For students who do not study mathematics, the quantitative part of banking competitive exams is nothing short of a nightmare. All that said, it is appropriate to state here that this section can be handled if one puts in the proper method, system, and practice. The purpose of this article is to help non-math students, with real life advice and tips, to overcome the quantitative aptitude section in a banking competitive exam.
Strategies for Non-Math Students to Crack the Quant Section
1. Understand the Exam Structure and Key Topics
To begin with, get yourself acquainted with the course content and the manner of questioning in the quantitative section. Banking examinations emphasize more on the mathematical calculations and their applications and less on the advanced mathematics principles therefore pay more attention to solving simple drawings, time and work, ratios, simplification, profit and loss, data interpretation, averages, percentages, and so on.
2. Build a Strong Foundation in Basic Concepts
Being a non-maths student, it is important to have well established matrices of basic ideas. Concentrate on having solace in fractions, percentages, ratios and applications of elementary algebra. These will be prevalent in many of such quantitative segment problems.
Spare a few minutes every day going through the basics and doing the introductory questions of the topics before the topics become complex.
3. Start with Simple Topics and Gradually Increase Difficulty
It is easier to start looking at percentages, averages, and simplification of fractions. Such topics do not require much calculation as their concepts are simple and straightforward making them good for confidence boost.
Once you are quite confident, tackle the next level which includes profit & loss, simple interest, time and distance where the basics have to be applied in a series of steps.
4. Master Methods and Shortcuts
Scenarios like that of banking exams being time limited makes it an imperative need to understand faster methods of tackling questions. Vedic maths, percentage trick, squaring and cubing tricks among other methods can save you a lot of time.
For instance, when you want to do percentages appreciate that it is much easier to do 10% of even any number by simply shifting one decimal to the left, then it is easy to readjust to other percentages like twenty thirty, etc.
5. Focus on Data Interpretation (DI)
Give relevance to understanding data interpretation as it carries marks in banking tests. It means seeking meaning from data presented in the form of several visual aids like tables, charts or graphs. In most DI questions, little to no complications are involved and use basic computations only, therefore the non-math students find this section the most appealing.
Try to concentrate more on assessing the situation, giving opinions, doing easy sums, rather than on advanced mathematics. It will be easier to analyze and comprehend given data within a short period during the actual exam owing to the fact that one will have practiced DIs from time to time.
6. Training with Simulation Exams and Capped Time Quizzing
Proctored practice tests are primarily helpful in training the test taker to be faster and more accurate. Proctored practice tests help you get used to the pattern of questions, improve your abilities and help you in time management.
First of all, do not be in a hurry when answering any questions, but it is advisable to begin answering questions as if there was a time limit. This is done in order to come closer to the experience of the real examination. Make sure that after each test, you state what the reasons for your fallacies were and what aspects need more work.
7. Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed Initially
Students who come from disciplines other than mathematics tend to hurry through the questions in order to make up for any time wasted on figures. First off, one must practice solving questions, even if that means taking time on each one of them.
As you start getting used to it, you will try to up the tempo as much as it is possible without losing accuracy. By the time the examination date approaches, the objective is to achieve the equilibrium between the two aspects – speed and accuracy.
8. The Importance of Keeping a Formula Diary
It is recommended to buy a separate book and write down the required formulas, tricks or solved problems in that book regularly. It is essential to go through those often and store them which will help in the preparation for the quick fixes that one will need.
Maintaining an interest in statistics, fundamentals of geometry, and time distance speed equations is critical in any banking examination and having them within reach will definitely enhance your self-esteem.
9. Pay Attention to FAQs
In banking examinations, especially in areas like percentage questions, profit, and loss questions, average questions, and data interpretations, a lot of similar types of questions tend to repeat. Rehearsing these patterns will help in your utmost comfort and also recognizing the underlying sequence.
Most helpful websites and books on a banking exam preparation level tend to have a bank of These are the normal exam questions, hence remember them well in your studies.
10. Develop Strong Mental Math Skills
You should constantly practice the art of doing simple calculations and arithmetics in your head. Start off by training your mind to do multiplication tables, squares, cubes, additions, and even subtractions without the help of a pen and paper. If you become faster at mental math, you will be able to save some minutes during the examination period.
This is also true for various online tools, applications as well as games used to develop mental calculation abilities.
11. Stay Consistent and Positive
When it comes to preparing for any given competitive examination, the factor that weighs the most is consistency. Do not fret if aside from all your responsibilities that come with work and school, you can only spare thirty minutes for practice. Simple actions taken regularly will, over time, enhance the comprehension and proficiency in mathematics.
Be Positive and Hopeful Even Without Any Facts to Support It. Do not be bothered by difficulties at the beginning. After all, a lot of aspiring banking professionals were once in your present situation.
Conclusion
The quantitative aptitude section may seem challenging for non-math students, but it is conquerable with a systematic approach and consistent practice. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a disciplined routine, you can overcome this hurdle and succeed in banking exams.
For expert guidance, VisionQ offers tailored coaching to help non-math students master the quantitative section. Start your journey today!