Coding-Decoding | Explained

Coding-Decoding questions are a unique challenge that requires your ability to decipher patterns and transform information using specific codes or rules. These questions appear in various competitive exams and involve unravelling coded messages or sequences.

In this guide, we’ll delve into effective strategies for solving Coding-Decoding questions and provide five examples to illustrate each approach.

Understanding Coding-Decoding

In Coding-Decoding questions, you’ll encounter a given code or rule that is used to transform a set of words, numbers or symbols. Your task is to decipher the pattern and apply the same rule to decode the coded information.

Strategies for Solving Coding-Decoding Questions

• Analyse the Code: Begin by carefully examining the given code or rule. Understand how it transforms the original information into the coded form.
• Identify Patterns: Look for patterns, relationships or mathematical operations that the code employs. Common patterns include letter replacements, numerical shifts or positional changes.
• Practice Regular Symbols: Often, codes use regular symbols or letters. Practice associating symbols with their corresponding values or positions in the alphabet.
• Work Step by Step: Decode the information step by step. Apply the code to each element of the given information.
• Use Options: If provided with multiple-choice options, try applying the code to each option to see which one matches the given information.

Examples of Coding-Decoding

Example 1:

Code: A = Z, B = Y, C = X, …

Message: HELLO

Decoded Message: SVOOL

Example 2:

Code: Add 3 to each letter’s position.

Message: APPLE

Decoded Message: DSVOH

Example 3:

Code: Replace vowels with numbers (A=1, E=2, I=3, O=4, U=5).

Message: SONG

Decoded Message: S15NG

Example 4:

Code: Reverse the order of letters.

Message: WORLD

Decoded Message: DLROW

Example 5:

Code: Replace each letter with the next letter in the alphabet (Z wraps to A).

Message: CAT

Decoded Message: DBU