Master aptitude tests with proven strategies, shortcuts, and formulas. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic concepts to advanced problem-solving techniques used by top scorers.
Aptitude tests are the first and most crucial filter in campus placements and competitive exams. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and hundreds of others use aptitude tests to screen candidates before interviews. A strong aptitude score doesn't just get you through—it often determines your interview slot priority and even salary negotiations.
The good news? Aptitude tests are highly learnable. Unlike IQ tests, aptitude tests follow patterns that can be mastered with systematic practice. This guide will give you everything you need: concepts, shortcuts, formulas, practice strategies, and test-taking tips.
Aptitude tests measure your ability to perform tasks, react to situations, and solve problems. They assess learned skills through standardized questions. Most aptitude tests for placements have three main sections:
Quantitative
Math skills, number problems, data interpretation
~40% of questions
Logical
Patterns, puzzles, analytical reasoning
~35% of questions
Verbal
Reading, grammar, vocabulary
~25% of questions
| Company | Test Name | Duration | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCS | TCS NQT | 90 min | Quant, Verbal, Reasoning, Coding |
| Infosys | InfyTQ | 60 min | Quant, Verbal, Logical |
| Wipro | NLTH | 60 min | Quant, Verbal, Logical, Essay |
| Cognizant | GenC | 60 min | Quant, Verbal, Logical |
| Capgemini | Game-Based | 60 min | Behavioral, Logical, Quant |
Quantitative aptitude tests your numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Here's a complete breakdown of topics by priority:
Percentages, Profit & Loss
Base calculations, successive percentages, discounts, cost price/selling price
Ratio & Proportion
Simple ratios, compound ratios, partnerships, mixtures
Time & Work
Work efficiency, pipes & cisterns, work equivalence
Time, Speed & Distance
Average speed, relative speed, trains, boats & streams
Number System
Divisibility, remainders, LCM & HCF, factors
% = (Part / Whole) × 100
% Change = ((New - Old) / Old) × 100
Successive % change: a + b + (ab/100)
Profit = SP - CP
Profit % = (Profit / CP) × 100
SP = CP × (100 + Profit%) / 100
If discount = d% and markup = m%, then Profit = (m - d + md/100)%
If A can do work in n days, A's 1 day work = 1/n
If A & B together: 1/A + 1/B = 1/Total days
Work = Efficiency × Time
M₁D₁H₁ / W₁ = M₂D₂H₂ / W₂
Speed = Distance / Time
Average Speed = 2ab / (a + b) for equal distances
Relative speed (same direction) = |S₁ - S₂|
Relative speed (opposite direction) = S₁ + S₂
Boats: Downstream = b + s, Upstream = b - s
SI = (P × R × T) / 100
CI = P(1 + R/100)ⁿ - P
Difference for 2 years: CI - SI = P(R/100)²
Difference for 3 years: CI - SI = PR²(300 + R) / 100³
Sum of n natural numbers = n(n+1)/2
Sum of squares = n(n+1)(2n+1)/6
Sum of cubes = [n(n+1)/2]²
Sum of first n odd = n²
Sum of first n even = n(n+1)
These shortcuts can save 30-50% of your solving time:
| Percentage | Fraction | Quick Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 1/10 | Move decimal left 1 place |
| 12.5% | 1/8 | Divide by 8 |
| 20% | 1/5 | Divide by 5 |
| 25% | 1/4 | Divide by 4 |
| 33.33% | 1/3 | Divide by 3 |
| 50% | 1/2 | Divide by 2 |
| 66.67% | 2/3 | Multiply by 2, divide by 3 |
| 75% | 3/4 | Multiply by 3, divide by 4 |
Logical reasoning tests your ability to analyze patterns, make deductions, and solve abstract problems. Unlike quant, logic has no formulas—it requires structured thinking and practice.
Seating Arrangements
Linear, circular, rectangular seating with conditions
Tip: Always draw diagrams. Start with the most constrained elements.
Blood Relations
Family tree problems, relationship mapping
Tip: Use + for male, - for female. Draw family trees.
Coding-Decoding
Letter shifts, number codes, symbol-based codes
Tip: Look for patterns in position changes.
Syllogisms
All/Some/No statements and conclusions
Tip: Use Venn diagrams. Check all possible cases.
Series & Patterns
Number series, letter series, figure patterns
Tip: Check for +/-, ×/÷, prime numbers, squares.
Verbal ability tests your English language skills—reading, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. It's often the easiest section to score in if you have basic English proficiency.
Reading Comprehension
Passage-based questions testing understanding and inference
Tip: Read questions first, then skim passage for answers.
Sentence Correction
Identify and correct grammatical errors
Tip: Look for subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, modifiers.
Para Jumbles
Arrange sentences in logical order
Tip: Find the opening sentence first, then look for connectors.
Fill in the Blanks
Choose correct word for context
Tip: Understand the sentence meaning before looking at options.
Vocabulary
Synonyms, antonyms, word meanings
Tip: Learn word roots—helps guess unknown words.
Different companies have different test patterns. Here's what to expect:
TCS NQT
Infosys
Wipro NLTH
Cognizant GenC
| Phase | Time % | Action |
|---|---|---|
| First Pass | 60% | Answer easy/medium questions |
| Second Pass | 25% | Attempt difficult questions |
| Review | 15% | Check answers, fix errors |
Try these sample problems to test your understanding:
Q1: Percentage
If A is 20% more than B, then B is what percent less than A?
B is 16.67% less than A. (Using formula: 20/120 × 100 = 16.67%)
Q2: Time & Work
A can complete work in 10 days, B in 15 days. How many days together?
6 days. (1/10 + 1/15 = 1/6, so 6 days together)
Q3: Series
What comes next? 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
42. (Pattern: n(n+1), so 6×7 = 42)
Q4: Blood Relation
A is B's brother. C is A's mother. D is C's father. How is B related to D?
B is D's grandchild. (D → C → A & B)
Q5: Sentence Correction
Find the error: "Each of the students have submitted their assignment."
"have" should be "has". "Each" is singular, requires singular verb.
Quantitative Aptitude
Logical Reasoning
Verbal Ability
All-in-One
How much practice is enough?
Aim for 30-60 minutes daily for 30 days minimum. Quality over quantity—understand concepts, don't just solve mechanically.
I'm weak in math. Can I still crack aptitude tests?
Absolutely. Aptitude math is different from academic math—it's about patterns and shortcuts. With practice, anyone can improve significantly.
Are calculators allowed?
Usually no. That's why mental math shortcuts are crucial. Some online tests have built-in calculators for complex calculations.
Should I focus on speed or accuracy?
Accuracy first, then speed. A wrong answer with negative marking hurts more than skipping. Build speed gradually through practice.
How do I improve my weak areas?
Identify weak topics through mock tests. Study the concepts, practice 20-30 problems of that type, then take another mock. Repeat until confident.
Is it possible to prepare in 1 week?
Possible but not ideal. Focus on high-frequency topics, learn shortcuts, and take 2-3 mock tests. You can still pass, but longer prep gives better scores.
Aptitude tests reward consistent practice. The formulas and tricks in this guide will help, but real improvement comes from daily practice. Start with 30 minutes today—every question you solve brings you closer to your dream job.
Remember: aptitude tests are learnable skills, not measures of intelligence. With the right approach, anyone can score high. Your placement success starts with the preparation you do today.
Every problem you practice today is a step toward your dream career. Start now! 📊
Written by Sproutern Career Team
Based on analysis of aptitude tests from 100+ companies and feedback from successful candidates.
Regularly updated
