Most of the students encounter a variety of aptitude tests in their academic life span. All but a few career options insist on tests of aptitude to determine a candidate’s suitability. These could be related to jobs, such as a bank test or a Public Service Commission examination, or an entrance test for admission to a postgraduate programme.
These tests are administered by corporations, the government, and educational institutions. In the dynamic landscape of academic and professional evaluations, aptitude tests play a pivotal role in assessing an individual’s cognitive prowess.
Whether it’s a student preparing for the rigours of college admissions or professionals aiming for career growth, mastering aptitude test questions is an indispensable skill.
In aptitude tests, complex questions may pose a challenge. However, with adequate preparation and practice, students can confidently handle these assessment tests. As power and speed become integral components of aptitude evaluations, effective preparation strategies emerge as a crucial factor for success.
This comprehensive guide offers a valuable repository of sample questions and answers. Tailored to benefit students preparing for a diverse range of competitive examinations—including SSC, CAT (Common Aptitude Test), MAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC, UPSC Exams, ICET, Bank PO, Defence Examinations, and Railway Exams—the content caters to a broad spectrum of academic and professional pursuits.
For those aiming to shine in placement assessments conducted by renowned companies like TCS, Wipro, Capgemini, Accenture, Infosys, IBM, Cognizant, Adobe, Cisco, Amazon, Samsung, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Ola, Paypal, Microsoft, Oracle, and others, the provided sample aptitude questions and answers serve as a valuable tool for preparation.
Encompassing critical areas such as Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability, this guide endeavours to empower individuals with the fine details on confidence required to excel in the multifaceted landscape of aptitude tests.
Instead of focussing on preparing for a particular test pattern, aspirants must spend time to build their basics in the following sections:
- Logical Ability
- Quantitative Ability
- Verbal Ability
Most aptitude tests look at these three generic skills of candidates as pointed above.
Logical Ability: Logical thinking ability looks for the trait of applicants in coming up with solutions and possibilities under a given set of constraints. It tests for the ability to reason and transfer a particular learning to a new situation.
Quantitative Ability: In other words ‘Arithmetic Skills’ or basic mathematical skills that are required in routine business transactions, such as the knowledge of percentages, proportions, profit and loss, and interest calculations.
This calls for an elementary understanding of the basic concepts involved in addition to the ability to perform simple mathematical calculations without any external aid or calculating devices.
Verbal Ability: Language skills or the ability to comprehend written material and ability to make error-free communication is what it stands for. English being the language of business in our part of the world, candidates are mainly tested on their English language skills.
Standard testing areas include reading comprehension, grammar- and usage-based error identification and correction, and at times, vocabulary.
These are the skills that can be acquired, honed and developed. Some of the applicants may have a natural flair towards these and they naturally score well in the aptitude tests.
Nevertheless, it is possible to develop a certain minimum desired level of competence in each of these critical skills with the right effort and application.
Once the foundation is set right, one can easily build on that. Any preparation based on pattern recognition alone has a limited scope and is never advocated as a standalone approach and therefore one should look at aptitude preparation with an open mind and see it in a broader perspective.
The utilitarian value of these skills go beyond clearing the screening tests. They have now become essential life skills whose absence will curtail one’s progress in the long run.
Though there are nearly a hundred different areas or topics from which questions can be set for an aptitude test, all the questions try to test one of these three basic skills in one way or the other. Let us consider some of the major types of questions one can expect in their aptitude test:
Aptitude Test Questions – Quantitative Ability
The quantitative aptitude section covers a wide array of topics, including:
- Average
- Numbers
- Compound Interests
- Partnership
- Problems on Ages
- Calendar
- Boats and Streams
- Clock
- Height and Distance
- Percentage
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Profit and Loss
- Speed
- Time and Distance
- Simple Interest
- Problems on Trains
- Time and Work
Examples of quantitative aptitude test questions are as follows:-
Example 1:
Question: The average weight of P, Q and R is 45 kg. If the average weight of P and Q is 40 kg and that of Q and R is 43 kg, what is the weight of Q?
A) 32
B) 65
C) 67
D) 31
Answer: D)
Explanation:
Let P, Q, R represent their respective weights. Then, we have:
P + Q + R = (45 x 3) = 135…. (A)
P + Q = (40 x 2) = 80…. (B)
Q + R = (43 x 2) = 86…. (C)
Adding (B) and (C), we get: P + 2Q + R = 166…. (D)
Subtracting (A) from (D), we get: Q = 31.
