If you’re preparing for placements, internship tests, or competitive exams, one skill you can’t ignore is aptitude.
Aptitude tests measure your problem-solving, logical reasoning, and numerical ability — the key qualities every company looks for in a student.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a math genius to ace aptitude.
All you need is the right concepts, consistent practice, and reliable free resources — and that’s exactly what this post will help you with.
Let’s start with the basics.
1. Percentages
Percentages form the foundation of aptitude. They appear in almost every topic — profit & loss, discounts, and data interpretation.
Tip: Learn to quickly convert fractions to percentages and vice versa.
Example: A price rises from ₹100 to ₹120 — that’s a 20% increase.
2. Ratio and Proportion
Used in problems involving mixtures, ages, and partnerships.
Formula Reminder: Cross-multiply to find missing values.
Example: If A:B = 2:3 and B:C = 4:5, then A:B:C = 8:12:15.
3. Averages
A simple yet frequently asked topic in aptitude tests.
Formula: Average = (Sum of quantities) ÷ (Number of quantities)
Example: Average of 10, 20, 30 = (10 + 20 + 30) / 3 = 20.
4. Time, Speed, and Distance
These three concepts are interrelated and appear often in exams.
Formulas:
Speed = Distance / Time
Time = Distance / Speed
Example: A car covers 60 km in 2 hours → speed = 30 km/h.
5. Simple and Compound Interest
Essential for finance-related and bank exam questions.
Formulas:
SI = (P × R × T) / 100
CI = P × [(1 + R/100)^T – 1]
Example: ₹1000 at 10% SI for 2 years = ₹200 interest.
6. Profit, Loss, and Discount
Based on percentages and real-world scenarios.
Formulas:
Profit % = (Profit / Cost Price) × 100
Discount % = (Discount / Marked Price) × 100
Example: Buy at ₹100, sell at ₹120 → 20% profit.
7. Time and Work
Focuses on how individual and combined efforts contribute to completing a task.
Concept: Work = Rate × Time
Example: If A completes a job in 10 days → A’s one-day work = 1/10.
8. Number System
Covers divisibility, remainders, and prime numbers.
Tip: Learn divisibility rules for 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.
Example: 7 divides 343 exactly → 343 is divisible by 7.
9. Simplification and BODMAS
Accuracy in calculations starts here.
Rule: Brackets → Orders → Division → Multiplication → Addition → Subtraction
Example: 5 + 2 × (10 – 4) = 17.
10. Probability and Permutations (Basics Only)
Focus on understanding basic probability and counting principles.
Formula: Probability = Favourable Outcomes / Total Outcomes
Example: Probability of getting a head in a coin toss = 1/2.
Why Learning Aptitude Is Important
Whether you’re preparing for campus placements, government exams, or interviews, aptitude is the first elimination round.
But beyond exams — it also improves your logical thinking, time management, and problem-solving ability in real life.
So if you start now, and practice 30–45 minutes daily, you’ll build confidence faster than you think.
Best Free Websites to Learn Aptitude
IndiaBix
- Best for beginners.
- Topic-wise questions, explanations, and mock tests.
- Ideal for daily self-practice.
PrepInsta
- Focused on placement aptitude (TCS, Infosys, Wipro).
- Includes previous year papers and company-wise questions.
GeeksforGeeks Aptitude Section
- Simple, structured, and beginner-friendly explanations.
- Perfect for quick concept revision.
FreshersNow
- Best for practice tests & company-specific mock questions.
Best YouTube Channels to Learn Aptitude for Free
| Channel | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🎯 TalentBattle | Aptitude + Company test guidance |
| 💡 Python Life | Real placement questions explained |
| 📚 Code Step by Step | Live classes, shortcuts, and tricks |
| 🧩 AptitudeAcademy | Formula-based and shortcut learning |
| CarrerRide | Technical Interviews, Non-technical Interviews, Aptitude, Reasoning |
Best Free Mobile Apps for Daily Practice
| App | Platform | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Aptitude | Android | Short daily quizzes & formulas |
| PrepInsta Prime (Free Tier) | Android/iOS | Placement-focused practice |
| IndiaBix App | Android | Offline topic practice |
| Testbook | Android/iOS | Mock tests and analysis |
| Career Launcher Aptitude App | Android/iOS | Bite-sized learning & tips |
Free Books & PDFs (Optional Reads)
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Agarwal (most popular beginner book)
- Arihant Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
- Previous Year Placement Papers (from PrepInsta/Reddit)
Daily Practice Plan (for Beginners)
Here’s a simple 30-minute daily plan:
- Day 1–2: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
- Day 3–4: Averages, Time-Speed-Distance
- Day 5–6: Profit & Loss, Simple Interest
- Day 7–8: Number System, Simplification
- Day 9–10: Probability, Revision & Mock Tests
Keep track of your progress with free mock tests on IndiaBix or PrepInsta.
Final Words
Learning aptitude isn’t about memorizing formulas — it’s about understanding logic and practicing smart.
Start with one concept per day, take short quizzes, and focus on speed and accuracy.
The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
And remember — aptitude is not just for exams; it’s for life.