Numerical Ability – Important Topics & Syllabus & Prepare

Numerical ability is an integral section of IBPS bank exams, UPSC, SSC, RBI, SBI & State public service commission exams.But many consider this section as tough mainly because of the maths questions.

To eliminate your fear, we are discussing here on the numerical ability important topics and the syllabus you need to cover.

What is meant by Numerical Ability?

Numerical ability is all about calculation of numbers.The questions in this section require simple arithmetic calculations or usage of direct formula to arrive at solutions.If you know the basics of solving maths problems, then its quite easy to crack numerical ability paper.

The main purpose of numerical ability is to find out how fast you arrive at the correct answer.Atleast 30 -50 questions are generally asked from this part, in govt job exams.The difficulty level of these questions depends on the job profile.

For example, in the IBPS RRB, clerk & PO exam, you have to answer numerical ability section has 40 questions each carrying 1 mark.(50 x 1 = 50 marks) & each wrong answer shall reduce 0.25 marks.

What are the topics in numerical ability?

Topics to cover: Based on questions repeatedly asked in previous exams, here is the list of important numerical ability topics and chapters that you need to focus while preparing.

1. Numerical problems (missing no.,series completion etc)
2. Percentages (like profit & loss %, marks,shares etc.,)
3. Market price,Cash price & Expenditure problems.
4. Time & Work, Speed & Distance problems
5. Fraction, Ratios, Average & Volume
6. Factoring (LCM, HCF..)
7. Mensuration formulas (asking you to calculate length, breadth or height of square,rectangle cube etc)
8. Simple interest & Compound interest (find missing variable or direct question)

How to prepare for numerical ability:

• Read & understand the question first before answering.
• Know about BODMAS (Brackets, Order, Divide, Multiply, Add, Subtract) & workout problems implementing the rule.
• Use common sense to solve questions that are real life oriented (like distance, age, time)
• Calculators are not permitted inside the exam hall.Hence learn shortcut methods or formulas to solve a question quickly.
• Time management is essential while attending mathematical problems.So tryout some mock tests with the same number of questions while preparing.
• Practice as many model papers & previous year question papers with a clock – because time management is essential for mathematical problems.

Getting ready for competitive exams? Checkout the Topics for general & banking awareness exam

What is difference between numerical ability and quantitative aptitude?

This is a common question among candidates as both quantitative aptitude and numerical ability have some overlapping topics.

Numerical ability involves solving problems through application of basic formula or standard rules.Few examples are ratios, percentages, simple/ compound interest etc., use predefined formula to arrive at the answer.

Quantitative aptitude requires application of logical thinking in addition to the numerical formula, to answer a problem.These questions would require you to think, apply the concept in the given situation, use numerical formula and then answer.

So the biggest difference between numerical ability and quantitative aptitude is the methodology used to solve those questions.