Coding and Decoding in Intelligence Tests
Coding and decoding questions test your logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and analytical skills.
These questions fall under verbal intelligence tests when language-based and non-verbal
intelligence tests when number or symbol-based.
Types of Coding and Decoding with Examples
1. Letter Coding
Example 1: If CAT is coded as DBU, how is DOG coded?
Solution: Each letter is shifted forward by 1 (C -> D, A -> B, T -> U).
Answer: EPH.
Example 2: If CODE is written as EDOC, how is DATA coded?
Solution: The letters are reversed.
Answer: ATAD.
2. Number Coding
Example 1: If A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, what is the code for CAB?
Solution: Add the positions of the letters (C = 3, A = 1, B = 2).
Answer: 6.
Example 2: If APPLE is coded as 12345, how is PEAR coded?
Solution: Assign the digits based on the order of appearance (P = 2, E = 5, A = 1, R = 4).
Answer: 2514.
3. Symbol Coding
Example: If A = @, B = #, C = %, how is CAB coded?
Solution: Replace each letter with its corresponding symbol (C = %, A = @, B = #).
Answer: %@#.
4. Word Coding
Example 1: If APPLE = ORANGE, and ORANGE = BANANA, what is the code for APPLE?
Solution: ORANGE is the code for APPLE.
Answer: ORANGE.
Example 2: If COLD is coded as DOLC, how is WARM coded?
Solution: Rearrange the letters in reverse order.
Answer: MRAW.
5. Conditional Coding
Example: If vowels are multiplied by 2 and consonants by 1, how is BAD coded?
Solution: B = 2 x 1 = 2, A = 1 x 2 = 2, D = 4 x 1 = 4.
Answer: 224.
6. Decoding
Example: If X = 24, Y = 25, Z = 26, decode 24-1-20.
Solution: Use positions of letters (24 = X, 1 = A, 20 = T).
Answer: XAT.
Tips and Strategies
1. Master the Alphabet Positions: Know both forward (A = 1, B = 2) and backward (Z = 1, Y = 2)
positions.
2. Understand Common Patterns: Look for shifts, reversals, and substitutions.
3. Learn Common Number Patterns: Use direct positions, sums, or squares of letter positions.
4. Decode Symbols: Analyze sequential or alternate symbol mapping.
5. Break Down Complex Codes: Solve one step at a time and reverse operations for decoding.
6. Practice Directional Shifts: Handle forward (+) or backward (-) letter shifts.
7. Observe Patterns in Words: Separate vowels and consonants to identify patterns.
8. Memorize Example Codes: Familiarize yourself with common examples provided above.
9. Avoid Common Mistakes: Read instructions carefully and avoid confusing forward and reverse
positions.
10. Practice Daily: Dedicate time to improving speed and accuracy.