A numerical ability test is a type of aptitude test. It is likely said that almost all individual has taken this test at some point in their life, if for no other reason than to check his or her own ability. Just remember that the questions are all straightforward, so stay calm during the test. There are many ways to improve just by practicing.

If a person practices for this test then he will get to know the types in questions that he is likely to face and in the same way he can focus on his weaknesses. This means that the person has to make a real effort to do well in the test. This test helps to display the person’s potential so he should make the most of it.

As like all other tests, numerical ability test happens within a fixed period of time. It is also timed so that the assessor can understand not only the student’s accuracy but also how long he takes to complete a work under pressure. In most of the numerical ability test,people cannot make use of the calculator. Although they will get the rough sheet of paper to do the workouts or makes any notes if needed.

Almost all these tests have multiple choice questions. The incorrect answers are specifically chosen to be the most common wrong answer. There is no point in finishing the test before time and get all the answers wrong. The student should read the instructions thoroughly and know how to fill out the form and answer the questions correctly. The answers are generally read by the computer, so the student should make sure that he indicates the choice properly to avoid the computer to misread it.

Numerical ability test does come in a number of different ways. Some may include graphs, data or charts, and the student has to analyse the information to find the right answer. The questions may be general maths question which everyone has done in school like addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. Make sure that the student has practiced many test papers on these topics from different sources so that he can be sure that he has seen as many different types of questions as possible. Games for increasing speed and mental exercises are also available on the internet.

General topics to cover for this test- based on questions repeatedly asked in the exams here is a predictive list of important chapters for preparing. They are:-

  • Numerical problems like missing numbers, series completion etc.
  • Percentage like profit or loss percent, marks, shares, etc.
  • Expenditure problems, cash price, a market price
  • Speed and distance problem, time and work problem.
  • Average, fraction, ratios and volume
  • Factoring which includes HCF, LCM
  • Menstruation problems like calculating length, breadth or height of a square, rectangle, triangle, cube etc.
  • Simple interest and compound interest (finding the missing variable or direct question)

How to prepare for the exam:-

  • Read and understand all the questions first before answering it.
  • Know the BODMAS (brackets, order, divide, multiply, add subtract) rules and do the sums implementing the rules.
  • Use your common sense to solve the questions that are real-life oriented like distance, time or age.
  • Since you cannot carry calculators inside the exam hall, so learn the shortcut methods or formulas to solve the problems easily and quickly.
  • Time management is very essential while attending the mathematical problems, so try to so some mock papers with the same type and number of questions while preparing.
  • Try to practice as many model papers of previous years using a clock. So that you can keep a watch on how much time you are taking on a particular question.

Be it in school, college or university, maths has been the most feared subjects for many students. The trend still continues now also. Numerical ability test is all about the calculation of numbers. Unlike other aptitude tests, this paper requires simple mind calculations only. Given the job profile, a test of numerical ability mainly aims to find out how fast a student can arrive at the correct answer.

What to expect from this test?

This test checks an individual’s ability to interpret, analyse and draw logical conclusions based on the numerical data. There are various types of questions coming for this test. Each is of a different level of complexity and difficulty.

  • The easier test papers typically include simple word problems requiring to calculate percentages or some other basic arithmetical calculations or number series like single number series or Sudoku based number series. This type of questions measures an individual’s ability to work with numbers and use numerical data as a toll to make proper decisions.
  • The more complex and difficult test questions are for the graduates, postgraduates, and candidates applying for professional or managerial roles. These types of questions include more complex information presented in tables or graphs. It measures an individual’s ability to efficiency in numerical information in a logical manner, draws accurate conclusions, filters out irrelevant information, identifies critical pieces of information and solves many other problems.

Conclusion

For the last tip and the main point is practice as much as possible. There are many free resources on the internet and if someone wants can also buy question papers from a bookstore. This gives candidateself-assurance on the exam day that he can give his best. Further, it also makes the exams easier since it increases the chance of getting familiar questions. Practice is the best way to learn something, so it is always placed beside perfection. Try to enter the examination hall before time. Try to be calm and composed. Stay focus on each question you are answering. Do not jump to the next question without solving the previous one. Just keep in mind that yes you can do it. All it takes is the right mind-set to get good marks.