtain next element.
(c) 75 (d) 81
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows Ex 25 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
series given below?
49 64 81 100 121
2, 3, 7, 34, 50, ?
(7)2 (8)2 (9)2 (10)2 (11)2 (a) 180 (b) 175 (c) 160 (d) 165
? 81 Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
2 3 7 34 50 175
17. Cube Series
In this type of series, each element is the cube of a +1=+13 +4=+22 +27=+33 +16=+42 +125=+53
number in a certain sequence. ? 175
Chapter 05 Series 187

21. Prime Number Series Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
In this type of series, each element is prime number in +3 +5 +7 +9
certain sequence.
0 2 3 5 8 10 15 17 24 26 35
Ex 26 What replaces the question mark (?) in the following
number series? +3 +5 +7 +9 +11
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, ?
(a) 14 (b) 15 ? 35
(c) 13 (d) 17
Ex 30 Find the next three terms of the given series.
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows RRB Group D 2018
61, 61, 37, 67, 67, 52, 71, 71,__, __, __
2 3 5 7 11 13
(a) 65, 73, 73 (b) 65, 75, 75
Prime Prime Prime Prime Prime (c) 67, 75, 75 (d) 67, 73, 73
number number number number number
after 2 after 3 after 5 after 7 after 11 Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows

? 13 61, 61 37 67, 67 52 71, 71 67 73 73

22. Digital Operation of Number Series +6 +15 +4 +15 +2

In this type of series, the digits of each number are

operated in a certain way to obtain the next elements of Ex 31 Replace the question mark (?) in the following
number series. SSC CGL 2016
the series. 1, 4, 2, 3, 2, ?
Ex 27 What replaces question mark (?) in the series given (a) 2 (b) 5
below? (c) 3 (d) 4
88, 64, 24, ? Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
(a) 8 (b) 6
1 4 2 3 2 4
(c) 2 (d) 5
+2
Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows
–2
88 64 24 8 +2

8×8 6×4 2×4 ? 4

8 8 6 4 2 4
24. New Series
? 8
In this type of series, a number series is given. Below this
Ex 28 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the series another number series is there, in which first
given number series? number is given but another numbers are named as
4, 24, 6, 48, 8, 80, ? (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). In the first series, numbers are
(a) 8 (b) 9 arranged from left to right based on some mathematical
(c) 10 (d) 4 operations.
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows The candidate has to follow the same mathematical
4×6 6×8 8×10 operations in second series and find out the values
4 24 6 48 8 80 10 of (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) according to the question.

+2 +2 +2 Ex 32 2 7 12 17 22 27
3 (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
? 10
which number comes in place of (D)?
(a) 18 (b) 19 (c) 20 (d) 23
23. Mixed/Combination Series
In this type of series, odd place elements make one series Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
while the even place elements make another series. 2 7 12 17 22 27

+5 +5 +5 +5 +5
Ex 29 Replace the question mark (?) in the following
number series. MAT 2015 (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
0, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 17, 24, 26, ? 3 8 13 18 23 28
(a) 28 (b) 30
+5 +5 +5 +5 +5
(c) 32 (d) 35
D 23
Chapter 05 Series 195

TYPE 02 2. Subtraction Series

In such series, every next term is obtained by subtracting
Letter Series certain digit/number (either same or different) from its
previous term (letter).
Letter series is a sequence of letters or group of letters
taken from English alphabet and such sequence follows a Ex 36 Which letter will replace the question mark in the
certain logical pattern. In letter series, certain logical following series. SSC CPO 2018
pattern means that every next element of the series is Z, X, V, T, R, ?
obtained according to a certain change. (a) S (b) O (c) P (d) Q
In this series, candidates are required to find out the next Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows
letter or group of letters in the series or the missing letter 26 24 22 20 18 16
in the series. Z X V T R P

To solve problems of this kind, candidates are required to –2 –2 –2 –2 –2

find the rules followed in the series and determine the
pattern of the series. Required letter P

Ex 37 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the

1. Addition Series following series?
In such series, every next term is obtained by adding P, O, M, J, F, ?
certain digit/number (either same or different) to the (a) X (b) A
corresponding position of previous letter given in a (c) Y (d) Cannot be determined
particular series. Solution (b) The pattern of the series is as follows
16 15 13 10 6 1
Ex 33 Find the letter in place of question mark (?) in the P O M J F A
series given below. RRB Group D 2018
A, D, G, J, M , ? –1 –2 –3 –4 –5

