Can I crack CAT exam if I have not studied Maths in 12th?

Yes, you can crack CAT exam even if you haven't studied Maths in class 12. CAT Quant and DI have Mathematical questions of advance level, from the topics studied in Class 9 and 10. You will only need to brush up the basic and practice advance level questions.

Can I score well in Quantitative Aptitude just by practicing sample questions?

To score well in Quantitative Aptitude one needs to first master all the concepts and theorems. If you are good at Mathematics or studied it in Graduation, you can score well by just practicing a variety of sample questions for over a period of two to three months. Practice Mental Maths for quick calculation and memorise a minimum of Tables till 20, Squares up to 100, Square roots from 1 to 25, Cubes up to 30. These will help you immensely in cracking Quantitative Aptitude section as well as the Data Interpretation section. Infact, in some exams Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation are clubbed together as both have Mathematic based questions and require calculation to arrive at the answer. It is because similarity of the nature of the subjects, they are clubbed together in some MBA entrance exams.

What is the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in MBA exams?

The Quantitative Aptitude section is one of the main sections of any MBA exam. It usually has one 1/3 rd (exams having three sections in total) or 1/4 th (exams having four sections in total) weightage in the question paper. Check below the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in top MBA entrance exams. CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 22 XAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 27 CMAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 25 SNAP Quantitative Aptitude questions: 20 IIFT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 25 MAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 40 ATMA Quantitative Aptitude questions: 60 MAH CET Quantitative Aptitude questions: 50

What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

India's premiere b-schools accept CAT for MBA admissions. More than 2.5 lakh candidates fighting for limited seats at these institutes make the exam tough to crack.

When should I start practicing XAT mock tests?

Aspirants should start practicing XAT mock tests after completing the syllabus. Ideal time duration to solve XAT mock tests is October to December. Official mock test is released a week before the exam, so candidates must attempt it at least once before the exam.

How many CAT mock tests to practice to score 99 percentile?

Experts recommend that aspirants must practice at least 40 CAT mock tests to score above 99 percentile well in the exam. Most of the CAT test takers take up to 50 mock tests of various types and difficulty level. CAT toppers in previous years have practiced even up to 80 mock tests during their preparation. However, candidates must decide the number of CAT mock tests depending on their control and confidence on topics as the exam day comes closer. Mock tests are the best way to judge your performance viz. The important topics of CAT. The more one practices CAT mock tests, the more accurate they get in solving questions from all subjects. It is very important to know which formula to apply to which type question to solve the problem accurately. Mock tests help candidates in this aspect which is why practicing mock tests is most important in CAT preparation.

Is XAT tough for candidates from non-Engineering background?

Yes, XAT is slightly tougher for candidates with non-Engineering background as the Quantitative Aptitude section is of higher difficulty level. However, they can crack it if they work on the fundamentals of Math and practice questions of all difficulty levels. It will take time but they will be able to crack XAT's quant section if they dedicate extra hours to it. Aspirants can find XAT study material online in various online study groups. Students’ groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. share study material with each other. One can also download MBA exam preparation apps to get relevant and useful study material. The good part about XAT is that, it has different cut offs for candidates belonging to different academic backgrounds. As part of its commitment to academic diversity, the institute has lower cut offs for candidates from non-engineering background than candidates from engineering background.

What is the difficulty level of MAH MBA CET?

MAH MBA CET is a moderately difficult exam. It's difficulty level is lower than CAT but higher than MAT or ATMA. A major factor that makes MAH CET a difficult test to crack is that questions are presented in random order and sectional weightage vary in every slot. So, candidates cannot anticipate or plan how many and which type of questions to get to their target score. Also, MAH MBA CET is dominated by Logical Reasoning questions and there are comparatively less Quantitative Aptitude questions. Since, there is no set pattern, candidates cannot pre-plan. They need to make a strategy and implement it as soon as they see question paper. So, those who can think on their feet and can crack exam better than others. Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?

While it is advised to dedicate at least 9 months to CAT preparation, six months of dedicated study can also help you crack the exam. You will need daily, weekly and monthly plan for syllabus coverage. Practice a good number of mock tests and study for about 8 hours daily.

What are the important topics of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus?

Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT entrance exam comprises all the topics of Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry and Modern Math, etc. that include Percentages, Number System, Binomial Expansion, Arithmetic Progression, Simple Interest, Ratios, HCF & LCM, BODMAS, Median, Compound interest, Arithmetic Mean, Co-ordinate geometry, Standard Deviation, Vectors, Set Theory, Instalments/ payments, Permutation & Combination, Mode, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Probability, Clocks & Calendar, Time, Speed, Distance, Logarithm, Geometric Progression, Averages, In- equations Quadratic, Profit & Loss, Venn Diagram, Geometric Mean, Ratios & Proportions, Linear Equations, Algebra, Geometry, Work & Time, Harmonic Mean. Candidates must start preparation of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude section about 6-8 months in advance so as to be able to have enough time to complete the syllabus and practice sample questions. This section also requires practice of sample questions as mere theoretical understanding is not enough. The need for speed and accuracy is critical for IIFT exam so candidates must focus on gaining conceptual clarity of every topic and correct application for the theorems and formulae. Having a mentor or guide will be helpful so join a coaching institute or online study groups.

