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

Answer: (a) CCIDD

Each letter of MUMBAI is moved back by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 places in turn, wrapping from A round to Z. Moving the letters of DELHI back by 1 to 5 gives CCIDD.

1. M − 1 = L, U − 2 = S, M − 3 = J, B − 4 = X (B → A → Z → Y → X), A − 5 = V, I − 6 = C.
2. DELHI: D − 1 = C, E − 2 = C, L − 3 = I, H − 4 = D, I − 5 = D.
3. Code: CCIDD.
4. Check: (d) CCIFE agrees in the first three letters but fails at H − 4 = D.

Remember · In letter codes, write the shift for each position; a growing shift (−1, −2, −3 …) is common, and letters wrap from A to Z.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2018, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). · Report an error