(a) R (b) B Required letter A

(c) W (d) P
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows Ex 38 Which letter will replace the question mark in the
following series? SSC CHSL 2018
1 4 7 10 13 16
M
KHQ, HEN, EBK, ?, YVE
A D G J P
(a) ZWF (b) AXG
+3 +3 +3 +3 +3 (c) CZI (d) BYH
Required letter P Solution (d) The patterns of the series is as follows
11 8 17 8 5 14 5 2 11 2 25 8 25 22 5
Ex 34 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the KH Q HE N EB K B Y H Y V E
series given below?
B, C, E, H, L, ? –3 –3 –3 –3
–3 –3 –3 –3
(a) M (b) N (c) P (d) Q
–3 –3 –3 –3
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
Required letters BYH
2 3 5 8 12 17
B C E H L Q
3. Addition-Subtraction Series
+1 +2 +3 +4 +5
In such series, addition and subtraction (or subtraction-
Required letter Q addition) take place alternatively to obtain the terms of
the series.
Ex 35 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
series given below? SSC CHSL 2018 Ex 39 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
following series?
FT, JX, NB, RF, ?
A, E, C, G, E, I, ?
(a) TX (b) LJ
(c) VJ (d) YJ (a) H (b) E
(c) G (d) J
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows
6 20 10 24 14 2 18 6 22 10
F T J X N B R F V J 1 5 3 7 5 9 7
A E C G E I G
+4 +4 +4 +4 +4
+4 –2 +4 –2 +4 –2
+4 +4 +4 +4
Required letter G
Required letters V, J
196 Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical Reasoning

Ex 40 In the below series, identify what can come in place 6. Series Having Same Group of Letters
of ‘?’ UPSSSC VDO 2018
as its Elements
BX, DU, FR, HO, JL, LI, ?
(a) MF (b) NE
In such series, each element consists of group of same
(c) NF (d) ME letters instead of a single letter that follows certain pattern.
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows Ex 44 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
series given below?
2 +2 4 +2 6 +2 8 +2 10 +2 12 +2 14
B D F H J L N LDP, DPL, PLD,?
24 –3 21 –3 18 –3 15 –3 12 –3 9 6 (a) LPD (b) PDL (c) DLP (d) LDP
–3
X U R O L I F Solution (d) In every next term, the last letter is the first
Required letters NF letter of its previous term, middle letter is the last letter of
its previous term and first letter is the middle letter of its
4. Mixed/Combination Series previous term.
1 2 3 2 3 1 3 1 2 1 2 3
Such series have two or more interwoven series. In L D P D P L P L D L D P
another words, we can say that a single series is formed
with the combination of more than one series.
Ex 41 Replace the question mark (?) in the series given below. Required letter= LDP
B, B, A, D, Z, F, Y, H, X, ?
(a) J (b) N (c) M (d) O
7. Frequency Series
Solution (a) This series has two parts. In first part, every In such series, frequency of occurrence of a letter
next term is obtained by subtracting 1 from the increases/decreases in every next element.
corresponding position of its previous letter. While in Ex 45 Replace the question mark (?) in the following
second part, every next term is obtained by adding 2 to series.
the corresponding position of its previous term (letter).
ABCABABAB, ABABCABAB, ABABABCAB,
2 2 1 4 26 6 25 8 24 10 ABABABABC, ACBABABAB, ? SSC CHSL 2018
B B A D Z F Y H X J
(a) ABABCABAB (b) ABCABABAB
–1 –1 –1 –1 (c) ABACBABAB (d) ABABACBAB
+2 +2 +2 +2
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows,
Required letter J ABCABABAB, ABABCABAB, ABABABCAB,

