Example 1
8 : 512 :: 12 : ?
Answer: C) 1728
Each number maps to its cube: 12³ = 1728.
Analogy reasoning questions for competitive exams: rules, worked examples and practice
Analogy questions give a pair with a relationship (A : B) and ask for the item that has the same relationship with a third.
Key rules and formulas
- Number analogies: squares, cubes, n² + 1, n × (n + 1), digit operations.
- Word analogies: tool–use, worker–workplace, part–whole, synonym, antonym.
- State the rule in words before looking at the options.
- Test the rule on the given pair in both directions.
Common traps
- Finding a rule that fits by coincidence; check the options against it.
- Reversing the order of the relationship.
Where Analogy is asked
- RRB Group D (General Intelligence & Reasoning)
- RRB NTPC CBT 1 (General Intelligence & Reasoning)
- SSC CGL Tier 1 (General Intelligence & Reasoning)
- SSC CGL Tier 2 (General Intelligence, Reasoning & General Intelligence)
- SSC CHSL Tier 1 (General Intelligence)
Worked examples
Example 2
3 : 12 :: 10 : ?
Answer: A) 110
n → n² + n: 10² + 10 = 110.
Example 3
7 : 343 :: 9 : ?
Answer: D) 729
Each number maps to its cube: 9³ = 729.
Frequently asked questions
What is Analogy in competitive exams?
Analogy questions give a pair with a relationship (A : B) and ask for the item that has the same relationship with a third.
Which exams ask Analogy questions?
On MockBazaar, Analogy questions appear in RRB Group D, RRB NTPC CBT 1, SSC CGL Tier 1, SSC CGL Tier 2, SSC CHSL Tier 1.
What is the most common mistake in Analogy?
Finding a rule that fits by coincidence; check the options against it.