Crucial Concepts of Coding and Decoding For IPMAT 2025

Overview: 3 questions were asked in IPMAT Rohtak 2024 from Coding-Decoding, while JIPMAT 2024 featured 2 questions. How should questions of varying difficulty from coding and decoding for IPMAT be solved?

Coding and decoding is a really interesting topic. However, most students find it hard to understand the logic behind the questions.

Coding and Decoding come under the IPMAT logical reasoning section, comprising one-third of any entrance exam.

This article provides a full explanation of how coding and decoding for IPMAT works and how you can easily get to your solutions.

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What Is Letter Coding?

In this type of coding and decoding for IPMAT exam, we mark letters as numbers to ease the process of applying logic. This concept is crucial for understanding the coding-decoding for IPMAT entrance exam and may form 3 to 4 questions under logical reasoning.

As you know, there are 26 alphabets, each of which is assigned a number against them. You can see below how it is done-

Letter	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z
Code Number	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26

Before proceeding further, make sure to memorize this table to save you a lot of time. You can prepare a chart of this table and paste it on the wall; this will help you memorize the codes easily.

The coordinators of IPMAT want you to exhibit sharp and quick logical reasoning. If you know the exact logic, you have a better chance of solving coding and decoding questions.

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Types of Logics You Need To Check for Coding and Decoding for IPMAT

To solve effectively, you will have to apply different logic on each coding decoding questions to find out exactly what logic you need to find the correct answer. The different logics you need to check on each question with coding and decoding examples are as follows.

1. Opposite Logic

Opposite logic involves letters being cross-connected from the first to the last alphabet, as you can see in the table below:

Opposite Letters

A—►Z

B—►Y

C—►X

D—►W

E—►V

F—►U

G—►T

H—►S

I—►R

J—►Q

K—►P

L—►O

M—►N

Opposite Numbers

1—►26

2—►25

3—►24

4—►23

5—►22

6—►21

7—►20

8—►19

9—►18

10—►17

11—►16

12—►15

13—►14

Let's understand this with an example:

Q- In a certain code language, "WATER " is written as "DZGVI". How is "SPACE" written in that code?

• (a)BQMKH
• (b) KZGTR
• (c)HKZXV
• (d)None of these

Solution- Here, we need to find a valid logic to relate the given word WATER with the word DZGVI. By applying the first logic rule, we get to see that each letter in DZGVI is an opposite letter of the word WATER.

So, a valid logic is found here; hence we can apply the same on SPACE to find the correct answer. So looking at the table above, we can conclude that HKZXV is the opposite word for SPACE.

Hence, option (c) is the correct choice.

Check: Tricks to Attempt Logical Reasoning for IPMAT 2025

2. Position-Based Logic

Position-based logic involves deciphering patterns or rules based on the positions of letters or symbols in a given code or sequence. By analyzing the position of elements relative to each other, one can understand the relationship between them and decode the pattern.

Let's understand this with an example-

Q- In a certain code language, "HEAVEN" is written as "AEHNEV". How is "ANIMAL" written in that code?

• (a) INALAM
• (b) LAMINA
• (c) LAIIMA
• (d) None of these

Solution- Here, we need to find a valid logic to relate the given word HEAVEN with the word AEHNEV. By applying the first logic rule, we get to see that the letters of the word HEAVEN are not opposite to AEHNEV.

So, we will apply the second rule, which is position-based logic. Here, we will check and compare the positions of both the given words. Now we get to see that the first three letters are reverses, i.e., H—►A, E—►E, and A—►H, and the same is applied to the last 3 letters, i.e., V—►N, E—►E and N—►V.

After applying this logic to the questioned word ANIMAL, we get A—►I, N—►N, I—►A and M—►L, A—►A and L—►M. The final word we get is INALAM.

Hence, we get option (a) as the correct one.

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3. Formal Logic

In formal logic, letters or symbols are encoded or decoded using certain rules or connections. Recognizing these rules in question in a planned way makes it possible to decode the encrypted message or pattern, ensuring that the decoding is consistent and correct.

Let's understand this with an example-

Q- In a certain code language, "GREEN" is written as "JUHHQ". How is "KELLY" written in that code?

• (a) HNOOB
• (b) NHOOB
• (c) XHROH
• (d) None of these

Solution- Here, we need to find a valid logic to relate the given word GREEN with the word JUHHQ. 

While applying the rule of formal logic. As we apply this rule, we will also introduce addition and subtraction in the scene, and that will happen because we will allot the given numbers for each letter. Now we will check the number for the word GREEN—►7, 18, 5, 5, 14 and the numbers for the other word JUHHQ—►10, 21, 8, 8, 17. By comparing both numbers, we find a common logic that there there is an addition of 3 in each set of alphabets.

So, applying this logic to the questioned word KELLY, we will see —► 11, 5, 12, 12, 25. So we will add 3 in each, and we will get 14, 8, 15, 15, 28, which gives the word NHOOB.

Note: Here, we have 28, but the table shows numbers only up to 26. In this case, if the number exceeds 26, we will reset and count the extra numbers from the start, i.e., 1, 2, 3....

Hence, option (b) is the correct one.

Check: Important Topics for IPMAT 2025 Preparation

4. Reverse Logic

In coding-decoding, reverse logic means decoding by looking at encoded patterns backwards to figure out what changes were made during encoding that is necessary to find the original message.

Let's understand this with an example-

Q- In a certain code language, "SNITCH" is written as "JEVKPU". How is "BOARD" written in that code?

• (a) CTFQQ
• (b) FTCQD
• (c) DQZRE
• (d) none of these

Solution- Here, we need to find a valid logic to relate the given word SNITCH with the word JEVKPU.

