Coding and Decoding – Full Academic Note with Assignment
Chapter Seven: Advanced Coding Systems
While most coding and decoding questions in competitive exams are based on
alphabetical or numerical manipulations, some advanced formats test higher-order
reasoning. These formats are especially relevant for professional aptitude tests, coding
bootcamps, and tech-inclined fields.
7.1 Binary Coding
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
7.2 ASCII Code-Based Coding
Every character has a corresponding ASCII value (A=65, B=66, etc.). Some codes are
formed by manipulating these ASCII values.
Example:
If A = 65, then code for "DOG" =
D = 68, O = 79, G = 71
Sum = 68 + 79 + 71 = 218
7.3 Alphanumeric Coding
Here, numbers and letters are mixed, and the code is formed using a specific rule such as
pairing letters with numbers, or alternating symbols.
Example:
If A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26, then:
Code for “C4T”
C = 3, 4 remains 4, T = 20
So, total = 3 + 4 + 20 = 27
7.4 Keyboard-Based Coding
These questions use the QWERTY keyboard layout, requiring identification of keys
adjacent to or near other keys.
Example:
If each letter is replaced with the letter to its left on the keyboard:
Code for "SUGAR" =
S→A, U→Y, G→F, A→S, R→E
Answer: AYFSE
7.5 Special Symbol Coding
Here, symbols like @, $, %, &, * may be assigned to letters or digits. This is usually
found in logic puzzles or company assessment tests.
Example:
Given:
A = @, B = %, C = $, D = &,
What is the code for “BAD”?
→%@&
7.6 Hybrid Coding Systems
These combine two or more techniques, such as reversal + mirror coding, or numeric +
ASCII + positional shifts.
Example:
If "LOVE" is coded as the reverse of their ASCII values subtracted from 100:
L=76 → 100–76=24
O=79 → 100–79=21
V=86 → 100–86=14
E=69 → 100–69=31
Reverse order = 31 14 21 24
Answer: 31142124
7.7 Tips for Tackling Advanced Coding Questions
- Memorize the ASCII values of A–Z.
- Practice binary to decimal and vice versa.
- Learn common keyboard adjacency patterns.
- Keep track of hybrid logic in multi-layered codes.
- Break down the question: Don't try to decode it all at once.
7.8 Application in Real-Life and Technology
- Programming: Binary and ASCII are foundational to digital communication.
- Cybersecurity: Codes and cryptographic patterns help in encrypting data.
- Banking & Finance: PIN systems, encrypted transactions.
- Data Entry Jobs: Fast and accurate decoding of alphanumeric forms.
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.
