The Quantitative Aptitude section in RBI and SEBI Grade A exams is often the most challenging part for aspirants. With 30–40 questions to be solved under strict time limits, accuracy and speed are crucial. Scoring 25+ marks here can be the game-changer for clearing prelims comfortably. In this blog, we’ll break down the exam pattern, important topics, proven strategies, and a practical study plan to help you maximize your score in Quant.
Understanding the Quant Section in RBI & SEBI Exams
Before jumping into preparation, you must understand what the exam actually demands.
- In RBI Grade B Prelims, Quant has 30 questions for 30 marks, usually to be solved in 25 minutes. The difficulty level is moderate to high, and the section includes a mix of DI, arithmetic, and traditional aptitude.
- In SEBI Grade A Phase 1, Quant carries 40 questions for 40 marks, with 40 minutes to solve. The pattern is similar, but SEBI often emphasizes more on DI and arithmetic-based sets.
The key takeaway is that both exams test not just problem-solving but also your ability to prioritize questions under time pressure. Since every wrong attempt attracts 0.25 negative marking, choosing the right set of questions becomes as important as knowing the concepts. To hit 25+, you should target at least 28–32 attempts with 80–85% accuracy, which is possible only if you know where to spend your time and which questions to skip.
High-Weight Topics to Focus On
The Quant section is vast, but not all topics carry equal weight. By analyzing past papers of RBI and SEBI, a clear pattern emerges.
- Data Interpretation (DI): This is the most crucial part, often making up 30–40% of the Quant section. Expect questions from bar graphs, line graphs, tables, pie charts, and caselets. A single DI set can fetch you 5 marks in one go, making it the most scoring topic if you are comfortable with calculations.
- Arithmetic: Topics like percentages, ratios, averages, profit-loss, time-speed-distance, and simple/compound interest appear both as standalone questions and within DI sets. If your basics are weak here, you will struggle across the section.
- Simplification & Approximation: These are your “free marks.” They require little time and can instantly boost your score if you practice enough.
- Number Series: Missing and wrong number series are common. Once you identify the pattern (multiplication, difference, squares, etc.), these questions can be solved in seconds.
- Quadratic Equations: Usually straightforward, formula-based, and highly scoring.
- Miscellaneous (Probability, Permutations, Mensuration): Appear occasionally, but can be decisive if cut-offs are high.
How to Prepare Arithmetic for 25+ Score
Arithmetic is the backbone of the Quant section. The problem is that many candidates try to memorize tricks without understanding the logic, which fails in exam conditions. Instead, build step by step:
- Strengthen Fundamentals: Begin with ratios, percentages, and averages. These three topics alone can help you solve a majority of DI and arithmetic questions.
- Concept Application: Once basics are clear, practice compound topics like profit-loss, SI-CI, and mixtures, where multiple concepts overlap.
- Shortcut Learning: For example, instead of calculating compound interest year by year, use the direct formula or approximation when differences are negligible.
- Daily Practice: Solve 15–20 arithmetic questions across varied topics. Keep a balance of easy and moderate questions to train for exam conditions.
- Apply in DI: Remember, arithmetic is not just for standalone problems. Most DI questions also involve percentage change, average, or ratio.
When arithmetic becomes second nature, you won’t just solve faster you’ll also minimize silly mistakes that cost marks.
Cracking Data Interpretation (DI)
Data Interpretation often intimidates aspirants, but it’s also the section where you can maximize your score.
- Identify Easy Sets First: Not all DI sets are created equal. Some involve complex caselets, while others have straightforward tables or charts. Scan through all sets quickly and pick the one with clean data and familiar concepts.
- Break Down the Question: Most DI questions eventually boil down to finding a percentage, ratio, or average. Don’t get overwhelmed by large numbers simplify step by step.
- Use Approximations Wisely: If options are far apart, you don’t need exact calculations. Approximation can save precious seconds.
- Work on Calculation Speed: DI is calculation-heavy. Practice mental math, multiplication tables, and quick division techniques daily.
- Practice Real Exam Sets: RBI and SEBI often use finance-related DI (like sales data, investments, or sector performance). Practicing these will prepare you for surprises in the exam.
Speed & Accuracy Boosters
Scoring 25+ is not just about knowing concepts it’s about solving them in limited time without silly mistakes.
- Follow the 30–40 Second Rule: If a question takes longer, skip and come back later. Time wasted on one tough DI can cost you 4–5 easy questions.
- Build Mental Math: Memorize squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and percentage-to-fraction conversions (e.g., 12.5% = 1/8). These shortcuts reduce calculation time drastically.
- Use Approximation for Elimination: Many MCQs don’t require exact answers. Approximation can quickly eliminate 2–3 wrong options.
- Take Sectional Mocks: Full-length mocks are important, but sectional mocks replicate the pressure of solving 30 questions in 25 minutes.
- Error Log: Maintain a notebook of mistakes you make in practice. Revisiting this weekly ensures you don’t repeat them in the real exam.
Speed is only valuable if accuracy is maintained. Even a 70% accuracy rate with high attempts may not get you past cut-off.
Study Plan to Target 25+ Marks
A disciplined study plan bridges the gap between preparation and performance. Here’s a weekly structure you can follow:
| Day | Focus Area | What to Do |
| Monday | Arithmetic Basics | Ratios, Percentages, Averages – 20 practice Qs + 1 DI set. |
| Tuesday | Simplification & Quadratic Equations | 15–20 simplification/approximation Qs + quadratic practice + 1 DI set. |
| Wednesday | Applied Arithmetic | Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work – 20 practice Qs. |
| Thursday | Number Series + Mixed Arithmetic | Solve 10 number series Qs + 15 mixed arithmetic Qs (chapter-wise). |
| Friday | Data Interpretation (Full Focus) | 3 DI sets (tables, pie, caselets, line/bar) under timed practice. |
| Saturday | Sectional Mock & Analysis | 1 Quant sectional mock (30–40 Qs). Spend extra time on error analysis. |
| Sunday | Revision + Light Practice | Revise formulas/shortcuts. 10–12 mixed Qs (easy-medium). Maintain error log. |
FAQs
Both are important, but arithmetic builds the base for DI. Without strong arithmetic, DI becomes difficult. Ideally, balance both.
Aim for 28–32 attempts with 80–85% accuracy. Blind guessing reduces your score due to negative marking.
Both are similar in difficulty, but SEBI often gives slightly more DI-based sets, while RBI sometimes has trickier arithmetic.
At least 15–20 arithmetic problems and 2 DI sets daily, along with sectional mocks 2–3 times a week.
Not recommended. Shortcuts save time in DI and arithmetic-heavy sections. Learn both traditional methods and time-saving tricks.
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Priti Palit, is an accomplished edtech writer with 4+ years of experience in Regulatory Exams and other multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.