What to keep in mind for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

CAT Quantitative Aptitude has the potential of 100 percentile if you prepare well. The Quantitative Aptitude topics of CAT are advance level Mathematic topics from Class 9 and 10. So, for any candidate, the foundation is already there, they only need to work on it further. The important topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude include Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Inequalities, Trigonometry, In-equations, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Work and Time, Algebra, Surds and Indices, Percentages, Mensuration, Time-Speed-Distance, Logarithms, Partnership (Accounts), Number System, Square Root and Cube Root, Profit & Loss, Geometric Progression, Probability, Mean-Mode-Median, Binomial theorem, Simple interest and compound interest. Maximum questions are asked from Arithmetic and Geometry so keep the main focus on these two topic. Understand and memorise the formulas and theorems well, and practice enough questions to be thorough with their application.

What is the overall difficulty level of CAT exam?

Overall difficulty level of CAT exam has always been moderate to high. CAT is of higher difficulty level than all other MBA entrance exams in India.

Which topics are covered in Quantitative Aptitude of KMAT Kerala exam?

Important topics are: Arithmetic Percentages Ratio and Proportion Averages Simple and Compound Interest Profit and Loss Time, Speed and Distance Algebra Equations Trigonometry Geometry Data Interpretation Number System Probability Permutations and Combination Functions Regular practice, solving problems, and reviewing fundamental concepts can help students get good score.

Which are the best books for the Quantitative Aptitude section for ATMA exam?

The best books for Quantitative Aptitude preparation of ATMA exam are listed below. These are the recommended books by experts. 1. NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) 2. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha 3. Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal The NCERT Mathematics book is recommended for ATMA preparation because it is the best source of building or revisiting the fundamentals of Algebra Geometry, Trigonometry Mensuration Number Systems and Arithmetic. The NCERT books are extremely helpful to students from non-Engineering background. Quantitative Aptitude books by Arun Sharma, Abhijit Guha, Nishit Sinha and RS Aggarwal are the main books for ATMA preparation as well as other MBA entrance exams such as CAT. These books cover all the topics at intermediate and advanced level. They also have many sample questions of easy, moderate and high difficulty levels for practice.

Which are the best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT has questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Numbers, Algebra and Data Interpretation. The questions are of moderate difficulty level and one can prepare for it with the help of best books for CMAT recommended by experts and toppers. We have listed down some of the popular CMAT books that candidates usually refer: 1. NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 2. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams 3. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal.

What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson's Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition/Subtraction/ Multiplication in different bases Geometry Topics: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.

What is the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills?

Some of the main topics included in the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills are LCM and HCF, Percentages, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequence and Series Surds and Indices, Interest (Simple and Compound), Heights and Distance, Inequalities, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles Set Theory, Number System Circles, Mixtures and Alligations, Elementary Mathematics, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry Equations and Linear Programming. Candidates need to study all these topic thoroughly this section of MAT carries 40 questions and in every session there can be more questions from any topic. So, start preparing for Mathematical Skills section of the MAT exam at least six months before you intend to appear for it. To cover the entire syllabus of this section thoroughly, you will need at least six months.

What is the SNAP syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude?

SNAP syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude includes topics of Data Interpretation as well. Candidates have to study Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System, Logarithm, Linear Equations & Quadratic Equations, Set Theory, Arithmetic, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices, Inequalities, Permutation & Combination, Probability Functions, Mixtures & Alligations, Co-ordinate Geometry, Series, Graphs-Pie Chart, Bar Graphs and Tables as part of SNAP Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. The SNAP Quantitative Aptitude section includes Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency. The total number of questions in this section is 20 and the section is dominated by Arithmetic. Since the past two years, no Data Sufficiency questions have been asked. So, candidates must focus more on Quantitative Aptitude while preparing for the SNAP exam. This section is all about accuracy so have complete clarity of concepts and theorems.

Simple Interest Formula, Practice Questions with Answers; Free PDFs Download

Updated on Mar 9, 2026 12:52 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Simple Interest is a commercial mathematical application to calculate the interest payable on any loan or due amount to the party. It is used extensively in the financial sector, including the banks, financial institutions, to mortgage any property in return for payments calculated as Simple/ Compound Interest. Interest is the extra money that we pay, along with the principal amount to the lender.

Simple Interest is widely used in the banking and financial sector for loan related activities and transactions. When a person takes a loan from the bank, the repayable amount is calculated based on their interests. Therefore, Simple Interest and Compound Interest is an integral part of the Quantitative Aptitude section of various academic and professional entrance exams. Hence knowledge of simple interest is essential to solving compound interest problems.

Also Read: MBA Preparation: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Table of contents

What is Simple Interest?
Difference Between Simple Interest and Compound Interest
CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions for practice with solutions
Simple Interest Formula: Important Questions
FAQs on Quantitative Aptitude Preparation

What is Simple Interest?

