If LSJXVC is the code for MUMBAI, the code for DELHI is

(a) CCIDD ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) CDKGH
(c) CCJFG
(d) CCIFE

Why the answer is (a)

• The code LSJXVC corresponds to MUMBAI, indicating a pattern where each letter is shifted by a specific number of positions in the alphabet.

• Comparing M (13) to L (12), U (21) to S (19), M (13) to J (10), B (2) to X (24), A (1) to V (22), and I (9) to C (3), the shifts are -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6 respectively.

• Applying this same sequence of shifts (-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6) to the word DELHI (5 letters), we process each letter individually.

• D (4) shifted by -1 becomes C (3).

• E (5) shifted by -2 becomes C (3).

• L (12) shifted by -3 becomes I (9).

• H (8) shifted by -4 becomes D (4).

• I (9) shifted by -5 becomes D (4).

• Combining these results gives the code CCIDD, which matches option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) CDKGH: Option (b) CDKGH does not follow the consistent decreasing shift pattern of -1, -2, -3, -4, -5 applied to DELHI.
(c) CCJFG: Option (c) CCJFG fails to apply the correct shift values, particularly for the third, fourth, and fifth letters of DELHI.
(d) CCIFE: Option (d) CCIFE incorrectly calculates the shifts for the last two letters, resulting in F and E instead of D and D.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.