Numerical Ability - What to Prepare ?

After the announcement of IBPS notifications for various exams we've got more than 60 queries asking the difference between Quantitative Aptitude and Numerical Ability. This is because they've mentioned Quantitative Aptitude in PO's notification but they've asked for Numerical Ability in Clerical (RRB's) notification. So in this post we shall discuss about what the Numerical Ability is and what should we prepare for this section. 

What is Numerical Ability ?

The word Numerical Ability is derived from the word Numeracy, which meant the ability to apply simple numerical concepts. So we can define the Numerical Ability as the ability to solve numerical problems using the four fundamental rules of arithmetic. Those are

1. Addition
2. Subtraction
3. Multiplication and
4. Division

So, the main focus of this section is to check the candidate's ability of calculating basic mathematical problems in less time (calculation based). Where as in Quantitative Aptitude they will check the candidate's ability of applying his / her own logic to solve the given problems (formula based).

Important Note : But now a days they are using the terms Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude almost  interchangeably.

What to Prepare for Numerical Ability Section ?

• We have already made a list of basic Numerical Ability shortcut techniques. Have a look,
• Techniques to Improve Calculation Speed
• Additions Shortcuts
• LCM and HCF
• Average
• Another Shortcut Method for finding Squares 
• Speed Maths Shortcuts - Pdf file
• Squares, Square Roots and Cube Roots Pdf File
• Mathematical Tables in MP3 format
• Trachtenberg Speed Maths - Pdf Version

Is it enough to prepare above mentioned topics for Numerical Ability ?

NO, The main focus will be on above mentioned topics. You can score 30 to 35 marks from the above mentioned topics. For remaining 15 to 20 marks they are asking basic conceptual problems like profit & loss, Time and Distance etc.... So you should get the basic knowledge of following concepts too,

• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Ratio and Proportions
• Mixture and Allegation
• Number Systems / Series
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Probability
• Partnership

That's all for now friends. Hope this post helps you in your preparation. Happy Reading :)