Are you preparing for the IBPS PO exam and wondering how to improve your numerical ability score? Do you often find yourself struggling with calculations or running out of time while solving numerical problems? The numerical ability section is an important part of the IBPS PO exam, and improving your skills in this area is essential for success.
Practice with IBPS PO Prelims Mock Test Regularly
One of the most effective ways to improve your numerical ability is by practising consistently. A great way to do this is by taking an IBPS PO prelims mock test regularly. These tests simulate the actual exam environment and help you get familiar with the types of questions asked.
Here’s why mock tests are beneficial:
- Time management: Taking mock tests helps you develop a strategy for managing your time
- Identifying weak areas: You’ll discover which areas of numerical ability need more practice, allowing you to focus on them.
- Improving accuracy: Consistent practice helps you reduce careless mistakes, improving your overall score.
Master the Basics Before Taking On Advanced Topics
Before tackling complex problems, it’s essential to have a strong grasp of the basic concepts of numerical ability. Foundational topics like percentages, ratios, and time and work are the building blocks of more advanced questions. Without mastering these fundamentals, solving difficult problems becomes unnecessarily challenging.
Focus on revising key arithmetic, algebra, and geometry concepts while also practising basic calculations to improve your mental math speed and accuracy. Additionally, work on learning shortcuts for common problems such as percentage calculations and simple interest to enhance both efficiency and confidence.
Learn and Apply Shortcuts to Save Time
In competitive exams like IBPS PO, time is of the essence. Mastering shortcut techniques can significantly reduce the time spent on numerical ability questions. Instead of performing long calculations, shortcuts can help you solve questions more quickly and efficiently.
Here’s how to make the best use of shortcuts:
- Memorise common formulas: Learn and apply essential formulas for topics like compound interest, time and distance, and profit and loss.
- Practice speed maths: Engage in regular speed maths sessions to sharpen your ability to perform quick calculations.
- Use approximation: When possible, use approximation techniques to simplify calculations and save time.
Focus on Important Numerical Ability Topics
The IBPS PO numerical ability section covers a wide range of topics, but certain areas tend to carry more weight, making it essential to focus your preparation on these key topics. Spend extra time practising frequently asked topics like data interpretation, which often carries significant marks and requires interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables.
Simplification and approximation questions are relatively easy and can be solved quickly with regular practice. Additionally, number series can help boost your score if you can quickly recognise patterns, while quadratic equations and factorisation techniques are vital areas to brush up on. Prioritising these topics will maximise your score potential in the exam.
Review and Analyse Your Performance
Simply practising questions is not enough; you also need to analyse your performance and learn from your mistakes. After each study session or IBPS PO prelims mock test, take time to review your answers and understand where you went wrong. Analyse the questions you found difficult and revisit the concepts you struggled with.
Here’s how to review effectively:
- Understand your mistakes: Figure out why you made certain errors—was it due to a lack of knowledge, poor time management, or a calculation mistake?
- Track your progress: Keep a record of your test scores and track how your accuracy and speed improve over time.
- Refine your strategy: Adjust your study plan and test-taking strategy based on your performance analysis.
Improving your IBPS PO numerical ability score doesn’t have to be daunting. By mastering the basics, practising with an IBPS PO prelims mock test, learning shortcuts, and focusing on important topics, you can steadily enhance your performance. Don’t forget to review and analyse your progress to stay on the right track.
Hina Abbasi is Editor and a passionate sports and entertainment content writer at WinnersMaze.com. Hina’s expertise spans across a wide range of sports, and interest in many TV shows allowing her to deliver insightful analysis and compelling stories that resonate with readers.