Quantitative Aptitude: Best Books, Topics, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Exam Start Date
29th November, 2025

Aditya Jha
Aditya Jha

Table of Content

What is Quantitative Aptitude?

Quantitative Aptitude is a section of the aptitude test that measures a candidate's ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and apply mathematical concepts. It is an important part of many competitive exams, such as bank exams, government exams, and entrance exams for management programs. Many resources are available to help you prepare for Quantitative Aptitude, including books, online courses, and practice tests. With regular practice and effort, candidates can improve their Quantitative Aptitude skills and score well in competitive exams. 

Quantitative Aptitude questions are designed to test a candidate's ability to:

  • Understand and apply mathematical concepts
  • Think logically and analytically
  • Solve problems quickly and accurately
  • Work under pressure

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Topics Included In Quantitative Aptitude 

Quantitative Aptitude questions typically cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Basic arithmetic: This includes topics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
  • Algebra: This includes topics such as linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, and sequences.
  • Geometry: This includes topics such as lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, solids, and coordinate geometry.
  • Mensuration: This includes topics such as area, volume, surface area, and perimeter.
  • Statistics: This includes topics such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, and probability.
  • Probability: This includes topics such as calculating probabilities of events, dependent and independent events, and conditional probability.
  • Time and work: This includes topics such as work rate, work done, and time taken.
  • Speed and distance: This includes topics such as speed, velocity, acceleration, and distance.
  • Ratio and proportion: This includes topics such as ratios, rates, and proportions.
  • Percentage: This includes topics such as calculating percentages, discounts, and markups.
  • Interest: This includes topics such as simple interest, compound interest, and annuity.
  • Profit and loss: This includes topics such as calculating profit, loss, and break-even points.
  • Mixtures and alligation: This includes topics such as calculating the amount of two or more substances mixed together to get a desired result.
  • Data interpretation: This includes topics such as reading and interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
  • Logical reasoning: This includes topics such as solving puzzles, analyzing arguments, and drawing inferences.

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Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for MBA Preparation

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the MBA entrance exam tests your ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and apply mathematical concepts. The syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude for MBA preparation typically includes the following topics:

Quantitative Aptitude Topics

Quants Chapters

Arithmetic

Numbers, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership

Algebra

Basic Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Roots, Maxima and minima, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, Problems on Ages, Number of Integer Solutions, Smallest Value in a Maximum Function, etc.

Advance Mathematics

Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Progression and Series

Geometry

Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Co-ordinate Geometry, Basic Trigonometry

Quantitative Aptitude Weightage in Top MBA Entrance Exams?

Some of the top MBA entrance exams and the weightage of their Quantitative Aptitude section are as follows:

MBA Exam

Number of Questions

Total Marks

CAT

22

66

XAT

27

27

IIFT

25

75

CMAT

25

100

MAT

40

40

SNAP

40

45

ATMA

60

60

MAH-CET

50

50

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Best Books For Quantitative Aptitude:

When choosing a book, it is important for a candidate to consider their individual needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include the level of difficulty of the book, the format of the book (e.g., paperback, hardcover, or eBook), and the availability of practice problems. It is also important to note that no single book will cover all of the material that you need to know for the Quantitative Aptitude section of the MBA entrance exam. It is a good idea to use a variety of resources to prepare for the exam, including books, online courses, and practice tests. There are many great books available for Quantitative Aptitude preparation for MBA entrance exams. Some of the best books are as follows:

  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal: This book is a comprehensive guide to Quantitative Aptitude, covering all the major topics that are likely to be tested in competitive exams. The book is well-written and easy to understand, and it includes a large number of practice problems.
  • Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma: This book is specifically designed for the CAT exam, but it can also be used for other MBA entrance exams. The book covers all the major topics that are likely to be tested in the CAT, and it includes a large number of practice problems.
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Problem Solving Strategies by GMAT Club: This book is a great resource for learning how to solve quantitative problems effectively. The book covers a variety of problem-solving strategies, and it includes a large number of practice problems.
  • Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT: A Modern Approach by Sarvesh K. Verma: This book is a comprehensive guide to Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT exam. The book covers all the major topics that are likely to be tested in the CAT, and it includes a large number of practice problems.
  • Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Entrance Exams by Disha Experts: This book is a comprehensive guide to Quantitative Aptitude for MBA entrance exams. The book covers all the major topics that are likely to be tested in MBA entrance exams, and it includes a large number of practice problems.

How To Prepare For Quantitative Aptitude

To prepare for Quantitative Aptitude, it is vital to have a strong foundation in basic mathematics. You should also practice solving a variety of quantitative problems. Here are some tips for improving your Quantitative Aptitude skills:

  • Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at solving quantitative problems.
  • Focus on the basics. Make sure you have a strong foundation in basic mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
  • Use different resources. There are many resources available to help you prepare for Quantitative Aptitude. Use a variety of resources to find the ones that work best for you.
  • Take practice tests. Practice tests are a great way to assess your progress and identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Don't give up. Quantitative Aptitude can be challenging, but it is definitely possible to improve your skills with practice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for quantitative aptitude?

Here are some tips on how to prepare for quantitative aptitude: Learn the basics. Make sure you have a strong foundation in basic mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. There are many resources available to help you learn these topics,

What is the quantitative aptitude?

Quantitative aptitude is a section of aptitude tests that measures a candidate's ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and apply mathematical concepts.

What is quantitative aptitude example?

Here are some examples of quantitative aptitude questions: Basic arithmetic: What is 1 + 1? What is 10 x 2? What is 100 / 2? Algebra: Solve for x in the equation x + 2 = 4. Simplify the expression 2x + 3y - 4z. Find the value of a2 + b2 + c2 when a = 2, b

What is the syllabus for aptitude?

The syllabus for aptitude tests may vary depending on the specific exam, but there are some common topics that are typically covered. These topics include: Basic arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry etc.

What are the topics in quantitative aptitude for campus placement?

The topics in quantitative aptitude for campus placement typically include: Percentage, Interest, Profit and loss etc.

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