Number Series Questions for Bank Exams

Number series is an important topic in bank exams and it is widely asked under the Quantitative Aptitude section. This topic evaluates a candidate’s logical thinking, numerical ability and problem-solving speed. Understanding the fundamentals and strategies for solving number series questions effectively is essential for success in exams like SBI Clerk, IBPS PO, RBI Assistant and other banking recruitment tests.

Number Series for Bank Exams

A number series is a sequence of numbers arranged in a particular order based on a specific pattern. The task is to find the logic behind the pattern and predict the next number(s), find the missing number(s) or find the wrong number in the series. This type of question tests how well candidates can identify patterns and apply mathematical rules quickly.

Types of Number Series Questions

• Arithmetic Series: In this series, a constant number is added or subtracted to each term to produce the next term. Example: 5, 10, 15, 20, ? (Pattern: Adding 5 each time)
• Geometric Series: Each term in the series is multiplied or divided by a constant number to get the next term. Example: 3, 6, 12, 24, ? (Pattern: Multiplying by 2 each time)
• Square/Cube Series: This involves numbers that are squares or cubes of consecutive integers. Example: 1, 8, 27, 64, ? (Pattern: Cubes of 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Fibonacci Series: Each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. Example: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ? (Pattern: Adding the last two terms)
• Mixed Series: These are complex series where a combination of different operations or alternating patterns is used. Example: 2, 4, 6, 11, 14, 20, ? (Pattern: Alternating addition and multiplication)
• Pattern-Based Series: Series based on a defined rule involving patterns such as alternate operations, skipping numbers, etc. Example: 3, 7, 15, 31, ? (Pattern: Doubling the previous term and subtracting 1)

Number Series Questions for Bank Exams

Directions (1-12):- Find the value of question (?) mark in the following number series. 

Q1. 3,   4,   10,   33,   ?,    685

(a) 140

(b) 136

(c) 154

(d) 156

(e) 144

Q2. 8,     4,     6,     15,     ? ,     236.25

(a) 46.5

(b) 48.5

(c) 50.5

(d) 52.5

(e) 54.5

Q3. 13,   31,   52,    79,   115,    ?

(a) 163

(b) 153

(c) 160

(d) 167

(e) 175

Q4. 119,   167,   287,   359,   ?,    839

(a) 523

(b) 627

(c) 623

(d) 527

(e) 529

Q5. 4,   7,    13,    25,   49,    ?

(a) 79

(b) 97

(c)  93

(d) 89

(e) 127

Q6. 64, 32, 32, 48, 96, 240, ?

(a) 360

(b) 324

(c) 720

(d) 576

(e) 600

Q7. 5, 16, 38, 71, 115, ?, 236

(a) 140

(b) 159

(c) 181

(d) 170

(e) 178

Q8. 1, ?, 17, 53, 161, 485, 1457

(a) 3

(b) 5

(c) 7

(d) 9

(e) 12

Q9. 7.1, 7.7, 8.9, 10.7, 13.1, 16.1, ?

(a) 19.7

(b) 19.3

(c) 18.7

(d) 18.3

(e) 20.1

Q10. 3, 5, 10, 20, 37, 63, ?

(a) 90

(b) 115

(c) 95

(d) 80

(e) 100

Q11.   12,     12,     18,     45,     180,     1170,     ?

(a) 12285

(b) 10530

(c) 11700

(d) 12870

(e) 9945

Q12.  67,      1091,       835,       899,      883,      ?

(a) 889

(b) 887

(c) 883

(d) 894

(e) 896

Directions (13) : In each of these questions a number series is given. In each series only one number series is given. In each series only one number is wrong. Find out the wrong number.

Q13. 1     3     10     36     152     760     4632

(a) 3

(b) 36

(c) 4632

(d) 760

(e) 152

Direction (14). In each of the following question, a number series is given. After the series a number is given followed by (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e). You have to complete the series starting with the number given, following the sequence of the original series and answer the questions that follow the series.

Q14. 12,  30,  120,  460,  1368,  2730

16  (a)   (b)     (c)      (d)      (e)

What will come in place of (d) ?

(a) 1384

(b) 2642

(c) 2808

(d) 1988

(e) None of these

Tips for Solving Number Series Questions

• Observe Differences: Check the difference between consecutive terms to see if it follows an arithmetic or increasing/decreasing pattern.
• Look for Multiplication or Division: If differences don’t show a pattern, try multiplication or division between terms.
• Check for Squares and Cubes: Identify if the series consists of perfect squares, cubes, or a combination.
• Alternate Patterns: Verify if there are two or more sub-patterns alternating throughout the series.
• Mixed Series: For complex series, consider the possibility of mixed patterns or sequences derived from known series like Fibonacci.
• Practice Time Management: Spend a reasonable amount of time on each question. If a pattern isn’t clear within 30-40 seconds, move on and return later if time permits.