Ex 42 Replace the question mark (?) in the series given below. ABABABABC, ACBABABAB, ABACBABAB
NL, MM, LN, KO, ? Required term ABACBABAB
(a) JO (b) PJ (c) JP (d) KO
Solution (c) The pattern of the series is as follows Ex 46 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
series given below?
1 1
MNO, MMNO, MMNNO, MMNNOO, ?
1 1
14 12 13 13 12 14 11 15 10 16
(a) MMNNOOP (b) MMNNOODD
NL MM LN KO J P (c) MMMNNOO (d) MMMNNNOOO
1 1
Solution (c) According to the following pattern
1 1 From 1st to 2nd element, one M is added MMNO
Required letters JP From 2nd to 3rd element, one N is added MMNNO
From 3rd to 4th element, one O is added MMNNOO
5. Reverse Order Repetition Series From 4th to 5th element, one M is added MMMNNOO
In such series, first part is written in reverse order in the Required element MMMNNOO
second part of the series and this process may be
repeated further. 8. Small-Capital letter Series
In such series, the sequence consists of small and capital
Ex 43 What comes in place of question mark (?) in the
series given below? letters in various patterns.
A, B, D, G, K, N, P, ? Ex 47 Replace the question mark (?) in the given series
(a) Q (b) R (c) S (d) T mm, OO, qq, SS, ?
Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows (a) Sq (b) Rs (c) St (d) uu
1 2 4 7 11 14 16 17 Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows
A B D G K N P Q
mm OO qq SS uu
+1 +2 +3 +4 +3 +2 +1
+2 +2 +2 +2
Required letter Q
Chapter 05 Series 197

Here, the letters occur in pairs and are written small and Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows
capital in alternate manner and in every next term, the 2 5 8 11 14
+3
letters move two positions forward from the previous B E +3 H +3
K +3
N
term. 3 6 9 12 15
+3 +3 +3 +3
C F I L O
25 22 19 16 13
Ex 48 Select the letter that can replace the question mark Y –3
V –3
S –3
P –3
M
(?) in the following series SSC CPO 2019 24
–3
21 18 15 12
X U –3 R –3
O –3
L
K, J, L, I, ?, H
(a) D (b) N
(c) L (d) M 9. Words Based Series
Solution (d) The pattern of the series is as follows In this type of series, words series is given in which by
11 10 12 9 13 8
moving from left to right letters of the words either
K J L I M H increase or decrease in a particular order or a letter in
–1 +2 –3 +4 –5 each next word is shifted left or right.

? M
The candidate has to find the pattern of the given series
to complete the series.
Ex 49 Select the letter-cluster that can replace the question
mark in the following series UPSSSC Junior Assistant 2020
Ex 51 Replace the question mark (?) in the following series
K P A, L Q B, M R C, N S D, ? At, Bat , Flag, Mount, ?
(a) OTE (b) PER (a) Lion (b) Seven (c) Linear (d) Elephant
(c) LTQ (d) MOL Solution (c) In the given series by moving from left to
Solution (a) The pattern of the series is as follows right number of alphabets in each word is increased by
one.
11 +1 12 +1 13 +1 14 +1 15
K L M N O At Bat Flag Mount Linear
16 17 18 +1 19 +1 20
+1 +1 2 Letters 3 Letters 4 Letters 5 Letters 6 Letters
P Q R S T
1 +1 2 +1 3 +1 4 +1 5
A B C D E Ex 52 Replace the question mark (?) in the following
series. SSC CGL 2017
? OTE
rupees, arena, pursue, spare, separate, ?
Ex 50 The next term of the series (a) rapid (b) pusher (c) person (d) super
UPSC Assistant Commandant 2019
Solution (b) In the given series, by moving from left to
BCYX, EFVU, HISR, KLPO, …… is right, the position of r in each word is shifted by one.
(a) NOML (b) NOLM
rupees arena pursue spare separate pusher
(c) ONML (d) ONLM
1 2 3 4 5 6

Practice CORNER 5.2

DIRECTIONS ~ (Q. Nos. 1-51) What comes in place of 6. AR, CU, EX, GA, ? SSC MTS 2019
question mark(s) in the following letter series? (a) JE (b) ID (c) IF (d) KF
1. A, C, E, G, I, ? 7. PBA, QDC, RFE, ?
(a) K (b) J (c) M (d) L (a) SHG (b) OAB (c) TJI (d) ULK
2. J, M, P, ?, V, Y SSC CGL 2020 8. CIG, FLJ, IOM, ?
(a) R (b) T (c) O (d) S (a) LRP (b) JLG
3. B, D, F, I, L, P, ? (c) PSU (d) QUB
(a) U (b) R (c) S (d) T 9. OTE, PUF, QVG, RWH, ?
(e) None of these (a) SYJ (b) TXI (c) SXJ (d) SXI
4. C, E, I, K, O, Q, ? 10. FTB, IQE, LNH, OKK, ? SSC CPO 2019
(a) R (b) S (c) T (d) U (a) RHN (b) RGM (c) SHM (d) SHN
(e) None of these
11. bdf, hjl, ?, tvx SSC Steno 2019
5. AB, GH, MN, ST, ? SSC Constable 2018
(a) twy (b) suv (c) suw (d) npr
(a) YZ (b) VW (c) UV (d) XY
Chapter 05 Series 203

