Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning / Short-form reasoning

Series and Analogies

Series and Analogies: concepts, worked examples and practice.

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Start with the basics

Series and Analogies, explained simply

A series follows a stated or inferred pattern. An analogy applies the same relationship to a new pair.

Try a small example

If the rule doubles each number, complete 2, 4, 8, __.

Show the steps

2 × 2 = 4.
4 × 2 = 8.
8 × 2 = 16.

Remember: Check your proposed rule against every term; several rules can fit a short list.

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Number and Letter Series

Test differences, ratios, alternating terms and letter positions. A short sequence without a stated rule may allow multiple patterns.

Worked example

For 3,6,11,18, the differences are 3,5,7. Continuing consecutive odd differences gives 27. This is the intended simple pattern, not a proof of uniqueness without a rule.

Exam focus

MAT: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Use diagrams for relationships and distinguish logical necessity from everyday plausibility.

CMAT: Logical Reasoning

Translate statements into diagrams or simple conditions. Check whether a conclusion is necessary rather than merely possible.

NMAT: Logical Reasoning

Test assumptions and deductions, then use small structured cases for puzzles and input-output rules.

SNAP: Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Use compact diagrams, clear direction conventions and quick elimination. Skip long uncertain branches and return later.

Check your understanding

Explain the idea in your own words before opening the answer. Then apply it to the example.

Number and Letter Series

Explain the main rule in number and letter series, then apply it to a small example. State the assumption that makes your reasoning valid.

Review the note

Check your answer

Test differences, ratios, alternating terms and letter positions. A short sequence without a stated rule may allow multiple patterns.

Worked example: For 3,6,11,18, the differences are 3,5,7. Continuing consecutive odd differences gives 27. This is the intended simple pattern, not a proof of uniqueness without a rule.

Classification and Analogies

Explain the main rule in classification and analogies, then apply it to a small example. State the assumption that makes your reasoning valid.

Review the note

Check your answer

Use a property shared by all but one item, or a consistent transformation between pairs. Avoid changing the rule to fit a preferred answer.

Worked example: In 4,9,16,27, the first three are squares and 27 is not. A classification needs a meaningful common property, not merely one number being larger.

Practice questions

Bharatiya Pathshala

Opening preparation notes...

Series and Analogies, explained simply

Try a small example

Number and Letter Series

Worked example

MAT: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

CMAT: Logical Reasoning

NMAT: Logical Reasoning

SNAP: Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Check your understanding

Number and Letter Series

Classification and Analogies

Series and Analogies, explained simply

Try a small example

Series and Analogies: visual worked lesson

Core idea

Solving method

Worked example

Read the diagram

Exam-style application

Common mistakes

Number and Letter Series

Worked example

Classification and Analogies

Worked example

Application and strategy

Worked application

Common traps and strategy

MAT: Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

CMAT: Logical Reasoning

NMAT: Logical Reasoning

SNAP: Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Check your understanding

Number and Letter Series

Classification and Analogies

Series and Analogies: visual worked lesson

Core idea

Solving method

Worked example

Read the diagram

Exam-style application

Common mistakes

Classification and Analogies

Worked example

Application and strategy

Worked application

Common traps and strategy