Scoring 28+ marks in the Numerical Ability section of SBI Clerk 2025 is possible with a good amount of practice. This section is of 35 marks, and many aspirants feel it is tough to score high because of time pressure and tricky questions. In this blog, we will share some useful tips that will help you prepare for the Numerical Ability section smartly and productively. It is possible to score good marks when you start working on the core of maths, that is, calculation. Your goal is to be a banker, and our goal is to help you reach there, so we are here to help you crack the SBI Clerk 2025 exam on your very first attempt. So, keep reading this blog till the end!
In the SBI Clerk Prelims, the Numerical Ability section has 35 questions, which are of 35 marks to be solved in 20 minutes. For each wrong answer, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted, while no penalty will be there for unanswered questions. There is no sectional cut-off in prelims. The exam is conducted online mode.
The syllabus of numerical ability includes Simplification & Approximation, Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Partnership, Problems on Ages, Averages), Number Series (Missing & Wrong), Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Quadratic Equations etc. Check the detailed Quantitative Aptitude syllabus and exam pattern for SBI Clerk.
If we look at the Numerical Ability section analysis of previous years, we see that in prelims 2 sets of Data Interpretation (10 questions) and around 10 questions from Simplification, Approximation, or Number Series questions are always asked. So, these topics together cover about 20 marks. If you practice well, you can easily attempt at least 16 questions from these. For the remaining marks, you should focus on Arithmetic topics like Profit and Loss, Percentage, Average, and Ratio. If you follow this approach, you can easily attempt 25–28 questions and boost your overall score in SBI Clerk.
Maths is all about calculation, speed, and accuracy. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, an average student, or a topper. If you can calculate quickly, you are already ahead of others in preparation. That’s why your first focus should be on calculation skills. We suggest you learn tables up to 30 so well that you don’t have to think while recalling them. After that, memorize squares up to 50 and cubes up to 30. This will make your calculations strong and faster. If you find it difficult to remember, write them down on paper and paste them near your study table so that you see them daily. Slowly, it will stick in your mind.
If we analyze the last 3–4 years’ previous year papers of SBI Clerk exams, it is clear that Speed Maths topics are dominating in prelims. Speed maths topic includes Number Series, both wrong and missing one, Simplification, and Approximation, which always come in sets of 9-10 questions. These are your sure marks if you practice enough. We suggest that you solve at least 10 questions daily from each topic with a timer. Most of the questions are easy and can be solved in minutes when you practice daily. And the plus point is you will be able to guess which question is easy and which is tricky. Because SBI does not always just test your knowledge, but also tests your ability to analyze questions smartly.
For Data Interpretation (DI), your basics should be strong in Percentage, Ratio, and Average. Once these concepts are clear to you, solving DI becomes much easier for you. You can start practicing different types of DI that are usually asked in the SBI Clerk Prelims. Here you can check the previous year’s paper. You can attempt 5 DI questions daily to build your speed and accuracy.. Once you are comfortable, move on to topic-wise DI sets and then to sectional tests. If you feel that your DI part has become strong, you can attempt more sectional tests to check your performance level.
Another very important part of preparation is Mock Tests. When you attempt a mock test, it helps you to understand the type of questions previously asked, the time limits you will get, and the topics that are always repeated. Start with one free mock test to get familiar with the exam pattern, but don’t rely only on the free mock test. Attempt more topic-wise, sectional, and full-length mocks regularly. You can also give Rank booster mocks, which are based on previous year questions, each with a different difficulty level. Follow this routine consistently, and you will see the score improvement, plus your chances of clearing the exam will increase.
Students just giving mock tests is not enough. After every mock, analyze your performance. When we tell you to analyze your performance, it means you have to sit properly for an hour to note down all the weak areas you have to work upon. After that, work on that area, clear the basis of that topic, then again reattempt that question. Don’t forget to note down the shortcuts and tricks you have learnt while solving questions. Because in the end, these notes will help you a lot to revise when only a few days will be left for the SBI prelims. Note down the topics where you made mistakes or took too much time. Reattempt those questions, prepare short notes, and write down shortcuts or tricks that can help you next time. With more practice, you’ll naturally discover new ways to solve questions faster. Keep recording these methods and revise them regularly.
Here is what successful students say about practice mock. Have a look
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