Example 2:
Question: The average weight of 16 students in a class is 50.25 kg, and that of the remaining 8 students is 45.15 kg. Find the average weight of all the students in the class.
A) 34.56 kg
B) 56.23 kg
C) 48.55 kg
D) 31.44 kg
Answer: C)
Explanation:
Let the total weight of the 16 students be W1 and the total weight of the remaining 8 students be W2.
Average weight = Total Weights/Number of Students
The average weight of the first 16 students is given by:
Average1 = W1/16 = 50.25
The total weight of the first 16 students is 16×50.25 kg.
The total weight of the remaining 8 students is 8 × 45.15 kg.
The total weight of all 24 students is W1 + W2.
The average weight of all 24 students is given by:
Average = (W1 + W2)/24
Substitute the given values to find the average weight:
Average = [(16 × 50.25) + (8 × 45.15)]/24 = (804 + 361.2)/24 = 48.55 kg
Example 3:
Question: A museum has an average of 510 visitors on Sunday and 240 on other days. Find the average number of visitors per day in a month of 30 days beginning with a Sunday.
A) 303
B) 275
C) 237
D) 245
Answer: A)
Explanation:
Let V1 be the average number of visitors on Sunday, and V2 be the average number on other days.
V1 = 510
V2 = 240
The total number of visitors in a week is 7 × V1 + 23 × V2 (7 days for 7 Sundays and 23 days for other days).
The average number of visitors per day is given by:
Average = Total number of visitors/Number of days
Average = (7 × V1 + 23 × V2)/30 = (7 × 510 + 23 × 240)/30 = (3570 + 5520)/30 = 9090/30 = 303
Aptitude Test Questions – Verbal Ability
Aptitude test questions in verbal ability assess an individual’s oral communication skills, proficiency in comprehending statements, ability to follow instructions, and verbal reasoning capabilities. These questions delve into aspects like grammar, sentence structure, and comprehension. They can be categorized into subgroups as follows:
Aptitude Test Questions – Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning questions assess one’s ability to deduce conclusions from a given statement or set of statements. These questions typically require individuals to identify the correct response to a question or determine the accuracy of a statement based on the given information.
Example:
Question: Which of these words completes the sentence in a way that makes it most sensible?
A spirit level should be used to ensure that the surface is ———–
A) straight
B) flat
C) horizontal
D) parallel
E) aligned
Answer: C) horizontal
Explanation:
A spirit level is a tool used to determine whether a surface is parallel to the horizon, ensuring that it is neither tilted nor inclined. Therefore, in the given context, the most appropriate word to complete the sentence and convey the intended meaning is “horizontal.”
Aptitude Test Questions – Verbal Comprehension
In this category, individuals are presented with a brief or extended passage, followed by a set of questions related to the passage. This section assesses their competence in reading and comprehending information, as well as their capability to provide accurate answers based on the passage.
Question: The passage suggests that two-child families will dramatically increase as sibling-free adults reach childbearing age.
Established in 1979 as a temporary measure to limit population growth, China’s one-child policy remains in force today and will likely continue for another decade. China’s population control policy has attracted criticism because of the manner in which it is enforced and also because of its social repercussions.
Supporters of the Chinese government’s policy consider it necessary to curb extreme overpopulation, which has reduced an estimated 300 million people in its first 20 years.
Not only is a reduced population environmentally beneficial, but it also increases China’s per capita gross domestic product. The one-child policy has led to a disparate ratio of males to females, with abortion, abandonment, and infanticide of female infants resulting from a cultural preference for sons.
Furthermore, draconian measures such as forced sterilisation strongly allow couples without siblings to have two children, a provision that applies to millions of sibling-free adults now of childbearing age.
A) True
B) False
C) Cannot say
Answer: A) True
Aptitude Test Questions – English Language
Aptitude test questions in English language assess an individual’s proficiency in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and overall usage of the language.
Example:
Question: Choose one of the following options that means the opposite of the given word; Copious:
A) reverse
B) scarce
C) abundant
D) short
Answer: B) scarce
Aptitude Test Questions – Numerical Ability
These questions assess an individual’s proficiency in handling numerical data and drawing conclusions from it. They may include queries that require solving mathematical problems, deciphering numerical sequences, or analysing data presented in graphs. An example of numerical reasoning is:
Question: Which company has the highest annual profit per employee?
Answer: This question is straightforward; determine the annual profit per employee for each company by dividing the profits by the number of employees.