We will apply the fourth logic rule, which is reverse logic. Here we will compare the last alphabet with the first one, the last second with the second, and so on.

The numbers corresponding to SNITCH are 19, 14, 9, 20, 3, 8 and for JEVKPU are 10, 5, 22, 11, 16, 21. Hence we get 21—►19= +2, 16—► 14=+2, 11—►9=+2, 22—►20=+2, 5—►3=+2 and 10—►8=+2.

So, applying the same logic to the questioned word, we get BOARD—►2, 15, 1, 18, 4, and adding +2 in a reverse manner, we get —►6, 20, 3, 17, 4, and converting it into words we get—►FTCQD.

So option (b) is the correct one.

5. Cross Logic

Cross-logic is not commonly recognized within the standard logical reasoning frameworks. It likely pertains to solving complex puzzles that require cross-referencing various clues, which are characteristic of logic grid puzzles and similar analytical challenges.

Let's understand this with an example-

Q- In a certain code language, "COUNTRY" is written as "YSGMCVX". How is "HISTORY" written in that code?

• (a) WMLGCVS
• (b) GCVFRYT
• (c) WMLDGVS
• (d) none of these

Solution- Here, we need to find a valid logic to relate the given word COUNTRY with the word YSGMCVX. By applying the first logic rule, we get to see that the letters of the word COUNTRY are not opposite to YSGMCVX.

By applying the second logic rule, we get to see there is no sign of position-based sequencing.

After applying the third logic rule to COUNTRY we get the numbers corresponding to it as 3, 15, 21, 14, 20, 18, 25. And for the word YSGMCVX we get 25, 19, 7, 13, 3, 22, 24. However, after comparing them both, we get different numbers as difference. So this logic won't apply to this.

Now, we will apply the fourth logic rule, which is reverse logic. Here, we will compare the last alphabet with the first one, the last second with the second, and so on. Hence we get 24—►3=+21, 22—►15=+7, just by looking at these two differences, we can conclude the logic won't apply here, and we will move to the next step.

Finally, we will apply the last logic rule, which is the cross-logic rule. This rule is a tough one, and most of the questions in the IPMAT question paper are asked based on this rule. So make sure to understand the concept well, and you will be good to go.

Based on the identified pattern:

1. COUNTRY: C (3), O (15), U (21), N (14), T (20), R (18), Y (25)
2. YSGMCVX: Y (25), S (19), G (7), M (13), C (3), V (22), X (24)

By examining the pattern, we can derive partial fixed substitution rules:

• T → C
• O → S
• R → V
• Y → X

For "HISTORY," applying the partial substitution rules, we get:

• T → C
• O → S
• R → V
• Y → X

However, since the mappings for H, I, and S are not directly clear, we conclude:

So, option (d) is the correct one.

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Preparation Tips for Coding and Decoding for IPMAT 2025

Understanding the Basics

To excel in the coding and decoding section of the IPMAT exam, it's essential to understand the basic concepts and important topics and different types of logic involved. Here are key areas you should focus on for effective preparation:

• Letter Coding: Familiarize yourself with the alphabetical order and corresponding numeric values of letters (A=1, B=2, C=3, etc.). This foundational knowledge is crucial for various types of coding and decoding questions.
• Opposite Logic: Learn the concept of opposite letters, where each letter is paired with its opposite (A-Z, B-Y, etc.). This logic often appears in questions where you need to decode words by substituting each letter with its opposite.
• Position-Based Logic: Understand how positions of letters within a word can be manipulated. This might involve reversing parts of the word or shifting letters based on their positions. Practice identifying these patterns quickly.
• Formal Logic: Recognize patterns involving mathematical operations on the numeric values of letters (e.g., adding or subtracting a fixed number). This type of logic requires good numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Reverse Logic: Develop the ability to decode messages by reversing the encoding process. This often involves working backwards from the given code to identify the original word.
• Cross Logic: This is a more complex logic that may involve cross-referencing different clues or patterns. Practice solving puzzles that require multiple steps of logical reasoning to build proficiency in this area.

Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is key to mastering coding and decoding. Work on a variety of questions to become familiar with different patterns and logic. Utilize resources like practice tests, online quizzes, and study groups to enhance your skills.

Check: List of Best Books for IPMAT 2025 Preparation

Develop Speed and Accuracy

The coding and decoding section tests both your logical reasoning and speed. Time yourself while practising to ensure you can solve questions quickly and accurately. Focus on minimizing errors and understanding the logic behind each question.

Use Study Aids

Create charts or flashcards to help memorize the numeric values of letters and common opposite pairs. Visual aids can be incredibly helpful in reinforcing these concepts and making them second nature.

Analyze Mistakes

Review your practice questions and identify any recurring mistakes. Understanding why you got a question wrong and learning from it is crucial for improvement. Focus on areas where you are struggling and seek additional resources or guidance if needed.

Mastering coding and decoding for the IPMAT exam involves understanding different types of logic, consistent practice, and developing both speed and accuracy.

By focusing on the basics, practicing regularly, and learning from your mistakes, you can significantly improve your performance in this section and boost your overall IPMAT scores.

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Key Takeaways:

• Know the Logic Types: Get familiar with different logic types like opposite, position-based, formal, reverse, and cross logic to solve coding and decoding questions effectively.
• Memorize Codes: Learn the numeric values of letters and opposite pairs to quickly apply logic during the exam.
• Practice Consistently: Regular practice with varied questions is key to mastering coding and decoding for IPMAT.
• Improve Speed and Accuracy: Practice under timed conditions to enhance your speed and accuracy in solving questions.
• Learn from Mistakes: Review your errors to identify weak areas and refine your approach to coding and decoding.

Read: How to Prepare for IPMAT 2025