Authoritative approach to prepare Quantitative Aptitude for IBPS PO EXAM 2019

Your success is determined by your aptitude and not by your attitude. To crack any competitive examination, your aptitude is tested at every level. Despite having positive attitude, you are required to have a brilliant aptitude of outscoring others. In bank exams such as IBPS PO, SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, etc, Quantitative Aptitude section is one section which is very important which can also be highly scoring.

This section tests your numerical ability and mathematical calculations. Before discussing the tips and tricks of preparing this section, we would like you to have a close look at all the topics that are covered in it.  The topics are:- 

1. Simplification / Approximation
2. Quadratic Equations
3. Data Interpretation
4. Number Series
5. Work & Time
6. Speed, Time & Distance
7. Simple & Compound Interest
8. Profit & Loss
9. Ratio & Proportion (Problems on Partnership, Ages)
10. Permutation & Combination
11. Probability
12. Percentage & Averages
13. Mixture & Allegations
14. Data Sufficiency
15. Quantity Based Questions

The expected numbers of questions asked from various topics are -

1. Number series - 5 questions
2. Simplification/ Approximation - 5 questions
3. Quadratic Equations - 5 questions
4. Data Interpretation - 10 Questions
5. Miscellaneous Questions - 10 questions
6. Quantity Based Questions - 5 Questions
7. Data Sufficiency Questions - 5 Questions

We should go through the proper approach through these important points in attempting these topics in forthcoming IBPS PO exam 2019.

These important points are:-

1. Number Series –

While attempting questions on Number Series, you will be given a series of numbers which will be connected to each other. You have to identify this pattern to solve the question.

You may encounter series based on following -

• Prime Numbers
• Square/Cube Series
• Difference based Series
• Alternate term series
• Multiplication or Division Series
• Series involving the combination of arithmetic functions

As compared to other topics, this topic is comparatively less time consuming as well as more scoring. To solve questions easily, you have to carefully observe and identify the pattern.  

2. Simplification/ Approximation –

 The questions based on Simplification/ Approximation is asked to check the ability of a student to deal with the numbers. In this context, the meaning of Simplification is to find out the final answer for a complex calculation.

In the examination, when an expression with multiple arithmetic operations is given, you should follow the BODMAS principle for calculating the final result. You should calculate the approximate values and then perform the operations rather than calculating the exact value in terms of decimals.

3. Quadratic Equations –

Firstly, we all understand- What are Quadratic equations

An equation with the form: ax² + bx + c = 0 is called a Quadratic Equation. They are simply a polynomial equation of power two.

The students will be asked two questions of two different variables and you will have to develop a relationship between them. The questions asked on this topic are not very difficult, so you should not skip them. It is advised that you should learn the concepts properly. 

4. Data Interpretation –

The topic of Data Interpretation is referred to be as very noteworthy topic. 

Generally speaking, in all the banking exams, questions based on Data Interpretation are based on two chapters of Arithmetic. These chapters are:-

• Ratios
• Percentage and Averages

This topic is very significant as it constitutes almost 30% of questions of this section. So, you have to practice harder to score well in this topic. The students may come across the following types of Data Interpretation questions -

• Pie Charts
• Line Charts
• Bar Graphs
• Tabular Charts
• Mixed Graphs

5. Miscellaneous Questions -

The topic of Miscellaneous Questions consists of questions from the following -

• Profit and loss
• Averages
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Ratio and Proportion
• Time and Work
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Boats and Streams
• Mixtures and Allegations
• Probability

6. Data Sufficiency Questions:

As the name “Data Sufficiency” suggests, the students will have to figure out what statements is/are required to answer the given question. The most unique aspect of this topic is that you don’t have to solve to complete question. In almost every banking competitive exam, Data Sufficiency is an important topic, under the Quantitative Aptitude section.

Firstly, you should thoroughly go through the complete question. You will know what data is required to arrive at the answer to the given question. Thereafter, you go through the statement provided in the question. You should not forget that you don’t have to solve the question completely. You have to just figure out whether the data provided is sufficient enough to solve the question. This will save your precious time.

Hence, you should understand the language and tone of the question properly. Do analyze the question completely. While solving these questions, the students should have deep knowledge of concepts like Ages, Averages, Profit and Loss, Mensuration, S.I and C.I, Time and Speed etc.

7. Quantitative Aptitude Quiz-

After preparing every concept of all the topics, you should honestly try to attempt quizzes based on them. In this way, your knowledge about the basics of every concept will be tested. Do attempt these quizzes seriously to zero out your weaknesses. These exercises will be of great help in the exam.

Few tips for Quantitative Aptitude Section -

• Time Management

In bank competitive exam, time management is the ultimate deciding factor. It plays a crucial role in determining your score for IBPS PO exam. Firstly, solve easier questions and then arrive to moderate and difficult questions. You should not waste too much time on difficult or tricky questions.  

• Speed and Accuracy

After your time-management skills, it’s your speed of answering questions accurately which plays a vital role in your success. You should always be aware of the speed of answering the questions, as some questions are lengthy and need your proper understanding. You should be careful enough in devoting appropriate time to each question. A good strategy will enable you to solve maximum correct questions in minimum time.  

• Avoid Guess work to avoid negative marking

You should always remember that you are not supposed to attempt each and every question. As IBPS PO Prelims are qualifying in nature, you should try to solve sufficient accurate questions to clear the sectional and overall cut-off. You should always keep in mind that wrong answers will result in negative marking. It can ruin your final score and prospects of qualifying the exam.

• Prepare Well

Finally speaking, you should prepare well for this section as you will be given only 20 minutes to attempt this section. You should practice hard and try to attempt maximum questions with correct answers.

Believe in your abilities, work hard…success will be yours!

All the Best!!!

Author : This content is written & published by IBT Ghaziabad - Top best coaching institute of SSC & Bank Coaching.