These BOST test types check whether you can read carefully and do exactly what is written. Most wrong answers come from reading too fast. Coding-decoding patterns are also in Number Series and Coding-Decoding.
1. Following instructions test (निर्देशन अनुसरण)
You get a set of written instructions and must apply them step by step.
- Read the whole instruction once before starting.
- Do the steps in the given order; do not skip or reorder.
- Note words like only, except, not, first, last, every second.
- Write intermediate results on rough paper.
Example: “Write the word OFFICE. Remove the second letter. Replace the last letter with S. Reverse the result.” OFFICE → OFICE → OFICS → SCIFO.
Example: “From 2, 7, 4, 9, 6, 3, cross out the odd numbers and add the rest.” 2 + 4 + 6 = 12.
2. Coding and matching test (कोडिङ र भिडान)
Items are given codes; you must match items to codes or find which code is correct.
- Letter shift codes: if CAT = DBU (each letter +1), then DOG = EPH.
- Number codes: if A = 1, B = 2 …, then BAD = 2-1-4.
- Table matching: a table gives Name – Code – Office; check each row against the question carefully.
- Matching lists: match column A with column B; use elimination when sure of some pairs.
| Office | Code |
|---|---|
| Land Revenue Office | LR-12 |
| District Administration Office | DA-07 |
| Ward Office | WO-31 |
Question: Which code belongs to the District Administration Office? Answer: DA-07. Questions may also ask which pair is wrongly matched.
3. Numerical reasoning test (संख्यात्मक चातुर्यता)
Simple arithmetic used in office work: addition, subtraction, percentage, ratio, average and simple word problems. No calculator is allowed in the exam.
- An office buys 12 files at Rs 45 each. Total = 12 × 45 = Rs 540.
- 18 of 60 staff are on leave. Percentage on leave = 18 ÷ 60 × 100 = 30%.
- Average of 20, 30 and 40 = 90 ÷ 3 = 30.
More practice: Percentage, Average, Ratio.
4. Worked examples: step by step
Most BOST marks are lost through hurry, not through difficulty. Work every question in small written steps, as below.
| Question type | Example | Working | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-step instruction | Write PAPER, drop the 1st letter, then reverse it | PAPER → APER → REPA | REPA |
| Cross out and add | From 3, 8, 5, 6, 9 cross out even numbers and add the rest | Remove 8 and 6 → 3 + 5 + 9 | 17 |
| Letter shift code | If DESK = EFTL, code FILE | Each letter +1: F→G, I→J, L→M, E→F | GJMF |
| Reverse code | If NEPAL = LAPEN, code OFFICE | Write the word backwards | ECIFFO |
| Matching | Is 9841-205-366 the same as 9841-250-366? | Compare in groups of 3–4 digits: 205 ≠ 250 | Different |
| Numerical | 15 files cost Rs 48 each. Total? | 15 × 48 = 720 | Rs 720 |
5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Reading only half the instruction: words like except, only, reverse and then change the answer. Underline them first.
- Doing steps in the wrong order: write each step on rough paper before moving on.
- Counting letter positions wrongly: number the letters (1, 2, 3 …) above the word.
- Comparing long numbers in one look: split them into small groups and compare group by group.
- Spending too long on one item: BOST is a speed test, so skip and return later.
6. How this topic is asked in the exam
In the Kharidar first paper the BOST section has many short items with one mark each. Expect three or four instruction questions, three or four coding questions, several matching (verification) pairs and simple arithmetic such as cost, percentage and average. Practise with a timer: aim for about 30 seconds per item, and check that every answer follows the exact instruction given.
📌 Key points to remember
- Read all instructions first, then follow them in order.
- Watch for “only”, “except”, “not”, “every second”.
- Letter-shift codes: check the shift on one word and apply it to the new word.
- In matching tables, check every part of the row.
- Numerical reasoning = simple arithmetic without a calculator.
Test yourself: BOST
15 questions on Following instructions test (निर्देशन अनुसरण), Coding and matching test (कोडिङ र भिडान) and Numerical reasoning test (संख्यात्मक चातुर्यता).