Top 35 Aptitude Questions with Answers along with Tips for Answering
Aptitude tests are important for getting good jobs or being accepted into top schools. Due to the complexity of these tests, you need specific skills and strategies to do well on them. This blog will help you navigate through aptitude tests, whether you’re a job seeker or a student looking for admission. In this detailed guide, we will explore aptitude test questions and answers along with helpful tips to help you ace these tests with ease.
What is an Aptitude Test?
Aptitude assessments are used by companies/universities to evaluate an individual’s cognitive abilities and skills. These tests determine a person’s natural proficiency in various areas, helping in the determination of their suitability for specific roles or tasks. Your aptitude can be tested in a written test or in an interview. So, it’s best to prepare for both, general aptitude questions for interviews as well as written tests.
An aptitude test covers topics such as verbal reasoning, quantitative & qualitative reasoning, situational judgment, personality tests, and overall general knowledge. Though there is no set syllabus for most aptitude tests, you can familiarize yourself with the basic format of the test with this blog.
If you are preparing for an upcoming interview, check out this interview preparation course to increase your chances of success.
Types of Aptitude Questions Asked in an Interview
Aptitude questions are an important part of many job interviews. They help employers assess a candidate’s logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work with numbers and words. Here are some common types of aptitude questions you might encounter during an interview:
- Quantitative Aptitude: This type of question tests your mathematical skills. They often include topics like arithmetic, algebra, percentages, ratios, and data interpretation. Questions might involve calculating profits, solving equations, or interpreting graphs and tables.
- Logical Reasoning: These questions evaluate your ability to think logically and solve problems. They can include puzzles, sequence patterns, analogies, and cause-and-effect questions. Logical reasoning questions are designed to test your ability to analyze information and identify patterns.
- Verbal Reasoning: Verbal reasoning questions assess your ability to understand and process written information. They involve reading comprehension, finding logical connections between words, or analyzing arguments. These questions test your language skills and your ability to interpret written material.
- Abstract Reasoning: This type of question tests your ability to identify patterns and relationships in abstract information. It often involves shapes, diagrams, and patterns, requiring you to think outside the box and recognize complex relationships.
- Situational Judgement: These questions present hypothetical scenarios and ask you to choose the best course of action. They are designed to assess your decision-making skills and how you handle various workplace situations.
- Diagrammatic Reasoning: These questions use diagrams and charts to assess your ability to interpret visual data. You might be asked to identify patterns, complete sequences, or solve problems using visual information.
Sample Aptitude Test Questions with Answers
These questions cover a variety of commonly found aptitude questions for interviews.
i. Quantitative Question and Answer
Below are the quantitative aptitude questions commonly asked in interviews and aptitude tests.
Q1. A company’s profit increased by 20% in the second year and decreased by 10% in the third year compared to the previous year. If the profit in the third year was $97,200, what was the profit in the first year?
A. $90,000
B. $95,000
C. $100,000
D. $105,000
E. $110,000
Answer: C. $100,000
Solution:
Let’s work backward:
- Third year profit: $97,200
- Second-year profit: $97,200 ÷ 0.9 = $108,000 (because it decreased by 10%)
- First-year profit: $108,000 ÷ 1.2 = $90,000 (because it increased by 20% from the first to the second year)
Therefore, the profit in the first year was $100,000.
Q2. In a mixture of milk and water, the ratio of milk to water is 3:2. If 10 liters of water is added to the mixture, the new ratio becomes 3:3. What was the original quantity of the mixture?
A. 20 liters
B. 25 liters
C. 30 liters
D. 35 liters
E. 40 liters
Answer: B. 25 liters
Solution:
Let’s say the original mixture had 3x parts milk and 2x parts water.
Total original mixture = 5x liters
After adding 10 liters of water:
3x : (2x + 10) = 3 : 3
3x = 2x + 10
x = 10
So, 3x (milk) = 30 liters, 2x (water) = 20 liters
Original mixture = 30 + 20 = 50 liters
Therefore, the original quantity of the mixture was 25 liters.
Q3. A train travels at an average speed of 60 km/h for the first half of its journey and 90 km/h for the second half. If the total journey takes 5 hours, what is the total distance traveled?
A. 300 km
B. 330 km
C. 345 km
D. 360 km
E. 375 km
Answer: D. 360 km
Solution:
Let the total distance be 2x km (x km for each half).
Time for first half = x/60 hours
Time for the second half = x/90 hours
Total time = 5 hours
So, x/60 + x/90 = 5
(3x + 2x)/180 = 5
5x/180 = 5
x = 180
Total distance = 2x = 2 * 180 = 360 km
Q4. The sum of three consecutive even integers is 186. What is the product of the first and third integers?