TYPE 03 Ex 54 Find the next term in the series. RRB Group D 2018
3X24C, 5V22E, ?
Alpha-Numeric Series (a) 9T21G (b) 8T21G
Alpha-numeric series comprises of both, the letters and (c) 7T20G (d) 8T20G
numbers which are presented in jumbled format but each Solution (c) The pattern is as follows
of them follow certain pattern based on either the +2 +2
3 5 7
alphabetical position of the letters or the numbers in –2 –2
different correlation etc. X V T
–2 –2
24 22 20
The importance of this topic lies in expanding the skills +2 +2
C E G
of the candidates who are required to recognise the
pattern in both manner and complete the series by ? 7T20G
inserting the missing number or detecting the wrong
number in the series. 2. Combined Series of Letters and Numbers
In this type of series, letters and numbers both exist
1. Separate Series of Letters/Numbers simultaneously and the series of letters is associated with
In this type of series, letters and numbers both exist the series of numbers in a particular manner.
simultaneously but series of letters is associated only with
letters and series of numbers is associated only with numbers. Ex 55 Replace the question mark (?) in the following series
with suitable option.
Ex 53 In the below series, identify what can come in place C5, F4, E7, H6, ?
of ‘?’ UPSSSC VDO 2018
(a) 8G (b) G9 (c) F9 (d) D7
C2, F5, I11, L17, ?, R31, U41, X47
Solution (b) The pattern of given alpha-numeric series is
(a) O25 (b) Q23 (c) Q21 (d) O23 as follows
Solution (d) The pattern is as follows +1 +1
Prime Numbers +1 +1
3 6 5 8 7
3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 C 5 F 4 E 7 H 6 G 9
C2, F 5 , I 11 , L 17 , O 23, R 31, U 41, X 47 +1 +1
+1 +1
+3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3
? G9
There is 1 missing prime between the alternative numbers.

Practice CORNER 5.3

DIRECTIONS ~ (Q. Nos. 1-27) What should come in the place of question mark (?) in the following alpha-numeric series?
1. C-3, E-5, G-7, I-9, ?, ? 9. Q1F, S2E, U6D, W24C,?
(a) X-24, M-21 (b) K-11, M-13 (a) Y120B (b) Y44B (c) Z88B (d) Y66B
(c) O-15. X-24 (d) M-18, K-14
10. ST39, UV43, WX47, ?
2. 3W, 7V, 11U, 15T, ? RRB NTPC 2016 (a) YZ47 (b) YZ52 (c) YZ51 (d) YX50
(a) 19Z (b) 20P (c) 22Q (d) 19S
11. 2Z5, 7Y7, 14X9, 23W11, 34V13, ?
3. 3F, 6G, 11I, 18L,? (a) 27U24 (b) 47U15 (c) 45U15 (d) 47V14
(a) 27P (b) 25N (c) 27Q (d) 21‘O’
12. 4D3C, 7G6F, 10J9I, ? RRB Group D 2018
4. P3C, R5F, T8I, V12L, ? (a) 13K12L (b) 12L13N (c) 13L12M (d) 13M12L
(a) X16O (b) Y17O (c) X17M (d) X 17O
(e) None of these
13. AB 11 CD, EF 13 GH, IJ 17 KL, ?
(a) MN18 OP (b) MN19 OP
5. X7D, V11G, T13J, ?, P19P CLAT 2018 (c) MN 21 OP (d) MN 23 OP
(a) Q15M (b) R17M (c) Q17L (d) R15M
14. T49S64, R81Q100, P121O144, ?
6. C4X, F9U, I16R, ? (a) N169M196 (b) N160M190
(a) L25P (b) K25P (c) L27P (d) L25O (c) N164M194 (d) U36T46
7. KM5, IP8, GS11, EV14,? 15. B2CD, ?, BCD4, ?, BC6D
(a) BY17 (b) CZ17 (c) BX17 (d) CY17 (a) B C3D, B5CD (b) B C2D, B C3D
(c) B C3D, C3CD (d) B C3D, BC5D
8. A26H, C24F, G20B, ? BPSC 2016
(a) M13D (b) O11C (c) M12B (d) M14E 16. P3, M8, ?, G24, D35
(e) None of these (a) K15 (b) J13 (c) I13 (d) J15
206 Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical Reasoning

