Improving your speed and accuracy in the quantitative aptitude section requires a combination of conceptual clarity, strategic preparation, regular practice, and time management techniques. Below is a comprehensive, updated, and high-quality strategy to enhance both speed and accuracy:
🔹 1. Build a Strong Foundation in Basics
Before focusing on speed, ensure that you have a solid grasp of fundamental concepts in topics like:
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratios, Time & Work, SI/CI, Averages)
- Algebra (Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry & Mensuration (Properties of Triangles, Circles, Volume & Area)
- Number System (LCM, HCF, Divisibility, Remainders, Base System)
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables)
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Study from standard books like R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma, Sarvesh Verma
✅ Use YouTube tutorials and online courses for concept clarity
✅ Maintain a formula sheet with shortcuts and tricks
🔹 2. Learn Speed Calculation Techniques
Fast calculations will reduce time spent on basic computations.
⚡ Mental Math & Vedic Math Tricks
- Multiplication tricks: (e.g., 99 × 87 = (100-1) × 87)
- Squaring techniques: (e.g., n² = (n-1) × (n+1) + 1)
- Fast addition & subtraction methods
- Multiplication using Base 10, 100, 1000
- Digit sum techniques for verification
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Spend 15-20 minutes daily practicing mental calculations
✅ Use a mental math app like Math Tricks, Photomath, or Speed Math Trainer
✅ Avoid calculator dependency for basic calculations
🔹 3. Master Shortcuts and Tricks
For competitive exams, time is crucial. Learn shortcuts and approximation techniques.
📌 Common Shortcuts
- Multiplication by 5 → ( \text{Number} \times 5 = (\text{Number} \times 10)/2 )
- Squaring numbers ending in 5 → ( (n5)2 = n \times (n+1) + 25 )
- Percentage to Fraction Conversion
- 12.5% = 1/8, 16.66% = 1/6, 33.33% = 1/3
- Alligation Method for Ratio Problems
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Learn at least 2-3 new shortcuts per day
✅ Practice their application in mock tests
🔹 4. Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
Practicing previous years’ papers will familiarize you with exam patterns and difficulty levels.
📌 Why Mock Tests?
- Improves time management
- Identifies weak areas
- Enhances accuracy under pressure
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Solve at least 2 mock tests per week
✅ Analyze mistakes and track improvement
✅ Time yourself and work on speed per question
📌 Good Resources for Mock Tests:
- Oliveboard, Gradeup, Testbook, Adda247
- SSC, IBPS, CAT, GMAT, GRE official question banks
🔹 5. Time Management Strategy
Time management is key to solving maximum questions correctly.
🕐 Effective Strategies
📌 Divide Time Per Question:
- Easy Questions (15-20 sec)
- Medium-Level Questions (45 sec)
- Hard Questions (60-90 sec)
📌 Skip Difficult Questions Early:
- Don’t get stuck on one question
- Mark and revisit if time permits
📌 Use the 80-20 Rule:
- Focus 80% of the time on high-weightage topics
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Practice under timed conditions
✅ Follow an exam-specific strategy (like 2 rounds of solving)
🔹 6. Improve Accuracy & Avoid Negative Marking
📌 Common Reasons for Errors:
- Misreading the question
- Calculation mistakes
- Applying the wrong formula
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Re-read questions carefully
✅ Verify answers using alternative methods
✅ Practice approximation techniques to check reasonability
🔹 7. Strengthen Weak Areas
Identify your weak topics and work on them with a focused approach.
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Maintain an error log of mistakes
✅ Revise and practice weaker sections daily
✅ Break down complex problems into smaller solvable parts
🔹 8. Stay Consistent & Track Progress
Consistency is the key to improvement.
📌 Track Progress Using:
- Excel sheet or study planner
- Keep a mock test score chart
- Use Pomodoro Technique for study sessions
🔹 Action Plan:
✅ Solve at least 30-50 questions daily
✅ Revise concepts at least once a week
✅ Compete with peers to stay motivated
🔹 9. Best Books & Online Resources
📌 Best Books for Quantitative Aptitude:
- "Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude" by Arun Sharma
- "Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma
📌 Best Online Platforms:
- Unacademy, BYJU’s, Khan Academy (free)
- YouTube channels: Takshzila Shikshak, Career Launcher, CATKing
🔹 10. Mindset & Exam-Day Strategy
Stay calm, focused, and confident.
📌 Exam-Day Tips:
✅ Attempt easy questions first
✅ Manage time wisely & avoid guessing
✅ Take deep breaths to stay calm
📌 Final Summary
| Strategy | Action Plan |
|-----------|------------|
| Master Basics | Strengthen fundamental concepts |
| Speed Calculations | Practice Vedic Math & Mental Math |
| Shortcuts & Tricks | Learn and apply formula-based techniques |
| Mock Tests & PYQs | Solve regularly to track improvement |
| Time Management | Attempt easy questions first, skip hard ones |
| Accuracy & Avoid Mistakes | Read carefully, verify answers |
| Improve Weak Areas | Revise daily and maintain an error log |
| Consistency | Daily practice + progress tracking |
| Best Study Materials | Use books & online platforms |
| Exam-Day Strategy | Stay calm, attempt in rounds |
🚀 Final Takeaway
To improve your speed & accuracy in the Quantitative Aptitude section, master your basics, learn shortcuts, practice daily, take mock tests, and manage your time efficiently. With consistent effort, smart techniques, and a strategic approach, you can significantly improve your performance.
🔹 Start Today, Track Progress, and Stay Motivated! 🚀🔥