Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Each letter has a fixed position
A=1, B=2, C=3... Questions can ask about positions from left (A=1) or right (Z=1, Y=2, X=3). Most SSC questions use left-side positioning
Key Rules
First, memorize that A=1 and Z=26 from the left. From the right, A=26 and Z=1. The formula for right position is: Right Position = 27 - Left Position. For example, M is 13th from left, so from right it's 27-13=14th position
Common question types include
finding positions of letters, arranging letters in alphabetical order, identifying middle letters in sequences, finding letters at specific positions after rearrangement, and determining which letter comes before or after a given letter.
ShortcutsUse these to save 30–60 seconds per question
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Write down the letters in PLANET: P, L, A, N, E, T
2
Step 2
Arrange these letters alphabetically by comparing their positions in the alphabet:
A=1, E=5, L=12, N=14, P=16, T=20
3
Step 3
Alphabetical order becomes: A, E, L, N, P, T
4
Step 4
Count positions: 1st=A, 2nd=E, 3rd=L
5
Step 5
Answer is L
Another Shortcut: For finding positions quickly, remember these landmark letters: E=5, J=10, O=15, T=20, Y=25. These help you estimate nearby letter positions without counting from A.
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC typically asks 1-2 alphabet test questions. Common formats include word arrangement, finding missing letters in sequences, and position-based problems. Questions often combine alphabet knowledge with logical sequences.
Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these
Students often confuse left and right positions. Always clarify whether the question asks for position from left (standard) or right. Another mistake is miscounting when arranging letters - always double-check your alphabetical order.
Practice writing the alphabet backward to strengthen right-position calculations.
Key Points to Remember
English alphabet has 26 letters with A=1, B=2... Z=26 from left side
Right position formula: 27 - Left position (A=26, Z=1 from right)
In the English alphabet, which letter is exactly midway between G and O?
Practice 2easy
If you reverse the order of the English alphabet (Z=1, Y=2, X=3, ... A=26), what is the position of the letter R?
Practice 3easy
How many letters are there between B and H in the English alphabet (not including B and H)?
Practice 4easy
If the letters of the English alphabet are written in reverse order (Z, Y, X, ..., B, A), which letter will be the 7th letter from the left?
Practice 5easy
In the English alphabet, how many letters are there between M and W (not including M and W)?
Practice 6easy
In the English alphabet, how many letters are there between the letter 'D' and the letter 'K' (counting from left to right, excluding both D and K)?
Practice 7easy
If every alternate letter starting from A is removed from the English alphabet (remove A, C, E, G, ...), which letter will be at the 5th position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 8easy
If the letters of the English alphabet are numbered from 1 to 26 (A=1, B=2, C=3, ... Z=26), what is the position of the letter that comes 3 places after M?
Practice 9easy
If you count from the left in the English alphabet, the 5th letter is E. If you count from the right, what will be the 5th letter?
Practice 10easy
In the English alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from A is removed, which letter will be at the 3rd position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 11easy
How many letters are there between B and G in the English alphabet (not including B and G)?
Practice 12easy
If the letters of the English alphabet are written in reverse order (Z, Y, X, ..., B, A), then which letter will be the 7th letter from the left?
Practice 13easy
In the alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from A is removed (A, C, E, G, ...), which letter will be at the 5th position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 14easy
If you count from the right side of the alphabet, which letter is at the 4th position?
Practice 15easy
If the letters of the English alphabet are written in reverse order (Z, Y, X, W, ..., C, B, A), then which letter will be the 7th letter from the left in this reversed sequence?
Practice 16easy
If the letters of the English alphabet are numbered from 1 to 26 (A=1, B=2, C=3, ... Z=26), what is the position of the letter that comes 5 places after M?
Practice 17easy
In the English alphabet, which letter is exactly midway between D and P?
Practice 18easy
If you reverse the English alphabet (Z=1, Y=2, X=3, ... A=26), what is the position of the letter E?
Practice 19easy
In the English alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from A is removed (remove A, C, E, G, ...), which letter will be at the 5th position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 20easy
In the English alphabet, how many letters are there between M and V (excluding M and V)?
26 more practice questions in the Study Panel
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