TYPE 04 Ex 57 One term is wrong in the following series. What is

that term? CGPSC 2017

Find the Wrong Term (Number/Alphabet) 130, 126, 110, 78, 10

(a) 78 (b) 110 (c) 10 (d) 130
In this type of questions, a series of numbers/alphabets is (e) None of these
given which follows a certain pattern and one of its terms Solution (a) The pattern is as follows
is incorrect and does not fit into the series.
74
The candidate is required to identify the pattern involved 130 126 110 78 10
in the formation of series and then find out that
number/alphabet(s) which does not follow the specific –22 –42 –62 –82
pattern of the series. Hence, number 78 is wrong in the given series. It should
be replaced by 74.
Ex 56 Four numbers have been given, out of which three
are alike in some manner and one is different. Select the
number that is different from the rest. Ex 58 Find out the wrong term in the series
EGKMPS UP Police SI 2017
UPSSSC Junior Assistant 2020
720, 120, 24, 8, 2, 1, 1 (a) Q (b) K (c) E (d) P
(a) 24 (b) 8 (c) 2 (d) 120 Solution (d) The pattern is as follows
Solution (b) Pattern of series is as follows 17
5 7 11 13 Q 19
6 E G K M P S
720 120 24 8 2 1 1

÷6 ÷5 ÷4 ÷3 ÷2 ÷1 +2 +4 +2 +4 +2
Hence, 8 is odd one here, 6 will replace it. Hence, P is wrong term.

Practice CORNER 5.4

DIRECTIONS ~ (Q. Nos. 1-55) In each of the following 11. 17, 36, ,53, 68, 83, 92
questions, one number is wrong in the series. Find out the (a) 92 (b) 53 (c) 68 (d) 83
wrong number. 12. 2, 6, 12, 48, 240, 1440, 10080 RBI Office Assistant 2020
1. 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 25, 32 (a) 12 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 28 (e) 240
(a) 7 (b) 14 (c) 18 (d) 32 13. 2.5, 3.5, 15, 60, 300, 1800 LIC AAO 2019
2. 1, 2, 5, 14, 41, 124 (a) 3.5 (b) 15 (c) 60 (d) 300 (e) 2.5
(a) 2 (b) 5 (c) 14 (d) 124 14. 2, 4, 8, 16, 48, 64, 128, 256
3. 3, 5, 7, 12, 17, 19, 23 (a) 4 (b) 8 (c) 16 (d) 48
(a) 23 (b) 19 (c) 17 (d) 12 15. 385, 462, 572, 396, 427, 671, 264
4. 4, 10, 22, 40, 84, 94, 130 (a) 385 (b) 427 (c) 671 (d) 264
(a) 22 (b) 40 (c) 94 (d) 84 16. 2, 10, 18, 54, 162, 486, 1458
5. 4, 19, 49, 93, 154, 229, 319 (a) 18 (b) 54 (c) 162 (d) 10 (e) 486
(a) 93 (b) 229 (c) 319 (d) 19 17. 2, 6, 12, 72, 865, 62208
(a) 72 (b) 12 (c) 62208 (d) 865 (e) 6
6. 189, 186, 181, 174, 165, 155, 141
RBI Office Assistant 2020 18. 33, 321, 465, 537, 573, 590, 600
(a) 189 (b) 181 (c) 165 (d) 155 (e) 141 (a) 321 (b) 465 (c) 573 (d) 537 (e) 590
7. 225, 289, 338, 374, 397, 415, 424 19. 56, 72, 90, 110, 132, 150
(a) 415 (b) 289 (c) 338 (d) 397 (a) 72 (b) 90 (c) 110 (d) 150
(e) None of these
8. 7.5, 47.5, 87.5, 157.5, 247.5, 357.5, 487.5
20. 10, 14, 28, 32, 64, 68, 132
(a) 357.5 (b) 87.5 (c) 157.5 (d) 7.5
(a) 28 (b) 32 (c) 64 (d) 132
(e) 47.5
21. 100, 97, 90, 86, 76, 71, 62, 55
9. 5, 9, 25, 59, 125, 225, 369 RBI Office Assistant 2020
(a) 55 (b) 62 (c) 76 (d) 86
(a) 369 (b) 225 (c) 25 (d) 59 (e) 9
22. 8424, 4212, 2106, 1051, 526.5, 263.25, 131.625
10. 9, 14, 19, 25, 32, 40 (a) 131.625 (b) 1051 (c) 4212
(a) 14 (b) 25 (c) 32 (d) 9 (d) 8424 (e) 263.25
Chapter 05 Series 211