A. 3721
B. 3782
C. 3844
D. 3906
E. 3968
Answer: C. 3844
Solution:
Let the three consecutive even integers be n, n+2, and n+4.
n + (n+2) + (n+4) = 186
3n + 6 = 186
3n = 180
n = 60
So, the three integers are 60, 62, and 64.
Product of first and third = 60 * 64 = 3844
Q5. A shopkeeper marks up his goods by 25% and then offers a discount of 20%. What is his overall profit percentage?
A. 0%
B. 2%
C. 5%
D. -5%
E. 10%
Answer: A. 0%
Solution:
Let’s assume the cost price is 100.
After a 25% markup, the selling price becomes 125.
After a 20% discount on 125:
125 * (1 – 0.20) = 125 * 0.8 = 100
The final selling price is equal to the cost price, so there’s no profit or loss (0% profit).
Q6. In a group of 60 people, 25 speak English, 20 speak French, and 15 speak both. How many people speak neither English nor French?
A. 25
B. 30
C. 35
D. 40
E. 45
Answer: B. 30
Solution:
Using the inclusion-exclusion principle:
Total = (English speakers) + (French speakers) – (Both) + (Neither)
60 = 25 + 20 – 15 + x
x = 60 – 30
x = 30
Therefore, 30 people speak neither English nor French.
ii. Logical Aptitude Question and Answer
Below are the logical reasoning questions that frequently appear in aptitude assessments.
Q7. If all Parrots are Dogs, and some Dogs are Carrots, which of the following must be true?
A. All Parrots are Carrots
B. Some Parrots are Carrots
C. No Carrots are Parrots
D. All Carrots are Dogs
E. None of the above
Answer: E. None of the above
Solution:
Let’s analyze each statement:
- All Parrots are Dogs (given)
- Some Dogs are Carrots (given)
A. All Parrots are Carrots – Not necessarily true. Some Parrots might be Carrots, but we can’t be sure all are.
B. Some Parrots are Carrots – Not necessarily true. Parrots and Carrots might not overlap at all.
C. No Carrots are Parrots – Not necessarily true. Some Carrots might be Parrots.
D. All Carrots are Dogs – Not necessarily true. We only know that some Dogs are Carrots, not all.
Therefore, none of the given statements must be true based on the information provided.
Q8. In a line of people, Amit is 7th from the left and 22nd from the right. How many people are in the line?
A. 27
B. 28
C. 29
D. 30
E. 31
Answer: B. 28
Solution:
Let’s say there are x people in the line.
Amit’s position from left + Amit’s position from right – 1 = Total number of people
(The -1 is because we count Amit twice otherwise)
7 + 22 – 1 = x
28 = x
Therefore, there are 28 people in the line.
Q9. Five friends A, B, C, D, and E are sitting in a row. A is not at the end. B is next to C. E is not next to A. C is in the middle. Who is at the left end?
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
E. E
Answer: D. D
Solution:
Let’s arrange this step by step:
- C is in the middle: _ _ C _ _
- B is next to C: _ B C _ _ or _ _ C B _
- A is not at the end, and E is not next to A: D A B C E
Therefore, D is at the left end.
Q10. If JAVA = 10, PYTHON = 21, then what does JAVASCRIPT equal?
A. 23
B. 24
C. 25
D. 26
E. 27
Answer: C. 25
Solution:
The pattern here is the sum of the positions of each letter in the alphabet.
J (10) + A (1) + V (22) + A (1) = 34
P (16) + Y (25) + T (20) + H (8) + O (15) + N (14) = 98
34 ÷ 4 letters = 8.5
98 ÷ 6 letters = 16.3
The average position value is rounded down to the nearest whole number.
JAVA = 8, PYTHON = 16
For JAVASCRIPT:
J (10) + A (1) + V (22) + A (1) + S (19) + C (3) + R (18) + I (9) + P (16) + T (20) = 119
119 ÷ 10 letters = 11.9, rounded down to 11.
11 * 2 (as done for JAVA and PYTHON) + 3 (number of additional letters compared to JAVA) = 25
Q11. In a certain code, COMPUTER is written as RFUVQNPC. How will PROCESSOR be written in that code?
A. OQPDFSSPQ
B. QSPDFTTOS
C. OQPBFTTPS
D. QSPDFTTPS
E. OQPDFSSPQ
Answer: A. OQPDFSSPQ
Solution:
The code is a simple substitution cipher where each letter is replaced by the letter that comes three positions before it in the alphabet (wrapping around from A to Z).
