How to Improve Speed & Accuracy in Quantitative Aptitude for Exams: How to Improve Speed & Accuracy in Quantitative Aptitude for Exams is a key concern for every student aiming to crack competitive exams. From bank and insurance tests to SSC and campus placements, quantitative aptitude is a deciding factor in your success. Often, candidates know how to solve problems but fail to do it quickly and accurately under pressure.
This article gives you a complete strategy to improve both speed and accuracy while solving quantitative aptitude questions. You’ll learn how to handle common mistakes, which areas to practice more, and how to approach questions smartly during the exam. With practical tips, a focused practice plan, and expert tricks, this guide is all you need to boost your quant performance.
Strengthen Your Basics First
To improve speed and accuracy, you need to be clear with your basics. Many candidates lose time because they take too long to recall formulas or solve simple calculations. Focus on core topics like percentages, ratios, profit & loss, simplification, and time-speed-distance.
Start your preparation by:
- Revising standard formulas and identities
- Understanding concepts rather than shortcuts first
- Practicing simple to moderate questions regularly
Once your basics are strong, you’ll naturally reduce your time per question and avoid silly mistakes.
Learn and Practice Mental Math Techniques
One of the most effective ways in how to improve speed & accuracy in quantitative aptitude for exams is mastering mental math. Avoid using a pen for every small calculation.
Key techniques to learn include:
- Multiplication tricks (e.g., multiplying by 11, 25, 5)
- Square and cube shortcuts
- Vedic math tricks for faster addition, subtraction, and division
- Estimation and rounding for approximation questions
Regularly practicing mental calculations improves confidence and makes solving questions faster during exams.
Use Shortcuts Wisely
Shortcuts are helpful only when your base is strong. Once you’re confident with the method, use shortcuts for speed. However, avoid blindly applying tricks without understanding the logic.
Start with:
- Percentage to fraction conversions
- Time-saving methods in Time and Work, SI-CI, and Averages
- Elimination techniques in data interpretation and simplification
Always verify new shortcuts in practice before applying them in real tests.
Practice Topic-Wise Questions Daily
Daily practice is essential to maintain speed and reduce errors. Focus on one topic per day and gradually increase the difficulty level.
Follow this daily cycle:
- 10–15 questions for concept revision
- 10 moderate-level questions to build speed
- 5–10 time-bound questions to simulate pressure
This topic-wise approach helps you get better in each area without confusion.
Attempt Timed Mock Tests Regularly
To improve actual exam speed, take full-length mock tests. Time management becomes easier when you simulate real test conditions. Don’t just attempt—analyze every mock test thoroughly.
During analysis:
- Identify which questions took the most time
- Check the questions you answered wrong due to rushing
- Focus on improving your accuracy first, then work on speed
With each test, aim to reduce time spent per question without losing precision.
Two Key Practice Strategies
- Sectional Practice Sets:
Use online platforms or books to attempt quant-only practice sets. Aim for 20–25 questions in 20 minutes. Focus on increasing attempts while keeping error rate below 10%. - Error Log Maintenance:
Maintain a notebook where you write every mistake you make during practice. Revisit these problems weekly. This avoids repeating the same errors in real exams.
Build a Formula & Shortcut Booklet
Make a small personal notebook that includes:
- Important formulas for each topic
- Quick tricks or steps you’ve learned
- Commonly made mistakes to avoid
Revise this booklet every week. It keeps you exam-ready and saves revision time during final preparation days.
Stay Calm and Avoid Panic During Exams
Many candidates lose accuracy during exams due to panic or rushing. Practice staying calm under time pressure by solving papers in a quiet, distraction-free place.
Quick tips:
- If a question looks too long, skip it and return later
- Read the question carefully, don’t assume
- Use the last 5–10 minutes to recheck marked answers if time allows
Staying composed ensures you don’t make careless mistakes that cost marks.
Recommended Resources for Quant Practice
- Books:
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
- Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M Tyra
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
- Online Platforms:
- Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247 for practice tests
- YouTube channels for shortcut techniques
- PDFs from trusted coaching centers for practice sets
- Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247 for practice tests
FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to improve speed in quant?
Start with strong basics, learn shortcuts, and solve timed practice sets daily.
Q2. How can I reduce calculation errors?
Focus on mental math, avoid rushing, and double-check your steps in practice.
Q3. Are mock tests really useful for speed improvement?
Yes, mock tests help you get used to exam pressure and improve time management.
Q4. Can I improve quant in 2 months?
Yes, with consistent practice and the right strategy, 2 months is enough for major improvement.
Q5. How much time should I give to quant daily?
Minimum 1.5 to 2 hours daily, with focus on accuracy and practice.
Final Thought:
Mastering how to improve speed & accuracy in quantitative aptitude for exams takes regular effort and the right techniques. Don’t just focus on solving questions—focus on solving them faster and correctly. Keep practicing, stay calm, and aim for steady progress. If this guide helped you, share it with fellow aspirants and check out more helpful exam strategies and tools to stay ahead.