Aptitude Test Questions – Work Samples
Under the scenario, candidates face various work-related situations and are required to identify the most suitable course of action when presented with these challenges. These situations may involve the following aspects:
Problem-Solving in a Workplace Context
Question: How would you handle an unhappy and angry customer?
The interviewer acknowledges that dealing with a disgruntled customer can be challenging, adding pressure to the job. This question aims to understand how candidates handle such situations and their strategies for addressing dissatisfied customers. Briefly describe effective ways to tackle this problem.
Answer: “When I encounter an agitated customer, I ensure that I stay calm and genially approach them with empathy and I must ensure that they are not upset any further. Next, I gather all the details on why the customer is dissatisfied. Once I have understood what has gone wrong, I assure the customer that I and my team will take all the steps to fix the problem swiftly. I will connect and give the customer regular updates till the resolution of the issue.
Generating Innovative Concepts or Ideas
Question: Tell me about a time when you took an innovative approach to solving an issue.
An employer asks this question to understand how you can apply innovative thinking to your problem-solving skills.
Answer: “In my previous role, we encountered a recurring issue with one of our computer databases, resulting in data loss every few days and disrupting our business processes. To address this challenge, I played a key role in developing a new database system that implemented regular self-refreshing, eliminating the problem of data deletion.”
Organising and Prioritising Tasks Effectively
Question: How do you ensure you meet important deadlines?
This question assesses your organisational skills in planning schedules and managing deadlines. Share your approach to breaking down projects into manageable tasks, scheduling your workflow, and prioritising deadlines based on urgency. Demonstrating these characteristics can highlight your attention to detail and ability to efficiently manage your time.
Answer:
“I employ a strategy of breaking down extensive projects into smaller weekly tasks, enabling me to stay on track and effectively organise my workload. Assessing the proximity of deadlines helps me prioritise projects for completion. I utilise both a digital and a physical desk calendar to record personal deadlines for smaller tasks and company deadlines, aiding me in understanding and prioritising my responsibilities. This ensures that I complete projects ahead of time, allowing for a thorough review before submission.”
Questions Assessing Abstract Reasoning
These questions evaluate an individual’s ability to analyse logical patterns and apply provided information for effective problem-solving. They also assess one’s proficiency in logical reasoning and their aptitude for acquiring new skills through a systemic and logical approach. For example:
Question: Which figure completes the sequence?
Answer: A)
Aptitude Test Questions – Spatial Ability
In this category, employers assess an individual’s capacity to visualise, comprehend and recall how objects interconnect or relate. The test evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in manipulating various objects or shapes.
These questions are directed at candidates applying for design or engineering positions, measuring their aptitude in spatial reasoning. For example:
Question: When assembled correctly, the top three puzzle pieces will form one of the following shapes (A–E).
Note that a side marked X has to touch X, and a side marked Y has to touch Y.
Answer: B.
Aptitude Test Questions – Mechanical Reasoning
These questions examine a candidate’s competence in applying principles of physics and mechanics to address workplace challenges. They are particularly relevant for individuals seeking technical, mechanical, or military positions. For example:
Question: If Gear A completes 40 revolutions, how many revolutions will Gear B make? Hint: Utilise multiplication to determine the correct answer.
A) 10
B) 20
C) 80
D) 40
Answer: C)
Explanation: Gear B completes two revolutions for every single revolution of Gear A. To find the total revolutions for Gear B when Gear A completes 40 revolutions, multiply the number of revolutions by two (Since Gear B makes the revolution two times Gear A. Therefore, the answer is 40 x 2 = 80.
Aptitude Test Questions – Ability to Identify Errors
These questions assess an individual’s skill in identifying and rectifying errors within intricate databases. They are frequently employed to evaluate candidates applying for positions in data entry and clerical roles. For example:
Question: Find the identical string ZQWDLJQS.
A) ZQWDLQJS
B) ZDQWLJQS
C) ZQWDLJQS
D) ZWQDLJQS
E) ZQDWLJQS
Answer: C)
Also Read: Aptitude Test – All You Need to Know!
Clerical Aptitude Tests
Clerical aptitude tests and concentration assessments serve as tools to measure an individual’s ability to maintain focus and precision.
These assessments are typically evaluated based on both speed and accuracy, and they are utilised in the recruitment process for administrative and clerical positions.
Industries where errors can have significant or costly ramifications, such as financial services, legal services, and healthcare, rely on these assessments.
Example 1:
Read the rule carefully and answer the question.
Rule: Secure password selection
- Make your password as long as possible. Always use a minimum of six characters in your password, at least two of which are numeric.
