All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In a certain code language, 'SPIT' is coded as ‘USKW’ and 'COPY' is coded as ‘ERRB’. How will 'MOCK' be coded in that language?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

OREN

Understanding the Coding Rule for 'SPIT' and 'COPY'

This problem involves decoding a specific pattern used to transform one word into another. We are given two examples: 'SPIT' is coded as 'USKW', and 'COPY' is coded as 'ERRB'. Our goal is to find the rule governing this transformation and apply it to the word 'MOCK'.

Analyzing the Given Examples

Let's examine the first example, 'SPIT' $\rightarrow$ 'USKW', by looking at the position of each letter in the English alphabet:

  • S is the 19th letter, U is the 21st letter. The shift is $21 - 19 = +2$.
  • P is the 16th letter, S is the 19th letter. The shift is $19 - 16 = +3$.
  • I is the 9th letter, K is the 11th letter. The shift is $11 - 9 = +2$.
  • T is the 20th letter, W is the 23rd letter. The shift is $23 - 20 = +3$.

The pattern observed is a shift of $+2, +3, +2, +3$ for the successive letters.

Now, let's verify this pattern with the second example, 'COPY' $\rightarrow$ 'ERRB':

  • C is the 3rd letter, E is the 5th letter. The shift is $5 - 3 = +2$.
  • O is the 15th letter, R is the 18th letter. The shift is $18 - 15 = +3$.
  • P is the 16th letter, R is the 18th letter. The shift is $18 - 16 = +2$.
  • Y is the 25th letter, B is the 2nd letter. The shift is $2 + 26 - 25 = +3$ (considering the alphabet wraps around after Z).

The pattern of $+2, +3, +2, +3$ is consistent across both examples.

Applying the Rule to 'MOCK'

We will now apply the established $+2, +3, +2, +3$ shift pattern to the letters of 'MOCK'.

  • M: The first letter is M. Applying a $+2$ shift: M (13th) $\rightarrow$ 13 + 2 = 15th letter, which is O.
  • O: The second letter is O. Applying a $+3$ shift: O (15th) $\rightarrow$ 15 + 3 = 18th letter, which is R.
  • C: The third letter is C. Applying a $+2$ shift: C (3rd) $\rightarrow$ 3 + 2 = 5th letter, which is E.
  • K: The fourth letter is K. Applying a $+3$ shift: K (11th) $\rightarrow$ 11 + 3 = 14th letter, which is N.

Combining the resulting letters, MOCK is coded as OREN.

Coding of MOCK
Original Letter Position Shift New Position Coded Letter
M 13 +2 15 O
O 15 +3 18 R
C 3 +2 5 E
K 11 +3 14 N

Therefore, 'MOCK' is coded as 'OREN' in this language.

Revision Table: Letter Coding Principles

Concept Description Example
Letter Position Assigning numerical value based on the letter's order in the alphabet (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26). J = 10, Q = 17, Z = 26
Shift/Pattern The consistent rule (addition, subtraction, skipping letters, etc.) applied to each letter. +2 shift: A $\rightarrow$ C, B $\rightarrow$ D
Wrap Around When a shift goes beyond Z, returning to the start of the alphabet (A). +3 shift from Y: Y(25) $\rightarrow$ Z(26) $\rightarrow$ A(1) $\rightarrow$ B(2). Result is B.

Additional Information: Types of Coding-Decoding

Coding-decoding questions test your ability to identify patterns and rules. Besides the letter shift pattern seen here, other common types include:

  • Letter Coding: Letters are replaced by other letters based on a specific rule (shift, reverse order, etc.). This question is an example of letter coding.
  • Number/Symbol Coding: Words are coded into numbers or symbols. Each letter might correspond to a number or symbol, or the word as a whole might be coded.
  • Mixed Coding: A mix of words, numbers, and symbols are used. Often, sentences are given and codes for specific words need to be deduced.
  • Substitution Coding: Where a word is given a substitute name (e.g., 'red' is called 'blue', 'blue' is called 'green').

Practice with different types helps in quickly identifying the pattern during exams.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. In a certain code language, 'INERTIA' is written as 'RGVKGBZ'. How will 'FLOWER' be written in that language?

  2. In a certain code language, ‘ADVANCE’ is written as ‘VDAAECN’ and ‘BABYSIT’ is written as ‘BABYTIS’. How will ‘AFFABLE’ be written in that language?

  3. In a certain code language, ‘FROST’ is written as ‘156’ and ‘CANDLE’ is written as ‘78’. How will ‘SCREAM’ be written in that language?

  4. In a certain code language, 'LABOUR' is written as 'XZSECM' and ‘GAINED’ is written as ‘JJRLCH’. How will 'EARNED' be written in that language?

  5. In a certain code language, 'CAKES’ is written as 'FXNBV' and 'ABUSE' is written as 'DYXPH'. How will 'BARKS' be written in that language?

  6. In a certain code language, 'PLANT' is written as 'NRDVP' and 'SCORE' is written as 'EURGT'. How will 'GRIND' be written in that language?

  7. In a certain code language, “DICTATOR” is written as “DROTATCI” and “GLIMPSE” Is written as “GESPMIL”. How will “CONDEMN” be written in that language?

  8. Select the option that is related to the fifth letter-cluster in the same way as the second letter-cluster is related to the first letter-cluster and the fourth letter-cluster is related to the third letter cluster.

    COMFORT : FMOCTRO :: DIGNITY : NGIDYTI :: FOREIGN : ?

  9. In a certain code language, 'ENGINE' is written as ‘ENIGNE’ and 'TRAIN’ is written as 'NIART'. How will 'LEVEL' be written in that language?

  10. In a certain code language, 'CERTAIN' is written as 'ECTRCGP', 'DIGITAL' is written as 'FGIGVYN'. How will 'FACTORY' be written in that language?


Important Questions from Coding and Decoding By Letter Shifting

  1. In a certain code language, BEAT is written as YVZG. What will be the code of MILD?
  2. If BE QUICK is coded as ZC OSGAI, then the code of the last letter of the third word in the sentence I LOVE MY COUNTRY is
  3. In a certain code language, THANKS is written as SKNTHA. How is STUPID written in that code language?
  4. In a certain code, GARNISH is written as RGAINHS. How will GENIOUS be written in that code?

  5. In a certain code language 'MATHEMATICS' is written as 'LBSIDNZUHDR'. How is 'CHEMISTRY' written in that code language?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC JHT
September 08, 2026
SSC Stenographer
September 09, 2026
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2501 Tests 6 Tests Free
4257 Attempts
4.2(843)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App