Is Arun Sharma's 'Quantitative Aptitude' Ideal for Banking Exam Preparation?

Many aspiring bank employees and educators highly recommend Arun Sharma's 'Quantitative Aptitude' for its clear explanations and comprehensive approach, making it a valuable resource for preparing for various banking exams such as IBPS and SBI. The book is known for its varying difficulty levels, which can cater to both beginners and advanced learners.

However, some critics argue that the question types in the book may not align with those commonly seen in tests. They highlight that different tests often introduce unique problem types. This has led some to develop alternative resources. JAGGAN SANEJA's 'MCQs Simplified' is one such book, launched in July, which tackles these specific problem types. Readers are encouraged to consider such revisions if they find them beneficial.

Basics and Beyond

Despite its comprehensive nature, it is acknowledged that relying solely on 'Quantitative Aptitude' may not be sufficient for success in modern banking exams. The level of questions has significantly increased in recent years, and aspiring candidates like IBPS and SBI exam aspirants should focus on practicing more complex and higher-level questions.

My Personal Journey

My own experience, as a student in the third year of , illustrates the effectiveness of 'Quantitative Aptitude'. I started solving Arun Sharma's book early because I believed no company would likely interview me with a second division in my 12th-grade results. Initially, it took me two months to cover the book, and I managed to reduce that time to a month by my fourth year. This experience has been immensely beneficial.

I successfully cleared the SSC CGL exam twice, securing an under-100 all India rank both in 2012 and 2014. Remarkably, I did not refer to any math books, including Arun Sharma, after my fourth year. Despite this, I retain a strong command over the quant concepts and can solve questions with ease. This experience made 'Quantitative Aptitude' the most effective resource for me, as I no longer needed to focus on the math section of the exam once my basics were strong.

Best Book for Banking Preparation

For those looking for the best book for their banking exam preparation, it is recommended that Arun Sharma's 'Quantitative Aptitude' is crucial. The increasing difficulty level of questions in banking exams makes an all-encompassing resource like this indispensable.

Specifically, for IBPS PO and Clerks, Arun Sharma is not strictly required. The basic level of quant covered in R.S. Agrawal's 'Quantitative Aptitude' is sufficient. Once you have a basic understanding, practicing model papers and evaluating your progress through tests is key. It is noted that correcting mistakes identified through these tests is more effective than merely taking multiple tests without rectifying weak areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while 'Quantitative Aptitude' by Arun Sharma is a highly recommended resource for banking exam preparation, the approach should be holistic. Despite its strength in depth and clarity, aspiring candidates should aim to develop a robust understanding of the most common question types in banking exams, and refine their problem-solving skills through consistent practice.

Good luck with your exam preparation!