Yes. Prelims Quant is mostly school-level calculation and arithmetic. Start with the formula-light topics (simplification, approximation, number series, quadratic), aim for a steady score rather than the top score, and use English and Reasoning to carry your total.
Yes, many selected candidates are not strong in maths. SBI Clerk Quant does not go beyond Class 10 level. What feels like "weak in maths" is often slow calculation and gaps in a few basics, both of which can be fixed in 6-8 weeks.
Start with topics that need little theory
| Order | Topic | Why first |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simplification | Only BODMAS, tables and squares |
| 2 | Approximation | Rounding, no formulas |
| 3 | Number series | Spot differences and patterns |
| 4 | Quadratic equations | One method, repeated |
| 5 | Percentage, ratio, average | Base for all arithmetic and DI |
These alone often make up more than half of Prelims Quant.
A realistic target
You do not need to top Quant. A steady, accurate Quant score plus strong English and Reasoning is a common winning combination. Since Prelims sections are separately timed, use the full 20 minutes on the questions you can do well and leave the rest.
Daily routine for weak Quant
- 15 minutes: tables, squares, cubes revision
- 30 minutes: 20 simplification and approximation questions with a timer
- 45 minutes: one arithmetic topic, learn the method, solve 20 easy questions
- Read the full solution for every wrong answer and redo it the next day
What to leave for later
Do not start with permutation and combination, probability or mensuration. They appear rarely in Prelims and need more theory. Learn them after your core score is stable, or skip them in the exam if they look long. Every mark from simplification counts the same as a mark from probability.
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
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