Pattern Completion for the Assam Police Constable (AB & UB) Exam
Pattern Completion is a non-verbal reasoning topic of the SLPRB Assam Police Constable (AB & UB) examination in which a figure is shown with a part missing, and the candidate must choose the option that completes the figure so that the whole design follows the same pattern. The missing part may be a square piece cut out of a design, a corner of a symmetrical figure, or a tile in a repeating pattern. The topic tests observation of the pattern, symmetry and continuity. The completed figure must match the lines, the curves and the shading of the rest of the design. This page explains the types of patterns that are asked, the completion method, worked examples, shortcuts and the common traps. The material follows the standard reasoning reference books used for Assam recruitment examinations and is reviewed before it is published.
What the Topic Means
In a pattern-completion question a design is shown with one part blanked out, and four possible pieces are given. Only one piece fits the blank so that the lines and the pattern of the design run on smoothly. The candidate must study the part of the design around the blank and decide which lines must enter the blank and at what points. The correct piece joins the broken lines, continues the curves and matches the shading, while the wrong pieces break the rhythm of the design or turn a line the wrong way.
The Types of Patterns That Are Completed
- A symmetrical figure with one quarter or one half missing.
- A repeating design, such as a floor or a wall pattern, with one tile missing.
- A figure with a rectangular piece cut out and four pieces offered.
- A design with a curved border in which one arc is missing.
- A figure that is completed by joining the mirror image of the shown part.
A Step by Step Method
- Study the pattern of the whole figure and note whether it is symmetrical.
- Look at the edges of the blank and note exactly where each line is cut.
- Draw in your mind the lines that must continue into the blank.
- Match the lines, the curves and the shading with each option.
- Reject every option that breaks the symmetry or the rhythm of the design.
Worked Examples
Example one: a square design is symmetrical about both diagonals and one quarter is missing, so the missing piece is the mirror image of the shown quarter. Example two: a repeating floor pattern of alternating black and white squares has one tile missing, so the missing tile must be of the opposite colour to the tiles touching it. Example three: a figure with curved lines has a rectangular piece cut out, and the correct piece has the ends of the same curves at the same points on its edge. Example four: a figure with a dotted border has a gap, and the correct piece continues the dots at the same spacing. Example five: a design that is symmetrical about a vertical line has one half missing, and the missing half is the mirror image of the present half.
How This Topic Appears in the Examination
The topic usually appears as two to four objective questions of one mark each. The common forms are to choose the piece that completes the figure, to choose the piece that fits a repeating pattern, and to complete a symmetrical design. The options are drawn to be very close, so the candidate must check the point where every line meets the edge of the blank.
Shortcuts and Speed Methods
- Check for symmetry first; many figures are symmetrical and the answer is the mirror image.
- Look at the points where lines are cut at the edge of the blank.
- Match the shading and the spacing of the dots with the rest of the design.
- Reject an option as soon as one line does not join.
- For a repeating pattern, continue the rhythm and not just a single tile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a piece that is roughly right but does not join one line.
- Ignoring the shading or the spacing of the dots.
- Failing to notice that the figure is symmetrical.
- Turning the piece in the mind when the question does not allow it.
- Looking only at the middle of the piece and not at its edges.
Preparation Plan
- Practise completing symmetrical figures by mirroring half of the figure.
- Practise repeating patterns by continuing the rhythm by hand.
- Check every line and curve at the edge of each option.
- Solve ten questions a week and mark the joining points.
- Revise the standard patterns of tiles and borders once a week.
More Practice Questions
- Complete a square design that is symmetrical about both diagonals.
- Complete a repeating floor pattern with one tile missing.
- Complete a border of repeated arcs with one arc missing.
- Complete a figure that is symmetrical about a vertical line.
- Complete a dotted pattern with a gap in the border.
Quick Revision Checklist
- Check whether the figure is symmetrical.
- Note where each line meets the blank.
- Draw the lines that must continue.
- Match the shading and the spacing.
- Reject an option at the first broken line.
Pattern Completion and Design Thinking
Pattern completion brings together symmetry, mirror images and continuity, and it therefore helps in mirror and water images, in embedded figures and in counting of figures. A candidate who can see the axis of symmetry and follow a line to its end will complete patterns quickly and with certainty. The topic is best mastered by drawing rather than by speed, and a light pencil line across the blank is the surest way to test an option before choosing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pattern completion?
It is a non-verbal reasoning topic in which a design is shown with a part missing and the candidate must choose the piece that completes it so that the whole pattern continues correctly.
How do I find the right piece?
Check the edges of the blank, find where each line is cut, and choose the piece whose lines, curves and shading join exactly at those points.
What if the figure is symmetrical?
Then the missing part is the mirror image of the shown part about the axis of symmetry, so the answer can be found by mirroring.
Why are the options so close?
The wrong options are drawn to look almost correct, so the candidate must compare the edges line by line instead of choosing from a quick look.
Is pattern completion scoring in Assam Police?
Yes. The pattern is fixed and the check is visual, so a careful candidate can find the answer quickly and with certainty.