Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series: CDEF, CKSA…

Question

Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series:

CDEF, CKSA, CRGV, CYUQ, ?

1. A. CEHK
2. B. CFHK
3. C. CFHL
4. D. CFIL (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — CFIL

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is CFIL.

Key Points

• As in the previous question the first letter is fixed at C, and the other three columns each move by a constant step:
  • 2nd letters: D, K, R, Y → +7 each → Y(25) + 7 = 32 − 26 = F
  • 3rd letters: E, S, G, U → +14 each → U(21) + 14 = 35 − 26 = I
  • 4th letters: F, A, V, Q → −5 each → Q(17) − 5 = L
• The result is C F I L.

Additional Information

• Note that one column moves backwards while two move forwards — mixed directions within a single series are common and are why each position must be tested independently.
• The forward steps are +7 and +14, one being double the other, a relationship that often confirms a correct reading.
• Converting every letter to its position number before looking for the step is the reliable method; attempting to count 14 letters forward in your head is where these are lost.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

दिए गए विकल्पों में से उस अक्षर-समूह का चयन करें जो निम्नलिखित श्रृंखला में प्रश्न चिह्न (?) के स्थान पर आ सकता है:

CDEF, CKSA, CRGV, CYUQ, ?

1. A. CEHK
2. B. CFHK
3. C. CFHL
4. D. CFIL