The aptitude test is the first elimination round in almost every campus and off-campus placement drive. Scoring well here separates you from the majority and earns you a seat at the technical or interview table. This guide gives you the complete topic list and a three-week preparation plan.

Section 1 — Quantitative aptitude

Expect 20 to 30 questions in 25 to 40 minutes. Mastery of these topics is non-negotiable:

Arithmetic

  • Percentages and their applications
  • Profit, loss, and discount
  • Simple and compound interest
  • Ratio, proportion, and variation
  • Time, speed, and distance
  • Time and work, pipes and cisterns

Number theory and algebra

  • HCF, LCM, and divisibility rules
  • Surds, indices, and logarithms
  • Linear and quadratic equations
  • Progressions (AP and GP)

Geometry and data interpretation

  • Mensuration: areas and volumes of common shapes
  • Data interpretation: bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, tables

The trick with quant is not memorising formulas — it is recognising which formula applies within 20 seconds of reading the question. Speed comes from pattern recognition, which only comes from volume of practice.

Section 2 — Logical reasoning

This section tests your ability to find patterns and draw inferences under time pressure.

Verbal reasoning

  • Syllogisms and logical deduction
  • Analogies and classifications
  • Statement-conclusion and statement-assumption types
  • Blood relations
  • Direction sense

Non-verbal and analytical reasoning

  • Series completion (number and letter)
  • Coding-decoding
  • Seating arrangements (linear and circular)
  • Puzzles and input-output
  • Data sufficiency

Section 3 — Verbal ability

  • Reading comprehension (two to three passages)
  • Sentence correction and error spotting
  • Para-jumbles and sentence ordering
  • Fill in the blanks (vocabulary and grammar)
  • Synonyms and antonyms

Three-week preparation plan

Week 1 — Foundations

Spend 90 minutes per day covering one topic per session. Do not time yourself yet. Build conceptual clarity first.

  • Days 1–2: Arithmetic basics
  • Days 3–4: Number theory and algebra
  • Days 5–6: Logical reasoning foundations
  • Day 7: Verbal comprehension techniques

Week 2 — Speed building

Now add the clock. Practice 30-question timed sets for each section. Target 80 percent accuracy before moving to the next topic.

  • Days 1–3: Quant mixed sets
  • Days 4–5: Reasoning mixed sets
  • Days 6–7: Verbal mixed sets

Week 3 — Full mocks

Take at least three full-length mock aptitude tests under exam conditions. Analyse every wrong answer and categorise errors as:

  • Concept gap
  • Calculation mistake
  • Misread question
  • Time pressure error

Each error type has a different remedy. Concept gaps need more study; calculation mistakes need more drill; misreads need a slower first pass; time errors need practice on pacing strategy.

Test-day tips

  • Attempt easy questions first to bank marks, then return to hard ones
  • Avoid negative guessing unless you can eliminate at least two options
  • Keep a mental clock — know your per-question budget going in
  • Stay calm: anxiety burns time. A steady pace beats a frantic one every time.

Build speed without sacrificing accuracy

Begin with an untimed diagnostic set and group mistakes by concept, not by question number. Percentages, ratios, time and work, probability, data interpretation, and number properties each need a different first step. Learn the reliable method before learning a shortcut. Then repeat a small mixed set under a timer and record both accuracy and time per question.

Use a three-pass strategy in full tests. On the first pass, answer familiar questions and flag anything that needs more than a minute. On the second, work through medium questions with a written estimate. On the final pass, attempt the hardest items only if the expected gain is worth the time. Practise mental checks for signs, units, ranges, and copied values; many avoidable errors happen after the method is already correct.

Review is where speed becomes durable. For every missed question, write the shortest explanation that would help you solve a similar one tomorrow. Once a week, mix old errors with new problems so recall is tested without the comfort of a familiar order. Balance aptitude with coding, communication, and role research. A higher score matters, but the deeper goal is calm decision-making when the test is intentionally time-pressured.