The LIC Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) exam is one of the most competitive insurance exams in India. While many aspirants clear the cut-off, very few manage to score high marks in Quantitative Aptitude, which is seen as the most time-consuming section of the Prelims. But, scoring 28+ marks out of 35 in Quant is absolutely possible if you follow the right preparation strategy, learn smart calculation techniques, and practice with real exam-level questions. In this blog, we will cover everything step by step, including important topics, formulas, tricks, time management, and exam-day hacks that will help you maximize your Quant score.
LIC AAO Prelims Quant Exam Pattern
Before jumping into strategies, let’s quickly look at the Quantitative Aptitude exam structure:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
This means 1 question = 1 mark, and you get only 20 minutes. To score 28+, you need to attempt at least 30 questions with high accuracy.
Important Topics in LIC AAO Quant
Quantitative Aptitude in LIC AAO mainly revolves around the following topics:
- Simplification & Approximation (5–7 Qs)
- Number Series (Missing/Wrong) (5 Qs)
- Data Interpretation (DI) – Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets (10–12 Qs)
- Arithmetic Word Problems – Time & Work, Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Partnership, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Ages, Ratio & Proportion, Probability, Mensuration, Mixtures (8–10 Qs)
To reach 28+ marks, you must master Simplification, Number Series, and DI, while also being strong in basic Arithmetic.
Topic-Wise Preparation Strategy For Scoring 28+ in Quant
Check the topic-wise strategy to score maximum in the Quant section of the LIC AAO Prelims 2025. We have covered the strategy for the four most important and most asked topics here. First is Simplification and Approximation. Second is Number Series. Third is Data Interpretation. And the last one is Arithmetic word problems.
Improve Speed in Simplification & Approximation
- Weightage: 5–7 marks
- This topic is generally considered easy and scoring. It can be solved within 10 to 15 seconds if you know tricks.
- Important Tricks:
- Learn BODMAS rule (Bracket, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction).
- Memorize square roots (1–30) and cube roots (1–20).
- Learn percentage-to-fraction conversions (e.g., 1/8 = 12.5%, 2/5 = 40%).
- Practice approximation by rounding numbers (e.g., 298.9 is approximately 300).
Example Shortcut:
Q. 48.9 × 19.9 = ?
Instead of multiplying directly, round off: 49 × 20 = 980 (saves time).
Approach Number Series Questions Smartly
- Weightage: 5 marks
- Types: Missing series, Wrong number series.
- Patterns to Learn:
- Multiplication/Division pattern
- Difference pattern (+2, +6, +18, …)
- Squares/Cubes involvement
- Prime numbers involvement
Shortcut Approach:
- Check the difference between numbers first.
- If there is a greater gap between numbers, try multiplication or squares.
- If there is a smaller gap between the numbers, check addition/subtraction.
Solve Data Interpretation (DI) Sets
- Weightage: 10–12 marks (most crucial part).
- Types of DI in LIC AAO:
- Tabular DI
- Bar Graph / Line Graph
- Pie Chart
- Caselet DI (paragraph-based)
Strategy to Solve DI Quickly:
- Read the question carefully before looking at the data.
- Approximate where possible.
- Use percentage shortcuts:
- 10% of X = X/10
- 25% of X = X/4
- 12.5% of X = X/8
- Memorize squares up to 30 & cubes up to 20 for faster calculations.
Example Trick:
If total students = 1200, Boys = 40%, Girls = ?
Girls = 100 – 40 = 60% of 1200 = 720 (done in seconds).
Practice More Arithmetic Word Problems
- Weightage: 8 to 10 marks
- Topics to Cover:
- Ratio & Proportion
- Percentages
- Profit, Loss & Discount
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Averages
- Probability & Permutations
Formula Shortcuts:
- Simple Interest (SI) = (P × R × T)/100
- Compound Interest (CI) = P(1 + R/100)^T – P
- Speed, Distance, Time: Speed = Distance/Time
- Work Formula: Work = Rate × Time
Example (Time & Work):
A can complete work in 12 days, B in 16 days. Together = ?
