Figure Series Completion for SSC CGL
Master Pattern Recognition and Visual Logic
1. Introduction
Figure Series Completion questions are a key part of SSC CGL Non-Verbal Reasoning. They test your ability to identify patterns, sequences, and relationships among figures.
These questions are scoring because once you spot the pattern, predicting the next figure becomes easy.
2. Definition
A series of figures is given in a particular sequence or pattern. Your task is to identify the missing figure that logically completes the series.
Example: Series: ◼, ◻, ◼, ◻, ?
Solution: Alternating filled and empty squares → Next figure: ◼
3. Types of Figure Series Questions
Shape-Based Series:
Sequence of shapes like circle, triangle, square.
Pattern may involve size, orientation, or repetition.
Pattern or Design-Based Series:
Includes dots, lines, or geometric designs.
Look for rotation, mirror, or reflection patterns.
Number of Elements Series:
Figures change by increasing or decreasing the number of elements.
Example: 1 dot → 2 dots → 3 dots → ? → 4 dots
Complex Transformation Series:
Rotation, reflection, overlapping, shading, or combination of patterns.
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I: Series of triangles increasing in size
Next triangle: Larger than previous
2019 Tier I: Series of circles filled and empty alternately
Next figure: Filled circle
2020 Tier I: Series with rotation: square rotates 90° clockwise each step
Next figure: Square rotated 90° further
Practicing previous year figure series improves pattern recognition and visual reasoning skills.
5. Strategy to Approach Figure Series Completion Questions
- Observe carefully: Check for shape, size, orientation, and shading
- Identify the pattern: Look for repetition, rotation, reflection, or numerical changes
- Predict the next figure: Apply the pattern logically to choose the missing figure
- Eliminate improbable options: Use visual reasoning to discard wrong choices
- Practice regularly: Improves speed and accuracy in spotting complex patterns
6. Quick Recap
- Figure Series Completion tests pattern recognition and visual reasoning
- Look for repetition, rotation, reflection, number changes, or shading
- Regular practice increases speed and reduces errors
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. Series: ▲, △, ▲, △, ? → Find the next figure.
2. Series: ●, ◯, ●, ◯, ? → Complete the series.
3. Series: Square rotates 90° clockwise in each step → Predict the next figure.
4. Series: ◼, ◼◼, ◼◼◼, ? → Identify the next figure.
5. Series: Circle with 1 dot, 2 dots, 3 dots, ? → Complete the series.
Click for Answers
1. ▲ (Alternating filled and empty triangles)
2. ● (Alternating filled and empty circles)
3. Square rotated 90° clockwise from previous position
4. ◼◼◼◼ (Increasing number of squares)
5. Circle with 4 dots (Increasing number of dots)
Solve these by observing the pattern, orientation, and number of elements carefully.
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