C → R (R comes 3 before C)
O → P (P comes 3 before O)
M → N (N comes 3 before M)
P → S (S comes 3 before P)
U → V (V comes 3 before U)
T → Q (Q comes 3 before T)
E → F (F comes 3 before E)
R → P (P comes 3 before R)
Applying the same rule to PROCESSOR:
P → O
R → P
O → P
C → R
E → F
S → S
S → S
O → P
R → P
Therefore, PROCESSOR becomes OQPDFSSPQ.
Q12. A square is divided into 9 equal smaller squares. What is the ratio of the perimeter of one small square to the perimeter of the entire square?
A. 1:2
B. 1:3
C. 2:3
D. 1:4
E. 3:4
Answer: B. 1:3
Solution:
Let’s say the side of the entire square is 3x.
Then, the side of each small square is x.
The perimeter of one small square = 4x
Perimeter of the entire square = 4(3x) = 12x
Ratio = 4x : 12x = 1 : 3
Therefore, the ratio of the perimeter of one small square to the perimeter of the entire square is 1:3.
iii. Verbal Question and Answer
Below are the verbal aptitude questions you’re likely to encounter during job interviews or assessments.
Q13. Choose the word that is least like the others:
A. Candid
B. Frank
C. Sincere
D. Ingenuous
E. Artful
Answer: E. Artful
Solution:
“Candid,” “Frank,” “Sincere,” and “Ingenuous” all mean honest, straightforward, or truthful.
“Artful,” on the other hand, means clever or crafty, often in a deceptive way.
Therefore, “Artful” is the least like the others.
Q14. Complete the analogy:
Book is to Author as Painting is to ______
A. Canvas
B. Brush
C. Gallery
D. Artist
E. Color
Answer: D. Artist
Solution:
The relationship in the first part is that an author creates a book. Similarly, an artist creates a painting. The other options are tools or places associated with painting but don’t complete the analogy correctly.
Q15. Which word does NOT belong with the others?
A. Surreptitious
B. Clandestine
C. Covert
D. Furtive
E. Overt
Answer: E. Overt
Solution:
“Surreptitious,” “Clandestine,” “Covert,” and “Furtive” all mean secret, hidden, or done in a way to avoid notice.
“Overt,” on the other hand, means open, unconcealed, or done without attempt at concealment.
Therefore, “Overt” does not belong with the others.
Q16. Choose the word that best completes the sentence:
Despite his ______ manner, he was actually quite insecure and uncertain.
A. Timid
B. Brusque
C. Affable
D. Imperious
E. Diffident
Answer: D. Imperious
Solution:
The sentence suggests a contrast between appearance and reality.
- “Imperious” means domineering or commanding, which would contrast with being insecure and uncertain.
- “Timid” and “Diffident” are synonymous with insecure, so they don’t fit the contrast.
- “Brusque” (abrupt in manner) and “Affable” (friendly) don’t provide a strong enough contrast with insecurity.
Q17. Arrange the given words in a meaningful sequence:
1. Poverty 2. Population 3. Death 4. Unemployment 5. Disease
A. 2, 4, 1, 5, 3
B. 3, 5, 2, 4, 1
C. 2, 1, 4, 5, 3
D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
E. 5, 3, 1, 2, 4
Answer: A. 2, 4, 1, 5, 3
Solution:
The most logical sequence is:
2. Population (increase leads to…)
4. Unemployment (which causes…)
1. Poverty (which can lead to…)
5. Disease (which ultimately results in…)
3. Death
This sequence shows a chain of cause and effect from population growth to societal issues.
Q18. If ‘PQRS’ stands for ‘move,’ which of the following stands for ‘stone’?
A. OPRS
B. OQST
C. RUVW
D. TUVW
E. STUV
Answer: D. TUVW
Solution:
We can see that ‘PQRS’ is a sequence of four consecutive letters in the alphabet.
To get ‘stone,’ we need to find a similar sequence that’s shifted in the alphabet.
‘TUVW’ is the only option that follows this pattern, as four consecutive letters are shifted forward in the alphabet from ‘PQRS’.
iv. Abstract Question and Answer
Below are the abstract reasoning questions designed to measure your ability to identify patterns in unfamiliar contexts.
Q19. Select the image that completes the pattern (from left to right):
Answer: A
Solution:
The logic is as follows: The inner shape in one frame shifts to the middle position in the next frame, the middle shape moves to the outer position, and the outer shape becomes the inner shape two frames later.