LCM(12,16) = 48
A = 4 units/day, B = 3 units/day – Together = 7 units/day
Total work = 48 -> 48/7 = 6.85 days
Shortcuts & Calculation Tricks For LIC AAO Quant
- Multiplication Shortcuts
- (a + b)(a – b) = a² – b²
- (x + y)² = x² + 2xy + y²
- Fraction to Percentage Conversions
- 1/2 = 50%
- 1/3 = 33.33%
- 1/4 = 25%
- 1/5 = 20%
- 1/6 = 16.66%
- Squares (1–50) & Cubes (1–30) Must be on fingertips.
- Approximation: Round off big numbers for DI and Approximation.
Time Management Strategy (20 Minutes)
To score 28+, you must balance speed & accuracy. Below is the idea time split for Quant in LIC AAO Prelims.
- Simplification/Approximation: 4 mins (5–7 Qs)
- Number Series: 3 mins (5 Qs)
- DI: 7–8 mins (10–12 Qs)
- Arithmetic: 5–6 mins (8–10 Qs)
Attempt in this order: First secure easy marks (Simplification, Series), then DI, then Arithmetic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in LIC AAO Quant
Below are the 4 common mistakes to avoid if you want to score 28+ marks in Quant in LIC AAO Prelims.
- Spending too much time on one tough DI set.
- Guessing without elimination leads to negative marking.
- Ignoring Arithmetic basics (it can fetch 5–6 extra marks).
- Not practicing with a timer causes mismanagement in exams.
Mock Tests & Analysis is the Key to Score 28+
The only way to consistently score high in Quant is through mock tests and analysis.
- Start with topic tests (5 to 10 mins) from PracticeMock Platform.
- Attempt full-length mocks from Mini mocks to simulate exam pressure.
- Use Banking Package (Pro, Plus, or Max) for in-depth solutions, PDFs, and practice.
After every mock:
- Note down the questions you got wrong.
- Re-solve them the next day.
- Track your accuracy % (must be 85 to 90%+).
- With regular practice, your accuracy will increase in Quant.
Additional Tips to Ensure 28+ in Quant
Check the additional tips to ensure you get above 28 marks in the Quant section.
- Target Easy Wins: Attempt Simplification & Series first.
- Choose DI Wisely: If one set looks lengthy, skip and attempt the other.
- Maintain 90% Accuracy: Avoid blind guesses.
- Revise Formulas Daily: Keep a one-page formula sheet.
- Stay Calm: A relaxed mind calculates faster.
LIC AAO Prelims Quant – 1 Month Study Plan
Check LIC AAO Prelims Quant 1-month or 30-day, or 4 weeks study plan:
| Day | Topics to Study & Practice | Practice Questions | Notes/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Day 1–7): Basics + Foundation | |||
| Day 1 | Simplification (BODMAS, Squares, Cubes, % to Fractions) | 30 Qs | Learn fast calculation tricks |
| Day 2 | Approximation (rounding off, % values) | 25 Qs | Practice speed & accuracy |
| Day 3 | Number Series – Missing Series | 30 Qs | Identify common patterns |
| Day 4 | Number Series – Wrong Number Series | 25 Qs | Focus on difference/multiplication |
| Day 5 | Data Interpretation (Tabular DI – Easy) | 20 Qs | Start with simple tables |
| Day 6 | Arithmetic – Ratio, Proportion, Averages | 20 Qs | Revise basic formulas |
| Day 7 | Arithmetic – Percentages, Profit & Loss | 20 Qs | Focus on % shortcuts |
| Week 2 (Day 8–14): DI + Arithmetic Focus | |||
| Day 8 | Data Interpretation – Bar Graph | 25 Qs | Learn approximation usage |
| Day 9 | Data Interpretation – Line Graph | 25 Qs | Compare trends quickly |
| Day 10 | Arithmetic – Simple & Compound Interest | 20 Qs | Revise CI formula tricks |
