How to develop aptitude skills

1. How to improve your
Aptitude Scores

2. What is an aptitude test?
• An aptitude test is a structured method of testing how an individual reacts
and performs a particular task.
• Determines how you will apply acquired knowledge and skills in a specific
domain or situation
• Test logical reasoning and thinking process
• Multiple choice questions, increasingly being administered on the
computer
• Timed strictly with usually only a minute given to a question
• Speed and accuracy two most important factors
• Cover a broader area including verbal, numerical skills
• Results compared to others to analyze ability

3. Benefits of aptitude test
• Tests your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes
• Analyzes your comprehension and communication skills
• Your ability to solve problems within strict time constraints
• Efficient and objective method of comparing individuals
• Screen specific aptitude areas so that you can work on them in future
• Tests your psychological and emotional quotient
• Normally conducted in the preliminary stages of the interview process,
hence making a good impression in it is important

4. Different kinds of aptitude tests
Organizations have a number of different kinds of aptitude tests which test
candidates on various parameters:
• Verbal ability: Tests your ability to understand written material and answer
logical questions based on what you have read. Includes spelling, grammar,
ability to understand analogies and follow detailed written instructions.
• Numerical ability: Ability to solve numerical problems. Includes basic
arithmetic, number sequences and simple mathematics. You might also be
presented with charts and graphs to analyze in management level tests.
Focus areas should be :
• Trigonometry
• Number series

5. • Statistics
• Permutations and Combinations
• Profit and Loss
• Geometry
• Abstract: Analyzes your ability to find patterns and links between
groups of shapes, and see where new shapes fit in; an ability
linked to generating new ideas, creative thinking and problem-
solving. Believed to be the best indicator of fluid intelligence and
your ability to learn new things quickly
• Logical Reasoning: May be verbal, numerical or diagrammatic. It
assesses a candidate's ability to use logic and structured thinking
to deduce from a short passage which of a number of statements
is the most accurate response to a posed question.

6. Spatial ability: Measures your ability to manipulate shapes in two
dimensions or to visualize three-dimensional objects presented as
two-dimensional pictures.
Document review: Measures quality of observations, attention to
detail, spelling, grammar and understanding of the format and
structure of professional office documents. You will be given a
document and asked to find as many errors and inconsistencies in the
data as possible, in a limited time period

7. Preparing for an aptitude test
• Be systematic
• Tests what you already know – review your studies
• Practice makes perfect - do as many practice tests as possible
• Timing is important – time yourself
• Remain motivated throughout the test
• Learn and Practice Aptitude Problems - Solve quantitative maths problems
like probability, permutations and combinations, mixtures and allegations,
distance-time problems, etc.
• Focus on Data interpretation and problem solving questions to improve
your analytical skills.
• Find out what kind of questions you may be asked

8. • Go through one paper of each type to determine how you
do and where you need to focus
• Practice Reading and Verbal Comprehension - When you
read comprehensions, your understanding ability and
knowledge increases. Verbal passages improve your
vocabulary skill and work power.
• Don’t make any assumptions – just because you got good
marks in Maths does not mean you do not have to practice
for the numerical section.
• Solve puzzles – helps improve reasoning skills
• Learn shortcuts to answer problems – saves time
• Decide on your practice strategy- focus on weak areas or on
your strong areas
• As in the case of an interview – get a good night's sleep,
plan your journey to the test site, be appropriately dressed.
• Listen to the instructions you are given and follow them
precisely.

9. Taking the tests
• Arrive on time
• Pay attention – check what is expected of you
• Understand the instructions fully
• Read each questions carefully
• Answer questions accurately and quickly
• Start with the easiest questions first – ones that you are sure of
• Multiple choice- try to answer questions be fore looking at the
choices available
• If you are uncertain, start eliminating choices that are most
improbable
• Avoid spending too much time on any one question

10. • Mark questions that you have skipped - Return to it at the end
if you have time
• Some aptitude tests also have negative marking- do not guess
the answer
• Beware of misleading choices - You might be tempted to pick
the wrong answer
• Answer as many questions as possible
• Keep an eye on the clock
• Relax: It is just another step of the interview process. Feeling
high amounts of stress or tension will cause you to forget what
you know or think irrationally.