How to Prepare for Data Analysis and Interpretation or Quantitative Aptitude for IBPS PO Mains?

In previous articles, we have already discussed the significance of IBPS PO Mains exam. As we know, it is the most preferred competitive bank exam, and also a golden opportunity to grab Government Job. In IBPS PO Mains exam, the section of Data Analysis and Interpretation or Quantitative Aptitude plays a vital role. Let us first describe the criterion of this section. There will be 35 questions to be asked in a time limit of 45 minutes.  Noticeably speaking, you don’t have to solve all the questions. The last year cut-off for this section was 14, so you have to capitalize on your abilities to score to the cut-off limit.   Before discussing any further, it’s important to first discuss the exam pattern of IBPS PO Mains exam. 

Pattern of IBPS PO Mains Exam

Name of Subject Each Section	Number  of Questions	Maximum Marks	Time allotted for each section
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 Minutes
English Language	35	40	40 Minutes
Data Analysis and Interpretation	35	60	45 Minutes
General Awareness	40	40	35 Minutes
Total	155	200	180 Minutes

The major portion of Data Analysis and Interpretation comprises of Data Sufficiency and Data Interpretation questions. In IBPS PO Mains exams, the level of Data Interpretation questions is reasonably higher as relevant to Arithmetic topics are applied in it. So, now we will discuss these topics in details, so that you should get a clear perspective of attempting questions based on them in the exam.

Data Interpretation

Data Interpretation can be described as the process of analyzing data to extract information. Data Interpretation helps in drawing conclusions from the given data. There are different statistical tools which are used to represent data in organized structures. While scrutinizing and examining IBPS PO Mains 2017 Exam, we will observe that there were three sets of Data Interpretation asked which incorporated Mixed Graph, Tabular Data Interpretation and Caselet Data Interpretation. You are advised to practice this topic a lot to become perfect. The students are advised to become perfect in the fundamentals of the given topics are to attempt Data Interpretation questions with ease through Bank Coaching Durgapur.

The questions could be raised from the following Data Interpretation Graphs and they are:-

1. Pie Charts

2. Line Charts

3. Bar Graphs

4. Tabular Charts

5. Mixed Graphs

6. Paragraph/Caselet DI

7. Missing DI

The topics which come under Data Interpretation are as follows:-

1. Ration and Proportion

2. Pipe and Cistern

3. Profit and Loss

4. Speed Distance Time

5. Average

6. Percentage

7. Simple Interest & Compound Interest

The students can also face questions based on Missing or Caselet Data Interpretation in the exam. The Missing Data Interpretation can be described as specific types of Data Interpretation where data is represented generally in the table form and a few data are not there in the table. In such questions, all the data are associated to each other and on the foundation of one data, the student have to find the missing data and the solve the question asked. While solving these questions, the students should attempt to recognize the various condition of missing Data Interpretation table and then seek to find the comparison between data from the missing Data Interpretation on the basis of the given condition.

In case of questions based on Caselet Data Interpretation, you will be provided with information in the paragraph form but tables and graphs will not be provided. While solving these questions, you should strive to arrange the information given in the question in the form of table. It will simplify the question to great extent. You can now attempt these questions easily in the exam.

Number Series

The questions based on Number Series are comprised of a sequence of numbers that are logically related to each other. The students should try to identify this pattern to solve these questions easily.  The students may come across series based on following:-

1. Prime Numbers

2. Square/Cube Series

3. Difference based Series

4. Alternate term series

5. Multiplication Series

6. Division Series

7. Series concerning the combination of arithmetic functions

You must note the fact that the section of Number Series is less time-consuming and more scoring. You are supposed to cautiously examine the pattern.

Data Sufficiency

While attempting questions based on Data Sufficiency, the students should have clear understandings of various Arithmetic topics. Firstly, you are supposed to properly go through the question to find the required data to answer the question. After this, you should proceed with the provided statement. Secondly, you should never forget that you don’t have to solve the question completely. You just have to outline whether the data provide to you is sufficient enough to solve the question. You are supposed to understand the language of the questions properly without making any assumptions. You should never mark the answer after reading one or two statements. You should use the process of elimination of options to arrive at the possible answers. Do not waste too much time on one problem. You should practice hard to become efficient in solving questions based on this topic.

 Some of the Miscellaneous Questions

The students can be asked questions from the following miscellaneous topics and these topics are:-

1. Profit and loss

2. Averages

3. Simple Interest and Compound Interest

4. Ratio and Proportion

5. Time and Work

6. Time, Speed and Distance

7. Boats and Streams

8. Mixtures and Alligations

9. Probability

10. Percentage

Simplification or Approximation

The questions based on Simplification/Approximation are asked to check student’s ability to deal with the numbers. This section of questions requires a final answer for a complex calculation. In a question, whenever an expression with multiple arithmetic operations is given, the students are supposed to follow BODMAS principle for calculating the final result. You have to calculate the approximate values and then perform the operation rather than calculating the exact values in terms of decimals. BODMAS rules define the correct sequence in which operations are to be performed in a given mathematical expression to find the correct value. For simplifying an expression, you have to follow the following order- B =Bracket=, O =Order (square, cube root etc), D= Division, M= Multiplication, A= Addition, S= Subtraction.

In exam, you should attempt questions based on first three topics first and then attempt question based on Simplification, as they are very time-consuming. You should understand the basic of each and every concept properly to score well in the exam.

In this article, we have broadly explained you each and every important aspect of attempting questions based on Data Interpretation with proper reasoning.  In this particular section, there can be very lengthy or tricky question with uncharacteristic language, so it’s important to understand the language of the question well, before answering. Let us remember, speed of answering the question will be a deciding factor, so answer fast. Do attempt questions with 100% accuracy to score well and get effective IBPS PO Test Series. You should avoid guess work as this will result in negative marking. After revising the entire syllabus, do attempt as much as mock tests as you can to gain speed, accuracy and confidence before the exam day.  

All the Best!!!