UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 137: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

In a code language, ‘SOLID’ is written as “WPSLIMFHA’. What does the code word ‘ATEXXQIBVO’ refer to?

aEAGER

bWAFER

cWAGER

dWATER

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Each plain letter becomes two code letters: the letter moved 4 places forward, then the letter moved 3 places back. Decode ATEXXQIBVO in pairs: AT gives W (W+4 is A, W-3 is T), EX gives A, XQ gives T, IB gives E, VO gives R. The word is WATER. (The printed code for SOLID drops a letter; by the rule it should be WPSLPIMFHA.)

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The decoded first letter is W, not E.
(b) Wrong. The third letter decodes to T, not F.
(c) Wrong. The third letter decodes to T, not G.
(d) Right. The pairs decode to W, A, T, E, R.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.