Freshers
How to prepare for aptitude and coding tests
What online assessments usually cover, how to practise quantitative, reasoning, verbal, and coding sections, and how to manage time on test day.
What these tests usually include
- Quantitative aptitude: percentages, ratios, time and work, speed and distance, profit and loss, probability.
- Logical reasoning: series, puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations, data sufficiency.
- Verbal ability: reading comprehension, grammar, sentence correction.
- Coding, for technical roles: two or three problems solved in a set time.
- Domain questions for some roles, such as accounting or core engineering basics.
Quant and reasoning: build speed
Most aptitude questions are school-level maths asked under time pressure. Revise the basic formulas, then practise sets of questions with a timer. After each set, review every wrong answer and note the pattern you missed.
Learn quick methods for percentages and fractions, and practise mental maths. Small time savings across many questions add up.
Verbal ability: read every day
Reading comprehension improves with daily reading of good-quality articles. Read actively: after each article, summarise the main point in one line. For grammar, practise common error types such as subject-verb agreement, tenses, and prepositions.
Coding rounds: master the fundamentals
- Pick one language and know it well.
- Cover arrays, strings, hashing, sorting, searching, recursion, and basic data structures first.
- Practise reading a problem carefully and writing test cases before coding.
- Handle edge cases: empty input, one element, very large values.
- After solving, think about whether a faster approach exists.
Consistent practice over weeks beats last-minute cramming.
On test day
- Check your laptop, internet, webcam, and charger the day before for online tests.
- Read instructions on negative marking and sectional time limits.
- Attempt the questions you find easy first, then return to harder ones.
- For coding, submit a working solution before trying to optimise.
- Never use unfair means. Proctoring tools flag it, and it can bar you from future drives.
After the test
If you clear it, prepare for interviews where you may be asked to explain your approach. If not, note which section held you back and adjust your practice. Every test is practice for the next. Find roles to apply for on hiARed's jobs for freshers, where each post lists its interview rounds up front.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for aptitude tests?
With daily practice, many freshers feel confident within a few weeks. Consistency matters more than total hours.
Which programming language is best for coding tests?
Use the language you know best. Most tests allow several common languages.
Is there negative marking in aptitude tests?
Some tests have it and some do not. Always read the instructions before you start.