Number Series Shortcuts for Bank PO Exams

Last updated: June 2, 2026. For coaching and doubts, contactShortcut Maths, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032. Call+91-9804490328.

Why Number Series is Important

Number series carries 5 marks in IBPS PO Prelims and appears in almost every banking exam. With practice, these can be solved in 15-20 seconds each.

Complete List of Patterns

Addition/Subtraction Series

Check difference between consecutive terms first. If difference is constant or follows a pattern, it's addition/subtraction.

Example: 5, 8, 13, 20, 29

Differences: +3, +5, +7, +9 (odd numbers). Next: +11 = 40

Multiplication/Division Series

Check ratios between terms. If ratios are constant or patterned, it's multiplication.

Example: 2, 6, 24, 120, 720

Ratios: x3, x4, x5, x6. Next: x7 = 5040

Square/Cube Series

Memorise squares (1-30) and cubes (1-20) to identify these instantly.

Example: 1, 9, 25, 49, 81

These are squares of odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. Next: 11^2 = 121

Prime/Odd-Even Patterns

Sometimes series alternates between operations on odd and even positions.

Example: 3, 4, 8, 9, 27, 16

Odd positions: 3, 8, 27 (x2+2, x3+3). Even: 4, 9, 16 (squares)

Combination Patterns

Complex series combine two or more operations.

Example: 2, 5, 14, 41, 122

Pattern: x3-1. 2x3-1=5, 5x3-1=14, 14x3-1=41, 41x3-1=122. Next: 122x3-1=365

Wrong Number Series

In wrong number series, one term doesn't follow the pattern. Identify the pattern first, then find the anomaly.

Example: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42, 56

Pattern: +4, +6, +8, +10, +12, +14. All correct.

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FAQs

Target 15-20 seconds. If not solved in 30 seconds, skip.

Rarely in Mains. Mainly a Prelims topic.

Last updated: June 02, 2026. Call +91-9804490328.

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