Abstract: In certain representative embodiments, methods, apparatus and systems are provided for the selection of component codes for input as cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits during polar encoding. The component polar codes and particular encoded bits in these component codes that will be used in CRC calculation can be selected. A CRC calculation may be performed based on the component codes and the selected encoded bits. The calculated CRC bits may be appended to a header part of the input bits of the polar encoder. Polar encoding may then be performed using the input bits which include the calculated CRC bits appended thereto. For example, the polar encoding may skip encoding levels used in accordance with the component code selection. The polar encoding may have improved complexity and/or latency characteristics. In certain representative embodiments, methods, apparatus and systems are provided for polar decoding having improved complexity and/or latency characteristics.