Overview: Quantitative Aptitude section in SSC, Bank and MBA varies significantly. Some are just tests of speed while others are more into assessing the conceptual knowledge. The common thread that binds these Quantitative aptitude tests is the test of management skills in terms of decision making and time allocation. Multitasking is an important aspect of management. Therefore, it is not just the quantitative ability that is tested but also the suitability of candidates for a specific job profile. This post will guide you on how to prepare for Quant in entrance tests.
Quant section
Quantitative Aptitude section is ranked as one of the toughest sections in the competitive exams.
- This section is generally easier for engineers and that is what explains the high percentage of engineers in B-schools.
- The fact of the matter though is that it is possible for candidates who have not taken up mathematical courses post high-school to clear these entrance tests. This is because the level of quantitative ability required is that of the concepts taught in school.
Skills
Whether it is geometry or algebra, the kind of questions that are asked in quant in entrance tests can be solved easily with that level of skill.
- It is only in XAT and to a limited extent in CAT, questions on probability, permutations & combinations and even trigonometry are asked. Your preparation level thus hinges on the kind of B-school or job profile that happens to be your goal.
- It is thus imperative for the students to practice and aim for a level of ability in mathematics through a course that is suitable and perhaps even custom-made for them. A test being custom-made means that the student is preparing for a particular test and that can be accessed using sectional tests for XAT, CAT, SNAP or SSC.
- Detailed analysis gives a clear picture of the ins and outs of your performance and then it is unlikely that a particular kind of question would be the one the student would waste time on. This is because these tests not only strengthen your conceptual understanding but also require you to be familiar with myriad of questions rather than making a long-drawn or tedious attempt at solving a question type.
- Question types are thus important to be acquainted with and a test series does the job in familiarizing you with questions. Building a repertoire of conceptual knowledge and using the same in tests thus require opting for the right course. This is generally required to revisit the concepts that have been learnt long-ago but have never quite been unlearned. This thus may be an attempt to relearn a skill set that has been put into disuse for long but has not really been junked.
Strategy
- Offline courses with classroom teaching thus give you more time to focus on concept building but those who are driven and have the initiative and an existing higher level of skill can even go for online and app based learning.
- The stated strategy enables students to prepare for quant in entrance tests and benchmark themselves against test takers across the country. This can be done by taking a test before choosing a particular course for preparation. This facility can be opted for by taking a free-test that is available for students take every once in a while. This is advertised on the website or on preparatory portals. All you need to do is to keep your Sundays free!
