Analogy - Non Verbal
🧠 Build a strong foundation in logical reasoning with clear explanations and real-world examples. Understand core concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
Introduction & Key Concepts
Study MaterialAnalogy - Non Verbal Reasoning
Analogy is one of the most important topics in Non Verbal Reasoning. The word Analogy means similarity of relationship. If a pair of figures exhibits a particular relationship based on shape, size, rotation, position, number of elements, arrangement of symbols, or any other visual pattern, and another pair of figures follows the same relationship, then the two pairs are said to be analogous.
The objective of analogy questions is not to compare figures directly but to identify the hidden relationship between the first pair of figures and apply the same relationship to another pair.
Questions from Non Verbal Analogy are frequently asked in SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC, Insurance, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and various competitive examinations.
What is Non Verbal Analogy?
Non Verbal Analogy involves identifying the relationship between two figures and then selecting another figure that follows the same relationship.
The relationship may be based on:
- Size of figures
- Rotation of figures
- Number of sides
- Number of lines or elements
- Interchanging positions
- Movement of symbols
- Addition or deletion of shapes
- Mirror or reflection patterns
- Shading changes
- Rearrangement of symbols
Types of Questions Covered in This Chapter
- Choosing One Element of a Similarly Related Pair
- Finding the Odd Pair of Figures
- Finding a Pair of Similar Figures in Pattern to Original Pair
- Finding the Pair of Figures Having Pattern Other Than the Original Pair
- Selecting the Correct Figure on the Basis of Analogous Figure
- Selecting the Correct Set of Figures to Establish Analogy
Basic Idea Behind Analogy Questions
The primary objective of Non Verbal Analogy questions is to identify the logical relationship between one pair of figures and apply the same relationship to another pair.
Let us understand this concept with a simple example:
- A square transforms into a pentagon.
- A triangle transforms into a quadrilateral.
In both cases, the second figure contains one additional side compared to the first figure.
Although the figures themselves are different, the relationship between them remains exactly the same.
Similarly, analogy questions may be based on:
- Increase or decrease in number of sides
- Rotation of figures
- Change in size
- Interchange of positions
- Addition or deletion of elements
- Movement of symbols
- Mirror and reflection concepts
- Shading and pattern transformations
Key Observation:
Analogy questions are based on identifying the relationship between figures rather than identifying identical figures. The figures may look completely different, but the underlying logical pattern remains the same.
Importance of Non Verbal Analogy
Non Verbal Analogy is one of the most scoring topics in the Reasoning section because it tests observation skills, logical thinking, visual intelligence, and pattern recognition ability.
Pattern Recognition
Improves the ability to identify hidden visual relationships quickly and accurately.
Logical Thinking
Develops analytical reasoning and logical deduction skills.
Visual Intelligence
Enhances the ability to compare figures, shapes, symbols, and patterns effectively.
Competitive Exams
Frequently asked in SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC, Insurance, CDS, NDA, and various aptitude examinations.
Major Concepts Used in Non Verbal Analogy
| Concept | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Size of Figures | Large and small figures interchange sizes |
| Rotation of Figures | Figures rotate by fixed angles |
| Number of Lines / Elements | Lines or shapes increase or decrease |
| Interchanging Positions | Objects exchange their places |
| Rearrangement of Symbols | Symbols move according to a fixed rule |
| Addition / Deletion | Elements are added or removed |
| Mirror & Reflection | Figures behave like reflections |
| Shading Patterns | Dark and light regions change systematically |
1. Size of Figures
In this type of questions, the size of figures in the first pair changes to obtain the second figure. Usually, the larger figure becomes smaller and the smaller figure becomes larger.
The same relationship must be applied to identify the missing figure in the second pair.
Example 1:
🔍 Analysis
From the first pair, the large triangle becomes small while the small circle becomes large.
The same transformation is applied to the second pair. Therefore, the large hexagon becomes small and the small pentagon becomes large.
Correct Answer: (3)
2. Rotation of Figures
In this type of questions, a figure rotates through a certain angle to produce the second figure.
The same rotational movement is applied to determine the missing figure.
Example 2:
🔍 Analysis
In the first pair, the figure rotates 90° clockwise to obtain the second figure.
Applying the same clockwise rotation to the third figure produces the required figure.
Correct Answer: (4)
3. Number of Lines / Elements
The number of sides, lines, symbols, or elements increases or decreases according to a fixed pattern.
Example 3:
🔍 Analysis
The triangle with 3 sides transforms into a square with 4 sides.
The pattern shows an increase of one side. Applying the same rule, the pentagon with 5 sides transforms into a hexagon with 6 sides.
Correct Answer: (4)
4. Interchanging Position of Figures
The figures inside the first pair exchange their positions to obtain the second figure.
Example 4:
🔍 Analysis
In the first pair, the upper and lower figures interchange their positions.
Applying the same positional interchange to the second pair gives the required figure.
Correct Answer: (1)
5. Rearrangement of Symbols
Symbols inside the figure move according to a fixed arrangement rule.
Example 5:
🔍 Analysis
Each symbol shifts one position downward.
The bottom symbol moves to the top, creating a cyclic rearrangement pattern. Applying the same rule produces the required figure.
Correct Answer: (4)
Tips to Solve Non Verbal Analogy Questions
- Observe the first pair carefully.
- Identify the transformation rule.
- Check size, shape, rotation, and position.
- Look for addition or deletion of elements.
- Observe movement of symbols.
- Apply the same relationship to the second pair.
- Verify all options before selecting the answer.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Comparing figures instead of relationships
- Ignoring rotation patterns
- Missing symbol movement
- Overlooking size transformations
- Ignoring position interchange
- Selecting visually similar but logically incorrect figures
Quick Learning Framework
Observe First Pair Carefully
↓
Identify Hidden Relationship
↓
Analyze Transformation Type
↓
Apply Same Logic to Second Pair
↓
Verify Answer Options
↓
Solve Analogy Questions Accurately
Final Takeaway
Non Verbal Analogy questions test observation skills, visual intelligence, logical deduction, and pattern recognition ability. Mastering concepts such as size transformation, rotation, position interchange, symbol rearrangement, and element variation helps candidates solve analogy questions quickly and accurately in competitive examinations.