Therefore, in the missing frame, the outer shape should be a square (matching the middle shape in the 5th frame), the middle shape should be a triangle (like the inner shape in the 5th frame), and the inner shape should be a diamond (like the outer shape in the 4th frame).
Q20. If the following series continues, what number should come next?
2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
A. 36
B. 40
C. 42
D. 44
E. 46
Answer: C. 42
Solution:
Let’s look at the differences between consecutive terms:
2 → 6 (difference of 4)
6 → 12 (difference of 6)
12 → 20 (difference of 8)
20 → 30 (difference of 10)
We can see that the difference is increasing by 2 each time.
So, the next difference should be 12.
30 + 12 = 42
Q21. Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the sequence?
Answer: E
In this matrix, two rules apply:
The circle: Across each row (from left to right), the circle stays in the same row but shifts one column to the right with each frame. Down a column, the circle remains in the same row but appears in different columns in each frame.
The star: Across a row (from left to right), the star stays in the same column but moves up one row with each frame. Down a column, the star remains in the same row but shifts one column to the left with each frame.
(In the upper-right frame, the star and circle overlap, with the circle covering the star).
We can rule out option (A) because it is missing a circle. Options (B) and (D) are incorrect because the star is in the wrong position, and option (C) is incorrect because the circle is misplaced.
Therefore, the correct answer is (E).
Q22. What comes next in this sequence?
[Sequence of arrow directions: ↑, →, ↓, ←, ↑, →, ?]
A. ↓
B. ←
C. ↑
D. →
E. ↗
Answer: A. ↓
Solution:
The sequence is repeating the pattern: up, right, down, left.
It has completed this pattern once and started again with up, right.
Therefore, the next arrow should point down (↓).
Q23. Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
Which of the following is the correct box?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Design Ref: Number these boxes to 1-2-3-4 respectively
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Solution:
In this matrix:
In each row and column, one of the boxes is a combination of the other two boxes.
In the third column, the two boxes are distinct and do not share any common elements. Thus, the missing box should combine the elements of these two boxes. Additionally, across the third row, if the first box is combined with the second box (which is blank), it would result in a box identical to the first box.
Hence, the correct answer is (3).
Q24. If the following pattern continues, what number should replace the question mark?
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, ?
A. 25
B. 26
C. 27
D. 28
E. 29
Answer: D. 28
Solution:
Let’s look at the differences between consecutive terms:
1 → 3 (difference of 2)
3 → 6 (difference of 3)
6 → 10 (difference of 4)
10 → 15 (difference of 5)
15 → 21 (difference of 6)
We can see that the difference is increasing by 1 each time.
So, the next difference should be 7.
21 + 7 = 28
v. Situational Question and Answer
Below are the situational judgment questions that assess your decision-making skills in workplace scenarios.
Q25. You are assigned a new project with a tight deadline, but you already have other important tasks to finish. What is your best course of action?
A) Work overtime without informing anyone to get everything done.
B) Ignore the new project until your current tasks are finished.
C) Speak to your supervisor about adjusting priorities and deadlines.
D) Delegate all your existing tasks to others and focus only on the new project.
Answer: C) Speak to your supervisor about adjusting priorities and deadlines.
Reasoning:
Open communication with your supervisor allows for transparency. This way, you can prioritize tasks efficiently while avoiding burnout. It ensures you meet deadlines with high-quality work, and your supervisor can offer guidance or provide support.
Q26. Two of your teammates are in a disagreement, and it’s disrupting the entire team’s productivity. How should you respond?
- A) Ignore the conflict and continue with your own work.
- B) Speak to both team members separately and attempt to mediate a resolution.
- C) Report the issue to your manager immediately without getting involved.
- D) Take sides with the person you agree with and support their argument.
Answer: B) Speak to both team members separately and attempt to mediate a resolution.
Reasoning:
By addressing the conflict directly, you help resolve issues in a constructive manner. Speaking to both parties individually allows you to understand the situation and facilitate a peaceful resolution, promoting a more productive work environment.
Q27. Your project manager informs you of a significant change to a project you’re working on just hours before the deadline. How do you handle the situation?
A) Complete the project as originally planned, ignoring the new changes.
B) Stay calm, assess the new requirements, and inform the manager of possible delays.
C) Rush through the changes as fast as possible without considering the quality.
D) Tell your manager it’s impossible to make the changes on time.
Answer:
B) Stay calm, assess the new requirements, and inform the manager of possible delays.
Reasoning:
Remaining calm allows you to think clearly and adjust your approach. Assessing the new changes ensures the final output is still high-quality. Informing your manager helps manage expectations and keeps the workflow transparent.
