How to Solve Alphabet Reasoning Questions, Step Wise Guide

Alphabet reasoning is an important part of reasoning ability tests in exams like RRB, SSC, IBPS, and other competitive exams. These questions test your logical thinking, observation skills, and ability to recognize patterns in letters. In this blog, we will guide you step by step on how to solve alphabet test questions effectively.

What is Alphabet Reasoning?

Alphabet reasoning involves questions based on letters of the English alphabet. These questions can include patterns, sequences, coding-decoding, missing letters, and alphabetical arrangements. Candidates are required to find a rule, identify relationships, or predict the next letter(s) in the series.

Common types of alphabet reasoning questions include:

1. Alphabet Series: Identify the missing letter in a sequence.
2. Coding-Decoding: Letters are replaced with other letters or symbols following a pattern.
3. Letter Ranking/Position: Finding the position of letters in alphabetical order or reverse order.
4. Alphabet Pairing: Forming pairs of letters following a specific rule.
5. Mirror/Reverse Images of Letters: Identifying letters when mirrored or reversed.

Step-by-Step Approach to Solve Alphabet Questions

Alphabet reasoning questions are a common part of competitive exams and reasoning tests. They may seem tricky at first, but with a clear, step-by-step approach, you can solve them quickly and accurately. In this guide, we break down the strategies into simple steps:

Step	Strategy	Key Points / Example
1. Understand the Question Carefully	Read the question thoroughly and note if it involves series, coding, or positions. Identify whether the pattern is forward (A→Z) or backward (Z→A).	–
2. Convert Letters to Numbers	Assign numerical values to letters: A=1, B=2, … Z=26. Helps in spotting patterns like addition, subtraction, or skipping letters.	Example: Series: B, D, G, K, ? B=2, D=4, G=7, K=11 → Pattern: +2, +3, +4 → Next=16 → P
3. Identify Patterns	Check common differences in positions or numbers. Look for alternating series, repeated patterns, or skipped letters.	–
4. Solve Coding-Decoding Questions	Observe the relationship between letters in the code and original word. Look for reverse order, shifts, or replacement rules.	Example: CAT → DBU → C→D(+1), A→B(+1), T→U(+1) → DOG → EPH
5. Check Alphabet Ranking and Position	Some questions ask for rank from the beginning or end of the alphabet. Always double-check counting to avoid mistakes.	–
6. Practice Time Management	Alphabet reasoning questions are usually time-consuming if done without strategy. Focus on recognizing patterns quickly rather than trying every possible option.	–

Alphabet Test Formulas

Candidates can use the following formulas to solve questions in the Alphabet Test reasoning section:

Formula	Details / Steps	Example
Formula 1: Simple Series	– Left – Left = Count from the left end – Left + Right = Count from the right end – Right – Right = Count from the right end – Right + Left = Count from the left end	Series: A, C, E, ? → Pattern: +2 → Next = G
Formula 2: Operation-Based Series	To solve these questions, follow the steps in sequence: 1. Replace vowels with the next letter in the alphabet. 2. Replace symbols with 8. 3. Increase all numbers by 1.	Input: A#3 → Step 1: B#3 Step 2: B8 3 Step 3: B8 4 → Final Answer: B8 4

Practice Questions on Alphabet Test with Answers

Here are few Practice Questions on Alphabet Reasoning with Answers:

Question 1: Series: A, C, F, J, ?
Solution: Convert letters to numbers: A=1, C=3, F=6, J=10. Pattern: +2, +3, +4 → Next = 15 → O
Answer: O

Question 2: Series: Z, X, U, Q, ?
Solution: Convert letters: Z=26, X=24, U=21, Q=17. Pattern: -2, -3, -4 → Next = 12 → L
Answer: L

Question 3: CAT → DBU, find DOG → ?
Solution: Each letter +1. DOG → D+1=E, O+1=P, G+1=H
Answer: EPH

Question 4: Operation-based: If vowels A→B, E→F, I→J, O→P, U→V, then M→?
Solution: M is consonant → remains unchanged
Answer: M

Question 5: Find the 5th letter from right: A B C D E F G H I
Solution: Count from right: I(1), H(2), G(3), F(4), E(5)
Answer: E

Question 6: Series: B, D, G, K, ?
Solution: B=2, D=4, G=7, K=11. Pattern: +2, +3, +4 → Next = 16 → P
Answer: P

Question 7: Coding: HELLO → IFMMP, then WORLD → ?
Solution: Each letter +1 → W+1=X, O+1=P, R+1=S, L+1=M, D+1=E
Answer: XPSME

Question 8: Find the 3rd letter from left and 4th from right in: A B C D E F G H
Solution: 3rd from left=C, 4th from right=E
Answer: C, E

Question 9: Series: M, J, G, D, ?
Solution: Convert letters: M=13, J=10, G=7, D=4. Pattern: -3 each → Next=1 → A
Answer: A

Question 10: If A→Z, B→Y, C→X, find P→?
Solution: Reverse position of alphabet: P→K
Answer: K

Question 11: Series: Q, S, V, Z, ?
Solution: Q=17, S=19, V=22, Z=26. Pattern: +2, +3, +4 → Next = 31 → cycle back → E
Answer: E

Question 12: Find the 4th letter from left and 5th from right: A B C D E F G H I J
Solution: 4th from left=D, 5th from right=F
Answer: D, F

Question 13: Series: B, D, H, N, ?
Solution: B=2, D=4, H=8, N=14. Pattern: +2, +4, +6 → Next = 20 → T
Answer: T

Question 14: Coding: DOG → EPH, CAT → ?
Solution: Each letter +1 → C→D, A→B, T→U
Answer: DBU

Question 15: Series: M, K, H, D, ?
Solution: M=13, K=11, H=8, D=4. Pattern: -2, -3, -4 → Next = 0 → Z (cycle)
Answer: Z

FAQs

---

• 
  All About Human Development Report, Its Trends & Analysis
• 
  Essay Writing for IFSCA Grade A Exam, Complete Guide & Tips
• 
  How to Solve Alphabet Reasoning Questions, Step Wise Guide
• 
  NABARD Grade A IT Notification 2025 Out, Download IT Notification PDF
• 
  Global Economic Prospects Report 2025, Summary & Key Insights
• 
  What is Global Financial Stability Report? Check Themes

---