IBPS PO & SBI PO Prelims: 20-Minute Quantitative Aptitude Blueprint
By Banking Exam Research Wing•2026-03-03T00:00:00+00:00•7 min read
The exact sectional order of attack to secure 28+ attempts in 20 minutes across Simplification, Quadratic Equations, Number Series, and DI.
# 20 Minutes, 35 Questions: The Exact Order of Attempt
In Banking exams, sectional timing forces hyper-efficient triage. Never solve Quantitative Aptitude from Question 1 to 35 linearly.
## Optimal 3-Phase Solving Order:
1. **Phase 1 (Minutes 0–6) - Speed Math (12-15 Marks):**
* Approximation / Simplification (5 Qs)
* Quadratic Equations comparing X and Y (5 Qs)
* Missing or Wrong Number Series (5 Qs)
2. **Phase 2 (Minutes 6–14) - Data Interpretation (10 Marks):**
* Table / Bar / Line Graph DI with single variable
* Caselet DI only if simple Venn diagram; otherwise skip to arithmetic.
3. **Phase 3 (Minutes 14–20) - High-Accuracy Arithmetic (5-8 Marks):**
* Ratio & Proportion, Ages, Partnership, Percentage, Time & Work.
* Avoid lengthy Mensuration or Compound Interest installments if time is under 3 minutes.