{"id":204862,"date":"2026-06-29T13:39:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T08:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/?p=204862"},"modified":"2026-06-29T13:39:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T08:09:37","slug":"sbi-po-mixture-and-alligation-preparation-strategy-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mixture-and-alligation-preparation-strategy-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"SBI PO Mixture and Alligation Preparation Strategy 2026: Concepts, Tricks, Practice Questions + Free PDF"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"yoast-breadcrumbs\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/\">Home<\/a><\/span> \u00bb <span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/category\/sbi-po\/\">SBI PO<\/a><\/span> \u00bb <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">SBI PO Mixture &#038; Alligation Strategy 2026<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>SBI PO Mixture and Alligation Preparation Strategy 2026: <\/strong>Mixture and Alligation is one of those arithmetic topics that looks intimidating in theory but becomes surprisingly fast once you understand the core method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most candidates skip it during preparation \u2014 and then spend 2\u20133 minutes struggling with it in the exam. That&#8217;s the wrong approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In SBI PO Prelims 2026, Mixture and Alligation appears as a part of the broader Arithmetic pool \u2014 and it shows up across standalone questions, word problems, and even inside DI sets. Knowing this topic well doesn&#8217;t just add direct marks. It speeds up your entire Quant section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide covers every concept, the cross method explained simply, all question types with worked examples, common mistakes, and a daily practice routine so this topic is locked in before exam day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2026 context:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-notification-2026\/\">SBI PO Notification 2026<\/a> is out with 1,500 vacancies. Prelims is in August 2026. The Quant section has 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes. Arithmetic topics \u2014 including Mixture and Alligation \u2014 contribute 5\u20138 questions. Getting these right under time pressure starts with knowing the method cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/sbi-po-test-series\/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fs1.practicemock.com%2Fexams%2F%3Fc%3Ddashboard%26i%3Dbanking%26dl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.practicemock.com%252Fpricing%252Fmarketing%252Ffiles%252Fpdf%252Fsbi-po-mixture-and-alligation_compressed.pdf&amp;ref=15921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sign Up to Download the Free SBI PO Mixture &amp; Allegation Practice PDF here!!<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Mixture and Alligation Fits in Quant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before strategy, know the exam context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Section<\/th><th>Questions<\/th><th>Marks<\/th><th>Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Quantitative Aptitude<\/td><td>30<\/td><td>30<\/td><td>20 minutes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mixture and Alligation in Quant 2026:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of the Arithmetic pool \u2014 5\u20138 questions total across all arithmetic sub-topics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expected standalone questions: <strong>1\u20133 per paper<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also appears embedded inside DI caselets and word problem sets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty: Easy to Moderate in Prelims, Moderate to Hard in Mains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time target: <strong>45\u201375 seconds per question<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This topic also connects directly to Averages, Percentages, Profit &amp; Loss, and SI\/CI \u2014 which is why learning the alligation method unlocks shortcuts across multiple topics, not just this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the full Quant topic breakdown and priority list, check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/topics-for-quants-to-maximise-your-sbi-po-prelims-score\/\">Topics for Quant to Maximise Your SBI PO Prelims Score 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core Concepts \u2014 Understand These Before Anything Else<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Mixture?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When two or more substances are combined, the result is a mixture. The key rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If a mixture of L litres contains two elements A and B in ratio p:q \u2014 and M litres of the mixture is removed \u2014 the ratio of A to B in those M litres is still p:q.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All mixtures are assumed homogenous (evenly distributed) unless stated otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Alligation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alligation is a method to find the ratio in which two ingredients must be mixed to produce a mixture at a desired mean value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It works for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Price (\u20b9 per kg of different items)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Concentration (% of solution)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Speed (average speed problems)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Percentage (weighted average of marks, interest rates, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The key formula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ratio = (Value of Dearer \u2212 Mean Value) : (Mean Value \u2212 Value of Cheaper)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the alligation rule. Everything else in this topic is a variation of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Alligation Cross