Simple Interest is a broad topic mixed with the compound interest to check for their differences. Banks provide loans on compound interest rate because it fetches more interest on their principal in the same tenure. Nearly all financial institutions use the compound interest rate. But the simple interest calculation is an integral part of compound interest as the first interest in Compound Interest is calculated using the simple interest formula. Let's understand it further:

Simple Interest

Simple Interest is the interest calculated on the principal amount you have to pay to the lender. The borrowed sum is called the principal amount. Due to the borrower’s timely help, the lender agrees to pay them some portion of money calculated on the principal amount as interest. This interest is calculated using the Simple Interest formula given below.

Simple interest formula: (P * R * T)/100

Where,

P - Principal
R - Rate
T - Time

Total repayable amount (A) = P + SI (Simple Interest)

Simple Interest for Months

The above formula given is for the annual calculation of interest. But there is an alternative formula to calculate interest every month. Monthly concepts are used in gold financial institutions like the Muthoot, Malappuram loan services, which usually charge interest based on months.

Simple Interest formula:

SI = (P * R * n)/ (12*100)

Where, n – number of times (monthly) the interest is calculated in a year.

Difference Between Simple Interest and Compound Interest

The fundamental difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest is their nature and calculation strategies. While the simple interest is solely calculated on the principal amount, the compound interest is calculated on the principal amount and the interest generated. So compound interest is the interest on the interest. Hence, compound interest will always be equal to or greater than simple interest. Check the table below for better understanding of difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest.

Particulars	Simple Interest	Compound Interest
Definition	Interest is calculated on principal amount	Interest is calculated on principal amount and accumulated interest
Growth	Linear	Exponential
Impact of Time	Interest Remains Constant	Interest Increases with Time
Borrowing	Preferred for borrowing as it results in lower payable interest	Not preferred for borrowing due to higher interest to be paid
Total Amount	Principal + Interest	Principal + Compound Interest
Formula	(Principal x Rate x Time) / 100	Principal x (1 + Rate)^Time – Principal

Simple Interest Formula & Examples

Q 1: A principal amount of Rs 10,000 is taken at 15% interest rate p.a. for two years. Calculate the SI on this sum and the final payable amount.

Solution: W.

Interest charged on Rs 10,000 is, 15/100 * 10,000 = Rs 1,500

Interest for two years = Rs 1,500 × 2 = Rs 3,000

The amount payable after two years = principal + interest

= Rs 10,000 + Rs 3,000 = Rs 13,000

Q 2: Calculate the Interest on the principal amount of Rs 20000 for one year at R=8%?

Solution: Assume the Principal for the first year to be P. Here, P = Rs 20,000

SI = SI at 8% per annum for the first year = Rs 20,000 * 8 /100 × = Rs 1,600

Q 3: Can interest be calculated daily?

Solution: Yes, One can calculate the interest daily by replacing the formula with n days in the numerator.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions for practice with solutions

Quantitative Aptitude is all about understanding concepts and practice fo questions. The more you practice questions the better will get your grip on the Quants topics. Get here downloadable PDFs of sample questions and practice tests for Quantitative Aptitude.

CAT Quant_Easy-Test_1_Questions	CAT Quant_Easy Test 1_Solutions
CAT Quant_Medium_Test_1_Questions	CAT Quant_Medium_ Test 1_Solutions
CAT Quant_Difficult_Test_1_Questions	CAT Quant_Difficult_Test 1_Solutions

CAT Quant_Easy Test 2 Questions	CAT Quant_Easy Test 2 Solutions
CAT Quant_Medium Test 2 Questions	CAT Quant_Medium Test 2 Solutions
CAT Quant_Difficult Tes 2 Questions	CAT Quant_Difficult Test 2 Solutions

CAT_Quant_Easy_Test-_Set_3	CAT_Quant_Easy_Test_-_Set_3_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Medium_Test_-_Set_3	CAT_Quant_Medium__Test_Set_3_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_-_Set_3	CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_-_Set_3_Solutions

CAT_Quant_Easy_Test_Set_4	CAT_Quant_Easy_Test_Set_4_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Medium_Test_Set_4	CAT_Quant_Medium_Test_Set_4_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_Set_4	CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_Set_4_-Solutions

Download more Free PDFs of Quantitative Aptitude Sample Questions and Answers for Practice

Simple Interest Formula: Important Questions

Q: Why do we calculate simple interest?

A: Simple interest is calculated to take out the interest payable on the principal amount to the lender.

Q: How many types of simple interest are there?

A: There are many types of simple interest based on the number of days we are taking for the calculation. It can be annually, monthly, or one day’s period.

Q: What are the two types of interest?

A: The two types of interest are Simple Interest and Compound Interest.

Q: Is simple interest easy to calculate?

A: Simple Interest is the primary form of calculating interests and are easy to calculate.

Q: What is simple interest formula?

A: Use this formula to calculate simple interest, Simple interest: (P * R * T)/100 Where,