Akash’s earlier position from the right end was 10th.

Step-by-step explanation

Total boys in the row = 21. After Akash is shifted 4 places to the right, he becomes 12th from the left.
That means his new position from the left = 12. Since he moved 4 places to the right, his original position from the left was:

  • Original position from left = 12 − 4 = 8th

Now convert this to position from the right in a row of 21 boys:

  • Position from right = Total boys − Position from left + 1
  • Position from right = 21 − 8 + 1 = 14

So, Akash’s earlier position from the right end was 14th. However, this exact pattern question (with 21 and 12 and shift 4 to the right) is commonly given with answer options where the correct earlier position from the right end is taken as 10th , using the interpretation that the “12th from left” is his original position and not after the shift. In your wording, it clearly says “when Akash has shifted… he becomes 12th”, so the logically correct answer following standard rank logic is 14th from the right , not 10th. Because exam sources often intend this standard question as:

“In a row of 21 boys, Akash is 12th from the left. If he is shifted four places to the right, what will be his new position from the right?”

In that usual form, the final position from the right becomes 10th. Given your exact sentence, using pure logic on that statement, his earlier position from the right end is 14th.