IBPS PO quantitative aptitude syllabus
IBPS PO prelims quant is arithmetic-heavy and calculation-heavy, not concept-heavy. The paper has 35 questions in 20 minutes, which leaves under 35 seconds per question. Mains tests the same skills as Data Analysis and Interpretation, a separate section of 35 questions for 60 marks. This page sits under the full IBPS PO syllabus.
Pattern
| Stage | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims, Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Mains, Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
Each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. Topic-wise question counts from past papers are not published by IBPS.
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Topics
- Simplification and approximation: BODMAS, fractions, decimals, surds and indices, with rounding to the nearest value
- Number series: missing term, wrong term, difference, ratio, square and cube patterns
- Quadratic equations: solving two equations and comparing the roots of x and y
- Percentages: increase and decrease, successive change and population problems
- Ratio and proportion, averages and ages: partnership, weighted average and age ratio after a number of years
- Profit and loss, discount: marked price, successive discount and false weights
- Simple and compound interest: annual and half-yearly compounding and the difference between the two
- Time and work, pipes and cisterns: efficiency method, alternate days and leaking tanks
- Time, speed and distance: relative speed, trains, boats and streams, and races
- Mixtures and alligations: replacement and ratio of mixing
- Mensuration: area and perimeter, volume and surface area of standard solids
- Permutation, combination and probability: basic counting and simple probability
- Data interpretation: tables, bar, line and pie charts, and caselets
What is not in the syllabus
- Trigonometry and calculus
- Coordinate geometry and advanced geometry proofs
- Statistics beyond average, ratio and basic probability
- Any question needing a calculator
How to spend the time
Memorise squares up to 30, cubes up to 15 and fractions up to 1/20 first, because every other topic depends on them. Then practise number series and quadratic equations, which are fast to solve once the patterns are familiar. Attempt the topics you solve in under 30 seconds first and return to longer arithmetic items later. Take sectional tests with the 20-minute limit.
Common mistakes
- Solving every question exactly when approximation is enough
- Attempting a long DI set before the quick number series and quadratics
- Learning formulas without calculation-speed practice
- Ignoring the 0.25 negative marking on guessed answers
- Skipping mensuration because it seems rare
Quant across the sections of IBPS PO
| Feature | Prelims quant | Mains DI |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 35 | 35 |
| Marks | 35 | 60 |
| Time | 20 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Question style | Short calculations | Multi-step data sets |
Frequently asked questions
How many quant questions are in IBPS PO prelims?
35 questions for 35 marks in 20 minutes.
Is there a quant section in mains?
Mains has Data Analysis and Interpretation with 35 questions for 60 marks.
Is quadratic equations asked every year?
IBPS does not publish a topic list per year, so prepare it as a standard topic.
Is geometry in the syllabus?
Only basic mensuration. Advanced geometry is not tested.
Do I need to memorise tables and squares?
They are not listed in the syllabus, but they decide your speed in a 20-minute section.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
What is a caselet in DI?
A paragraph of information from which you derive the numbers before answering.
Which topics are fastest to score?
Simplification, approximation, number series and quadratic equations.
Is a calculator allowed?
No. The online test provides only rough-work sheets.
Can I carry unused time to another section?
No. Each section has its own timer.