How to Improve your Quant Score in Competitive Exams?

To conquest any competitive exam, it is very important to master Mathematics. In any Government exam or SSC exam, Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most difficult sections. The students are scared of this section but still it can be termed as the most scoring section. It is important to learn and understand the basic concepts of Mathematics. Then it will be easier for you to solve questions which are based on this section, in any competitive exam. You can score brilliantly in this section and can excel over others, if you master it completely. 

In competitive exams, scoring high is simply not sufficient but surpassing others is important, and this section can make this happen for you. In last few years, Quantitative Aptitude has been modified to a great extent. It has been analyzed that around 75% questions can be easily answered and the remaining 25% demands your supreme knowledge power and determined preparations. To score handsomely in this section, you need to have absolutely clear vision of all topics. Preparations are the key factor, so prepare meticulously.

In this article, we are providing you with important tips on working harder and better on Mathematics section, so that you can score high in exam. The high score in this section can surely be a deciding factor in your success.

Generally speaking, we will divide Questions of Quantitative Aptitude Section in two categories and they are:-

1) Easily Scoring Questions

2) Complex and Time-Consuming Questions

1. Easily Scoring Questions

Do start with these set of questions as they are easier to solve, requires lesser time and promises correct answers. The chapters which fall under this category are:-

• Simplification
• Arithmetic Topics: Problems on Ages, Percentage, Averages, Simple Interest/ Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Ratio & Proportions.
• Data Interpretation

 2. Complex and Time-Consuming Questions

The questions asked in this category are tricky, complex and many times complicated in nature. As discussed earlier, you should have supreme knowledge, undergone resolute preparations and have practiced really hard on basic concepts. The accuracy will depend on these factors and the ones who have struggled honestly can answer these questions with accuracy. The chapters which falls under this category are:-

• Probability
• Quadratic Equations
• Arithmetic Topics: Mixture and Alligation, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance
• Number Series

The strategy for scoring high is to attempt first category questions first and then move towards the second category questions.

The ten basic tips to comprehensively succeed in Quantitative Section of Competitive Exams are:-

1. Begin with easy questions

Test your abilities first, select easier questions and attempt them first. It is advisable not to go beyond your limits and abstain from beginning with tougher questions. Do master with the basics, start your preparations with easier sums and then proceeds to the complex questions. Do practice hard.  

2. Slow and steady wins the race

“Rome was not built in a day”, the quote is relevant in this context.  Do give yourself sufficient time to learn and understand the basics. Everything can’t be learnt in a day. Do take one topic, accomplish it properly and then proceed to another.

 3. Reply on dependable and trusted IBPS SO study material

While preparations, do rely on dependable and trusted study material, as they have clearer vision for every topic. Do consult experts, colleagues in finding it. Please don’t waste time and energy in searching for free content on Google but study hard from procured and trusted study material.

4. Prepare every topic

To conquer a competitive exam, you should maximize your knowledge power, so that you can attempt maximum questions correctly. Therefore, don’t leave any topic unprepared, focus on every topic and then master it properly. If you have doubts or difficulties in any particular topic, do try to solve them before moving to another topic. 

 5. Mathematics should be practiced with pen and paper

Practice makes a man perfect. But, if this practice is done logically and analytically then it make you better than the best. Mathematics is logic based subject and so it’s better to understand the problem and then try to map out the basics with proper calculations in solving them. Do not arrive to any answers or solutions without solving it with your hands. Do rely on practicing every question with paper and pen. It will make you understand the problem correctly and will help you to answer it logically.

6. Practice hard till you get the solutions correctly

In Mathematics section, the students are required to have good temperament and strong-willed mind. While solving tricky questions, even the brightest student can get stuck, so it’s important to remain cool and strive hard to get the correct solution to your problem. It’s a test of temperament and knowledge, so practice harder in your preparation phases. Do not use calculators while solving the questions but rely on your calculating speed.

7. Stretch your limits

Do challenge yourself by stretching your limits to the maximum. After mastering the basics, it’s time to enhance your aptitude by stretching your abilities. Do try to increase the speed of calculations and answering the questions. In this way, you can maximize your possibilities of answering maximum correct questions in limited time.

8. List out main points

After thoroughly studying a topic, do list important points such as formulae, theorems, hints, methods, technique of solving etc. While doing revision, you will find them very helpful. This list will help you refresh the entire topic easily before the exam day.

9. Divide topics as per your understanding and preparations

While preparing hard for the exam, you are your best judge in bifurcating topics of your convenience and difficulty. It will make your vision clearer in selecting questions on exam day.  You have to first choose questions from topics you find easier and then slowly move towards difficult ones.

10. Practice Mock Tests

After completing any topic and syllabus, do try to practice as many mock tests as you can, to test your strengths and weakness. These tests will prove insightful in informing you about Time Management, Selection of Questions and Topics etc. They are the real deciding factor for your success and failure.

There are a couple of mistakes done by aspirants while attempting quantitative section in competitive exams. Let us have a close look at some of the common mistakes:

1. Reading Questions incompletely

It is the most common mistake committed by the students. In Quantitative section, it is important to read question twice before solving it. It is because of the time pressure, students tend to read questions quickly and incompletely without understanding it. This can lead you to arrive at a wrong answer and can also be time consuming affair for you.

2. Do rely on basics then on shortcuts

In this section, there are few questions which can be solved through shortcuts or tricks. But, in many cases, your basics will be required in solving, so do apply them, as they won’t deceive you in crucial phases of your exam. The students are required to solve questions through methodical and conventional ways.

3. Avoid Guess Work

In competitive exams, the negative marking can be a big spoilsport in your final scoring. So, do avoid guess work, as every wrong answer will adds to the negative marking. It can nullify all your hard work and efforts.

In this article, we have informed and educated you through tips and points to score high in Quantitative Aptitude Section. There is a general misconception that it is impossible to score high in Mathematics as it is tedious and complex. It is not true.

Believe in yourself and work hard, the success will be yours!

Wishing you a Great Success Ahead!!!

Author : This content is written & published by IBT Patiala - Best coaching institute for SSC & Bank coaching.