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Introduction

We live in a world with robust technologies and innovations revolutionizing all the fields. Education has seen revolutionary changes in the examination format, syllabus, and study materials. Even with ever-evolving technology in education and millions of study materials available at the fingertips, clearing competitive tests still needs great dedication and consistent practice. General Aptitude is integral to many government and competitive exams like GRE, SSC CGL, UPSC, etc. 

Also, most jobs have the preliminary round, which is clearing a written test that includes General Aptitude. Let's dig deep into what topics are covered in General Aptitude and how to crack it. 

(Read More:Mastering BODMAS: A Key to solve math problems in General Aptitude)

What is General Aptitude?

General aptitude is the ability to think quickly, figure out, and solve problems. People with good general aptitude can solve problems in different areas, like math, language, and logic, without much difficulty. Some people naturally have this ability, and some develop it while training for the tests. 

When you take an exam to measure your general aptitude, the questions often check your ability to solve puzzles, do basic math, or understand written information. These tests help you see how well you can think through problems and use your knowledge to find solutions.

Do you know, General Aptitude isn’t only for Exams?

General aptitude isn't just for tests. It's also important in everyday life. Let’s say you are planning a trip; you need to plan your finances, calculate the distance and time to reach the destination, you may need to fix a problem throughout the journey, manage the money for the whole trip, and many other things. Aptitude helps you think logically and make the right choices.

What are types of General Aptitude?

As mentioned earlier, General Aptitude tests the intellect in multiple ways. Here are few

• Verbal Ability
• Ability to Analyze
• Numerical aptitude
• Spatial awareness
• Different general aptitude syllabi are used for exams like GRE, SSC, Bank PO, CAT, Gate, UPSC, CSIR, Law, etc.

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Topics Covered in General Aptitude

Here are the topics General Aptitude covers for most competitive tests. 

1. Mixture & Allegation
2. Area
3. Average
4. Bankers 
5. Discount
6. Boats and Streams
7. Calendar
8. Chain Rule
9. Clocks
10. Compound 
11. Interest
12. Decimal Fractions
13. LCM and HCF
14. Heights & Distances
15. Logarithms
16. Operations on Numbers
17. Partnership
18. Percentage
19. Permutation & Combination
20. Problems on Ages
21. Problems on Numbers
22. Problems on Trains
23. Profit & Loss
24. Races & Games of Skills
25. Ratio & Proportion
26. Simple Interest
27. Simplification
28. Stock & Shares
29. Time & Distance
30. Time & Work
31. True Discount
32. Volume and Surface Area
33. Height & Distance
34. Logarithm
35. Progression
36. Geometry & Mensuration 

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1. Sets & Union
2. Surds & Indices 
3. Fractions 
4. Coding-Decoding
5. Partnerships 
6. Profit & Loss 
7. Stream Boat Problems
8. Compound Interest
9. Inequality
10. Arithmetic Aptitude
11. Pipes & Cisterns
12. Calendar
13. Data Interpretation 
14. Programming Languages like C++, Java, PythonSoftware Testing

How to Crack General Aptitude Tests in Competitive exams?

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Get familiar with the syllabus and the exam pattern before starting the preparation for any test. The most common syllabus of General Aptitude would be Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability. 

1. Strengthen Your Basics

The secret of cracking even the hardest test is to understand the basics. Review sample papers for exams like GRE and GATE to familiarize yourself with the paper pattern..  A Blind mug-up wouldn’t help if the question paper is tricky. Start building a strong foundation before moving on to complex problems. The easier questions in exams often test fundamental concepts in competitive tests. 

1. Practice Regularly

General Aptitude requires rigorous practice. You remember the phrase,  “Practice makes the man perfect.” That works for aptitude tests. Try to solve as many practice problems as you can. The more you practice, the faster you identify shortcuts and patterns. Make use of previous years’ question papers or mock tests.

1. Simulate Exam conditions

Create an exam-like environment with a timer and exam paper. Analyze how you can perform better in that time-bound situation. This analysis helps you score better each time and beat the previous score each time you take the test. 

1. Learn Shortcuts and Tricks

As mentioned earlier, the more you practice, the better you will find shortcuts and tricks to solve some time-taking questions. Also, consider getting help from online resources and seniors. There are several shortcuts and tricks to solve questions, from percentage, ratio, and proportion, that save much time. 

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1. Work on Mental Math

Depending on a calculator isn’t the right choice for calculations while prepping for a competitive test. Practice mind calculations, which is also called mental math. Start with solving simple math in your head, and it would eventually improve your overall performance. 

