Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important and decisive sections in banking and insurance exams. This section tests a candidate’s numerical ability, calculation speed, and accuracy.
In this blog, we will cover the complete quantitative aptitude syllabus for banking exams, including Prelims & Mains, along with a smart preparation strategy.
Importance of Quantitative Aptitude in Banking Exams
Quantitative Aptitude checks:
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Numerical understanding
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Calculation speed
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Accuracy under time pressure
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Problem-solving skills
Organizations like Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), SBI, RBI, and insurance bodies give high weightage to Quant in both prelims and mains.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus – Overview
The Quant syllabus is divided into:
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Prelims Quantitative Aptitude
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Mains Quantitative Aptitude (Data Analysis & Interpretation)
📌 Mains questions are more calculation-intensive and time-consuming.
🔹 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Banking Prelims
Prelims Quant focuses on basic arithmetic concepts.
📌 Topics Included in Prelims:
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Simplification / Approximation
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Number Series (Missing & Wrong)
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Quadratic Equations
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Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar, Line, Pie)
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Arithmetic Word Problems, including:
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Percentage
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Profit & Loss
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Simple & Compound Interest
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Time & Work
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Pipes & Cisterns
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Time, Speed & Distance
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Ratio & Proportion
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Mixture & Allegation
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Averages
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📌 Prelims Quant is mainly about speed + accuracy.
🔹 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Banking Mains
Mains Quant is also called Data Analysis & Interpretation (DAI).
📌 Topics Included in Mains:
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Data Interpretation (Advanced)
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Caselet DI
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Missing DI
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Radar / Mixed Graphs
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Data Sufficiency
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Quantity Comparison
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Probability
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Permutation & Combination
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Mensuration (2D & 3D)
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Number System
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Simplification (Advanced Level)
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Arithmetic (High-Level Word Problems)
📌 Mains questions test conceptual clarity and calculation efficiency.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Insurance Exams
Insurance exams such as LIC AAO, NIACL AO, UIIC AO follow a similar quant syllabus, with slightly more focus on:
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Arithmetic
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Data Interpretation
👉 Preparing quant for banking exams automatically covers insurance exams quant.
Weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in Banking Exams
| Exam Stage | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Prelims | 35 |
| Mains | 35–40 |
📌 Quantitative Aptitude often decides the overall cut-off.
Preparation Strategy for Quantitative Aptitude
✅ For Beginners:
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Clear basic arithmetic concepts first
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Learn tables, squares, cubes
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Practice simplification daily
✅ For Mains Level:
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Focus on Data Interpretation
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Improve calculation speed
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Practice timed sectional mocks
Common Mistakes Aspirants Make in Quant
❌ Ignoring basics and jumping to shortcuts
❌ Poor calculation speed
❌ Avoiding DI practice
❌ Not revising formulas
❌ Fear of word problems
How to Improve Quantitative Aptitude for Banking Exams
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Practice calculations daily
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Solve previous year questions
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Focus on accuracy first, then speed
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Analyze mock tests regularly
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Revise formulas weekly
Final Words
The quantitative aptitude syllabus for banking exams may seem lengthy, but with strong basics, regular practice, and mock test analysis, it becomes highly manageable. Whether you are targeting IBPS, SBI, RBI, or Insurance exams, mastering Quant is essential for success.
👉 Practice daily, calculate smartly, and trust the process.
📌 FAQs
Q1. Is Quantitative Aptitude difficult for banking exams?
It becomes easy with concept clarity and regular practice.
Q2. Which topic is most important in Quant?
Arithmetic and Data Interpretation carry the highest weightage.
Q3. Can I prepare Quant for banking and insurance exams together?
Yes, the syllabus is largely the same.
