The Quantitative Aptitude section of the SEBI Grade A Phase 1 exam often challenges aspirants because it combines speed with accuracy. Within Quant, Arithmetic plays a crucial role as it forms the base for many other topics like Data Interpretation (DI) and word problems. By preparing arithmetic thoroughly, you not only score direct marks but also handle DI questions faster. In this blog, let’s explore the important arithmetic topics for SEBI Grade A Quant Section 2025, along with strategies and preparation tips.
1. Percentage and Ratio-Proportion
These two topics are the foundation of arithmetic and frequently appear in both standalone questions and DI sets.
- Percentage: Learn basic formulas like % change, successive percentage, and profit/loss-based applications.
- Ratio-Proportion: Focus on mixture problems, partnership questions, and speed-distance ratios.
Why important?
- Often used as a base in Data Interpretation, Profit & Loss, and Simple/Compound Interest questions.
- Helps in solving questions quickly without lengthy calculations.
Tip: Practice questions that combine percentage and ratio (e.g., population increase/decrease, mixture problems).
2. Profit, Loss, and Discount
This is one of the most scoring topics in SEBI Grade A Quant. Questions are usually direct but can include tricky calculations.
- Cover basics like Cost Price (CP), Selling Price (SP), and Marked Price (MP).
- Learn successive profit/loss and discount-based questions.
Why important?
- These questions usually test concept clarity + calculation speed.
- Easy to score if formulas are memorized well.
Tip: Practice shortcut methods like the direct % formula for faster solving. Example: If a shopkeeper gives successive discounts of 20% and 10%, final price = MP × (0.8 × 0.9).
3. Simple and Compound Interest (SI & CI)
Interest-based questions are very common in SEBI Grade A. They often appear directly or as part of caselets/DI sets.
- Simple Interest (SI): Practice principal, rate, and time-based questions.
- Compound Interest (CI): Learn formulas for annual, half-yearly, and quarterly compounding.
Why important?
- CI questions are linked to Percentage and Growth concepts.
- Finance-related exam like SEBI often tests compound growth, making CI very relevant.
Tip: Learn the difference between SI and CI in terms of growth. For example, CI is exponential, whereas SI is linear.
4. Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD)
This is another high-weightage arithmetic area, often linked to trains, boats, or relative speed.
- Cover topics like average speed, relative speed, and problems on trains.
- Boats and streams (upstream/downstream) are also common in exams.
Why important?
- Speed-distance questions are frequently included in SEBI Grade A mock papers and past trends.
- Often tested as 1–2 standalone questions in Phase 1.
Tip: Focus on formula-based solving: Speed = Distance ÷ Time. Memorize key shortcuts like LCM method for meeting points of trains.
5. Time and Work (Pipes & Cisterns included)
This topic is scoring if concepts are clear, as the pattern of questions is repetitive.
- Cover basics: work = efficiency × time.
- Learn alternate days work, efficiency-based problems, and pipe & cistern applications.
Why important?
- Direct standalone questions appear frequently.
- Many DI caselets also involve work distribution among people.
Tip: Practice efficiency approach instead of unitary method for faster solving. Example: If A does a work in 10 days, efficiency = 1/10.
6. Average, Mixture & Alligation
Averages and mixtures are considered moderate-difficulty but high-utility topics.
- Average: Learn shortcut methods for weighted average.
- Mixture & Alligation: Practice cases with different quantities and prices.
Why important?
- Mixture questions are commonly asked in partnership and profit-loss setups.
- Average-based questions also appear in DI tables/graphs.
Tip: Practice the alligation rule for solving mixture questions in seconds, instead of lengthy calculations.
How to Prepare Arithmetic for SEBI Grade A 2025
Arithmetic in SEBI Grade A is scoring if you prepare smartly. Here’s how:
- Master the Basics – Revise formulas for percentages, ratio, averages, SI/CI, profit-loss, and time-work. Keep a formula sheet for quick reference.
- Focus on Important Topics – Start with high-weightage areas like Percentages, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, and SI/CI, then move to Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, and other smaller chapters.
- Practice Smartly – Begin with simple problems, then shift to exam-level mixed sets. Daily chapter practice + weekly sectional quizzes builds both speed and accuracy.
- Work on Speed – Improve calculations with daily practice of approximations, fractions-to-percentages, and shortcut methods. Use a timer to simulate exam pressure.
- Use PYQs and Mocks – Solve previous year papers to understand difficulty level. Take sectional tests twice a week and analyze mistakes carefully.
- Revise Regularly – Dedicate weekends to revising formulas and solving 20–25 mixed arithmetic questions to keep concepts fresh.
FAQs
You can expect around 8–12 questions directly from Arithmetic, either standalone or as part of DI sets.
Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Averages, and Time-Speed-Distance are the most important topics.
DI carries more weight, but Arithmetic forms the base for DI. Strong Arithmetic improves accuracy and speed in DI sets too.
Dedicate at least 40–45% of your Quant prep time to Arithmetic, especially in the early stages, before shifting focus to DI and advanced topics.
Practice daily with timed quizzes, learn shortcut calculation techniques, and revise percentage/fraction conversions to save time in the exam.
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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.