Numerical Ability

The ESIC (DD) exam doesn't have a separate syllabus for Numerical Ability, but it is covered under the broader topic of "Numerical Ability & Logical Reasoning" within the General Ability section of the exam.

Here's what you can expect:

No official weightage: The weightage for specific topics within Numerical Ability & Logical Reasoning isn't officially published.
Focus on concepts: The emphasis is on understanding core mathematical concepts rather than complex calculations.
Common areas: Here are some probable areas that might be tested:

• Numbers and their properties (HCF, LCM, divisibility rules, etc.)
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Averages (mean, median, mode)
• Simple algebra (equations, inequalities)
• Profit and loss (percentages)
• Interest (simple and compound)
• Time and work
• Permutation and combination (basic concepts)
• Data interpretation (basic tables, graphs)

Tips for preparation:

• Look at previous years' question papers (available online) to get a feel for the type of questions asked.
• Use general aptitude books that cover these topics.
• Practice with online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Here are some resources that you might find helpful:
• Previous years' question papers can be found on the UPSC website.
• Online coaching institutes often provide analysis of the syllabus and question papers.
• Remember, consistent practice is key to performing well in the Numerical Ability section of the ESIC (DD) exam.

The ESIC exam tests your Numerical Ability which is covered under the Quantitative Aptitude section. Here are some recommended books to help you prepare for this section:

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal- This is a classic and comprehensive book that covers all the important topics of quantitative aptitude. It has a good balance of theory and practice questions, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced learners.

Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha- This book is known for its focus on shortcut methods and techniques to solve problems quickly and accurately. It is a good option for those who are looking for a time-saving approach to quantitative aptitude.

Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude by Disha Experts- As the name suggests, this book is all about shortcuts and tricks to solve quantitative aptitude problems. It is a great resource for those who want to improve their speed and accuracy in this section.

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma- This book is a bit more advanced than the others on this list, but it is a great resource for those who are looking for a challenge. It covers a wide range of topics in depth and provides a strong foundation in quantitative aptitude concepts.

Quantitative Aptitude Chapter-wise Solved Papers by Arihant Experts- This book is a compilation of solved papers from various competitive exams. It is a great way to practice for the ESIC exam and get familiar with the types of questions that are asked.

These are just a few of the many books that are available to help you prepare for the quantitative aptitude section of the ESIC exam. The best book for you will depend on your individual learning style and needs.

Here are some strategies to improve your numerical ability:

Before the Test:

Brush up on the basics: Make sure you're comfortable with fundamental math operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You should also be familiar with percentages, decimals, and fractions.

Practice with sample questions: There are many resources available online and in libraries that offer practice questions for numerical reasoning tests. Familiarize yourself with the different types of questions you might encounter, such as percentages, averages, ratios, and data interpretation.

Identify the test provider (if possible):  Some companies use specific test providers for numerical reasoning assessments. If you can find out which provider is being used, you can target your practice to their question style.

Learn about common question types:

Percentage problems: These involve calculating percentages, discounts, markups, and increases/decreases.
Ratio problems: These involve understanding relationships between quantities.
Averages: Be comfortable with finding the mean, median, and mode of data sets.
Data interpretation: This might involve interpreting charts, graphs, and tables to answer questions.
Sharpen your estimation skills: In many cases, particularly under timed conditions, getting an exact answer isn't crucial. Learn to estimate answers to quickly eliminate obviously wrong choices.

During the Test:

Read carefully: Don't rush into calculations. Make sure you understand what the question is asking before you start solving.
Manage your time: If you get stuck on a question, don't waste too much time. Move on and come back to it later if you have time.
Use a calculator (if allowed): Unless specifically prohibited, using a calculator can save you time and reduce errors. However, make sure you know how to use it effectively.
Show your work (sometimes): While some tests may not require this, writing down your calculations can help you identify errors and jog your memory if you need to come back to a question.
Double-check your answers: If you have time left, review your answers for any careless mistakes.
Additional Tips:

Stay calm and focused: Test anxiety can cloud your judgement. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the task at hand.
Practice mental math: There are exercises you can do to improve your mental math abilities, which can be helpful for quick calculations.
Build your confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you will feel in your numerical abilities.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance on numerical reasoning tests.