A method for encoding a channel in a communication system using a Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) code. The method includes generating a plurality of column groups by grouping (categorizing) columns corresponding to an information word in a parity-check matrix of the LDPC code, and ordering the column groups; determining a range of an information word desired to be obtained by performing shortening; based on the determined range of the information word, performing column group-by-column group shortening on the column groups in order according to a predetermined shortening pattern; and LDPC encoding the shortened information word.