RRB NTPC Mathematics Strategy 2025: Scoring high in the Mathematics section of the RRB NTPC CBT 1 exam is not only possible but also crucial for qualifying the exam with a good overall score. With a total of 30 marks allotted to the Mathematics section, targeting 25+ can give you a solid edge.
This article will help you understand the exam pattern, most scoring topics, and practical tips and tricks to ace the quant section.
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Exam Pattern: Mathematics
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
Also Read: RRB NTPC Mock Drill 2025: Practice Test Series, Free Quizzes & Preparation Tips
Most Scoring Topics in RRB NTPC Maths
Understanding topic-wise weightage and practicing accordingly can save both time and effort. Here are the most scoring topics based on previous year trends:
- Simplification & Approximation
Commonly 3–5 questions. Master BODMAS, square/cube roots, and decimal operations. - LCM & HCF, Number System
Around 2–3 questions. Practice divisibility rules and factorization methods. - Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss
Around 6–7 questions combined. These are application-based but very scoring if basics are clear. - Simple & Compound Interest
Usually 2–3 questions. Learn formula-based shortcuts and smart interest comparison techniques. - Time, Speed & Distance / Time & Work
Combined 4–5 questions. These are classic RRB topics, often scenario-based. - Mensuration (2D and 3D)
Expect 2–3 questions. Focus on surface area, volume, and perimeter formulas. - Algebra and Elementary Statistics
Around 2–3 questions. Revise basic algebraic identities and statistics terms like mean, median, mode. - Geometry & Trigonometry
May include 1–2 questions. Learn key formulas related to angles, triangles, circles, and trigonometric ratios.
RRB NTPC Maths Strategy: Tips and Tricks
To crack the quant section, a combination of speed, accuracy, and smart preparation is needed:
1. Master Basics and Formulas
Build a strong foundation in arithmetic and algebra. Memorize essential formulas and identities.
2. Practice High-Weight Topics First
Prioritize topics like Percentages, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, and Time & Work for early mastery.
3. Use Short Tricks and Mental Math
Skip long calculations using proven shortcuts for multiplication, square roots, and ratios.
4. Solve Previous Year Papers
Understand question trends, difficulty level, and speed up your solving techniques.
5. Give Daily Sectional Tests
Use 25-30 minute quant mocks to simulate exam pressure and refine time management.
6. Focus on Accuracy Over Attempts
Avoid negative marking by solving only those questions you’re sure about.
7. Revise Daily
Create revision notes of formulas and tricks for quick reference before the exam.
Also Read: RRB Group D Mock Drill 2025: Boost Accuracy with These Practice MCQs
Quantitative Aptitude Tricks with Examples
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) tests your numerical and problem-solving skills. Here are some unique tricks to solve problems faster in exams like CAT, GRE, GMAT, and banking tests.
1. Percentage Calculations
Trick: x% of y = y% of x
Example:
Find 28% of 25.
Instead of calculating 28% of 25 directly, swap them:
25% of 28 = 7Â (since 25% is 1/4th).
2. Squaring Numbers Ending with 5
Trick: (a5)² = a(a+1) | 25
Example:
Find 65².
- Take the first digit (6), multiply by (6+1) = 42
- Append 25 → 4225
Answer: 65² = 4225
3. Multiplying Numbers Close to 100
Trick: (100 ± a)(100 ± b) = (100 ± (a + b)) + (a × b)
Example:
Find 103 × 107.
- Both numbers are above 100:
- (100 + 3)(100 + 7) = 100 + (3 + 7) | (3 × 7)
- = 110 | 21 → 11021
Answer: 103 × 107 = 11021
4. Finding Compound Interest Quickly
Trick: For 2 years, CI ≈ SI + (SI × r)/100
Example:
Principal = ₹1000, r = 10%, t = 2 years.
- Simple Interest (SI) = (1000 × 10 × 2)/100 = ₹200
- CI ≈ 200 + (200 × 10)/100 = ₹220
- Exact CI = 1000(1.1)² – 1000 = ₹210 (approximation works well for low rates).
5. Divisibility Shortcuts
Trick for 7:
Double the last digit, subtract from the rest.
Example: 161 → 16 – (2×1) = 14 (divisible by 7).
Trick for 11:
Alternate sum of digits should be 0 or 11.
Example: 121 → (1 – 2 + 1) = 0 → divisible.
6. Time & Work Efficiency
Trick: If A takes x days, B takes y days → Together = (xy)/(x+y)
Example:
A takes 6 days, B takes 3 days → Together = (6×3)/(6+3) = 2 days.
7. Profit & Loss (Same % Profit & Loss)
Trick: If profit% = loss% = x%, net loss = (x²/100)%
Example:
If a seller sells two items at 10% profit and 10% loss:
Net loss = (10²/100) = 1% loss.
8. Speed, Distance & Time (Relative Speed)
Trick: Trains crossing each other = (L1 + L2)/(S1 ± S2)
Example:
Two trains (100m & 150m) move at 50km/h & 40km/h opposite direction.
Time = (100+150)/(50+40) × (18/5) = 10 sec.
9. Number Series Patterns
Common Patterns:
- Square/Cube: 4, 9, 16, 25, … (Squares)
- Prime Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, …
- Difference Patterns: 2, 5, 10, 17, … (Differences: 3, 5, 7, …)
10. Mixtures & Alligations
Trick: (Cheaper % – Mean %) / (Mean % – Dearer %) = (Dearer Qty / Cheaper Qty)
Example:
A 40% alcohol mix is mixed with 70% alcohol to get 50% mix.
Ratio = (70-50)/(50-40) =Â 2:1.
Final Tip:
- Memorize squares (1-30), cubes (1-12), and fractions ↔ % conversions.
- Practice approximation (e.g., 98 ≈ 100 for quick calculations).