1. Focus on Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning sections seem simple, and easy but one of the hardest sections where there is no place for minute mistakes. Understand the patterns and logic behind them to solve series and puzzles. Use real-life examples like blood relations in your family for practice and quick learning. 

1. Avoid Guessing

Competitive exams will have negative markings, which is why the guessing game isn’t the right choice for answering the questions. It is better to skip if unsure about the answer and return if time permits.  

1. Break Down Complex Problems

Sometimes, even complex problems have simpler solutions. All you need to do is understand the question clearly, break it down and solve it one at a time. 

1. Revise Regularly

Take time each week to revise what you’ve learned that week. A regular revision helps you retain the concepts for a long time instead of forgetting and moving to the next one. Revisions improve the problem-solving speed effectively. This is one of the most recommended strategies from toppers for scoring well in exams.

1. Choose Study Material Wisely

Choosing the best book is always tough in the unlimited collection of books for competitive exams. Below is a list of some of the best books to prepare for the General Aptitude. It is advised to use standard books to prepare for General Aptitude and practice them regularly.  

1. Stay Calm During the Test

Anxiety can be the villain in your movie. It may impact your performance during the exam. Always stay calm and focused. Take a deep breath and give your best shot. Meditation before test day would help you keep your mind calm and avoid panic attacks. 
By following these stress management tips for students, you can gradually improve your aptitude skills and boost your confidence for competitive exams. The key is to be patient, stay consistent, and keep practicing!

Best Books to Prepare for General Aptitude

1.  Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal

Why it's good:
This is one of the most popular books for IAS preparation and for learning Quantitative aptitude . It covers a variety of topics from basic math to more complex concepts, with clear explanations.

Best for:
Bank PO, SSC, UPSC, and other competitive exams.

Why you should use it:

• Large number of practice questions.
• Easy to follow with step-by-step solutions.

1. Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma

Why it's good:
This book focuses on quick problem-solving methods, making it ideal if you're looking to solve problems faster in exams.

Best for:
Bank PO, SSC, and other exams with a time limit.

Why you should use it:

• Simple language and concise explanations.
• Plenty of practice problems to test your skills.

1. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability by R.S. Aggarwal

Why it's good:
This book is perfect for improving your logical reasoning skills. It covers everything from puzzles to seating arrangements and logical patterns.

Best for:
CAT, GRE, Bank PO, SSC exams.

Why you should use it:

• Comprehensive coverage of logical reasoning topics.
• Clear explanations and lots of practice questions.

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1. Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

Why it's good:
If you want to focus specifically on improving your reasoning skills, this book is a great choice. It helps you understand complex reasoning problems in simple ways.

Best for:
CAT, GRE, Bank PO, SSC.

Why you should use it:

• Easy-to-understand explanations.
• Includes puzzles and problems to strengthen your analytical thinking.

1. A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

Why it's good:
This book provides a thorough understanding of both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, essential for competitive exams.

Best for:
CAT, Bank PO, SSC, GRE.

Why you should use it:

• Covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning for exams like GRE, CAT.
• Ideal for beginners with lots of practice problems.

1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma

Why it's good:
Although this book is meant for CAT preparation, it’s also helpful for other exams. It breaks down math problems into easy-to-understand steps.

Best for:
CAT, GRE, and other high-level competitive exams.

Why you should use it:

• Structured approach to problem-solving.
• Problems of varying difficulty, from easy to challenging.

1. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

Why it's good:
This is an excellent book for improving vocabulary, which is crucial for verbal reasoning.

Best for:
GRE, SAT, Bank PO, SSC.

Why you should use it:

• Focuses on learning new words through root words.
• Simple exercises that are easy to follow and remember.

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1. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma

Why it's good:
This book is great for mastering data interpretation and logical reasoning, which are key areas in many exams.

Best for:
CAT, GRE, SSC, and other competitive exams.

Why you should use it:

• Detailed solutions and explanations.
• Helps you develop problem-solving strategies for data-related questions.

1. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by Dinesh Khattar

Why it's good:
This book offers a structured approach to quantitative aptitude and covers essential topics in a simple way.

Best for:
SSC, Bank PO, GRE, and other competitive exams.

Why you should use it:

• In-depth explanations of core concepts.
• Large collection of practice problems to help you improve.
• Many aim to clear SSC CHSL on the first attempt, and focusing on general aptitude can make it possible.

1. The Ultimate Guide to Quantitative Aptitude by Mohit Agarwal

Why it's good:
This book is designed for those who want to build a strong foundation in quantitative aptitude. It covers basic to advanced topics, making it suitable for all levels.

Best for:
SSC, Banking Exams, CAT.

Why you should use it:

• Step-by-step solutions for every problem.
• Focuses on mastering the basics before moving to complex problems.