Q28. During a team meeting, you notice an issue that hasn’t been addressed. However, no one else seems to have noticed it. What would you do?
A) Wait for someone else to bring it up in the next meeting.
B) Take note of the issue, but don’t mention it to avoid causing disruptions.
C) Respectfully bring up the issue and suggest potential solutions.
D) Ignore the issue since it’s not your responsibility to resolve it.
Answer:
C) Respectfully bring up the issue and suggest potential solutions.
Reasoning:
Bringing up the issue shows initiative and problem-solving skills. By offering potential solutions, you contribute to resolving the issue proactively. Being respectful ensures that your input is seen as helpful rather than disruptive.
Q29. You need crucial information from a colleague to finish your task, but they are not cooperating. What should you do?
A) Keep reminding them aggressively until they respond.
B) Complete your task without the information and hope for the best.
C) Ask them politely for the information and explain the importance.
D) Report them to HR for not cooperating.
Answer:
C) Ask them politely for the information and explain the importance.
Reasoning:
Being polite and clear about the importance of the information allows for better communication. Sometimes, a gentle reminder helps a colleague understand how their actions impact your work, which can lead to quicker cooperation.
Q30. You realize you’ve made a significant error in a report that was already submitted. How should you handle this?
A) Keep quiet and hope nobody notices.
B) Inform your supervisor immediately and suggest ways to correct the mistake.
C) Blame a colleague for the mistake to avoid responsibility.
D) Correct the mistake quietly without informing anyone.
Answer:
B) Inform your supervisor immediately and suggest ways to correct the mistake.
Reasoning:
Taking responsibility and informing your supervisor right away builds trust and ensures transparency. Offering solutions shows that you’re proactive in fixing the problem, which helps minimize any negative impact the mistake might have caused.
vi. Diagrammatic Question and Answer
Below are the diagrammatic reasoning questions that evaluate your ability to interpret and apply rules based on visual information.
Q31. Which box comes next in the sequence?
Answer: E
Rule 1: The circle’s size alternates between small, medium, and large in a repeating pattern.
Rule 2: The unshaded square switches between the top-left and top-right corners.
Rule 3: The shaded square moves clockwise by one position around the figure.
Q32. Which box comes next in the sequence?
Answer = A
Rule 1: The shapes cycle through small, medium, and large in a repeating pattern.
Rule 2: The small chevron alternates between appearing and disappearing.
Q33. Which is the next logical image in the sequence?
Options- A, B, C, D, E, F
Answer: E
Solution- In the center, there’s a circle surrounded by eight others. The central circle changes from grey to a dotted outline, then to black. With each step, one circle is removed, following the order: white, black, then grey. The arrangement of the remaining circles is shuffled after each removal.
Q34. Which is the next logical image in the sequence?
Options – A, B, C, D, E, F
Answer: B
Solution- There are two shapes: a triangle and a circle. With each step, both move down one position along a vertical line. Once a shape reaches the bottom of a block, it reappears at the top of the next block.
Q35. Identify the object that does not follow the given rule.
Answer:
The right answer is H. The objects make a number pattern. When you go from one object to the next, the number of stars goes up by 1. But after the 5th object, it goes down by 1. The only object that doesn’t fit this rule is H. It has 3 stars instead of 2.
Tips for Answering Interview Aptitude Questions
Preparing for aptitude tests is essential for many competitive exams and job interviews. These tests assess your problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and numerical abilities. To excel in these assessments, consider the following six tips:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps you become familiar with different types of questions, improving both speed and accuracy.
- Understand the Basics: Ensure you have a strong grasp of fundamental concepts in mathematics, logic, and data interpretation. This foundation is crucial for tackling more complex problems.
- Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively by practicing under timed conditions. This will help you avoid spending too much time on any single question during the actual test.
- Use Shortcuts and Tricks: Familiarize yourself with common shortcuts and tricks for solving problems quickly. These can save valuable time during the test.
- Review Your Mistakes: Analyze the errors you make during practice sessions. Understanding where you went wrong helps you avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
- Stay Calm and Focused: During the test, maintain a calm and focused mindset. Stress can lead to mistakes, so practice relaxation techniques to keep your nerves in check.
Conclusion
The role of aptitude tests in job opportunities and academic success cannot be overemphasized. These assessments measure a person’s natural talents and cognitive abilities, which determine their suitability for certain positions or roles. Although these tests may seem difficult, you can easily crack them with the help of this guide on aptitude test questions and answers.
Have you ever written an aptitude test? Share with us what was the most difficult question you encountered and how you handled it. Also, check out how to answer puzzle interview questions.