Method \u2014 Explained Simply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the one method you need to learn. It solves every basic alligation question in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to draw it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Cheaper (C)          Dearer (D)\n     \\                  \/\n      \\                \/\n       Mean Value (M)\n      \/                \\\n     \/                  \\\n(D \u2212 M)              (M \u2212 C)\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The ratio of cheaper to dearer = (D \u2212 M) : (M \u2212 C)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worked Example 1 \u2014 Price-Based Mixing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rice costing \u20b940\/kg is mixed with rice costing \u20b960\/kg to get a mixture worth \u20b948\/kg. Find the ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>\u20b940                  \u20b960\n     \\              \/\n          \u20b948\n     \/              \\\n(60\u221248)=12      (48\u221240)=8\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ratio of cheaper (\u20b940) to dearer (\u20b960) = 12 : 8 = 3 : 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worked Example 2 \u2014 Concentration-Based Mixing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In what ratio should a 20% solution be mixed with a 50% solution to get a 30% solution?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>20%                  50%\n     \\              \/\n          30%\n     \/              \\\n(50\u221230)=20      (30\u221220)=10\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ratio of 20% to 50% solution = 20 : 10 = 2 : 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practise this cross method until you can draw it and fill in the values in under 15 seconds. That&#8217;s the speed the exam demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All 6 Question Types in SBI PO \u2014 With Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type 1 \u2014 Simple Mixing (Price or Concentration)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Two ingredients mixed to get a mean value. Find the mixing ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Method:<\/strong> Alligation cross directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> Milk at \u20b920\/litre mixed with water (\u20b90) to get a mixture worth \u20b916\/litre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>\u20b90 (water)           \u20b920 (milk)\n        \\            \/\n            \u20b916\n        \/            \\\n    (20\u221216)=4    (16\u22120)=16\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ratio of water to milk = 4 : 16 = 1 : 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type 2 \u2014 Finding Quantity When Ratio Is Known<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You know the mixing ratio and one quantity. Find the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> 3 kg of sugar at \u20b940\/kg is mixed with sugar at \u20b960\/kg to get a mixture at \u20b945\/kg. Find the quantity of the dearer sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1 \u2014 Apply alligation:<\/strong> Ratio of cheaper : dearer = (60\u221245) : (45\u221240) = 15 : 5 = 3 : 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2 \u2014 Use the ratio:<\/strong> Cheaper quantity = 3 kg \u2192 dearer quantity = 3 \u00d7 (1\/3) = <strong>1 kg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type 3 \u2014 Repeated Replacement (Mixture Withdrawn and Replaced)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most commonly tested advanced type. A fixed quantity is withdrawn from a mixture and replaced with a pure ingredient \u2014 repeated n times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Formula:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Final concentration of original ingredient = Initial quantity \u00d7 [(1 \u2212 Quantity removed \/ Total quantity)^n]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> A 60-litre vessel has pure milk. 6 litres is removed and replaced with water. This is repeated twice. Find the milk remaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Final milk = 60 \u00d7 (1 \u2212 6\/60)\u00b2 = 60 \u00d7 (54\/60)\u00b2 = 60 \u00d7 (9\/10)\u00b2 = 60 \u00d7 81\/100 = <strong>48.6 litres<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Step<\/th><th>Calculation<\/th><th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Initial milk<\/td><td>60 litres<\/td><td>60 L<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>After 1st replacement<\/td><td>60 \u00d7 (54\/60)<\/td><td>54 L<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>After 2nd replacement<\/td><td>54 \u00d7 (54\/60)<\/td><td>48.6 L<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type 4 \u2014 Mixing Two Mixtures (Mixture of Mixtures)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Two vessels each contain a mixture of two elements in different ratios. A quantity from each is combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Method:<\/strong> Find the quantity of each element from both vessels separately, then combine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> Vessel A has milk:water = 3:2. Vessel B has milk:water = 5:4. Equal quantities are mixed. Find the ratio in the final mixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From A (per 5 parts): Milk = 3, Water = 2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From B (per 9 parts): Milk = 5, Water = 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Take LCM of 5 and 9 = 45 parts each:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From A \u00d7 9: Milk = 27, Water = 18<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From B \u00d7 5: Milk = 25, Water = 20<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total: Milk = 52, Water = 38<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Final ratio = 52 : 38 = 26 : 19<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type 5 \u2014 Alligation Applied to Averages \/ Weighted Mean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The alligation method works identically for averages \u2014 not just prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> A