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Coding and Decoding?
In this topic, a word or a sentence is coded using a certain pattern, and based on that
pattern, you need to decode or find the logic. These are designed to test your logical
reasoning and analytical ability.
Common Types of Coding-Decoding
There are the following types of Coding-Decoding
● Letter based
● Number based
● Letter Shifting
● Opposite Letters
● Substitution Coding
Usage Of Alphabetical Order When Coding And Decoding
Memorizing the English alphabet and its corresponding number values may help to
increase your speed. In many coding and decoding questions, the position of letters in the
English Alphabet is deemed to be the value of the alphabet based on letter series.
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EJOTY Technique
The EJOTY Technique is useful in finding the positions of alphabets quickly.
Example 1: What is the position of the letter M?
● From EJOTY, we know:
○ J = 10
○ O = 15
● M is between J and O → so it's 3 letters after J → 10 + 3 = 13
● ✅ So, M = 13
Example 2: What is the 18th letter of the alphabet?
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● From EJOTY, we know:
○ T = 20 → 18 is 2 letters before T → So the 18th letter is R
Example 3: What is the position of W?
● From EJOTY:
○ Y = 25
○ W is two letters before Y → So, 25 - 2 = 23
● ✅ So, W = 23
Letter Coding
Each letter in a word is replaced with another letter according to a fixed pattern.
Example : If CAT is coded as DBU, what is the code for DOG?
Solution: C+1 = D, A+1 = B, T+1 = U → So D+1 = E, O+1 = P, G+1 = H → Answer: EPH
Number Coding
Words are converted into numbers using logic (position, sum, etc.).
Example:
If BAD = 7, what is the code for ACE?
Solution: B(2) + A(1) + D(4) = 7
A(1) + C(3) + E(5) = 9 → Answer: 9
Letter Shifting (Addition/Subtraction)
Each letter is shifted by a fixed number forward or backward.
Example: "MONARCHY" → "NPOBSDIZ" (each letter +1)
Opposite Letters Coding
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Each letter is replaced by its opposite in the alphabet (A ↔ Z, B ↔ Y, etc.)
Example: "SIMILAR" → "IZORNRH"
Substitution Coding
Names/words are substituted with different names/words in such questions. To arrive at
the proper solution, we must carefully trace the substitution.
For example,
What would be the name of the national bird if "parrot" is known as "Peacock," "Peacock"
is known as "Swallow," "Swallow" is known as "Pigeon," and "Pigeon" is known as
"Sparrow?"
Explanation: The national bird is the peacock, as we all know. However, ‘Peacock' is coded
as ‘Swallow' in the supplied question. As a result, the right answer is ‘Swallow.'
Common Question Types
Type Description Example
Letter Shifting Shift letters by fixed number MONARCHY → NPOBSDIZ (+1)
Opposite Letters Replace letters with their opposite SIMILAR → IZORNRH
Neighbor Letters Use left and right neighbors of letters NIL → MOHJKM
Numeric Coding Letters replaced by numbers based on position TIGER → 2097518
Rearrangement Letters reversed or sorted WORD → DROW
Pairwise
Swap letters in pairs BOND → OBND
Interchange
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Tips for Quick Solving
● Write down positions of letters quickly (keep A-Z chart in mind).
● Practice with different coding patterns to recognize them quickly.
● Use options elimination if available.
● Use diagrams or write down alphabets and their positions.
● Break down the word letter by letter to find the pattern.
● Practice common patterns (like +1, -1, reverse, shuffle).
● Look for repetition and symmetry.
● Solve previous year questions and mock tests.
● Time yourself to improve speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Solving coding and decoding questions can be a herculean task as you are bound to make
mistakes if you are not familiar with the questions types and tricks to save yourself from
these mistakes.
● Candidates may sometimes make assumptions about the coding pattern
without double checking it with the given condition. After decoding the patter,
always ensure that your identified pattern holds true for all cases provided.
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● Trying to memorize codes for common words or phrases after solving it is not
a reliable strategy. You should write down the code for the given word
immediately after solving it as it is going to be useful in decoding other
sentences as well.
● Spending too much time on a single coding decoding question can result in
time mismanagement and hinder your progress in the exam.
Practice Problems
Here are a few practice problems for you to try out on your own. The answers to the questions
are provided for your reference.
Q1. In a certain code, ‘MUNDANE’ is coded as ‘LVMEZOD’. Select the right option for
‘CERTAIN’ put together using the same code.
Ans: BFQUZJM
Q2. If ‘WATER’ is coded in a certain way as ‘AWETR’. Choose the option for ‘PURPOSE’
coded in the same form.
Ans: UPPRSOE
Q3. In ‘REQUEST’ is coded in a certain pattern as ‘PFOVCTR’. Select the right option for
‘FORGIVE’ coded the same way.
Ans: DPPHGWC
Q4. If ‘BRUTAL' is coded as ‘URBLAT’ then how ‘RATIONAL’ will be encrypted in this code?
Ans: TARNOILA
Q5. In a certain code, TIGER is written as QDFHS. How is MONKEY written in that code?
Ans: XDJMNL
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