Master every analogy type tested in AFCAT — word pairs, number pairs, letter series, and mixed analogies — with a step-by-step method that eliminates wrong options fast.
This module covers: what analogies are and how they appear in exams, the 5-step solving method, all major analogy types (word, number, letter, mixed), the most common relationship categories with examples, and common traps and how to avoid them. Analogy questions consistently appear in AFCAT Verbal Ability and Reasoning sections.
An analogy is a logical relationship between two pairs of words, numbers, or letters. The question gives you one complete pair and part of a second pair — your job is to identify the same relationship and complete the second pair.
The most common mistake is focusing on the meaning of words rather than their relationship. Always identify the relationship first, then apply it.
Question: Pen : Write :: Knife : ?
Always check direction. Doctor : Hospital is NOT the same as Hospital : Doctor. The first means "A Doctor works in a Hospital"; the second means "A Hospital is where Doctors work" — subtly different. In AFCAT, reversed pairs are used as trap answers.
The relationship is: A is used to do B or B is the function of A.
The relationship is: A lives/works in B.
The relationship is: A is a part of B. Do not confuse with Class → Member (type of).
Part–Whole: Finger : Hand (finger is PART of hand)
Type–Class: Rose : Flower (rose is a TYPE of flower)
These look similar but are different relationships. Always use a bridge sentence to distinguish them.
The relationship is: A causes / produces / results in B.
The relationship is: A is the opposite of B (antonym) OR A means the same as B (synonym).
Angry : Furious is NOT the same as Angry : Calm. The first is degree of same emotion; the second is antonym. Read the bridge sentence carefully — "A is a weaker form of B" is different from "A is the opposite of B".
The relationship is: A is the raw material for B or B is made from A.
In number analogies, the relationship is always a mathematical operation. Apply the same operation to both pairs.
| Pattern | Example | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 4 : 16 :: 5 : 25 | n : n² |
| Cube | 2 : 8 :: 3 : 27 | n : n³ |
| Square root | 25 : 5 :: 64 : 8 | n : √n |
| Double + 1 | 3 : 7 :: 5 : 11 | n : 2n+1 |
| Multiple | 4 : 12 :: 5 : 15 | n : 3n |
| Difference | 18 : 12 :: 25 : 19 | n : n−6 |
| Sum of digits | 24 : 6 :: 32 : 5 | digits added |
| Reverse digits | 23 : 32 :: 45 : 54 | digits reversed |
| Prime numbers | 2 : 3 :: 5 : 7 | consecutive primes |
Always try these operations in order: ① Is it n²? ② Is it n³? ③ Is there a ×/÷ relationship? ④ Is it +/− a constant? ⑤ Is it a combination (e.g., n²+1)?
Q: 6 : 38 :: 7 : ?
Try: 6² = 36, 36 + 2 = 38 ✓ So rule is n² + 2
Apply: 7² = 49, 49 + 2 = 51
The key is knowing the position of each letter in the alphabet. Always assign numbers: A=1, B=2 ... Z=26. Then find the mathematical pattern.
| Pattern | Example | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Skip +2 | ACE : GIK | each letter +2 positions |
| Skip +1 | BDF : CEG | entire group shifts +1 |
| Reverse pair | AB : BA :: CD : DC | letters reversed |
| Mirror (A+Z=27) | A : Z :: B : Y | A(1)+Z(26)=27 |
| Consonants skip | BCD : EFG | next group of 3 |
| Middle letter fixed | ACB : DFE | middle stays, rest shift |
Q: AFKP : BGLQ :: CHMR : ?
A(1) F(6) K(11) P(16) — gaps of +5 each
B(2) G(7) L(12) Q(17) — each letter is 1 ahead
C(3) H(8) M(13) R(18) — each letter is 2 ahead of A-group
Answer: D(4) I(9) N(14) S(19) = DINS
Memorise: E=5, J=10, O=15, T=20, Y=25. From these anchors you can quickly find any letter's position. E.g., R = T−2 = 20−2 = 18.
Example: Doctor : Stethoscope :: ? — don't just pick another medical item. Ask: "What is the relationship?" A doctor uses a stethoscope. So the answer must be "X uses Y", e.g., Carpenter : Saw.
Question: Author : Book :: ? — Answer: Chef : Recipe (not Recipe : Chef). Always keep the same order — first term to second term must mirror the original pair.
Dog : Animal :: Rose : Plant — this uses a very broad bridge ("is a"). But if the pair is Dog : Kennel, the bridge is "lives in" — don't use just "is related to". Make your bridge as specific as possible.
4 : 8 could be ×2, or +4, or n+n. Always verify by checking with the second pair. If your rule gives two possible answers, refine the bridge.
Not all sequences go left to right. Some go right to left (ZYX pattern) or alternate. Always write out the positions numerically before assuming the direction.
Scan all high-yield patterns and shortcut rules from this module before your exam.