class of 40 boys has an average score of 55. A class of 60 girls has an average score of 45. Find the combined average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>55 (boys)            45 (girls)\n     \\              \/\n          M\n     \/              \\\n(M\u221245)           (55\u2212M)\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Ratio of boys to girls = 40:60 = 2:3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>(M\u221245) : (55\u2212M) = 2 : 3<\/strong> 3(M\u221245) = 2(55\u2212M) 3M \u2212 135 = 110 \u2212 2M 5M = 245 <strong>M = 49<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type 6 \u2014 Profit Through Adulteration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A seller mixes a cheaper substance (often water at \u20b90) with a pure item and sells at the original price. Find profit percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shortcut:<\/strong> Profit % = (Quantity of cheaper added \/ Quantity of original) \u00d7 100<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> Milk worth \u20b920\/litre is mixed with water in ratio 4:1, and sold at \u20b920\/litre. Find profit %.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Water added per 5 litres = 1 litre Cost of 5 litres = 4 \u00d7 20 = \u20b980 Selling price = 5 \u00d7 20 = \u20b9100 <strong>Profit % = (20\/80) \u00d7 100 = 25%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All Formulas at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Concept<\/th><th>Formula<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Alligation Rule<\/td><td>Ratio = (Dearer \u2212 Mean) : (Mean \u2212 Cheaper)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Repeated Replacement<\/td><td>Final = Initial \u00d7 (1 \u2212 removed\/total)\u207f<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mixture of Mixtures<\/td><td>Calculate each element separately, then sum<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Profit by Adulteration<\/td><td>Profit % = (Adulterant qty \/ Pure qty) \u00d7 100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weighted Average<\/td><td>Apply alligation cross with group sizes as ratio<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes Candidates Make<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Mistake<\/th><th>Why It Happens<\/th><th>The Fix<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Swapping cheaper and dearer in the cross<\/td><td>Rushing through the diagram<\/td><td>Always write Cheaper on left, Dearer on right \u2014 every time<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Using SP instead of CP in price problems<\/td><td>Not reading the question carefully<\/td><td>Re-read the last line \u2014 check if mean value is CP or SP<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forgetting the \u207f in repeated replacement<\/td><td>Treating each step separately<\/td><td>Write out the formula first, then substitute values<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wrong LCM in mixture of mixtures<\/td><td>Skipping the LCM step<\/td><td>Always find LCM of both total parts before combining<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Applying alligation where weighted average is needed<\/td><td>Confusing the two methods<\/td><td>If group sizes are given, use weighted average formula<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spending 3+ minutes on a complex mixture problem<\/td><td>Not recognising the type fast<\/td><td>Identify question type in 10 seconds \u2014 skip if type isn&#8217;t clear<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Mixture and Alligation Connects to Other Topics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what makes this topic especially valuable. The alligation method is a universal shortcut that appears across multiple Quant topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Topic<\/th><th>How Alligation Helps<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Averages<\/td><td>Find combined average of two groups using cross method<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Profit &amp; Loss<\/td><td>Find ratio of items at two prices for a target profit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Simple &amp; Compound Interest<\/td><td>Find ratio of investments at two interest rates for mean return<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Percentages<\/td><td>Mix two percentage values to reach a target percentage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Speed-Distance<\/td><td>Find average speed when two speeds and distances are given<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you understand the alligation cross method, you&#8217;ll start spotting it in questions that don&#8217;t even mention &#8220;mixture.&#8221; That recognition alone saves 30\u201340 seconds per question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-2026-preparation-strategy-after-notification\/\">SBI PO preparation strategy after notification<\/a> explicitly lists Mixture and Alligation as a core Arithmetic topic to cover alongside Profit &amp; Loss, SI &amp; CI, and Ratios \u2014 practice all of these together since they share methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Mixture and Alligation Sits in Your Quant Attempt Order<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 20-minute Quant section, Arithmetic questions (including Mixture and Alligation) fall into the middle tier of your attempt sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The right attempt order:<\/strong> Simplification\/Approximation \u2192 Number Series \u2192 Quadratic Equations \u2192 <strong>Arithmetic (including Mixture &amp; Alligation)<\/strong> \u2192 DI (last)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Attempt Arithmetic questions if the method is clear within 10 seconds. If a mixture problem looks like it involves repeated replacement with complex fractions \u2014 skip it in Round 1 and return only if time permits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The full attempt order with time targets is in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-test-attempt-order-strategy-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO mock test attempt order strategy 