Skip to content
Free shipping above ₹499
Oakspine Press

Banking & Insurance

Numerical Ability for IBPS Clerk

Tested in both stages: 35 questions in the prelims and a quantitative aptitude section in the mains. Expect simplification, approximation, number series, data interpretation and arithmetic word problems. The mains section is harder, and its size has changed between recent cycles.

8 guides·Conducted by Institute of Banking Personnel SelectionOfficial website

Study in this order

  1. 1A numerical ability plan for IBPS ClerkIn the IBPS Clerk prelims, numerical ability is 35 questions in 20 minutes, about 34 seconds each. Calculation speed and question choice decide the section. Topic priorities, a six-week order, daily drills, one worked question of each key type, and practice with answers. 6 min read
  2. 2Simplification for IBPS ClerkSimplification is often a sizeable block of the clerk prelims numerical section, and each question should take under 30 seconds. BODMAS, mental shortcuts and why they work, what to memorise, six worked examples and eight practice questions with answers. 6 min read
  3. 3Approximation for IBPS Clerk24.98% of 399.7? Call it 25% of 400. Approximation questions reward confident rounding, not exact arithmetic. How to round and why it works, when to be careful, how to use the options, six worked examples including a trap, and eight practice questions. 6 min read
  4. 4Number series for IBPS ClerkA row of numbers with one missing or one wrong. Clerk-level series follow a handful of patterns: differences, multiplication, squares and cubes, mixed operations and alternate terms. A checking routine and why it works, seven worked examples, and eight practice questions with answers. 6 min read
  5. 5Data interpretation for IBPS ClerkA table or chart and five questions built on it. Clerk-level DI mostly tests percentages, ratios and averages on the data given. How to read a set fast, the calculation shortcuts and why they work, a fully worked table set and a pie-chart practice set with answers. 7 min read
  6. 6Quadratic equations for IBPS ClerkTwo equations, one in x and one in y, and you decide the relation between x and y. Quadratic comparison is fast marks once you factorise quickly. The splitting method and why it works, the sign rule, the comparison rule, five worked examples and seven practice questions. 7 min read
  7. 7Percentage for IBPS ClerkPercentage is the base of profit and loss, interest, DI and approximation. Fraction equivalents, percentage change, successive changes, "more than or less than", reverse percentages and consumption questions, each with the reason it works, six worked examples and eight practice questions. 6 min read
  8. 8Profit, loss and discount for IBPS ClerkCost price, selling price, marked price and discount. Four terms and a handful of formulas cover most profit and loss questions. The formulas and why they work, the CP = 100 method, mark-up with discount, false weights, six worked examples and eight practice questions. 5 min read

New Numerical Ability guides are added regularly. Back to all IBPS Clerk guides