Coding-Decoding is an important topic in the reasoning section of the RRB PO 2025 exam. These questions test candidates’ ability to decipher patterns, logic, and relationships in coded information. Candidates mastering this topic can significantly boost their score, as it often carries 4-5 questions in the prelims and mains exams. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding coding-decoding, common question types, and quick-solving techniques to solve coding-decoding questions in under a minute.
What is Coding-Decoding?
Coding-Decoding includes encoding a message or word using a specific rule or pattern and then decoding it to find the original message or a related output. It tests logical thinking and pattern recognition, requiring candidates to identify the rule used in the coding process and apply it to solve questions.
Types of Coding-Decoding Questions
To excel in RRB PO 2025, you must be familiar with one type of coding-decoding. Here is the most common one:
- Chinese (Sentence) Coding:
Sentences are coded with random codes. You have to find the meaning using commonality.
Example:
- “I love coding” → “ka la ma”
- “Coding is fun” → “ma da pa”
Hence, “coding” = “ma”
Coding-Decoding Important Questions PDF Link
Directions: Answer the questions based on the information given below:
In a certain language,
‘fight might end today’ is coded as ’mk, rk, ak, pk’
‘today might started new’ is coded as ’rk, dk, pk, sk’
‘struggle fight already started’ is coded as ’ck, ak, sk, uk’
‘already new struggle end’ is coded as ’dk, ck, uk, mk’
Question 1: Which of the following is the code for ‘today’ in the given language?
A) rk
B) dk
C) pk
D) either (a) or (c)
E) either (a) or (b)
Question 2: Which of the following words is coded as ‘dk’ in the given language?
A) started
B) new
C) end
D) might
E) None of these
Question 3: Which of the following is coded as ‘ak’?
A) already
B) today
C) fight
D) end
E) None of these
Question 4: What is the code of ‘struggle’ in the given language?
A) uk
B) either (a) or (d)
C) sk
D) ck
E) None of these
Question 5: Which among the following is coded as ‘mk sk’?
A) started new
B) end started
C) today end
D) started already
E) None of these
Quick Tips to Solve Coding-Decoding Questions in 1 Minute
To solve coding-decoding questions efficiently in the RRB PO 2025 exam, follow these strategies:
- Identify the Pattern Quickly
- Candidates carefully read the question and look for pattern in the given examples.
- Check if the coding involves a forward/backwards shift, substitution, or reversal.
- For letter-based coding, focus on the alphabetical positions (A=1, Z=26).
- Use the Alphabet Reference
- Memorise the alphabetical order and their positions (e.g., A=1, B=2, …, Z=26).
- For reverse coding, know the reverse positions (Z=1, Y=2,…, A=26).
- Quick tip: For forward shifts, add the shift value; for backwards, subtract it.
- Break Down Complex Questions
- For multi-step coding (e.g., shift + reverse), apply each rule step-by-step.
- Write down intermediate steps mentally or on rough paper to avoid errors.
- Practice Common Patterns
- Familiarise yourself with frequent patterns like:
- Forward/backwards letter shifts (e.g., +2, -3).
- Vowel/consonant-specific rules.
- Number-to-letter mapping (e.g., A=1, B=2).
- Solve at least 20-30 questions daily to recognise patterns instantly.
- Familiarise yourself with frequent patterns like:
- Use Elimination for Tricky Questions
- In multiple-choice questions, eliminate options that don’t fit the pattern.
- Test one or two options against the given rule to save time.
- Time Management
- Allocate 30-45 seconds per question in practice sessions to build speed.
- Skip complex questions during the exam and revisit them if time permits.
Join our exclusive Telegram group where our experts are ready to answer all your queries, guide you in banking exam preparation, and give personalised tips to boost your success. Get access to real-time solutions, expert advice, and valuable resources to improve your study journey. [Click here to join now!]
Also Read

- Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Topic Tests and Mini Mocks
- Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material
Free Mock Tests for the Upcoming Exams
- IBPS PO Free Mock Test
- RBI Grade B Free Mock Test
- IBPS SO Free Mock Test
- NABARD Grade A Free Mock Test
- SSC CGL Free Mock Test
- IBPS Clerk Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB PO Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB Clerk Free Mock Test
- RRB NTPC Free Mock Test
- SSC MTS Free Mock Test
- SSC Strenographer Free Mock Test
- GATE Mechanical Free Mock Test
- GATE Civil Free Mock Test
- RRB ALP Free Mock Test
- SSC CPO Free Mock Test
- AFCAT Free Mock Test
- SEBI Grade A Free Mock Test
- IFSCA Grade A Free Mock Test
- RRB JE Free Mock Test
- Free Banking Live Test
- Free SSC Live Test