| Day 11 | Arithmetic – Time, Speed & Distance | 20 Qs | Train with shortcut ratios |
| Day 12 | Arithmetic – Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns | 20 Qs | Use LCM method |
| Day 13 | Data Interpretation – Pie Chart | 20 Qs | Practice % conversions |
| Day 14 | Mixed Practice – DI + Arithmetic (Mini Mock) | 25 Qs | Time yourself (20 min) |
| Week 3 (Day 15–21): Mixed Practice + Speed Building | |||
| Day 15 | Simplification + Approximation (Mixed Set) | 40 Qs | Solve within 12 min |
| Day 16 | Number Series (Mixed – Missing + Wrong) | 35 Qs | Practice spotting logic fast |
| Day 17 | Arithmetic – Mixture & Alligation | 20 Qs | Use alligation diagram |
| Day 18 | Arithmetic – Partnership & Ages | 20 Qs | Formula-based practice |
| Day 19 | Data Interpretation – Caselet DI | 20 Qs | Focus on paragraph-based DI |
| Day 20 | Arithmetic – Probability & Permutations | 15 Qs | Keep formulas ready |
| Day 21 | Sectional Test – Quant (35 Qs in 20 min) | 1 Full Test | Analyze accuracy |
| Week 4 (Day 22–30): Mock Test + Revision | |||
| Day 22 | Revise Simplification & Approximation | 30 Qs | Focus on weak areas |
| Day 23 | Revise Number Series (All types) | 25 Qs | Time yourself |
| Day 24 | Revise Arithmetic – SI/CI, Profit & Loss | 20 Qs | Shortcuts only |
| Day 25 | Revise Arithmetic – TSD, Work, Mixtures | 20 Qs | Solve with LCM/ratio |
| Day 26 | Revise DI – Tables & Graphs | 20 Qs | Practice approximation |
| Day 27 | Full-Length Mock Test (Prelims) | 1 Test | Analyze mistakes |
| Day 28 | Revision of Formulas & Tricks | – | Keep a formula sheet |
| Day 29 | Sectional Quant Test (35 Qs, 20 min) | 1 Test | Accuracy > 85% |
| Day 30 | Final Mock Test (Prelims level) | 1 Test | Simulate real exam |
Set Some Basic Rules For Quant:
- Spend 2–2.5 hours daily on Quant.
- First 15 days -> focus on concepts + basics.
- Next 7 days -> mix topics + speed practice.
- Last 7 days -> only mocks + revision.
- Always analyze mistakes after mocks.
Conclusion
Scoring 28+ in Quantitative Aptitude is not about attempting every single question, it’s about choosing the right questions, solving them quickly, and maintaining accuracy. With shortcuts, formula revision, and mock test practice, you can easily cross this benchmark.
Remember:
Simplification + Number Series = Quick Marks
DI = High-Weightage Scorer
Arithmetic = Difference-Maker
If you follow this roadmap and practice daily with PracticeMock’s Quality Study Material, you’ll be well-prepared to ace LIC AAO Prelims Quant with 28+ marks.
Also read other related blogs:
| LIC AAO Syllabus and Exam Pattern | LIC AAO Previous Year Cut-offs |
| LIC AAO Eligibility Criteria | LIC AAO Salary |
| LIC AAO Study Plan | LIC AAO Preparation Strategy |
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FAQs – How to Score 28+ Marks in LIC AAO Quant (Prelims)
You need a minimum of 18 marks out of 35 marks to qualify in the Quant section of LIC AAO Prelims.
No. There is no negative marking in the LIC AAO exam (Prelims and Mains both). Therefore, you should attempt all questions with utmost accuracy to score well in each section.
The questions from the Quant section are moderate to difficult level in the LIC AAO Prelims.
There is no limit to the number of attempts in the LIC AAO. As long as you fall under the eligibility criteria, you can appear in this exam.
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