Competitive exams are not just about knowing formulas — they are about speed, accuracy, and smart thinking. Many students lose marks not because they don’t know math, but because they run out of time. That’s where math tricks and shortcuts play a major role.
In this blog, we’ll explore simple and effective math tricks that can help you solve questions faster and perform better in competitive exams like SSC, Banking, Railway, CAT, GMAT, GRE, and other entrance tests.
1. Multiplication Tricks for Fast Calculations
Trick: Multiply numbers ending with 5
Example: 35 × 35
- Take the first digit (3) × next number (4) = 12
- Add 25 at the end
Answer: 1225
This trick works for all numbers ending with 5 and saves a lot of time.
2. Percentage to Fraction Shortcut
Instead of calculating long percentages, convert them into fractions:
25% = 1/4
50% = 1/2
75% = 3/4
12.5% = 1/8
This trick is very useful in profit & loss, discounts, and data interpretation questions.
3. Squaring Numbers Quickly
Trick: Square numbers near 100
Example: 98²
- Difference from 100 = –2
- 100 – 2 = 98
- Square of 2 = 04
Answer: 9604
This trick works best for numbers close to 100.
4. Time & Speed Smart Method
Instead of solving full equations, use ratio logic.
Example:
- If a train takes 10 seconds to cross a pole, it will take 20 seconds to cross a platform double its length.
- Understanding ratios saves calculation time.
5. Approximation Technique
In exams, exact answers are not always required.
Example: 498 × 203
- Approximate as 500 × 200 = 100000
This helps quickly eliminate wrong options in multiple-choice questions.
6. Vedic Math Basics
Vedic math techniques are very popular in competitive exams because they:
Reduce steps
Improve mental calculation
Increase confidence
Even learning basic Vedic methods can make a big difference.
Why Math Tricks Are Important for Competitive Exams
- Save time
- Improve accuracy
- Reduce exam stress
- Help solve more questions
- Increase overall score
Smart students don’t calculate more — they calculate smarter.
Exam-Wise Math Tricks for Competitive Exams
Different competitive exams focus on different levels of difficulty and question patterns. So, using exam-specific math tricks is the smartest strategy.
Math Tricks for SSC Exams (SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS)
SSC exams are all about speed + basics.
Key Topics
Percentages
Ratio & Proportion
Simple & Compound Interest
Time & Work
Useful SSC Math Tricks
1. Percentage Comparison Trick
Instead of calculating exact values, compare directly.
Example:
Which is bigger – 35% of 240 or 40% of 200?
- 35 × 240 = 8400
- 40 × 200 = 8000
35% of 240 is bigger
2. Ratio Shortcut
If A : B = 3 : 5 and total = 160
- Total parts = 8
- A = (3/8) × 160 = 60
- B = 100
No long steps required.
Math Tricks for Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RRB)
Banking exams test accuracy + calculation speed.
Key Topics
Simplification
Approximation
Data Interpretation
Percentages
Useful Banking Math Tricks
1. Approximation First Rule
Always approximate before solving.
Example:
398 × 51
- 400 × 50 = 20,000
Use this to eliminate wrong options quickly.
2. Fraction to Percentage Trick
1/2 = 50%
1/4 = 25%
1/5 = 20%
1/8 = 12.5%
Very useful in DI and interest problems.
Math Tricks for CAT Exam
CAT focuses on logic, concept clarity, and smart shortcuts — not speed alone.
Key Topics
Arithmetic
Geometry
Number Systems
Useful CAT Math Tricks
1. Option Elimination Technique
Instead of solving fully, test options.
Example:
If x² – 5x + 6 = 0
- Try x = 2 → works
- Try x = 3 → works
No need for full factorisation.
2. Averages Shortcut
If the average of 5 numbers is 20
- Total = 5 × 20 = 100
CAT questions often hide this simple logic.
Math Tricks for GMAT / GRE
These exams focus on conceptual understanding + smart math.
Key Topics
Arithmetic
Word Problems
Algebra
Useful GMAT/GRE Math Tricks
1. Back-Calculation Method
Use answer choices to reach the question.
This saves time and reduces calculation errors.
2. Units Digit Trick
Find only the last digit instead of the full calculation.
Example:
7²³ → Units digit repeats every 4
7¹ = 7
7² = 9
7³ = 3
7⁴ = 1
7²³ → remainder 3 → units digit = 3
Math Tricks for Railway Exams
Railway exams emphasise speed and basic math.
Key Topics
Speed, Time & Distance
Percentages
Time & Work
Useful Railway Math Tricks
1. Speed Conversion Trick
km/hr to m/s → multiply by 5/18
Example:
54 km/hr
- 54 × 5/18 = 15 m/s
2. Simple Time & Work Trick
If A does work in 10 days, B in 20 days
- A + B = 1/10 + 1/20 = 3/20
- Work completed in 6⅔ days
How to Use These Math Tricks Effectively
- Practice exam-wise
- Use tricks only after understanding concepts
- Apply them in mock tests
- Avoid over-memorising
- Focus on accuracy first, then speed
Conclusion
Math doesn’t have to be scary. With the right tricks and smart shortcuts, you can solve questions faster and score higher in competitive exams. Start practising these math tricks today and make math your strongest subject.
There is no single math trick for all exams. Each competitive exam demands its own smart strategy. By learning and applying exam-specific math shortcuts, students can save time, reduce stress, and significantly improve their scores.
