Non-Verbal Series involves identifying patterns, sequences, or progressions in visual elements (shapes, symbols, arrangements). It tests logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and analytical skills without relying on language.
🧠 Importance in Competitive Exams
Evaluates ability to predict the next figure in a sequence.
Enhances visual-spatial intelligence and problem-solving speed.
📘 Types of Non-Verbal Series
(A) Shape Rotation Series
Pattern: Shapes rotate by a fixed angle (e.g., 45°, 90°).
Example:
◻ → ◻ (90°) → ◻ (180°) → ?
Next Figure: ◻ (270°)
(B) Size Progression Series
Pattern: Shapes increase/decrease in size.
Example:
● → ●● → ●●● → ?
Next Figure: ●●●●
(C) Figure Replacement Series
Pattern: Parts of the figure are replaced systematically.
Example:
▲ → ▲● → ▲▲● → ?
Next Figure: ▲▲▲●
(D) Counting Elements Series
Pattern: Number of elements changes predictably.
Example:
□ → □□ → □□□ → ?
Next Figure: □□□□
(E) Mirror/Reflection Series
Pattern: Figures flip horizontally/vertically.
Example:
◐ → ◑ → ◐ → ?
Next Figure: ◑
🎯 Key Methods to Solve Non-Verbal Series
Method 1: Observe Directional Changes
Check for rotation (clockwise/anti-clockwise).
Look for flipping (mirror images).
Method 2: Track Element Addition/Removal
Count how many parts are added or removed in each step.
Method 3: Identify Repetition Cycles
Some series follow a repeating loop (e.g., A → B → C → A → B...).
Method 4: Check for Progressive Complexity
Figures may increase in complexity (e.g., lines, curves, shading).
🧩 Solved Examples with Diagrams
Example 1: Rotation Series
Sequence:
↑ → → ↓ → ?
Logic: Arrow rotates 90° clockwise each step.
Next Figure: ←
Example 2: Element Addition Series
Sequence:
○ → ○○ → ○○○ → ?
Logic: One circle added each step.
Next Figure: ○○○○
Example 3: Shape Transformation Series
Sequence:
□ → ◇ → △ → ?
Logic: Sides decrease by one (4 → 3 → 2).
Next Figure: ◡ (1 side)
Example 4: Shading Pattern Series
Sequence:
■ → □ → ■ → ?
Logic: Alternates between shaded and unshaded.
Next Figure: □
💡Pro Tips for Solving Non-Verbal Series
✔ Look for gradual changes (size, rotation, position).
✔ Check symmetry and reflections.
✔ Count elements in each step.
✔ Eliminate options that don’t fit the pattern.
Question 1: Rotation Series
Sequence:
↑ → ↓ → ?
Options:
A) ←
B) ↖
C) ↑
Answer: A) ←
Logic: 90° clockwise rotation each step.
Question 2: Progressive Complexity
Sequence:
○ → ○+ → ○+× → ?
Options:
A) ○+×÷
B) ○×
C) +×
Answer: A) ○+×÷
Logic: One new symbol added each time.
Question 3: Shape Transformation
Sequence:
□ → ◇ → △ → ?
Options:
A) ▽
B) ○
C) ◠
Answer: C) ◠
Logic: Sides reduce by 1 each step (4→3→2→1).
Question 4: Counting Elements
Sequence:
● → ●● → ●●● → ?
Options:
A) ●●●●
B) ●●
C) ●
Answer: A) ●●●●
Logic: Adds one dot each step.
Question 5: Mirror Series
Sequence:
/ → \ → / → ?
Options:
A) |
B) \
C) /
Answer: B) \
Logic: Alternates between / and .
Question 6: Positional Change
Sequence:
◯◯ → ◯◯ → ◯◯ → ? ◯ ◯ ◯
Options:
A) ◯◯
◯
B) ◯
◯◯
C) ◯◯◯
Answer: B) ◯
◯◯
Logic: Bottom circle shifts right each step.
Question 7: Shading Pattern
Sequence:
■ → □ → ■ → ?
Options:
A) ■
B) □
C) ▣
Answer: B) □
Logic: Alternates shaded/unshaded.
Question 8: Combined Rotation
Sequence:
┌┐ → └┘ → ┌┐ → ?
Options:
A) └┘
B) ├┤
C) ┬┴
Answer: A) └┘
Logic: 180° flip each step.
Question 9: Progressive Growth
Sequence:
▲ → ▲▲ → ▲▲▲ → ?
Options:
A) ▲▲
B) ▲▲▲▲
C) ▲▲▲
Answer: B) ▲▲▲▲
Logic: Adds one triangle each step.
Question 10: Complex Pattern
Sequence:
⬛ → ⬛⬜ → ⬛⬜⬛ → ?
Options:
A) ⬛⬜⬛⬜
B) ⬜⬛⬜
C) ⬛⬛⬜
Answer: A) ⬛⬜⬛⬜
Logic: Alternates colors while expanding.
