Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. ACE EIM IO…

Question

Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series. ACE EIM IOU MUC ?

1. A. QSA
2. B. UHG
3. C. QAK (Correct answer)
4. D. CGD

Correct Answer

Option C — QAK

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is QAK.

Key Points

• Read the series column-wise, not cluster-wise:
  • 1st letters: A, E, I, M → +4 each → next is Q
  • 2nd letters: C, I, O, U → +6 each → next is A (U + 6 wraps past Z)
  • 3rd letters: E, M, U, C → +8 each → next is K
• Combining gives Q A K.
• When a letter series resists a single rule, split it into columns; each position often carries its own constant step.

Additional Information

• The alphabet wraps: after Z the count restarts at A, so U + 6 = A and W + 4 = A. Subtract 26 whenever a position exceeds it.
• Column-wise series are common when each cluster has the same length. Stack the clusters vertically on the page and read down each column.
• Steps often form their own pattern — here +4, +6, +8 across the three columns, itself an arithmetic progression.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

दिए गए विकल्पों में से उस अक्षर-समूह का चयन करें जो निम्नलिखित शृंखला में प्रश्न चिह्न (?) को प्रतिस्थापित कर सके। ACE EIM IOU MUC ?

1. A. QSA
2. B. UHG
3. C. QAK
4. D. CGD