Reasoning Coding Decoding Patterns

Coding-Decoding Quick Revision Sheet for RRB

Key Concepts
  • Coding: Converting a word/letter into another form using a specific rule.
  • Decoding: Reversing the coding rule to get the original word/letter.
  • Types: Letter, Number, Symbol, Mixed, Matrix & Substitution.

Letter-to-Letter Rules (Must-Memorize)
Rule NameTrickExample
+n shift“A+1=B, B+1=C…”CODE → DPEF (+1)
–n shift“Z–1=Y, Y–1=X…”ZOO → YNN (–1)
Reverse“A↔Z, B↔Y…” (A=1, Z=26)AZ → ZA
Position-sumAdd letter positions → take unit/last digitCAT (3+1+20=24) → 24 or 4

Number/Symbol Shortcuts
LetterEJOTY5-10-15-20-25
ReverseVQLGB22-17-12-7-2
  • EJOTY = multiples of 5 → quick pick for middle series.
  • VQLGB = reverse of EJOTY → saves 10 s in exam.

3-Step Exam Trick
  1. Spot: Is it letter/number/symbol?
  2. Shift: Try ±1, ±2, reverse.
  3. Verify: Apply to next letter instantly → if matches, rule found.

Common Question Patterns
If TEACHER is coded as VGCEJGT, what is the code for STUDENT?+2 shift every letter → UVWFMGP
In a certain code, 3456 is coded as 4567. How is 2789 coded?+1 to every digit → 3890
FRAME is coded as IUDPH. What is the code for HOUSE?+3, +2, +3, +2, +3 → KXWVG

Quick Facts Table (Last-Day Glance)
OperationKey ValueMemory Hook
A→Z1→26“AZ” bike (1-26)
Middle letter13th = M“Middle-M”
Sum 27 pairA-Z, B-Y…“27=AB-zy”
Fast +5 jumpE→J→O→T→Y“EJOTY” smile
Fast -5 jumpV→Q→L→G→B“VQLGB” reverse smile

One-Liner Mnemonics
  • “EJOTY” → every 5th letter → locate in 5 s.
  • “VQLGB” → reverse EJOTY → decode in 5 s.
  • “Spot-Shift-Verify” → saves 30 s per question.

Golden Last-Day Tip

Spend only 20 s per coding-decoding question in CBT; if stuck, mark Review and move on—85 % accuracy with 20 s beats 100 % accuracy with 60 s.