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Quantitative aptitude can be said to be the deciding factor in bank exams like SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, and RBI Grade B. Though concept comprehension and right answers are important, the crux of the matter is time management. It may well be that you know how to do all the questions in the section, but even spending two minutes per question will make you miss the cut-off.

 Accuracy is important in quantitative aptitude, but it requires an equally deadly combination of speed in solving the problems and making the right calculations. Speed in quantitative aptitude does not mean working without thinking, guessing wildly, or being reckless; it is all about making your mental work faster and doing away with unnecessary writing and finding pattern shortcuts. This article discusses five study tips that can help you immensely in improving your speed and mastering quantitative aptitude.

Attending a reputed Bank coaching institute will assist you in acquiring these proven quantitative aptitude techniques along with improving your speed by regular practice.

5 proven study strategies to double your speed in quantitative aptitude

Here are the five proven study strategies given below to double your speed in quantitative aptitude:

1. Master mental math& daily speed drills

The use of pen and paper to do simple math calculations is the greatest time waster in Quant.

For you to be super fast in solving quant problems, you have to train yourself to perform the basic mathematical calculations instantly in your head. 

• Memorization of Key Numbers: Memorize multiplication tables up to 30, squares up to 50, cubes up to 30, and fractions and percentage conversions (example, 1/7 approx 14.28%, 1/8 = 12.5%).
• Daily Practice of Speed Calculation: Spend the first 15–20 minutes of your daily study doing speed calculations.

1. Leverage approximation and option elimination

In the prelims exam, neatness in writing the steps is not considered, as the ultimate decision depends upon your last answer choice selected. If the options are much spaced out, then it would be futile to spend much time on calculations of exact decimal value.

• Round numbers for quick estimation: for DI sets or simplifications where the calculation is very tough, try to use round figures of tens or hundreds for calculating the approximate answers quickly.
• Use unit digit & digital root techniques: incorrected options can be eliminated in split seconds by checking the unit digit of the expected answer or applying the digital root method without solving the complete question.

1. Categorise and master standard question patterns

Most of the quant problems in the bank exams generally have some form of structure. Instead of working out each problem using regular algebraic formulas, one should use shortcuts to solve them depending on the specific question types. 

• Learn shortcut formulae: topics such as percentage, ratio, and proportions, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, and time and work all have common shortcut methods that would cut your solving time by half. 
• Build pattern recognition: you need to practice enough variations of the problems so that when you come across any word problem, you can instantly recognize its pattern and solve accordingly.

1. Adopt the “two-pass” attempt strategy

Following questions in a linear pattern often results in getting stuck with time-consuming questions right from the start of the selection, breaking your flow and confidence.

• Pass 1(easy and high-yield): In the first pass, go through the entire section and answer questions easily and quaikly, simplification/ approximation, quadratic equations, and number series. These can be solved with minimum time and maximum marks. 
• Pass 2(moderate & DI sets): after this, go through easy data interpretation sets and arithmetic questions.
• Skip traps quickly: follow a strict timing policy of 30-40 seconds; if not able to figure out the way to solve them, move to the next question. 

1. Analyze mock tests with a speed-centric focus

Mock tests are crucial but not everything; actual development occurs during analysis post-mock test. Rather than just analyzing if you answered correctly or incorrectly, examine how much time you spent on answering each question.

• Spot Time Wasters: Discover where you spent more than 90 seconds per question despite getting the question right. Now think. Can you solve the problem any faster?
• Ensure Accuracy with Speed: Make sure your quest for speed does not affect accuracy. Keep an error log of all mistakes related to calculations due to haste.

Attending a reputable SSC coaching institute will help you utilize these proven Quantitative Aptitude techniques in a better way along with improving your speed.

Conclusion 

Doubling your speed in quantitative aptitude doesn’t happen all of a sudden; it requires focused and planned effort. You need to cultivate effective mental calculation skills and adopt intelligent elimination methods, understand the pattern of questions and analyze your tests correctly to make sure that quant becomes your strongest section, rather than a source of tension. 

Use these strategies right now, evaluate yourself with time-bound practice tests and see your speed increase dramatically on the actual exam day. 

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