Comprehensive Note on Coding and Decoding
Chapter One: Introduction to Coding and Decoding
Coding and decoding are integral components of logical reasoning questions in various
competitive exams. The primary objective is to evaluate a student’s ability to understand
patterns, logic, and sequences used to encrypt or decrypt information. Coding involves
converting a word or a set of words into a particular form using a certain rule or pattern,
while decoding is the process of reverting the coded word back to its original form using
the reverse of the applied logic.
For example, if in a particular code “CAT” is written as “DBU”, then it involves shifting
each letter by one position forward in the English alphabet.
This note aims to explore various types of coding-decoding methods, techniques, solved
examples, practice exercises, and advanced logic applications used in exams and real-life
problem solving.
Chapter Two: Letter Coding
Letter coding involves replacing letters of a word with other letters according to a certain
pattern or rule. The change may involve shifting letters forward or backward in the
English alphabet, mirroring letters, or substituting with other pre-decided letters.
Example:
If “DOG” is written as “EPH”, then D→E, O→P, G→H (each letter is shifted by one).
Types of Letter Coding:
1. Alphabet shifting (forward/backward)
2. Reverse alphabet coding
3. Mixed letter arrangements
Tips:
- Know the alphabetical position of letters (A=1 to Z=26).
- Practice forward and backward shifting.
- Look for consistent changes in letter positions.
Chapter Three: Number Coding
In number coding, letters are converted to their corresponding numbers or vice versa
based on specific rules. For instance, A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26.
Example:
If “CAB” is written as 3 1 2, then it’s a direct substitution of letter positions.
Some techniques used in number coding:
- Positional values of letters
- Reversed positions (Z=1, Y=2, ... A=26)
- Mathematical patterns (squares, multiples)
Example:
If “FOX” is written as 6 15 24 (F=6, O=15, X=24), then you are to decode accordingly.
Chapter Four: Symbol Coding
Here, symbols such as $, #, @, &, etc., are used in place of letters or numbers.
Example:
If A = @, B = #, C = $, then “ABC” is coded as @#$.
This form is mostly used in puzzles and logic-based questions to test pattern recognition
and memory.
Chapter Five: Mixed Coding
Mixed coding involves mixing letters, numbers, and symbols or interchanging entire
words based on a complex rule.
Example:
If “Red apple is tasty” is coded as “tasty red apple is”, then it’s a rearrangement code.
Or, if:
“John is going to market” = “x4 y2 9p !5”, each word is represented by a different code.
To decode:
- Identify code-word pairs.
- Compare codes across different statements.
- Look for consistent substitutions or patterns.
Chapter Six: Decoding Techniques and Strategies
To decode effectively:
1. Compare two or more coded sentences that share common words.
2. Match the same positions and figure out patterns.
3. Break the sentence into components and decode one part at a time.
4. Use elimination techniques where necessary.
Example:
If “PEN is blue” = “ka lo mi”
And “Ink is black” = “zo lo ki”
Then common word “is” = “lo”
From here, you can match and decode the rest.
Chapter Seven: Advanced Coding Systems
Binary coding uses the base-2 number system. Each alphabet letter is represented by a
binary value of its ASCII code.
Example:
Convert the word “CAT” into binary.
Step 1: Find ASCII Values
C = 67 → 01000011
A = 65 → 01000001
T = 84 → 01010100
Binary Code of “CAT” = 01000011 01000001 01010100
Other advanced formats include:
- ASCII code-based conversions
- Keyboard mapping
- Mirror coding
- Mathematical decoding using logical series
These are often used in advanced logical reasoning exams or aptitude tests for IT jobs.
Assignment for Students
Instructions:
Answer the following questions using the concepts from Chapters 1 to 7. Show your
working clearly.
Section A: Short Answer (Any 5)
1. If RAIN is coded as SBLQ, what is the code for WIND?
2. In a code language, GOOD is written as HPPE, how is BEST coded?
3. If A = 65, find the total ASCII value of the word DOG.
4. In a certain code, TABLE is written as UZDOB, find the pattern.
5. If LOVE = 31142124 using hybrid coding, decode the number 31212527 back into a
word.
6. Convert the word HAT into binary using ASCII values.
Section B: Word Problems (Answer All)
1. In a secret code, the word KING is written as MKRJ. What is the logic? What would
be the code for QUEEN?
2. A computer generates codes by taking each letter and shifting its position by +3, then
reversing the word. What is the code for DATA?
3. In a digital system, characters are stored using ASCII. Find the sum of ASCII values of
the word KEY and its binary representation.
4. An exam registration code follows this format: [Letter1][Digit1][Letter2][Digit2]. If
A=1, B=2, etc., and the code is "C3F6", what name can be derived from it?
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit on or before Friday, 26th July 2025
- Write neatly or type and convert to PDF.
- Marks will be awarded for clarity, logical steps, and correctness.
