In the number series 5, 10, 15, 20, the next term is _______. – UGC NET Question

Each term is 5 more than the previous one, so the series is an arithmetic progression with common difference 5. We have 5, 10, 15 and 20 by repeatedly adding 5. Adding 5 to 20 gives 25. Therefore, 25 is the correct next term in the sequence.

Option A:
Option A preserves the pattern because 20 + 5 = 25 continues the same step used throughout. The extended series 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 remains a clean list of multiples of five. This makes the logic straightforward and exam friendly.

Option B:
Option B is 24, which is only 4 more than 20 and would change the common difference from 5 to 4. That alteration is not supported by any evidence in the earlier terms. Hence, this option is not consistent with the rule.

Option C:
Option C is 30, which would require a jump of 10 from 20 to 30, whereas all earlier jumps were 5. Introducing a larger difference at the end breaks the uniform progression. Therefore, 30 is not the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D is 22, giving a difference of 2 from 20 and severely disrupting the pattern of adding 5 each time. Such an abrupt change contradicts the clear structure of the series. Thus, this option must be rejected.