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, if every alternate letter starting from B is removed, which of the following letters will remain?
Practice 2easy
How many letters are there between M and V in the English alphabet (not including M and V)?
Practice 3easy
If the first half of the alphabet (A to M) is written in reverse order, followed by the second half (N to Z) in normal order, what will be the 15th letter in this new sequence?
Practice 4easy
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?
Practice 5easy
If the letters of the English alphabet are written in reverse order (Z, Y, X, ..., B, A), which letter will be the 7th from the left?
Practice 6medium
If the alphabet is split into two halves (A-M and N-Z), and each half is reversed independently, then in the resulting sequence, which letter will be immediately to the right of the letter M?
Practice 7medium
In the sequence A Z B Y C X D W E V F U G T H S I R J Q K P L O M N, which letter occupies the 11th position, and what is its pair in this sequence?
Practice 8medium
In a row of letters arranged as: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z, if every 3rd letter starting from the left is removed, which letter will be at the 5th position in the remaining sequence?
Practice 9hard
In the English alphabet, if every alternate letter starting from B is removed, and then the remaining letters are numbered from left to right, what is the position of the letter 'S' in this new sequence?
Practice 10hard
In a certain code language, the positions of letters in the English alphabet are reversed (A=26, B=25, C=24, ... Z=1). If the word 'REASONING' is coded using this system, what is the sum of the coded values of the 3rd, 5th, and 8th letters of the coded word?
Practice 11hard
Letters of the word 'PLATFORM' are arranged in alphabetical order from left to right. If the positions of the 1st and 8th letters are interchanged, then the 3rd and 6th letters are interchanged, what is the letter at the 5th position after these interchanges?
Practice 12hard
In a certain code language, the positions of letters in the English alphabet are used to create a pattern. If we reverse the alphabet (Z=1, Y=2, X=3, ... A=26) and then apply the following rule: 'For every consonant, subtract 3 from its reversed position; for every vowel, add 5 to its reversed position,' what will be the code for the word 'BRIGHT'?
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