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the skip-or-attempt decision across all Quant question types, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-accuracy-strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO mock accuracy strategy<\/a> tells you exactly when to skip a Mixture question and when to back yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daily Practice Plan for Mixture and Alligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Day<\/th><th>Topic<\/th><th>Questions<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Day 1<\/td><td>Alligation cross method \u2014 price and concentration<\/td><td>20 questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 2<\/td><td>Finding quantity when ratio is known<\/td><td>15 questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 3<\/td><td>Repeated replacement formula<\/td><td>15 questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 4<\/td><td>Mixture of mixtures (two vessels)<\/td><td>15 questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 5<\/td><td>Alligation applied to averages and weighted mean<\/td><td>15 questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 6<\/td><td>Profit through adulteration<\/td><td>10 questions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 7<\/td><td>Mixed practice \u2014 all types timed<\/td><td>25 questions under exam conditions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Day 8 onwards<\/td><td>5\u201310 Mixture questions daily alongside other arithmetic topics<\/td><td>Continuous<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From Day 8, practise Mixture and Alligation questions mixed in with Percentage, Profit &amp; Loss, and Averages. This simulates the real exam where you don&#8217;t know which arithmetic type is coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-previous-year-question-paper-solution-pdf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Previous Year Question Papers PDF<\/a> for real exam-level Mixture and Alligation questions from 2023, 2024, and 2025 papers \u2014 these give you the most accurate picture of how SBI frames these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download: Free SBI PO Mixture and Alligation PDF 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What the free resource includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All formulas and the alligation cross method \u2014 one-page quick reference<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>50 practice questions across all 6 question types<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeated replacement questions with step-by-step solutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mixture of mixtures \u2014 10 questions with detailed working<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Answer key with method explanation for every question<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/mixture-and-alligation-live-quiz-for-sbi-po\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download the Free Mixture and Alligation Questions PDF for SBI PO<\/a> \u2014 the live quiz includes exam-oriented questions based on the latest SBI PO pattern, with solutions explained in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For full Quant section practice with Mixture and Alligation in its real exam context, attempt a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/sbi-po-test-series\/?ref=15921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free SBI PO Mock Test on PracticeMock<\/a> and check your Arithmetic accuracy in the section-wise analysis after the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. How many Mixture and Alligation questions appear in SBI PO Prelims 2026?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically 1\u20133 standalone questions from this topic, plus additional appearances inside word problem sets and DI caselets. The broader Arithmetic pool contributes 5\u20138 questions total, and Mixture and Alligation is one of the most tested sub-topics within it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. What is the alligation cross method?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a visual shortcut for finding the ratio in which two ingredients must be mixed to produce a mean value. The formula is: Ratio = (Dearer \u2212 Mean) : (Mean \u2212 Cheaper). Draw a cross, put the cheaper value top-left and dearer top-right, mean in the centre, and cross-subtract diagonally to get the ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Is the alligation method only for price-based problems?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No \u2014 this is the most important thing to understand. The alligation method works for any weighted average situation: concentration of solutions, average marks of groups, average speed, interest rates, and more. The method is identical \u2014 only the values plugged in change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. What is repeated replacement and when does it appear?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Repeated replacement questions describe a vessel where a fixed quantity of mixture is removed and replaced with a pure ingredient \u2014 repeated multiple times. The formula is: Final concentration = Initial \u00d7 (1 \u2212 removed\/total)\u207f. This appears in both Prelims and Mains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. How long should a Mixture and Alligation question take in the exam?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Target 45\u201375 seconds for standard questions using the alligation cross. Repeated replacement questions may take up to 90 seconds if the formula is applied correctly from the start. If a question isn&#8217;t clear within 15 seconds of reading \u2014 skip it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Should I use the alligation cross or the formula method?<\/strong> &#8216;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the alligation cross for all ratio-finding questions \u2014 it&#8217;s faster and more visual. Use the repeated replacement formula only for questions specifically describing the &#8220;withdraw and replace&#8221; process. The cross method cannot be applied to repeated replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Does Mixture and Alligation appear in SBI PO Mains?