Arithmetic is one of the most scoring yet feared parts of the Quantitative Aptitude section in banking exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO/Clerk, RBI Assistant, and RRB exams. The good news? With the right approach, you can master Arithmetic in just 30 days.

This guide is practical, simple to follow, and designed for both beginners and repeat aspirants.

Why Arithmetic Matters So Much

Arithmetic contributes nearly 50–60% of the entire Quant section. Almost all Data Interpretation (DI) sets indirectly use arithmetic concepts. If your arithmetic becomes strong, both your Prelims and Mains scores improve automatically.

30-Day Plan to Master Arithmetic

The plan is divided into four weekly phases.

Week 1: Strengthening the Basics (Days 1–7)

This week forms the foundation of Arithmetic. Focus on understanding, not speed.

Topics for Week 1

• Percentages
• Profit & Loss
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Ratio and Proportion
• Averages

Daily Routine

• Learn concepts for 30 minutes
• Practice 20 basic questions
• Solve 5–10 previous year questions

Outcome of Week 1

• Clear conceptual understanding
• Increased accuracy
• Ability to solve basic questions without difficulty

Week 2: Problem-Solving and Application (Days 8–14)

• Now start focusing on slightly higher difficulty levels.

Topics for Week 2

• Time and Work
• Pipes and Cisterns
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Boats and Streams
• Mixture and Alligation

Daily Routine

• Learn one topic each day
• Solve 10 moderate-level questions
• Practice 2–3 mixed arithmetic sets

Outcome of Week 2

• Better understanding of application-oriented questions
• Improved confidence with exam-level problems

Week 3: DI + Arithmetic Integration (Days 15–21)

This week focuses on applying arithmetic concepts inside DI, which is crucial for Mains.

Types of DI to Practice

• Table-based
• Pie chart
• Line graph
• Caselet
• Missing DI

Daily Routine

• Solve two DI sets
• Practice 15 mixed arithmetic questions
• Analyse mistakes thoroughly

Outcome of Week 3

• Stronger calculation skills
• Reduced mistakes
• Better application of arithmetic inside DI sets

Week 4: Mock Practice and Speed Building (Days 22–30)

The last phase is about exam simulation.

Areas to Focus On

• Mixed arithmetic sets
• Time-bound practice
• Revision

Daily Routine

• One sectional mock test (20 minutes)
• Practice 25 arithmetic questions
• Revise formulas and note down repeated mistakes

Outcome of Week 4

• Faster solving ability
• High accuracy
• Confidence in handling any new pattern

Daily 1-Hour Schedule (If You Are Busy)

Even if you can study only 1 hour a day:

• 20 minutes: Learn or revise concepts
• 20 minutes: Practice 15–20 questions
• 20 minutes: Solve one DI set or previous year questions

Consistency matters far more than long study hours.

Useful Shortcuts and Tricks

Memorising these helps you solve questions faster:

• Percentage Conversions

16.66% = 1/6

33.33% = 1/3

12.5% = 1/8

6.25% = 1/16

• Time and Work

Work = Rate × Time

If A is twice as fast as B, the ratio of time taken = 1:2

• Profit and Loss

Profit% = (Profit/CP) × 100

Discount% = (Discount/Marked Price) × 100

• Averages

Total = Average × Number of terms

How to Improve Speed Naturally

Speed comes from consistent practice, not shortcuts alone.

• Memorise tables up to 25
• Learn squares up to 30
• Learn cubes up to 20

Practice mental math for 10 minutes daily

This develops strong calculation muscle memory.

Best Resources for Arithmetic

You do not need too many books.

Recommended Books

• Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma
• RS Aggarwal for basics
• Adda247 / Oliveboard / Testbook PDFs
• Previous year papers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying too much on shortcuts
• Solving random questions without a plan
• Ignoring Data Interpretation
• Only focusing on speed or only on accuracy
• Avoiding mock tests

Balanced practice is the real key.

What You Will Achieve in 30 Days

If you follow this plan sincerely:

• You will solve arithmetic questions within 20–30 seconds
• Your DI score will improve significantly
• You will gain strong command over all major topics
• Prelims Quant will become your scoring area

Arithmetic will no longer feel intimidating—it will become your strength.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it really possible to master Arithmetic in 30 days?

Yes. If you follow a structured plan and practice daily, 30 days is enough to gain strong command over all major arithmetic topics. The key is consistency and practising exam-level questions.

2. How many hours should I study Arithmetic each day?

For beginners, 1.5 to 2 hours daily is ideal. If you already know the basics, 1 hour of focused practice is enough. Quality matters more than the number of hours.

3. Which topic should I start with in Arithmetic?

Always start with basics such as Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, and Averages. These topics form the base for almost every other chapter and even DI.

4. Do I need shortcuts to score well in Arithmetic?

Shortcuts help, but they are not mandatory. Clear concepts and accurate calculations matter more. Shortcuts should be used only after you fully understand the logic behind them.

5. How important is Arithmetic for Data Interpretation (DI)?

Extremely important. Most DI sets are built on arithmetic principles. If your arithmetic is strong, your DI score will automatically improve.

6. Should I practise from too many books?

No. Stick to one main book for concepts and one source for mocks or PYQs. Using too many books creates confusion and slows down your progress.

7. Does arithmetic weightage differ for Prelims and Mains?

In Prelims, arithmetic appears as individual word problems. In Mains, it is heavily applied within DI. So the concepts remain the same, but the level of application increases.

8. How can I improve my calculation speed?

Learn tables up to 25, squares up to 30, and cubes up to 20. Also practise mental addition, subtraction, and multiplication for 10 minutes daily. Speed improves with habit, not shortcuts alone.

9. How many questions should I practise daily?

Beginners should aim for 20–30 arithmetic questions per day. As you progress, you can increase it to 40–50, along with 1–2 DI sets.

10. Are mock tests necessary for mastering arithmetic?

Yes. Mock tests help you learn time management, identify weak areas, and improve speed. Take at least 3–4 sectional mocks each week during the last 10 days.

11. I am a working aspirant. Can I still complete this plan in 30 days?

Absolutely. A one-hour daily routine is enough if you follow it consistently. Even working aspirants have cracked banking exams by managing their time well.

12. What should I do if I get stuck in a specific topic?

Revisit the basic concepts, watch a simple explanatory video, and then practise beginner-level questions again. Most difficulties come from weak fundamentals.

Also check:

https://examessence.com/upsc-prelims-vs-mains-differences-preparation-strategy-2026/