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)
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 2easy
Which letter is 4 positions to the right of the 8th letter from the left in the English alphabet?
Practice 3easy
If you write the English alphabet and then remove all vowels, what will be the 5th letter in the remaining sequence?
Practice 4easy
How many letters are there between the letters D and K in the English alphabet?
Practice 5easy
In the English alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from B is removed, which letter will be at the 6th position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 6medium
How many letters are there between 'M' and 'U' in the English alphabet (counting both endpoints)?
Practice 7medium
In the English alphabet, how many letters come after 'P' but before 'X' (excluding both P and X)?
Practice 8medium
If the alphabet is written in reverse order (Z, Y, X, ... B, A) and we count 7 positions from Z, which letter do we reach?
Practice 9medium
In the English alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from B is removed, which letter will be at the 5th position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 10medium
In a certain code language, letters are arranged based on their position in the English alphabet. If we reverse the alphabet (Z=1, Y=2, X=3, ... A=26), what will be the code for the word 'BANK'?
Practice 11hard
In the English alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from B is removed (B, D, F, H, ...), and then the remaining letters are numbered from left to right, what is the position of the letter 'S' in this new sequence?
Practice 12hard
In a certain code language, letters are arranged based on their position in the English alphabet. If we reverse the alphabet (Z=1, Y=2, X=3, ... A=26) and then add the position number of each letter in the word 'REASONING', what is the sum of the values of the 2nd, 5th, and 8th letters?
Practice 13hard
In a certain code language, the positions of letters in the English alphabet are used to form a pattern. If we reverse the alphabet (Z=1, Y=2, X=3, ... A=26) and then apply the following rule: 'For every consonant, add 3 to its reversed position value; for every vowel, subtract 2 from its reversed position value', what will be the code value for the word 'BRIGHT'?
Practice 14hard
If the alphabet is split into two halves (A-M and N-Z), and within each half, letters are reversed (M-A and Z-N), what is the new position of the letter 'P' in the combined reversed alphabet?
60-Second Revision — Alphabet Test
Remember: A=1, Z=26 from left; reverse for right positions
Formula: Right position = 27 - Left position
Landmark: E=5, J=10, O=15, T=20, Y=25 for quick positioning
Method: Always arrange letters alphabetically before counting positions
Trap: Check if question asks left or right position
Practice: Write alphabet backward for right-position speed
Focus: Word arrangement questions are most common in SSC