- Avoid using personal information (i.e., name, phone number, and address) in your password.
- Do not use words or names listed in standard dictionaries.
- Never use a password that is the same as your account number.
- Do not use passwords that are easy to spot while typing them in. Passwords such as ‘12345’ should be avoided.
Question: Which of these employees set their username and password best according to the rule?
A) Employee: Ronny O’Sullivan; username: gargaar; password: 9871234.
B) Employee: Hank Shaffer; username: fargo06; password: england11.
C) Employee: Ernie Serkin; username: quoran; password: bevvpoki5.
D) Employee: Betty Fallon; username: BettyF; password: b164e25.
Answer: D)
Example 2:
Question: Which of the following names would come first if arranged for alphabetic filing?
A) D. B. Jones
B) Drew B. Jones
C) Drew Barry Jomes
D) Dylan Jones
Answer: C)
Example 3:
Question: Imperious is the opposite of –
A) ARROGANT
B) MOODY
C) SUBSERVIENT
D) QUIET
E) STORMY
Answer: C)
Example 4:
Question: Choose the word that best completes the sentence.
High-end ____ firms have managed to weather the ____ crisis well.
A) manufacturing, ekonomic.
B) manufactoring, economics.
C) manufactures, economis.
D) manufectoring, economies.
E) None of these.
Answer: E)
Aptitude Test Questions – Data Checking
Data-checking assessments typically involve examining two data columns to identify inconsistencies and annotating discrepancies. These tests aim to assess the speed and precision with which errors can be identified in the data.
Widely used in the selection process for clerical and data input positions, especially in fields where accuracy is paramount, such as accounting and banking, these assessments involve students comparing two data columns for consistency and highlighting any disparities.
Example 1:
The pie chart below illustrates the percentage distribution of expenditures incurred in publishing a book. Analyse the chart to answer the following question.
Question: If 5500 copies are published and the transportation cost on them amounts to ₹82,500, what should be the selling price of the book to ensure the publisher earns a profit of 25%?
A) ₹187.50
B) ₹191.50
C) ₹175
D) ₹180
Answer: A)
Example 2:
Question: Study the provided bar graph representing a total monthly income of ₹50,000 and respond to the following questions:
A) What is the expenditure on food?
B) How much additional money is allocated to clothing and housing combined compared to transportation?
C) What percentage of the food budget is spent on education?
Answer:
A) Expenditure on food is 20% of the total, amounting to ₹10,000 (20% of ₹50,000).
B) The combined expenditure on clothing and housing is 25% of ₹50,000, totaling ₹12,500. The money spent on transportation is 20% of ₹50,000, which is ₹10,000. Therefore, the excess expenditure on clothing and housing compared to transportation is ₹2,500 (₹12,500 – ₹10,000).
C.) The expenditure on food constitutes 20%, while the expenditure on education is 5%. Thus, the percentage of the amount spent on food relative to education spending is (5 / 20) x 100 = 25%.
Aptitude Test Questions – In-Tray Exercises
In-tray exercises serve as a representation of the tasks individuals may encounter in their professional roles. These exercises involve simulated interactions with a fictitious email program, requiring individuals to select responses to incoming messages using multiple-choice questions.
The scope of these tests can vary significantly, encompassing tasks such as working with spreadsheets for administrative positions or delivering presentations, depending on the specific job requirements.
Question: For this exercise, assume the role of Jeremy Ingles, Human Resource Manager at BETA Computers Ltd. It is 7:30 AM on Tuesday, the 24th of February. Having just returned to the office after a two-week absence (business trip), you are scheduled to leave again on the 26th of February for a two-week holiday.
Your mailbox contains emails received over the past two weeks, and with a managers’ meeting with the CEO in one hour; in the meantime, your task is to review all your emails and decide on the appropriate course of action.
Answer: Call Mr. Holmes and inform him that the subject will be discussed in today’s meeting with the CEO.
Aptitude Test Questions – Logical Reasoning
A logical reasoning test is an essential component of placement interviews or assessment examinations for recent graduates. Adequate preparation is crucial for newly graduated students to excel in logical reasoning tests during their interviews.
Question:
Blueberries cost more than strawberries.
Blueberries cost less than raspberries.
Raspberries cost more than strawberries and blueberries.
