While each specific exam may have a different format in terms of total questions, number of sections, number of questions per section, negative marking and so on, the overall content structure of all upcoming bank exams is similar. The commonly tested areas are: Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation school level maths, basic charts and tables Logical Reasoning puzzles, analytical and critical reasoning English Language school level grammar, English comprehension General Awareness GK and current affairs Computer Awareness computers, applications, internetIn this detailed article, we guide you through Bank exams preparation: section format, question types, tips & tricks and strategies.

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QADI)

This section in bank exams tests your calculation skills and knowledge of school level mathematics. The challenge is that while aspirants have learnt the concepts, they have forgotten the associated formulae, concepts, properties, etc. and not had exposure to such questions since many years.The various question types asked in this section are:Question TypeNumber of QuestionsWeightage in Section

BODMAS/Calculation Techniques/Approximations10 to 1525-30%

Data Interpretation15 to 2040-50%

Odd Man Out/Complete the Series510%

Mathematics5 to 1020-25%

Data Sufficiency/Quantitative Comparison510%

Total40100%

Note that each exam may not have all these question types in one exam slot. However, these form a comprehensive list of questions appearing in the QA section. Consider each question type separately:

1) BODMAS, Calculations and Approximations The key concepts tested here are:-BODMAS rules

-Squares, cubes, square roots and cube roots

-Rules of Surds and Indices

-Multiplication and division of large numbers

-Addition and subtraction of fractions

-Approximations

Practice as many questions as you can, without using a calculator at any point. The more questions you work on, the better you become. However, only solving a large number of questions may not help. You need to look at the way you have calculated the answer and compare it with the methods given in the solution. Some basic facts that you should know when you attempt such questions:-Multiplication tables up to 30 or 35

-Squares up to 30

-Cubes up to 15

-Reciprocals up to 12

-Factorials up to 10

-Conversion from fractions to percentages and vice versa

-Direct multiplication of two-digit numbers with larger numbers (easier to do once you know the multiplication tables)

Also, whenever you approximate the given numbers, have a look at answer options to check whether they are spaced out or close to each other. Approximation may lead to incorrect answers if the answer options are very close to each other.2) Data Interpretation Since these sets are asked in groups of 5-6, you can get complete marks for a set if you understand the given data and avoid silly calculation errors. However, the calculations for these questions are often very time consuming. The calculation tips given above, along with techniques like vedic maths are helpful in increasing accuracy and speed. Sets in this section may be based on:- Tables Single or multiple- Pie Charts Based on actual values, percentages or degrees- Line Graphs Standard or cumulative- Bar Graphs Standard or cumulative- Combinations of the data sets given above Like calculation techniques, practice is important but knowledge of certain basic mathematical concepts is also helpful. These are:- Conversion between percentages and fractions, and vice versa- Averages- Percentages- Ratios In these sets, focus on understanding how the given data is to be read and what the question requires. This will help identify the required calculations and save vital time. Approximate numbers and eliminate answer options wherever possible (& applicable).3)Mathematics Maths involves the maximum amount of preparation in the QA section. Since the number of questions asked from each chapter does not exceed one or two, the amount of time required to prepare for these goes up drastically. However, these math questions cannot be ignored as you can (and should) attempt 70-80% of these based on your comfort level with certain chapters. This is unlike DI sets where you may not be able to attempt a complete set at all if you do not understand the given data/questions. These questions also help build the fundamentals of data interpretation and are required to solve data sufficiency and quantitative comparison questions. Some of these concepts are:- Averages, Ratio and Proportion, Mixtures and Alligation- Percentages, Profit and Loss (with discounts)- Simple and Compound Interest, Growth Rates- Variation, Time and Work (includes pipes and cisterns)- Time and Distance (includes trains, boats, races, etc.)- Number Theory (includes HCF, LCM, divisibility, etc.)- Linear and Quadratic Equations- Sequences, Progressions and Series (includes Arithmetic Progression., Geometric Progression, etc.)- Permutations & Combinations, Probability Do not try to solve all the individual questions. Identify chapters (and concepts) that you are most comfortable with and try to solve those first. Build your basics with school level textbooks as most questions conform to the difficulty level and style given in these textbooks.4)Data Sufficiency/Quantitative Comparison One of these two question types might appear in some QA sections. While the question structure is unfamiliar, the data within these questions is based on the concepts of calculations and mathematics covered above. The purpose of Data Sufficiency questions is NOT to solve a problem but to identify whether the problem can be solved with the given data or not. Similarly, Quantitative Comparison questions focus on finding out the relationship (>,