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How to Ace Quantitative Aptitude?
Quantitative Aptitude or QA is an integral section of any competitive exam as it tests a candidate's mathematical and analytical ability. In MBA entrance exams it covers one-third of the test paper. Quantitative Aptitude tests the candidate’s mathematical aptitude and analytical skills that is central to business management.
Quantitative Aptitude is a demanding subject as it involves numerous topics, endless formulae and mastering accurate application. Preparing for this section can be mentally taxing and physically draining, especially for students from non-Engineering background. Building a strong base in mathematical calculations and consistent practice in Quantitative Aptitude is the key.
What is Quantitative Aptitude?Quantitative Aptitude is a section wherein questions are asked from Maths topics such as Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Mensuration. This section is included in competitive exams as Maths is central to all aspects of life. The questions of Quantitative Aptitude in MBA entrance exams are usually based on elementary Mathematics. To crack Quantitative Aptitude, one has to have conceptual clarity of all the Maths topics of class 9 and 10.
In top MBA entrance exams such as CAT, IIFT, MAT, ATMA and MAH-CET, the Quantitative Aptitude section appears as a separate section, while in XAT, CMAT and SNAP, it is clubbed together with Data Interpretation.
Components of Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for MBA PreparationThe Quantitative Aptitude syllabus of all the MBA entrance exams cover the following topics. Candidates from non-Mathematics background should start Quantitative Aptitude preparation with basics for which, they can refer to school-level NCERT Mathematics books.
| QA Topics |
Chapters |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
Numbers, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership |
| Algebra |
Basic Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Roots, Maxima & Minima, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, Problems on Ages, Number of Integer Solutions, Smallest Value in a Maximum Function, etc. |
| Advance Mathematics |
Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Progression and Series |
| Geometry |
Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Co-ordinate Geometry, Basic Trigonometry |
Also Read:
- How to prepare for CAT 2022
- How to prepare for SNAP 2022
- How to prepare for MAT 2022
- How to prepare for ATMA 2022
- How to prepare for XAT 2023
- How to prepare for IIFT 2023
- How to prepare for CMAT 2022
- How to prepare for MAH CET 2022
Listed below are some of the most popular books for Quantitative Aptitude preparation for MBA entrance exams.
- NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10)
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
Also Read:
| VARC Preparation Tips for MBA Exams | DILR Preparation Tips for MBA Exams |
Acing Quantitative Aptitude is not easy for this section is calculation intensive and one has to remember numerous formulae accurately. What makes it even more difficult to crack QA is that one has to be an expert at applying the formula to derive the right answer within seconds as you get limited time in the exam.
So, divide your Quantitative Aptitude preparation for MBA entrance exams in three phases.
Phase I: Master the basics
Treat each Quantitative Aptitude individually and start with understanding the basic concept. List out the formulae and properties attached to each one of them. It may not be possible to memorise all the formulae at once, so focus on understanding the fundamentals and application. Break down the steps and simplify the process to understand a question. Use lateral thinking to simplify concepts. Take help from video tutorials. For each Quantitative Aptitude topic, practice 50-60 sample questions to gain a grip over them.
Also Read:
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability: Definition, Rules & Example
- Interest and Simple Interest Formula
- Mean, Mode, Median
- Square Root and Cube Root
Phase II: Revise the formulas
Make a document for Quantitative Aptitude formulae. Take out time twice in a week to go through the formulae. Don’t over exert yourself on memorizing each and every formula by heart in one go. Just keep revising at the same pace and soon you’ll remember most of the formulae.
If some rough edges are still there, devote time in practicing sample questions. Use different methods of memorizing formula and develop mental calculation skill. Remember, Quants is all about theory and application. You’ve got to master both.
Phase III: Master speed with accuracy
The third and final phase of Quantitative Aptitude preparation is mastering what you’ve learnt in phase I and II. In this phase, you need to learn how to solve higher difficulty level Quantitative Aptitude questions and with maximum speed and accuracy. Yes, this is the time to practice Mock Tests.
For a full proof Quant preparation, go for mock tests which have variety of questions – from easy to tough, simple to tricky – and analyse each of your performance. Mock test is basically a dry run of the actual exam. It prepares you to solve 30-40 questions within a limited period with maximum accuracy.
| CAT Mock Test |
XAT Mock Test |
SNAP Mock Test |
| CMAT Mock Test |
MAT Mock Test |
IIFT Mock Test |
| NMAT Mock Test |
IBSAT Mock Test |
ATMA Mock Test |
Listed below are a few Quantitative Aptitude prep articles, you may like to read:
- How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
- Master the secret of Acing Quantitative Ability
- CAT preparation plan for Quantitative Aptitude
- Cracking Quant section in CAT
- Quantitative Aptitude Solved Questions
- Time Management in Quantitative Ability
- Six Strategies for Quant Preparation
- CAT Last Week Prep Tips for Quantitative Aptitude
- How to crack Quantitative Aptitude section of XAT
- Tips to crack Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam
- Tips to crack Quantitative Aptitude section of SNAP
Listed below are some of the top MBA entrance exams and weightage of their Quantitative Aptitude section.
