Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important sections in almost every competitive exam such as SSC, Banking, Railways, Insurance, Defence, and other government exams. This section checks a candidate’s numerical ability, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. A good knowledge of Quantitative Aptitude Section will not only improve overall score but also helps in clearing the cut-off easily. To perform well, candidates should have a clear understanding of the syllabus, important formulas, and a proper preparation strategy.
While understanding the syllabus will help structure aspirants’ preparation, short tricks, formulas, and concepts will help them solve questions quickly, thereby allowing them to attempt most questions from the Quant section correctly. In this blog, we have provided the detailed topics covered in the syllabus, along with topic-wise important formulas, preparation tricks, and more.
Syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams
Several topics are included in the quantitative section, and most questions are asked from these topics. However, the level of the questions depends on the exam. For example, SSC CGL, SBI PO, and IBPS PO questions are comparatively tougher than those in SSC CHSL or IBPS Clerk exams. The details of the Quantitative Syllabus are as follows:
- Number System
- Simplification & Approximation
- HCF and LCM
- Average
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Problems on Trains
- Boats and Streams
- Mixture and Allegation
- Partnership
- Mensuration (2D and 3D)
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability
- Sequence and Series
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Table, Caselets, etc.)
- Algebra (Basic Identities, Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry and
- Trigonometry
Important Formulas for Quantitative Aptitude
Learning and revising important formulas will save time in the exam. Some must-know formulas are:

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Exams Where Questions from Quantitative Aptitude Are Asked
Quantitative Aptitude is a common section in almost all major competitive exams in India. Some of the key exams are:
- Banking Exams: IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, etc.
- Regulatory Exams: RBI Assistant, RBI Grade B, etc.
- SSC Exams: SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC CPO, SSC GD, etc.
- Railway Exams: RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, RRB JE, etc.
- Insurance Exams: LIC AAO, LIC ADO, NIACL AO, UIIC AO, etc.
- Defence Exams: NDA, CDS, AFCAT, etc.
- Other Exams: State PSC, CAT, MAT, UPSC (CSAT Paper), and many government recruitment exams.
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Preparation Tips for Quantitative Aptitude
Some common preparation tips that every aspirant must follow while preparing for quantitative aptitude are as follows:
- Clear Basics First: Start with basic arithmetic like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios before moving to advanced topics.
- Learn Shortcuts & Tricks: Practice different questions using smart methods and shortcuts to save time during the exam.
- Daily Practice: Solve at least 20–30 questions from multiple topics every day to build consistency.
- Mock Tests: Attempt both sectional and full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy under real exam conditions.
- Analyze Mistakes: Review each mock test carefully, identify weak areas, and note down any new short tricks for similar questions.
- Formula Revision: Maintain a separate notebook for formulas and revise them regularly.
- Memorize Key Values: Learn square roots and cube roots up to 30, and practice multiplication tables to increase calculation speed in the exam.
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Aspirants, now you have a clear understanding of how to practice and solve Quantitative Aptitude questions effectively. You can also enroll in Oliveboard Courses and learn from experienced faculty members to strengthen your preparation before appearing for the next competitive exam.
FAQs
Clear basics, practice daily, revise formulas, and attempt regular mock tests.
Simplification, Data Interpretation, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distance are most important.
Yes, formulas and basic concepts must be memorized for fast and accurate solving.
Practice mental calculations, memorize tables, squares, and cubes, and use shortcut methods.
Skip very time-consuming questions and solve easier ones first to maximize attempts.
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Hi, I’m Aditi. I work as a Content Writer at Oliveboard, where I have been simplifying exam-related content for the past 4 years. I create clear and easy-to-understand guides for JAIIB, CAIIB, and UGC exams. My work includes breaking down notifications, admit cards, and exam updates, as well as preparing study plans and subject-wise strategies.
My goal is to support working professionals in managing their exam preparation alongside a full-time job and to help them achieve career growth in the banking sector.