What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the given series based on the English alphabetical order? FAT HDV JGX LJZ ?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

determined by decoding the pattern for each letter position in the sequence of three-letter groups.
The first letter of each group advances by 2 positions in the alphabet (F+2=H, H+2=J, J+2=L, L+2=N).
The second letter of each group advances by 3 positions (A+3=D, D+3=G, G+3=J, J+3=M).
The third letter of each group advances by 2 positions, wrapping around the alphabet after Z (T+2=V, V+2=X, X+2=Z, Z+2=B).
Combining the next letters in each pattern (N, M, B) gives the correct answer: NMB.

Option A: The first letter 'P' does not follow the established '+2' pattern for the first position (L+2=N, not P).
Option B: The first letter 'O' does not follow the '+2' pattern for the first position (L+2=N, not O).
Option C: The first letter 'O' breaks the '+2' pattern for the first position, and the second letter 'L' breaks the '+3' pattern for the second position (J+3=M, not L).

Visual 1: Flowchart: A visual flowchart illustrating the progression of each letter position separately. The first row would show F -> H -> J -> L -> N (with '+2' markers). The second row would show A -> D -> G -> J -> M (with '+3' markers). The third row would show T -> V -> X -> Z -> B (with '+2' markers and a note on the alphabet wrapping around).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Alphabet Series Completion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question assesses logical reasoning and pattern recognition, skills that are foundational for problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
While not a clinical question, the ability to systematically analyze information, identify patterns (like in symptom progression or lab trends), and make logical deductions is crucial for effective nursing practice.
What if the pattern for the second letter was '+4'? The sequence would be A -> E -> I -> M, and the next term would be Q. The final answer would then be NQB.

How to Approach the Question

First, observe the structure of the series. It consists of groups of three letters.
Treat each position within the group (first, second, third) as a separate, parallel series.
Analyze the first letters of each group (F, H, J, L) to find their pattern. Calculate the difference in their alphabetical positions.
Repeat this analysis for the second letters (A, D, G, J) and the third letters (T, V, X, Z).
Apply the identified patterns to find the next letter for each of the three positions.
Combine the three resulting letters to form the final answer and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QDuquhcnJ2f__IeF0JHccd

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.