This page covers Agniveer Army CEE Figure Matrix & Completion with complete concept notes, 6 graded practice MCQs, key points and exam-specific tips. Free to study.
Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Core Concept
A figure matrix is typically a 3x3 or 2x2 grid where figures follow specific rules across rows, columns, or diagonally. The pattern can involve shape changes, rotations, additions, deletions, or combinations of elements
Key Rules
Look for patterns in three directions - horizontal (across rows), vertical (down columns), and diagonal
Common pattern types include
rotation (clockwise/anticlockwise), reflection (horizontal/vertical flip), element addition/subtraction, size changes, shading variations, and position shifts.
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL typically asks 2-3 figure matrix questions. Most common formats are 3x3 matrices with bottom-right corner missing, or 2x2 matrices with one corner blank. Questions often combine 2-3 pattern types to increase difficulty.
ShortcutsUse these to save 30–60 seconds per question
Use the 'Elimination Method' - instead of finding the exact pattern, eliminate obviously wrong options first. Look for options that don't match the basic elements present in other figures.
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Analyze row pattern - each row contains the same three shapes in different orders.
Apply pattern logic - Column 3 should complete the sequence Circle, Square, Triangle.
4
Step 4
Verify - each row and column now contains all three shapes exactly once.
Answer: Triangle.
Advanced Shortcut: For complex matrices, focus on the 'corner constraint method'. Check what elements appear in corners of completed rows/columns. This often reveals the missing element quickly.
Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these
Students often focus only on row patterns and ignore column patterns. Always check both directions. Another frequent error is assuming only one type of transformation when multiple changes occur simultaneously (like rotation plus color change).
Time-Saving Tip: If you spot an obvious pattern in 10-15 seconds, trust it.
Don't overthink simple rotations or reflections. Reserve detailed analysis for genuinely complex matrices.
Key Points to Remember
Figure matrices follow patterns across rows, columns, or diagonals
Common patterns include rotation, reflection, element addition/subtraction
Always check both horizontal and vertical directions for patterns
Elimination method helps when exact pattern is unclear
Corner constraint method works well for complex 3x3 matrices
Most SSC matrices combine 2-3 different transformation types
Missing position is typically bottom-right in 3x3 grids
Time limit: spend maximum 60-90 seconds per matrix question
Exam-Specific Tips
3x3 matrix format appears in 70% of SSC CGL figure matrix questions
Clockwise 90-degree rotation is the most frequent transformation type
Bottom-right corner missing position occurs in 80% of matrix problems
Combined rotation + reflection patterns appear in 30% of questions
Element addition/subtraction patterns are tested in 25% of matrices
2x2 matrices typically have simpler single-transformation patterns
Diagonal pattern checking is required in only 15% of SSC questions
Practice MCQs
Figure Matrix & Completion — Practice Questions
6graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis
In a 3×3 figure matrix, the first row contains: Circle, Square, Triangle. The second row contains: Square, Triangle, Circle. The third row contains: Triangle, Circle, ?. Each shape appears exactly once in every row and column. What should replace the question mark?
Practice 2easy
In a 2×2 figure matrix, the top-left cell shows 4 dots, top-right shows 8 dots, and bottom-left shows 6 dots. If the pattern follows that each row's sum equals 14, how many dots should be in the bottom-right cell?
Practice 3medium
In a 3×3 figure matrix, the first row contains a square, circle, and triangle. The second row contains a circle, triangle, and square. Following the pattern where each shape appears once in every row and column, what should replace the question mark in position (3,2)?
Practice 4medium
A 3×3 matrix shows that each cell contains a number. Row 1: 2, 4, 6. Row 2: 3, 6, 9. Row 3: 5, 10, ?. The pattern in each row is that every element is a multiple of the first element. What is the missing number?
Practice 5medium
In a 2×2 figure completion matrix, the top-left cell has 3 dots arranged in a triangle. The top-right cell has 4 dots in a square. The bottom-left cell has 5 dots in a pentagon shape. Based on the pattern of increasing dots and polygon sides, how many dots should appear in the bottom-right cell?
Practice 6hard
In a 3×3 figure matrix, the first row contains: a circle with 2 internal lines, a square with 3 internal lines, and a triangle with 4 internal lines. The second row contains: a pentagon with 5 internal lines, a hexagon with 6 internal lines, and a heptagon with ? internal lines. The third row contains: a star with 8 internal lines, a crescent with 9 internal lines, and an oval with 10 internal lines. What should replace the question mark to complete the pattern?
60-Second Revision — Figure Matrix & Completion
Remember: Check row patterns first, then column patterns
Formula: Corner elements often determine the missing figure
Trap: Don't assume single transformations in complex matrices
Speed tip: Eliminate obviously wrong options within 20 seconds