Key Points

Struggling with formulas, speed, accuracy, or fraction and decimal calculations in Quantitative Aptitude? Here is a 5-step preparation plan to fix that.

  • Know the syllabus first, since each exam's QA syllabus differs slightly -- don't rely on someone else telling you if your material is sufficient.
  • Master the core topics that form the foundation for other chapters and naturally improve your calculation speed.
  • Understand formulas instead of memorizing them, so you never need to recall them by rote.
  • Train for speed the right way -- build concepts and practice consistently instead of chasing shortcuts, and learn tables up to 20.
  • Practice consistently, one chapter at a time, rather than expecting to master QA overnight.
  • Maintain a journal of what you learned, mistakes made, formulas, and shortcuts, to track your progress over time.

How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude? - Your 5 Step Plan.

Some days back, I made a post on our YouTube channel, CareerRide, asking you about the challenges you face while preparing for your Quantitative Aptitude Section.

I read all your comments on my post — and I can clearly see the common challenges you’re facing are -
  • Fear of formulas,
  • Struggle with speed and accuracy,
  • Confusion about when to use which formula, and,
  • Calculations involving fractions and decimals.
I absolutely understand that these are real problems. But, trust me - they can all be solved.
I promised that I'll create content to help you deal with these challenges.
So, here’s the first post in this series.

Step-by-Step Plan for Quantitative Aptitude Preparation

Let's begin with a step-by-step plan to help you start strong and go deep in your QA preparation.

1. Know the Syllabus
Remember - Clarity is the answer to confusion.
Even before you get your study material - make sure you know your syllabus well.
Each exam has a slightly different QA syllabus — make sure you’re aware of what’s included and what’s not included in the exam you are targeting.
Tip:
Never ask anyone else - if this material is sufficient or not. The mandatory first step is - see the syllabus yourself.
2. Master the Core Topics
There are some chapters in QA that lay the foundation to everything else.
They strengthen your calculations and naturally improve your speed.
Skipping them initially makes things harder later.

Here's an effective grouping of the chapters that I provide to every batch before they begin their preparation. I recommend that you save it on your device and also read the instructions to use it properly.
3. Don’t Memorize Formulas — Understand Them
Once you truly understand how a formula has been derived, you’ll never need to memorize it again. Every CareerRide video is built with this principle — logic first, memory later.

4. Train for Speed (the Right Way)
Now, a lot of students struggle with the speed. Remember - Speed comes from clarity, not shortcuts.
Don’t chase tricks — build your concepts and practice consistently.
Just think of it : QA has over 30 chapters. Even if each chapter has just 3 shortcuts, that’s almost 100 things to memorize! Will you be able to remember so many tricks in the exam?
It’s not realistic — understanding is.
Tip:
Stop using calculators in daily life.
Learn tables up to 20 — it’s a small step with a big impact on speed.

5. Practice Consistently
See, QA isn’t about being naturally good at math — it’s about practicing the right way.
Study one chapter, solve some questions and then move to the next one.
No one masters QA overnight — but with consistency, anyone can.

Lastly, Maintain a Journal
Write down:
  • What you learned today
  • Mistakes you made
  • Important formulas
  • Shortcuts or insights you discovered
When you look back, you’ll see how far you’ve come.
Trust me, with consistent effort, you will do well.
Save this post for easy reference — and keep it close during your preparation!

About the author

Kshipra Singh

Co-Founder, CareerRide

Co-Founder of CareerRide/TutorialRide.

All articles by Kshipra Singh
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