The IBPS PO Mains exam is a very important step for every banking aspirant in India. It is not only about clearing the cut-off but also about scoring high enough to secure a final selection. Among all the sections in the exam, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude are often seen as the most crucial.
These two sections truly test whether a candidate can handle time, accuracy, and pressure in the exam hall. Many aspirants often wonder: “Which is tougher, Reasoning or Quantitative?” The reality is that both come with their own challenges.
In this blog, we will compare these two sections, look at their difficulty levels, and share some simple preparation tips to help you perform with confidence in IBPS PO Mains.
Overview of IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
When it comes to the IBPS PO Mains exam, candidates are tested in multiple areas like Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness. Out of these, Reasoning and Quantitative stand out because they carry higher marks and need extra focus. These sections can boost your score if prepared well, but they are also time-consuming and tricky to manage. For many aspirants, they become the deciding factor in the exam.
Here’s a quick look at the IBPS PO Mains exam pattern:
| Sr. No | Name of Tests | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time Allotted |
| 1 | Reasoning | 40 | 60 | English & Hindi | 50 Minutes |
| 2 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 Minutes |
| 3 | English Language | 35 | 40 | English | 40 Minutes |
| 4 | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 25 Minutes |
| Total | 145 | 200 | 160 Minutes | ||
| Descriptive Paper | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time Allotted | |
| 5 | Essay & Comprehension WritingEconomic and Social issuesEmerging Trends in Banking and Technology, Ethics, etc. | 2 | 25 | English | 30 Minutes |
Reasoning Section:
This section is designed to check your logical and analytical thinking. It includes topics such as puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, input-output, inequalities, syllogisms, data sufficiency, and critical reasoning. The main goal is to check how well you can connect ideas and solve problems.
Some common challenges in this section are:
- Puzzles and seating arrangements are often long and tricky.
- A single wrong assumption can waste a lot of time.
- Unlike Quantitative, where formulas can guide you, Reasoning depends more on practice, pattern recognition, and clear thinking.
- Time management is another big hurdle, as even simple questions may take longer than expected.
Quantitative Aptitude Section:
In this section, test your number skills and problem-solving ability. It covers topics like arithmetic (profit and loss, ratio, interest, time and work, speed-distance), quadratic equations, number series, probability, and data interpretation (DI). This part of the exam is not just about knowing formulas; it also requires quick and accurate calculations.
Some common challenges students face are:
- Data Interpretation (DI) takes up most marks but is usually long and multi-step.
- Time pressure and lengthy calculations often lead to mistakes.
- Weak basics in arithmetic make the section very tough.
- Success depends on strong fundamentals, formula revision, and shortcut methods.
Which Section is Tougher?
Now comes the big question: Which is tougher, Reasoning or Quantitative?
The answer is: It depends on the student.
Reasoning is considered tricky because it requires clear logical thinking. A small mistake or wrong assumption in a puzzle can waste 10–15 minutes. Critical reasoning questions also test analytical ability and can be confusing.
Quantitative, on the other hand, demands speed, accuracy, and strong basics. Long DI sets can eat up precious time, and without mental calculation skills, even easy questions feel tough.
A student from an engineering or commerce background may find Quantitative easier, as they have already dealt with numbers and formulas. On the other hand, students from an arts or humanities background often feel more comfortable with Reasoning, since it depends more on logical thinking than formulas.
So, instead of declaring one section harder than the other, it’s better to say: Both sections are challenging, but with the right preparation, they can be mastered.
How to Prepare for Reasoning
To perform well in Reasoning, focus on regular practice. Start with puzzles and seating arrangements, as they carry maximum weightage. Practice at least 3–4 sets daily. Learn simple shortcuts and elimination techniques for coding-decoding, inequalities, and syllogisms.
Remember, accuracy is more important than attempts in Reasoning. Avoid guesswork, especially in tricky puzzles. Mock tests are your best friend here. By practicing sectional tests and analyzing mistakes, you can improve both speed and accuracy.
Critical reasoning questions can be mastered by reading carefully and practicing previous years’ questions. The key is to stay calm, think logically, and avoid wasting time on unsolvable questions during the exam.
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude
Start your Quantitative preparation by strengthening the basics. Revise formulas from arithmetic topics like percentages, averages, profit-loss, and time-speed-distance. Without strong basics, word problems and Data Interpretation (DI) become difficult.
Practice Data Interpretation (DI) daily, as it covers most of the Quantitative section in Mains. Solve different types like tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and caselets. Work on mental calculations, approximations, and shortcut methods to save time.
Take sectional mock tests regularly and check where you waste time. Reduce calculation mistakes, as even one error can cost you marks. With a balance of speed, accuracy, and smart question selection, Quantitative can turn into a scoring section.
How to Manage Both Sections Effectively
Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude are equally important, so balance your preparation smartly.
- Spend 1–2 hours daily on each section.
- Don’t ignore your weaker part, as cut-offs need balance.
- Use your strengths (e.g., puzzles in Reasoning, arithmetic in Quant) to score well, while slowly improving weak areas.
- In mocks, practice time management (e.g., 45 mins for Reasoning, 35 mins for Quantitative).
- Solve mixed sets of both sections to handle exam pressure and switch smoothly between them.
Conclusion
Both Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude may feel tough in IBPS PO Mains, but with practice, they can become scoring sections. The secret is regular study, smart strategy, and proper time management. Don’t stress over which one is harder. Focus on improving both.
Every topper once struggled, but they overcame it through patience and consistent effort. You can do the same. Stay calm, practice daily, and take one step at a time. With steady preparation, these sections will be in your control.