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 and at a higher difficulty. Mains questions often combine mixture concepts with ratios, percentages, or involve three vessels instead of two. Mastering the Prelims-level concepts first is essential before attempting Mains-level variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. What&#8217;s the fastest way to improve at this topic?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn the alligation cross method on Day 1. Practise it on 20 price and concentration questions the same day. By Day 3, it becomes automatic. After that, add repeated replacement and mixture of mixtures as separate practice sessions. One week of focused daily practice is enough to make this topic reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Blogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Blog<\/th><th>What It Covers<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-syllabus-2026-prelims-mains-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Syllabus 2026<\/a><\/td><td>Complete topic-wise breakdown for Prelims and Mains<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-notification-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Notification 2026<\/a><\/td><td>1,500 vacancies, pattern changes, attempt limit, CTC updates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/topics-for-quants-to-maximise-your-sbi-po-prelims-score\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Topics for Quant to Maximise SBI PO Prelims Score<\/a><\/td><td>DI, Number Series, Simplification weightage and priority<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-exam-2026-prep-top-40-missing-number-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 40 Missing Number Series with Examples<\/a><\/td><td>40 solved Number Series questions across all pattern types<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/sbi-po-test-series\/?ref=15920\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Mock Test Series 2026<\/a><\/td><td>Free first test, 20-min sectional Quant practice, All India Rank<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-test-attempt-order-strategy-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Mock Test Attempt Order Strategy<\/a><\/td><td>Where Number Series fits in your 20-minute Quant sequence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-accuracy-strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Mock Accuracy Strategy<\/a><\/td><td>When to skip Number Series and when to attempt<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-speed-building-strategy-free-mock-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Mock Speed-Building Strategy<\/a><\/td><td>Calculation drills that support faster Number Series recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-time-management-strategy-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Mock Time Management Strategy<\/a><\/td><td>How to allocate time within the 20-minute Quant section<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-mock-question-selection-strategy-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Mock Question Selection Strategy<\/a><\/td><td>Skip-or-attempt decision framework for all Quant topics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-previous-year-question-paper-solution-pdf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Previous Year Question Papers PDF<\/a><\/td><td>Real exam Number Series questions from 2023\u20132025<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-prep-plan-quant-reasoning-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Section-Wise Preparation Plan 2026<\/a><\/td><td>Full Quant preparation strategy for Prelims 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/how-many-questions-should-you-attempt-in-sbi-po-prelims-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Many Questions to Attempt in SBI PO Prelims<\/a><\/td><td>Attempt targets \u2014 including how many Quant questions to attempt<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/sbi-po-cut-off-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBI PO Cut Off 2026<\/a><\/td><td>Expected qualifying scores to set your Number Series accuracy target<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Word<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mixture and Alligation is not a difficult topic. It&#8217;s an unfamiliar one \u2014 and familiarity comes from practice, not re-reading theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn the alligation cross on Day 1. Drill it on 20 questions. Add repeated replacement on Day 3. Mix all types from Day 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One focused week makes this topic automatic. After that, every Mixture and Alligation question in a mock test becomes a guaranteed mark \u2014 not a question you debate whether to attempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/blog\/mixture-and-alligation-live-quiz-for-sbi-po\/?ref=15921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free Mixture and Alligation quiz on PracticeMock<\/a> today. Then take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.practicemock.com\/sbi-po-test-series\/?ref=15921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">full SBI PO mock test<\/a> to see how this topic fits into your real 20-minute Quant performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Disclaimer: Exam dates, question counts, and pattern details are based on the official SBI PO 2026 notification and data available at the time of writing. Always verify the latest updates on the official SBI website: www.sbi.bank.in<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master SBI PO Mixture and Alligation with concepts, shortcuts, solved examples, practice questions, formulas, and a free PDF for 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":204868,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-204862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sbi-po"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>SBI PO Mixture and Alligation 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