A Step-by-Step Framework for dMAT Figure Sequences

Figure Sequence questions can feel unpredictable because the information is visual rather than verbal. In reality, strong performance comes from checking a limited set of properties in a consistent order.

The objective is not to “see the answer instantly.” It is to reduce a complex figure to a small number of testable changes.

Independent preparation notice: dMAT Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by APS India, g.a.s.t., dMAT, DAAD or any German university. This article explains publicly available information and offers independent study guidance. Rules and dates can change, so always verify important decisions with the official sources.

The property checklist

When comparing cells, inspect these properties:

1. Count — Are shapes, dots or lines being added or removed?
2. Position — Does an element move between corners, edges or the centre?
3. Orientation — Does a shape rotate?
4. Reflection — Is it mirrored horizontally, vertically or diagonally?
5. Shading — Does fill, colour or texture alternate?
6. Size — Does an element grow or shrink?
7. Combination — Does one cell merge or subtract elements from others?
8. Order — Do two transformations alternate or repeat in a cycle?

Do not test every imaginable rule at once. Begin with the easiest visible properties.

Step 1: compare adjacent cells

Look at the first transition:

• What changed?
• What stayed constant?
• Can the change be described in one sentence?

Then check whether the same description explains the next transition.

A rule that works once but fails immediately is not enough.

Step 2: check rows and columns separately

Some matrices use a rule across each row. Others use a rule down each column. More complex tasks may use both.

Do not assume the direction. Test:

• left to right;
• top to bottom; and
• occasionally diagonally when supported by the structure.

Step 3: separate independent layers

A figure may contain several components behaving independently.

For example:

• an outer shape rotates;
• an inner dot moves;
• shading alternates.

Track each layer separately before combining them. Trying to explain the entire image in one sentence often creates unnecessary complexity.

Step 4: predict before viewing the options

State what the missing figure should contain before studying the answer options.

For example:

“The triangle should point down, the dot should move to the upper-right corner and the fill should be empty.”

Then use the options to verify the prediction.

Looking at options too early can pull your attention towards distracting similarities.

Step 5: use elimination

If you cannot derive the entire figure, eliminate options that violate a clear rule.

You may know that:

• the count must be three;
• the shape must be unshaded; or
• the orientation cannot repeat.

One confirmed property can remove several options.

Common transformation families

Rotation

A shape turns by a fixed amount or follows a repeating orientation cycle.

Check both direction and step size.

Movement

An element changes position according to a route:

• clockwise around corners;
• along the border;
• between centre and edge; or
• alternating between two locations.

Addition and subtraction

A later cell may contain:

• the union of earlier elements;
• only elements appearing once;
• shared elements;
• or a difference between figures.

Alternation

Odd and even positions may follow separate rules.

When a sequence appears inconsistent, compare positions 1–3–5 and 2–4–6.

Count progression

The number of elements may increase, decrease or cycle.

Count before interpreting shape details.

Avoid overfitting

A poor rule explains every tiny feature through several unrelated exceptions.

A stronger rule is:

• simple;
• consistent;
• supported by more than one row or column; and
• able to predict the missing cell before looking at the answer.

If your explanation needs “except in this cell,” reconsider it.

Build speed through verbal labels

During practice, describe transformations with short labels:

• rotate 90 degrees;
• move clockwise;
• add one dot;
• invert shading;
• combine first two cells.

This forces vague visual impressions into a testable rule.

Over time, the labels become automatic and you need less internal narration.

Review both wrong and slow questions

A correct answer that took far too long still deserves review.

Ask:

• Which property should I have checked earlier?
• Did I keep switching between possible rules?
• Did the options provide a faster elimination route?
• Did I track too many features at once?

Then solve several new questions using the same transformation family.

A 20-minute practice session

1. Five minutes: untimed identification of transformation types
2. Ten minutes: timed questions
3. Five minutes: review and rule labelling

This is often more effective than completing a large random set without analysis.

Remember the purpose of practice

You are not memorising pictures. You are learning to decompose visual information, test rules and eliminate alternatives.

Try original Figure Sequence tasks in the free dMAT diagnostic.

Official source

• Official dMAT preparation page and Figure Sequences video