If the first two statements are true, the third statement is
A.) True
B.) False
C.) Uncertain
Answer: A)
Buddy4Study Psychometric Test
For individuals standing at a crossroads in their academic journey, contemplating the choice of a career path, Buddy4Study recognizes the significance of their educational and career aspirations. Committed to offering guidance and resources, Buddy4Study aims to assist them in navigating this pivotal phase of their lives.
The Buddy4Study Psychometric Test is a comprehensive tool tailored exclusively for students, designed to facilitate informed career choices.
Benefits of the Buddy4Study Psychometric Test:
- Identify Their Skills & Interests: Discovering true passions and talents, individuals can uncover career fields aligning with their existing skills and interests.
- Understand Their Personality: Gaining insights into personality type, strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes, individuals can grasp behaviour patterns to make smarter decisions.
- Find Their True Potential: Unearthing hidden talents and potential allows individuals to recognize areas of excellence and explore opportunities that align with their strengths.
- Make Smarter Career Choices: Charting a path toward their dream career, individuals can make well-informed decisions grounded in their genuine strengths and interests.
How Does It Work?
- Recording Their Profile: The test compiles personality types, preferred activities, and subjects based on answers to a set of carefully crafted questions.
- Matching Them Right: Profiles are matched against a comprehensive list of careers, pinpointing those that resonate with unique qualities.
- Detailed Career Report: Individuals receive a comprehensive report of their Top Career Matches, providing valuable insights to shape their future.
Last but not the least, how should one ideally use the personality or aptitude test? What is unarguable is that there are indeed different types of personalities. It is highly recommended that one should use the personality or aptitude test to identify career options they may not have considered.
They should not use a personality test to narrow down on their career options. It is important to understand what each particular career or role involves and what skills are required to succeed in that particular role.
If you can develop the skills required, then you will be successful, no matter what your personality profile is.
Buddy4Study offers a comprehensive report for a nominal fee of INR 299. This unlocks a wealth of information to help them on their journey. Students can take the first step towards a brighter future by clicking on this link. The best part? The participants get the result snapshot of their psychometric assessment test absolutely free!
Also Read: Winslow Personality Profile Test: All You Need to Know!
Important Links
Aptitude Test – All You Need to Know!
Career Buddy – Psychometric Assessment
How to Check IQ?
Aptitude Test Questions – Frequently Asked Questions
Which types of questions are typically included in numerical aptitude tests?
Numerical aptitude test questions typically cover math-related concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. These questions assess a candidate’s proficiency in working with numbers, solving mathematical problems, and interpreting numerical data.
What is the purpose of verbal reasoning aptitude test questions?
The purpose of verbal reasoning aptitude test questions is to assess an individual’s ability to understand and evaluate written information, make logical deductions, and draw conclusions from the provided text.
How do I approach questions on spatial ability aptitude test?
Approach spatial ability aptitude test questions by visualising and mentally manipulating objects or shapes in different orientations. Focus on understanding how these elements fit together and their relationships in a three-dimensional space.
What are mechanical reasoning aptitude test questions? For which job roles are they used?
Mechanical reasoning aptitude test questions assess an individual’s understanding of basic mechanical concepts. Typically employed in technical, engineering, or mechanical fields, these questions evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving abilities related to machinery and mechanical systems.
How do aptitude test questions on data-checking assess an individual’s skills?
Data-checking aptitude test questions assess an individual’s skills by presenting two data columns for comparison. The assessment focuses on evaluating the candidate’s ability to identify inconsistencies and errors accurately and efficiently, emphasising precision and attention to detail.
What are the typical formats of aptitude test questions in clerical assessments?
Common aptitude test question formats in clerical assessments include tasks related to data entry, proofreading, typing speed, filing and organising tasks, document management, and office procedures.
How do in-tray exercises simulate actual job tasks in aptitude tests?
In these exercises, candidates encounter scenarios that closely resemble the daily responsibilities of the role applied for. They are required to prioritise, organise, and make decisions as they would in the job, often dealing with tasks such as email interactions, document handling, and problem-solving.
How can one enhance their problem-solving skills for aptitude tests?
To improve problem-solving skills for aptitude tests, practice regularly, work on time management, and develop a systematic approach to solving different types of questions. Reviewing solutions and seeking guidance can also be beneficial.
How do aptitude test questions vary across various job positions and industries?
Aptitude test questions vary based on the specific skills and knowledge required for different job positions and industries. Questions are tailored to assess the relevant abilities and competencies needed for success in those roles.
Which skills are assessed in aptitude test questions related to error identification?
Aptitude test questions related to identifying errors assess skills such as attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to recognise and rectify mistakes in data or information.