Series (Alphabet, Number, and Mixed) for SSC CGL
Master Pattern Recognition
1. Introduction
Series questions are very common in SSC CGL. They test your ability to identify patterns and predict the next item in a sequence.
These questions can be based on numbers, letters, or a mix of both. Quick pattern recognition is key to solving them efficiently.
2. Definition
A series is a set of items arranged in a particular order. In series questions, you are required to find the missing term or next term by identifying the underlying pattern.
Example (Number Series): 2, 4, 6, 8, ?
Answer: 10 | Logic: Each number increases by 2.
Example (Alphabet Series): A, C, E, G, ?
Answer: I | Logic: Letters increase by 2 positions in the alphabet.
Example (Mixed Series): A2, B4, C6, ?
Answer: D8 | Logic: Letters increase by 1, numbers increase by 2.
3. Types of Series
Number Series:
- Arithmetic progression: Add/subtract a fixed number
- Geometric progression: Multiply/divide by a fixed number
- Mixed operations: Combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication
Alphabet Series:
- Consecutive letters: A, B, C…
- Skipping letters: A, C, E…
- Reversing or skipping patterns
Mixed Series:
- Combination of letters and numbers
- Often used in coding-decoding and tricky SSC questions
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I (Number Series): 2, 6, 12, 20, ?
Answer: 30 | Pattern: +4, +6, +8, +10
2019 Tier I (Alphabet Series): Z, X, V, T, ?
Answer: R | Pattern: -2 letters each time
2020 Tier I (Mixed Series): A1, B4, C9, D16, ?
Answer: E25 | Pattern: Letter +1, Number = square of position
Practicing past year series questions improves your pattern recognition and speed.
5. Strategy to Approach Series Questions
- Observe the differences: For numbers, check addition, subtraction, multiplication, or squares
- Check alphabets: Count positions and see if letters are skipped or reversed
- Mixed series: Separate letters and numbers, find patterns individually, then combine
- Practice regularly: 10–15 questions per day keeps you sharp
- Use shortcuts: Recognizing common patterns saves time in exams
6. Quick Recap
- Series questions require pattern recognition
- Types: Number, Alphabet, and Mixed series
- Look for arithmetic, geometric, or positional patterns
- Regular practice enhances speed and accuracy
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
Number Series:
1. 3, 6, 12, 24, ?
2. 5, 10, 20, 40, ?
Alphabet Series:
3. B, D, F, H, ?
4. Z, W, T, Q, ?
Mixed Series:
5. A1, B2, C4, D8, ?
6. P1, Q4, R9, S16, ?
Click for Answers
1. 48 (×2 pattern)
2. 80 (×2 pattern)
3. J (+2 pattern)
4. N (-3 pattern)
5. E16 (Letter +1, Number ×2)
6. T25 (Letter +1, Number = square of position)
Attempt these questions using pattern observation before checking answers.
Start Your SSC CGL Journey Now!
Join Courage Library to experience disciplined study and expert support.
Be a Couragian!