Quantitative Aptitude (Elementary Maths) Weightage in Banking Exams 2025-26
Introduction
Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important sections in banking examinations. From SBI PO, SBI Clerk, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, RBI Assistant, to SIDBI, ECGC, IPPB, and JAM Exams 2025–26, the performance in this section often decides the overall outcome of the exam.
In Prelims, the focus is on speed and accuracy with simpler problem types like simplification, quadratic equations, and series. In Mains, the emphasis is on data-heavy and complex problem solving, primarily through Data Interpretation (DI), Arithmetic Word Problems, and Data Sufficiency.
Let us now look at the exam-wise topic-wise weightage for Quantitative Aptitude along with preparation strategies.
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1. SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude
The SBI PO exam is one of the most competitive banking exams. The weightage trends for Quant provide insight into the high-scoring areas.
SBI PO Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 10-12 | 10-17 | 10-11 | 5-10 | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Caselets | 3-5 | 0-5 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Missing Number Series | 0-3 | 5-6 | 0-6 | 0-6 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Wrong Number Series | 2-4 | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-6 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Arithmetic | 10-14 | 09-15 | 8-11 | 9-15 | 8-11 | 10 |
| Data Sufficiency | 0-2 | 0-3 | – | – | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Q1 & Q2 | – | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-3 | – |
| Simplification/Approximation | 0-3 | 5 | 4-6 | 0-5 | 0-6 | 0-5 |
| Quadratic Equation | 0-3 | 4-6 | 5-6 | 5-6 | 5-6 | 5-6 |
Prelims Insight: Arithmetic and Data Interpretation dominate the section. Number series and simplification add quick-scoring opportunities.
SBI PO Mains Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DI + Caselet | 20 | 18-24 | 14 | 18-20 | 19-21 |
| Number Series | 2 | 3-5 | 2-3 | 3-4 | – |
| Data Sufficiency | – | 3-4 | 3 | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Quadratic Equation | 2 | 4-5 | 4-5 | – | – |
| Quantity Comparison (Q1 & Q2) | 2 | 3-4 | – | 5 | 3 |
| Arithmetic | 5 | 3-6 | 8 | 6-8 | – |
| Misc. | 1 | 3-6 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Mains Insight: High-level and caselet-based Data Interpretation is the central focus. Candidates should expect data sufficiency and advanced arithmetic applications.
2. IBPS PO Quantitative Aptitude
Similar to SBI PO, IBPS PO has a heavy focus on Quant, especially DI and Arithmetic.
IBPS PO Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | Weightage 2024 | Weightage 2023 | Weightage 2022 | Weightage 2021 | Weightage 2020 | Weightage 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation, Caselet | 10-17 | 10-15 | 10-15 | 11-20 | 15 | 10 |
| Number Series | 0-6 | 04-06 | 05 | 05-06 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Approximation | 4-5 | 04-05 | 05-07 | 0-5 | 5 | 7 |
| Arithmetic | 7-11 | 09-15 | 10-14 | 10-12 | 10 | 7 |
| Simplification | – | – | – | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Data Sufficiency | – | 03 | – | – | – | – |
| Q1 & Q2 | 0-5 | 02-04 | – | – | – | – |
| Quadratic Equation | 0-5 | 04-05 | 04-06 | 5-6 | 5 | 6 |
Prelims Insight: Data Interpretation and Arithmetic form the majority of questions.
IBPS PO Mains Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DI, Caselet | 17-23 | 10-11 | 14 | 19 | 25 |
| Quantity Comparison | 1 | – | – | 2 | – |
| Number Series | 4 | 04-05 | 03 | 3 | 5 |
| Data Sufficiency | 2 | – | 03 | 3 | – |
| Quadratic | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | – |
| Miscellaneous | 5-7 | 08-10 | 14-16 | 8 | 10 |
Mains Insight: Advanced DI dominates IBPS PO mains quant section. Miscellaneous arithmetic remains relevant but DI is the scoring differentiator.
3. SBI Clerk Quantitative Aptitude
The SBI Clerk quant section is considered slightly easier than SBI PO but competition is intense.
SBI Clerk Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 5-11 | 5-9 | 5 | 5 | 5-6 |
| Caselets | 2-6 | – | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Missing Number Series | 0-4 | 5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Wrong Number Series | 2-4 | 5-6 | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Arithmetic | 10-15 | 7-15 | 10-12 | 8-13 | 9-10 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 8-10 | 9-15 | 10-15 | 10-13 | 10 |
| Q1, Q2 | – | – | – | 2-4 | – |
| Quadratic Equation | 0-5 | 0-6 | 0-2 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
SBI Clerk Mains Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DI/DI + Caselet | 14-20 | 11-13 | 20 | 18-20 | 19-20 |
| Quantity Comparison | 2-5 | 5 | 4-5 | 4-5 | 5 |
| Number Series | 5-6 | 2-3 | 2 | 0-2 | 5 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | – |
| Quadratic Equation | 5-6 | 3-4 | 3-4 | – | – |
| Caselet | 5 | – | – | 8 | – |
| Data Sufficiency | 3 | 3-4 | 0-3 | 5 | 0-6 |
| Arithmetic | 6-12 | 12-15 | 12-15 | 12-23 | 15-25 |
Insight: Simplification is highly important in prelims, while Mains remains heavily DI-focused.
4. IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude
IBPS Clerk Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 9-10 | 5-10 | 05 | 05 | 05 | 05 | 05 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 10-15 | 12-15 | 13-15 | 12-15 | 14 | 10 | 10 |
| Number Series | 0-5 | 5 | 05 | – | 05 | 05 | 05 |
| Quadratic Equation | – | – | – | 05 | 05 | 05 | – |
| Arithmetic Word Problems | 10-15 | 08-12 | 10-12 | 12-13 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
IBPS Clerk Mains Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topic | Weightage (2024) | Weightage (2023) | Weightage (2022) | Weightage (2021) | Weightage (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 21 | 27-31 | 20 | 20 | 18-20 |
| Arithmetic | 8 | 10 | 16-17 | 10-12 | – |
| Quadratic Equation | 6 | 03 | 04 | 04-05 | 02 |
| Data Sufficiency | 3 | 03 | 03 | – | 05 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 6 | 03-04 | 03-06 | 05 | 05 |
| Q1 & Q2 | – | 03 | – | – | – |
| Series Based | 6 | 02-03 | 03 | 02-03 | – |
Insight: Data Interpretation dominates the mains exam pattern for IBPS Clerk, with Arithmetic following.
5. RBI Assistant Quantitative Aptitude
RBI Assistant Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2022 | 2019-20 |
|---|---|---|
| DI | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Caselet | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Number Series | 0-6 | 0-5 |
| Quadratic Equation | 0-5 | 0-1 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Arithmetic | 10-13 | 10-15 |
| Total | 35 | 35 |
RBI Assistant Mains Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
| Topics | 2022 | 2019-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 & Q2 | 5 | – |
| Data Sufficiency | – | 4-5 |
| Missing Number Series | 5 | – |
| Approximation | 5-6 | 5 |
| Quadratic Equation | – | 2 |
| DI | 15 | 15 |
| Arithmetic Questions | 10 | 20 |
Insight: Prelims focuses on simplification and arithmetic, while mains revolves around DI and applied arithmetic.
6. SIDBI, ECGC, IPPB, JAM Exams – Expected Quant Trends
| Exam | Prelims (Expected 2025) | Mains/Next Stage (Expected 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| SIDBI | ~35 Qs: DI (10–12), Arithmetic (10–12), Series & Quadratic (5–8) | Higher focus on Caselet DI & Miscellaneous Arithmetic |
| ECGC PO | ~50 marks Quant: DI (~15 Qs), Arithmetic (Work, P&L, Probability, SI-CI), Series, Approx. | Mains-like exam expects high-level DI and advanced arithmetic word problems |
| IPPB | Pattern like IBPS PO: Arithmetic (10–12), Simplification (5–7), Series (5), DI (10) | DI-heavy section (20+), Arithmetic Applications and Data Sufficiency |
| JAM | Moderate to High: Arithmetic & DI most weight, with Prob. & Geometry | Caselets, DI, and logical quantitative applications |
Insight: Smaller organizational exams like SIDBI, ECGC, and IPPB align closely with PO-level difficulty, while JAM maintains a focus on speed + conceptual application.
Preparation Strategy for Quantitative Aptitude
Success in Quantitative Aptitude requires more than just rote learning of formulas. A clear, strategic approach differentiates average candidates from top scorers.
Prelims Preparation Strategy
- Speed-Building Topics: Focus on Simplification, Approximation, Series, Quadratic Equations for quick and accurate attempt building.
- Arithmetic & DI: Dedicate daily practice to Percentage, Ratio, Time & Work, SI/CI, Profit & Loss, and basic DI, as these areas dominate the prelims.
- Calculation Techniques: Learn multiplication & division shortcuts, use Vedic Maths, and train with percentage-to-fraction conversions.
- Test Practice: Attempt sectional tests and mock exams regularly within time limits.
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Mains Preparation Strategy
- High-Level Data Interpretation: Practice Missing DI, Caselets, Tabular, Pie-chart, and Mixed Graphs – these form the majority of questions.
- Application-based Arithmetic: Problems involving Work, Time-Speed, Mixture & Alligation, Probability, and Partnership are common in mains.
- Accuracy over Attempts: Unlike prelims, mains exam is not about attempting everything – but about maximizing accuracy in tough questions.
- Regular Mock Analysis: Attempt full-length mocks, analyze mistakes, and develop personalized strategies for high-level DI solving.
The Prayas India Approach to Quantitative Aptitude
At The Prayas India, we believe that Quantitative Aptitude requires a combination of conceptual clarity, shortcut mastery, and extensive practice. Our structured preparation approach includes:
- Foundation Building: Strengthening fundamentals of Arithmetic and Algebra to ensure candidates can tackle any variation of problems.
- Topic-Wise Weightage Mapping: Focusing study hours based on exam weightage trends enables aspirants to invest more time on Data Interpretation and Arithmetic – the highest yielding areas.
- Speed & Accuracy Training: Through special workshops and practice sessions, we help aspirants achieve both high speed in prelims and precision in mains.
- Mock Exams & Analysis: The Prayas India designs exam-simulated mocks to train aspirants under real exam pressure and provides detailed post-test analysis to rectify mistakes.
- Personalized Mentoring: Candidates are guided individually to build a preparation plan as per their current strengths and weaknesses.
With this structured training and consistent effort, aspirants not only score high in Quantitative Aptitude but also build the much-needed confidence for actual exam day.
Conclusion
Quantitative Aptitude will continue to be the deciding factor in Banking Exams 2025–26. While Prelims demand speed and accuracy, Mains require advanced data interpretation skills and conceptual clarity.
By analyzing previous years’ topic-wise weightage and building a smart preparation approach, aspirants can maximize scores in this crucial section. With The Prayas India’s structured methodology and expert guidance, aspirants can confidently aim for a top score in Quantitative Aptitude and ultimately secure success in their banking career.
