SBI PO – Reasoning Ability
Figure Series (Pattern Recognition)
Figure Series (also called Visual Pattern or Sequence of Shapes) tests your ability to spot spatial and geometric regularities.
You’ll see a sequence of figures (often 2–3 columns) and asked to pick the figure that logically completes the series.
1. Simple Explanation
- A Figure Series is a list of shapes arranged in a row/column.
- Each figure may change in size, orientation, colour, number of elements, symmetry, or position.
- The series follows a hidden rule; your job is to infer that rule and choose the correct next figure from a set of options.
2. Key Points & Common Patterns
| Pattern | What to Look For | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Number of elements | Count dots, lines, rectangles etc. | 1, 2, 3, 4, … |
| Size change | Incrementally larger/smaller shapes | Triangle → Square → Circle (each larger) |
| Orientation | Rotations by 90°, 180°, 270° | Square → Square rotated 90° → rotated 180° |
| Symmetry | Mirror images, rotational symmetry | Mirror left-right each step |
| Colour change | Colour shift sequence (Red → Green → Blue) | Red circle → Green circle → Blue circle |
| Position shift | Shift left/right/up/down | Shapes moving one step to right each time |
| Combination | Two or more of the above combined | Size ↑ + colour changes |
| Internal arrangement | Inside/outside, cross ↔ X | Cross → X (inside each other) |
| Pattern of addition/removal | Add/Remove elements per step | 1 line → 2 lines → 3 lines |
| Shape transformation | Circle → Triangle → Square → … | Sequence of shapes themselves change |
Tip: Focus on the most obvious change first. If none is clear, try a second, then third pattern.
3. Worked Example
Question
Series: (Option set provided)
Fig 1: ▲ (triangle, 1 side)
Fig 2: ▲ (triangle, 2 sides)
Fig 3: ▲ (triangle, 3 sides)
Fig 4: ▲ (triangle, 4 sides)
Fig 5: ▲ (triangle, 5 sides)
Choose the figure that completes the series.
Options (presented as shapes)
- A. ▲ (triangle, 6 sides)
- B. ▲ (triangle, 5 sides)
- C. ▲ (triangle, 7 sides)
- D. ▲ (triangle, 4 sides)
Step-by-Step Reasoning
-
Identify a pattern
The triangle is always a triangle; the side count increases by 1 each step. -
Predict the next figure
After 5 sides → next should be 6 sides. -
Match with options
Option A shows a triangle with 6 sides → correct.
Answer: A
Another Example (Advanced)
Series
Fig 1: ● (single dot)
Fig 2: ●● (two dots side by side)
Fig 3: ●●● (three dots)
Fig 4: ●●●● (four dots)
Fig 5: ●●●●● (five dots)
Options
| A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|
| ●●●●●● | ●●●● | ●●●●●●● | ● |
Solution
- Pattern: Increasing number of dots by 1 each step.
- Next should be six dots.
- Option A has six dots → Answer: A.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Observe – note changes in size, shape, number, orientation, colour, position.
- Identify the rule – find the simplest rule that explains all steps.
- Predict – apply the rule to get the next figure.
- Cross‑check – ensure the predicted figure matches one of the options.
- Avoid over‑thinking – if two patterns fit, pick the one that is most consistent and simplest.
- Practice – solve at least 10–15 figure‑series problems daily; timing improves speed.
Quick “Checklist” for Exams
| Step | Question to Ask |
|---|---|
| 1 | How many elements? |
| 2 | Does size change? |
| 3 | Is there a rotation or flip? |
| 4 | Any colour change? |
| 5 | Do elements appear/disappear? |
| 6 | Are positions shifting? |
| 7 | Is there a combination of above? |
Remember: In 30–60 seconds, you should be able to spot the primary rule. Practice makes perfect.
Happy Studying!