SHL-style inductive reasoning (classic Verify format)
24 series of figures in 25 minutes: find the rule and pick the figure that comes next
Used by Deutsche Bank (Unverified), Jefferies (Unverified), PwC (Unverified), Standard Chartered (Unverified)
The format
- QuestionsFive figures in a row, then the one that comes next
- Time25:00 on one countdown
- AnsweringFive figures, A to E
- Moving onNext, with no going back
Have ready
- Pen and paper, if it helps you track the rules
- 25 quiet minutes, as the clock can't be paused
How to approach it
- Take one feature at a time: the central figure, its shading, then the small shape
- Check how each feature changes from one figure to the next, and whether it repeats
- Near misses differ from the answer in one detail, so compare the options closely
- Wrong answers cost nothing, so make your best guess when a series stalls you
More optionsExtra time, examples, shortcuts
- Examples firstUntimed questions with worked answers before the clock starts
- Keyboard shortcutsA to E pick an answer and Enter moves on
Other SHL-style drills
- SHL-style interactive general ability (Verify Interactive G+ format)About 36 minutes
- SHL-style general ability, multiple choice (Verify G+ format)About 36 minutes
- SHL-style numerical reasoning (classic Verify format)About 17 minutes
- SHL-style verbal reasoning (classic Verify format)About 19 minutes
- SHL-style personality questionnaire (forced-choice triplets)About 20 minutes
- SHL-style behaviour-based skills assessmentAbout 20 minutes
- SHL-style situational judgementAbout 25 minutes
Format notes
What this drill copies from the published format and how sure we are of each value, checked 29 September 2026
| Parameter | Value | Label |
|---|---|---|
| QuestionsOne prep site gives 24 in 25 minutes and another 18 in 24 for a newer version | 24, or 12 in the short practice | UnverifiedSource 1 for QuestionsSource 2 for Questions |
| Time | 25 min on one countdown, or 12 min in the short practice | UnverifiedSource for Time |
| Question type | A series of five figures, then the figure that comes next from options A to E | OfficialSource for Question type |
| RulesOur own rule set, drawn in our own style | Turning, counting, shading, moving and changing shape, one to three at a time | Unverified |
| DifficultyThe classic tests draw questions from a bank, and the mix of levels here is our own | One-rule, two-rule and three-rule series mixed, in no set order | Unverified |
| Figures in wordsOur addition for screen readers, not part of the published format | Every figure is also described in words | Unverified |
| Per-question timerAny per-question limit would be stated on the instructions page | None | OfficialSource for Per-question timer |
| At time-out | Answers stop at 00:00 and anything not reached scores nothing | OfficialSource for At time-out |
| Stepping away | The clock keeps running | OfficialSource for Stepping away |
| Examples first | Example questions before the clock | OfficialSource for Examples first |
| Going back or skippingOnly one prep site says you can't skip or review earlier questions | Not allowed, so Next needs an answer | UnverifiedSource for Going back or skipping |
| Wrong answersNot published for these tests, so this drill never takes marks away | Score zero, with no penalty | Unverified |
| Extra time | Only when the employer agrees it | OfficialSource for Extra time |
| Extra time hereOur option for practice, not part of the published format | Standard, +25% or +50% | Unverified |
| Short practiceOur own quick run, not a published version | About half the questions in about half the time | Unverified |
Who uses it
What the evidence says about each employer, checked 29 September 2026
Deutsche BankUnverified
Its spring programme includes a timed inductive reasoning test, but the bank names no provider and prep sites disagree on which
Source 1 for Deutsche BankSource 2 for Deutsche BankSource 3 for Deutsche Bank
JefferiesUnverified
Prep sites report a logical reasoning test from this provider for the bank, which may be this format or another
PwCUnverified
The firm names this provider and its timed test covers inductive reasoning, but applicants describe the interactive version rather than this one
Standard CharteredUnverified
Its 36-minute reasoning test includes inductive questions, which fits the mixed general ability format more closely than this one
Independent practice in the style of SHL's published format. Not affiliated with or endorsed by SHL