Letter Group Classification: Odd Letter Cluster Out Questions with Tricks for SSC CGL, CHSL

In letter group classification, four groups of letters are given, and three of them follow the same rule. You find the odd group. The method is the same as for letter series: change the letters into numbers and look at the steps. These letter group classification tricks for SSC list the common rules and solve examples.

Common Rules Used

Method

1. Write the numbers (positions) under the letters of all four groups.
2. Find the step between the letters of each group.
3. Find the rule that is the same in three groups.
4. The group that does not follow it is the answer.

Solved Examples

Example 1. AC, EG, IK, MN. Find the odd one.
The first three have a step of +2. MN has a step of +1. The odd one is MN.

Example 2. ABC, DEF, GHI, JKM. Find the odd one.
The first three are consecutive letters. JKM should be JKL. The odd one is JKM.

Example 3. AZ, BY, CX, DV. Find the odd one.
A + Z = 27, B + Y = 27, C + X = 27, but D + V = 26. The odd one is DV.

Example 4. KMO, PRT, UWY, DFI. Find the odd one.
The first three have a step of +2 and +2. In DFI the steps are +2 and +3. The odd one is DFI.

Example 5. BDF, HJL, NPR, TVZ. Find the odd one.
The first three have a step of +2 inside the group, and the group starts go +6. TVX is expected. The odd one is TVZ.

Tips

• Check the step inside the group first and then the step between groups.
• Opposite letter pairs add up to 27.
• If three groups have a rule on the vowels (the count), check that as well.

Quick Tips

• Write the letter positions under the groups.
• Check the step inside the group.
• Check the sum 27 for the opposite letters.
• Check the number of vowels in the groups.

Quick Revision Points

• Three groups follow a rule and one does not.
• The step inside a group is the first thing to check.
• Opposite letters add up to 27.
• Consecutive letters have the step +1.
• Vowel counts can be a rule.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. AC, EG, IK, MN: find the odd one.
   Answer: MN
2. ABC, DEF, GHI, JKM: find the odd one.
   Answer: JKM
3. KMO, PRT, UWY, DFI: find the odd one.
   Answer: DFI
4. AZ, BY, CX, DV: find the odd one.
   Answer: DV
5. BDF, HJL, NPR, TVZ: find the odd one.
   Answer: TVZ
6. EGI, JLN, OQS, TVY: find the odd one.
   Answer: TVY
7. PQ, RS, TU, VX: find the odd one.
   Answer: VX
8. BC, DE, FG, HJ: find the odd one.
   Answer: HJ
9. CEG, DFH, EGI, FHK: find the odd one.
   Answer: FHK
10. What is the first step in a letter group classification question?
    Answer: Find the common pattern in three of the groups

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Verbal Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Rank of a Word in Dictionary and the next topic Verbal Reasoning Syllabus and Tricks. Learn the letter positions from the Alphabet Test note first. Also read Classification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is letter group classification?

It is a question in which you find the group of letters that does not follow the rule of the other three.

How do I find the rule?

Change the letters into numbers and find the step inside each group.

What is the sum of opposite letters?

It is 27.

What if two groups look odd?

Check another rule, such as the step between the groups or the vowels.

Is the number of vowels a rule?

Sometimes. Check it if the steps do not help.

Is this topic asked in SSC exams?

Yes. Letter classification is asked in SSC CGL and CHSL.

How much time should I take?

About 30 seconds.

What are the common mistakes?

Checking only the first two letters.

How can I improve my speed?

Learn the positions of letters and practise 10 questions daily.

What is the odd one in AC, EG, IK, MN?

MN.

How is it different from letter series?

In classification, you find the odd group and not the next letter.

Can the groups have different lengths?

Yes. Then check the count of letters as the rule.