Missing Number Series for IBPS PO 2025, Get Free PDF

Missing Number Series for IBPS PO: The Missing Number Series is one of the most scoring and concept-based topics in the IBPS PO 2025 Quantitative Aptitude section. If practiced well, you can solve 5-6 questions in just 3 minutes in the IBPS PO Prelims exam. Missing Number Series questions are not just about numbers—they’re about patterns, logic, and your ability to think quickly. In this article, we are providing the complete Missing number series concepts along with the most asked questions and detailed solutions.

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What is a Missing Number Series?

In a missing number series, a sequence of numbers is given with one missing element (represented by a ‘?’ sign). You are required to find the logic of the series and determine the missing number based on the pattern.

Example:

3, 6, 12, 24, ?, 96
Solution: Multiply by 2 pattern → 3×2 = 6, 6×2 = 12… ⇒ missing number = 48.

Weightage in IBPS PO 2025

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Ideal Time per Question: 30–45 seconds

Study Resources Based On the Latest Pattern

Types of Missing Number Series

Understanding the various types is key to cracking this topic. Here are the main categories:

1. Addition/Subtraction Series

• Involves a constant or increasing difference.
  
• Example: 5, 9, 13, ?, 21 → +4 pattern → Missing = 17
  

2. Multiplication/Division Series

• The pattern involves multiplying/dividing by a constant or variable.
  
• Example: 2, 4, 8, ?, 32 → ×2 pattern → Missing = 16
  

3. Square/Cube Series

• The pattern involves perfect squares or cubes.
  
• Example: 1, 8, 27, ?, 125 → Cubes → Missing = 64
  

4. Mixed Operations

• Combines two or more operations (e.g., +2, ×2, +2…).
  
• Example: 3, 5, 10, 12, 24, ? → Pattern: +2, ×2, +2, ×2… ⇒ Missing = 26×2 = 48
  

5. Prime Numbers Series

• Series based on prime numbers or differences being primes.
  
• Example: 2, 3, 5, 7, ?, 13 → Missing = 11
  

6. Fibonacci Series

• Addition of two previous numbers.
  
• Example: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, ?, 13 → Missing = 8
  

7. Difference of Differences (Second Level Series)

• First difference is not enough – apply second-level differences.
  
• Example: 2, 6, 12, 20, ?, 42
  
• 1st diff = 4,6,8,? → 2nd diff = 2 → Missing = 30

Most Asked Missing Number Series Questions for IBPS PO 2025 Exam

Question 1: What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following series?

17, 17, 19, 31, ?, 327

A) 61

B) 72

C) 87

D) 93

E) 117

Question 2: What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following series?

1, 22, 66, ?, 231, 356

A) 142

B) 135

C) 154

D) 144

E) 123

Question 3: What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following series?

4, 45, 176, ?, 1044, 2009

A) 386

B) 417

C) 441

D) 475

E) 498

Question 4: What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following series?

49, 71, ?, 136, 179, 229

A) 100

B) 98

C) 101

D) 103

E) 93

Question 5: What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following series?

38, 45, 53, 62, ?, 83

A) 71

B) 72

C) 73

D) 74

E) 75

Number Series Important Questions PDF Link

Strategies to Solve Missing Number Series 

To tackle Missing Number Series questions efficiently, follow these strategies: 

1. Identify the Pattern Early:

 Check if the series is increasing or decreasing. Look for a familiar pattern. 

2. Check for Squares or Cubes:

 If differences increase rapidly, consider whether the series follows a square or cube pattern. 

3. Analyse Alternating Terms: 

If the series seems irregular, check for patterns in odd and even positions separately. 

4. Use Double Differences: 

For complex series, compute the differences between differences to uncover the pattern. 

5. Backward Solving: 

If the missing term is not at the end, use subsequent terms to confirm the pattern. 

6. Practice Common Patterns: 

Familiarise yourself with common or frequent types of questions asked in previous years.

7. Time Management: 

Spend no more than 45 seconds per question to maintain efficiency during the exam.

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