IBPS PO 2025 Quantitative Aptitude: A to Z Details
A – About the Section
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) assesses candidates’ mathematical proficiency and data interpretation skills. It appears in:
- Prelims: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes.
- Mains: 35 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes (as Data Analysis & Interpretation).
B – Basics of Exam
- Prelims: 100 questions total (English, Reasoning, QA), 60 minutes.
- Mains: 155 questions (objective) + 2 descriptive, 200 marks, 3 hours.
- Marking: +1 (Prelims), +1 or +2 (Mains, varies by question); -0.25 for incorrect answers.
C – Core Topics
- Arithmetic (percentages, profit-loss, time-speed-distance).
- Data Interpretation (tables, pie charts, bar graphs).
- Algebra (equations, inequalities).
- Number Series, Simplification, Quadratic Equations.
D – Difficulty Level
- Prelims: Easy to Moderate (focus on speed).
- Mains: Moderate to Difficult (emphasis on complex DI and calculations).
E – Exam Pattern
- Prelims: 35 MCQs, 20 minutes, sectional timing.
- Mains: 35 MCQs (Data Analysis & Interpretation), 45 minutes, higher complexity.
F – Free Practice MCQ Set
Below is a sample set of 5 MCQs reflecting IBPS PO 2025 Quantitative Aptitude patterns:
- Question: What is the compound interest on ₹20,000 at 5% p.a. for 2 years (compounded annually)?
- A) ₹2,000
- B) ₹2,050
- C) ₹2,100
- D) ₹2,150
- Answer: C) ₹2,100
- Explanation: CI = P[(1 + r/100)^n – 1] = 20,000[(1 + 5/100)^2 – 1] = 20,000[1.1025 – 1] = 20,000 × 0.105 = ₹2,100.
- Question: A boat travels 24 km downstream in 3 hours and 18 km upstream in 6 hours. What is the speed of the current?
- A) 1 km/h
- B) 2 km/h
- C) 3 km/h
- D) 4 km/h
- Answer: B) 2 km/h
- Explanation: Downstream speed = 24/3 = 8 km/h; Upstream speed = 18/6 = 3 km/h. Boat speed (b) = (8 + 3)/2 = 5.5 km/h; Current speed = (8 – 3)/2 = 2 km/h.
- Question: If 2x² – 5x + 3 = 0, what is the value of x?
- A) 1, 3/2
- B) 1, 2
- C) 3, 2
- D) 1/2, 3
- Answer: A) 1, 3/2
- Explanation: Factorize: 2x² – 2x – 3x + 3 = 0 → 2x(x – 1) – 3(x – 1) = 0 → (2x – 3)(x – 1) = 0 → x = 3/2 or 1.
- Question: The ratio of ages of A and B is 4:5. If the sum of their ages is 36, what is A’s age?
- A) 14
- B) 16
- C) 18
- D) 20
- Answer: B) 16
- Explanation: Let A = 4x, B = 5x. Then 4x + 5x = 36 → 9x = 36 → x = 4 → A = 4 × 4 = 16.
- Question: A pie chart shows 25% of expenses as rent (₹15,000). What is the total expense?
- A) ₹50,000
- B) ₹55,000
- C) ₹60,000
- D) ₹65,000
- Answer: C) ₹60,000
- Explanation: 25% of total = ₹15,000 → 0.25 × Total = 15,000 → Total = 15,000 / 0.25 = ₹60,000.
G – Goals of Preparation
- Achieve 25-30 correct answers in Prelims QA.
- Score 40-50 marks in Mains Data Analysis & Interpretation.
H – High-Weightage Topics
- Prelims: Simplification (5-6 Qs), Number Series (5 Qs), DI (10-12 Qs), Arithmetic (10-12 Qs).
- Mains: DI (15-18 Qs), Quadratic Equations (4-5 Qs), Data Sufficiency (3-5 Qs), Arithmetic (8-10 Qs).
I – Important Resources
- Books: “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” (RS Aggarwal), “Fast Track Arithmetic” (Arihant).
- Online: IBPS Guide, Adda247, Smartkeeda (free MCQs).
J – Justify Practice
Regular MCQ practice improves speed (target <1 min/question) and accuracy, key to clearing sectional cutoffs.
K – Key Strategies
- Master basic formulas (e.g., CI, SI, speed-distance).
- Practice 50-70 MCQs daily.
- Focus on DI interpretation speed.
L – Learning Approach
- Start with basics (arithmetic, algebra).
- Progress to DI and complex problems.
- Revise formulas daily.
M – Mock Tests
- Take 1-2 full-length mocks weekly (35 Qs, 20 min for Prelims).
- Analyze errors to refine weak areas.
N – Negative Marking
- -0.25 per wrong answer; attempt only confident answers to avoid penalties.
O – Official Syllabus
- Prelims: Number Systems, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, DI, Simplification, Quadratic Equations.
- Mains: Data Interpretation (advanced), Arithmetic (word problems), Data Sufficiency, Quantity Comparison.
P – Preparation Timeline
- March-June 2025: Build concepts, practice basics.
- July-September 2025: Intensify MCQs, mocks for Prelims.
- October-November 2025: Focus on Mains-level DI and revision.
Q – Quick Tips
- Memorize squares (1-30), cubes (1-10), tables (1-20).
- Use approximation for simplification.
- Prioritize DI in Mains (high marks).
R – Revision Plan
- Daily: 10-15 MCQs on weak topics.
- Weekly: Full syllabus recap with 50 Qs.
S – Sample Weightage (Expected)
| Topic | Prelims (Qs) | Mains (Qs) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 10-12 | 15-18 |
| Simplification | 5-6 | 0-2 |
| Number Series | 5 | 0-3 |
| Arithmetic | 10-12 | 8-10 |
| Quadratic Equations | 3-5 | 4-5 |
T – Time Management
- Prelims: ~30-40 sec per simplification, 1-1.5 min per DI question.
- Mains: 1-2 min per complex DI set, 45-60 sec per arithmetic.
U – Updates (2025)
- Expected pattern aligns with 2024: Increased DI complexity in Mains.
- Check ibps.in for notification (August 2025).
V – Variety of Questions
- Prelims: Direct arithmetic, single DI sets.
- Mains: Caselet DI, multi-step word problems, data sufficiency.
W – Weak Areas
- Common struggles: DI (time-consuming), Time & Work, Profit & Loss.
- Target with extra practice (20 Qs/day per topic).
X – X-Factor
- Speed in simplification and accuracy in DI can boost scores by 10-15 marks.
- Practice past papers (2019-2024) from Adda247, Careerpower.
Y – Yearly Trends
- 2024 Prelims: 2 DI sets, 5 series, 6 simplification.
- 2024 Mains: 3-4 DI sets (15 Qs), focus on data sufficiency.
Z – Zero Stress Tips
- Solve 100+ MCQs weekly.
- Maintain a formula sheet.
- Rest well before mocks/exam.
Notes
- MCQ Sources: The sample set reflects IBPS PO difficulty (Easy-Moderate for Prelims, Moderate for Mains). For more, explore free resources on ibpsguide.com or smartkeeda.com.
- 2025 Specifics: Exact syllabus and weightage will be confirmed in the August 2025 notification; this guide uses 2024 trends.
- Practice: Aim for 500-700 Qs by October 2025 to master QA.