58. (b) The pattern is as follows 63. (c) The pattern is as follows
H 7 89
ZYXW TSRQ NMLK G 12 3 16 17 18 456 19 2021
GHI
ABC PQR DEF STU HGI
VU PO JI
+1 +1
Hence, G should be replaced by H. in each letter +1 in each letter
in each letter
59. (b) The pattern is as follows
+4 +4 +4 21 Hence, HGI should be replaced by GHI.
5 9 13 17 U
E O I S M W Q A V 64. (a) The pattern is as follows
15 19 23 1 3 6 11
+4 +4 +4 +4
1 8 9 2 7 10
C F K 4 5 12
Hence, V should be replaced by U. AHI BGJ KFC DEL
60. (a) The pattern is as follows +1 +1 +1
+1 +1 +1 +1
–1 –1 –1
20 15 +1 +1 +1
26 24 25 22 23 19 T O 16 10
Z X Y V W S P J Hence, KFC should be replaced by CFK.
P T
–2 –3 –4 –5 –6 65. (d) The pattern is as follows
Hence, PT should be replaced by TO. 19 –1 18 –1 17 –1 16 –1 15
S R Q P N O
61. (b) The pattern is as follows 8 +1 9 +1 10 +1 11 +1 12
19 22 H I J K M L
1 4 7 10 13 16 S V 7 –1 6 –1 5 –1 4 –1 3
A D G J M P R S G F E D B C
Hence, NMB should be replaced by OLC.
+6 +6 +6
+6 +6 +6 66. (c) The pattern is as follows
4 +4 8 +4 12 +4 16 +4 20
Hence, RS should be replaced by SV. C D H L P T
1 +4 5 +4 9 +4 13 +4 17
62. (c) The pattern is as follows B A E I M Q
16 18 2 +4 6 +4 10 +4 14 +4 18
1 3 6 8 11 13 P R C B F J N R
3 +4 7 11 15 19
A C F H K M R P B C G
+4
K
+4
O
+4
S
+2 +3 +2 +3 +2 +3 +2
Hence, RP should be replaced by PR. Hence, CBCB should be replaced by DABC.

TYPE 05 Ex 59 P_R_S_QRR_ SSC CHSL 2017

(a) QPRS (b) QRPS (c) QRPP (d) QPSR
Continuous Pattern Series Solution (b) The series is as follows
Continuous pattern series generally consists of letters of PQRRS/PQRRS
English alphabet or numbers or combination of letters and Required answer QRPS
numbers, where the letters/numbers are arranged in a
Ex 60 12_41_34123_ _234 SSC CGL 2015
certain pattern. However, some letters/numbers are missing
(a) 3212 (b) 2134 (c) 3241 (d) 1432
from the series.
Solution (c) The series is as follows
The candidate is required to identify the pattern and
1234/1234/1234/1234
accordingly find the proper sequence of these missing
letters/numbers from the given alternatives. Required answer 3241

Following examples will give you a better idea about the Ex 61 In the following question, which set of letters and
numbers, when sequentially placed at the gaps in the given
type of questions. series, shall complete it? RRB ALP 2018
1_2x_bb_yy_cc_6zzz
DIRECTIONS ~ (Example Nos. 58-60) Find the missing (a) a345c (b) 3a45c
term in the following series.
(c) 3a45b (d) 3a4b5
Ex 58 _ aa_ba_bb_ab_aab Solution (a) The pattern is as follows
(a) aaabb (b) babab +1 25 +1
(c) bbaab (d) None of these 1 24 2 3
26
1 a 2 x 3 bb 4 yy 5 ccc 6 zzz
Solution (c) The series is as follows
baab/baab/baab/baab +1 +1 +1 +1 +1
+1 +1
Required answer bbaab Required answer a345c