SSC CGL Reasoning · Non-Verbal Series and Analogy
Alternating Figures
Figure series where two forms take turns, so every second figure is the same, or where each part of the figure follows its own short rule.
Why this matters
Nine questions in the bank, 6 from the 2023 shifts and 3 from the 2024 shifts, with 5 EASY, 3 MODERATE and 1 HARD. Spotting that figure 3 repeats figure 1 solves the easy ones in seconds; the harder ones split the figure into parts that each change in their own way.
Concept 1 of 2: Two forms taking turns
Definition
- Compare figure 1 with figure 3, and figure 2 with figure 4. If both pairs match exactly, the series alternates.
- The next figure after four is figure 5, an odd figure, so it repeats figures 1 and 3.
- The two forms can differ in shading (black and white swapped), in direction (up and down) or in which half is shaded.
- If figures 1 and 3 differ even a little, the series is not a plain alternation; check the other rules.
- Fast route: find the option identical to figure 3. Then confirm it differs from figure 4 the way figure 3 differs from figure 2.
Worked example
Practice this conceptself-check · 4 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
Example 1 · Non-Verbal Series and Analogy · Alternating Figures
Calling a series alternating too soon
Concept 2 of 2: Parts with rules of their own
Definition
1. List the parts that change: an outline, a set of lines, a dot, a mark inside. 2. For each part, find its rule using the order of checks: count, turn, move, alternate. 3. Write what each part becomes in the next figure. 4. The answer is the option that shows every part's next state.
- Parts with rules of different lengths (one alternates every 2 figures, one goes round 4 corners) line up again after a number of steps that both lengths divide.
- Fast route: use the part with the clearest rule to strike options first, then check the next part on the ones left.
Worked example
Practice this conceptself-check · 4 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
Example 2 · Non-Verbal Series and Analogy · Alternating Figures
Solving one part and stopping
Mixing the rules of two parts
Summary — formulas & gotchas at a glance
A revision cheat-sheet for the formulas and gotchas above. Click any concept name to jump back to its full explanation.
Watch out for (3)
- Calling a series alternating too soon→ Two forms taking turns
- Solving one part and stopping→ Parts with rules of their own
- Mixing the rules of two parts→ Parts with rules of their own
Test yourself on Non-Verbal Series and Analogy
20 past SSC CGL questions from this chapter, timed at 12 minutes and marked the way the exam marks it. You see your score and every answer the moment you finish. Free to start.