Alphabet Test for SSC CGL
Master Letter Patterns and Sequences
1. Introduction
Alphabet Test questions are a common part of SSC CGL reasoning. They test your ability to work with letters, identify patterns, and manipulate sequences.
These questions are scoring because once you know the shortcuts and patterns, solving becomes quick and accurate.
2. Definition
Alphabet Test questions involve problems based on the English alphabet. You may be asked to find missing letters in a series, determine positions of letters, count letters forward or backward, or identify relationships among letters.
Example: "Find the 4th letter after 'M' in the English alphabet."
Solution: Start from M: N (1), O (2), P (3), Q (4)
Answer: Q
3. Types of Alphabet Test Questions
Alphabet Series:
Complete the series or find the next letter.
Example: A, C, E, ? → Answer: G
Position of Letters:
Forward or backward counting in the alphabet.
Example: "What is the 7th letter before 'T'?" → Answer: M
Alphabet Pairing / Coding:
Match letters with numbers (A=1, B=2 … Z=26) and perform operations.
Example: CAT → ? (using numerical positions, e.g., C=3, A=1, T=20)
Reverse Alphabet / Odd One Out:
Identify letters that don't fit a pattern in series.
Example: D, F, G, H → Odd one out: G
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I: A, C, E, G, ?
Answer: I (+2 pattern)
2019 Tier I: "What is the 5th letter after P?"
Answer: U
2020 Tier I: Z, X, V, T, ?
Answer: R (-2 pattern)
2021 Tier I: Find the odd one out: F, H, J, K
Answer: K (Others follow +2 pattern)
Practicing past year questions improves your speed and accuracy in alphabet-related problems.
5. Strategy to Approach Alphabet Test Questions
- Remember letter positions: A=1, B=2 … Z=26 helps in coding-type questions
- Observe series carefully: Look for + / – patterns or skipping letters
- Use shortcuts: For backward counting, subtract from 26 or count backward alphabetically
- Practice daily: Alphabet questions are formulaic; consistent practice builds speed
- Visualize patterns: For mirror/reverse type questions, visualize or sketch letters
6. Quick Recap
- Alphabet Test questions involve letters of the English alphabet
- Common types: Series, Position, Coding, Reverse/Odd One Out
- Use shortcuts for counting letters forward/backward
- Regular practice ensures faster recognition of patterns
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. Find the 3rd letter after 'K'
2. Complete the series: B, D, F, H, ?
3. What is the 6th letter before 'T'?
4. Odd one out: M, P, R, S
5. If A=1, B=2 … Z=26, find the sum of letters in CAT
Click for Answers
1. N (K→L→M→N)
2. J (+2 pattern: B→D→F→H→J)
3. N (T→S→R→Q→P→O→N)
4. S (Others follow +3 pattern: M→P→R, but S breaks the pattern)
5. 24 (C=3 + A=1 + T=20 = 24)
Solve these using letter positions and series patterns before checking answers.
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