| MBA Exam |
Number of Questions |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| CAT |
22 |
66 |
| XAT |
27 |
27 |
| IIFT |
25 |
75 |
| CMAT |
25 |
100 |
| MAT |
40 |
40 |
| SNAP |
40 |
45 |
| ATMA |
60 |
60 |
| MAH-CET |
50 |
50 |
| Download Free Quantitative Aptitude Question Bank for Practice Click to Download |
Also Read: MBA Preparation 2022: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams
FAQs Related to Quantitative Aptitude PreparationQ: How can I improve my score in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT?
A: The key to improving score in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is practice, practice and more practice. Listed below are some tips you can apply while preparing for CAT.- Practice Mental Maths to be less dependent on calculators
- Make short notes of formulae and sample questions to revise them on the go
- Develop the ability to choose which questions to answer in the exam
- Avoid negative marking. Don’t attempt questions you are not sure of
- Practice Quants questions in a time bound manner to be able to utilize maximum time in the main exam
- Solving a sample question is not enough. Practice the same set of questions multiple time
Q: Which books are the best for Quantitative Aptitude?
A: Some of the highly recommended books for Quantitative Aptitude are, How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha and Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal.Q: Which are the most important topics in Quantitative Aptitude for MBA entrance exams?
A: Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Co-ordinate Geometry, Basic Trigonometry, Numbers, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership, Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Progression and Series, etc.Q: I am from non-Engineering background, how can I start preparing for Quantitative Aptitude?
A: Students from non-Engineering background can start with NCERT Mathematics books of class 9 and 10, to revise the basics of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Mensuration topics. Once they have understood the fundamentals of these subjects, they will be able to study advance topics of the same in Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.Q: What is the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in MBA exams?
A: The Quantitative Aptitude section is one of the main sections of any MBA exam. It usually has one 1/3 rd (exams having three sections in total) or 1/4 th (exams having four sections in total) weightage in the question paper. Check below the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in top MBA entrance exams.- CAT: 22 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- XAT: 27 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- CMAT: 25 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- SNAP: 20 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- IIFT: 25 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- MAT: 40 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- ATMA: 60 Quantitative Aptitude questions
- MAH CET: 50 Quantitative Aptitude questions
Q: Which MBA entrance has toughest Quantitative Aptitude questions?
A: CAT, XAT and IIFT usually have high difficulty level Quantitative Aptitude questions. CMAT and SNAP have moderately difficult Quantitative Aptitude questions while ATMA and MAT have easy Quantitative Aptitude questions.Q: Can I score well in Quantitative Aptitude just by practicing sample questions?
A: To score well in Quantitative Aptitude one needs to first master all the concepts and theorems. If you are good at Mathematics or studied it in Graduation, you can score well by just practicing a variety of sample questions for over a period of two to three months.Q: Are there short-cuts for calculation intensive Quants questions?
A: Practice Mental Maths for quick calculation and memorise a minimum of Tables till 20, Squares up to 100, Square roots from 1 to 25, Cubes up to 30. These will help you immensely in cracking Quantitative Aptitude section.Q: Why are Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation clubbed together in some MBA exams?
A: Both Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation have Mathematic based questions and require calculation to arrive at the answer. It is because similarity of the nature of the subjects, they are clubbed together in some MBA entrance exams.Q: Is it easier to crack Quantitative Aptitude than Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension?
A: One can say it is easier to crack Quantitative Aptitude as it all about concepts, theories and practice. If you have practiced enough, you’ll know the types of questions that will be asked in the exam. However, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, there is no guarantee that you would be familiar with the RC passage in the exam. In CAT, RC passages are inference based, in XAT some RC passages are in the form of poem and in SNAP/IIFT, the passages are facts based. The Quantitative Aptitude section of all the exams are of same type with only different difficulty levels. Thus, you need to put in extra effort in VARC.Q: What should be my approach towards Quantitative Aptitude on CAT exam day?
A: Quantitative Aptitude is the last section of CAT. By the time you reach this section, it is natural for fatigue to set it. Don’t get bogged down by fatigue. Stay energized and alert as this section requires Mathematical calculations. Read the questions calmly and then choose the ones you can solve with maximum accuracy. Do not spend too much time on any question that is posing a challenge to you. Do not get greedy and fall in the trap of negative marking. Dates Section:| Domain | national |
| Exam Type | exam |
| Is Conducting Body | No |
| Is Exam Paid | 0.0 |
| Is Abroad | 0.0 |
| Abbreviation | Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Tips for MBA |
| Is Abroad | 0.0 |
| Exam Year | 2022 |
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