Tips To Solve Simple & Compound Interest Questions for NID 2026

Understanding Simple and Compound Interest for NID DAT 2026

According to the NID 2026 DAT Exam Syllabus, Students can prepare for Simple Interest and Compound Interest using the explanation and tips below:

Simple Interest: This is the method of calculating the interest on a given sum for a fixed rate of interest(R) on the Principal Amount(P) for a given duration of Time(T).

Formula For Simple Interest (S.I.) → [P X R X T] / 100

Compound Interest Formula (C.I.) →

Simple Interest Traditional Vs. Advanced Trick Approach

Let’s try to understand the comparison for both through an example :

1. Calculating the Simple Interest S.I.: The Regular Formula Approach

Ques: Calculate the S.I. (Simple Interest) for 2 years on Rs 12000, calculated for a rate of Interest of 10% for the given duration.

Ans: Solving by using the S.I. Formula

P = 12,000

R = 10%

T = 2 years

By Formula S.I. = (PXRXT) / 100

= (12000X10X2) / 100

= Rs 240 (for Two Years)

2. Calculating the Simple Interest S.I.: The Fraction Trick

*Instead of working with the Percentage, convert the Rate of Interest (R%) to fractions for a faster mental calculation.

Example : R = 10% can also be written as R = (1/10)

The Interest is 1/10th of the Principal(P) for the first and second years, respectively.

Solving by using the “Fraction Trick” Formula

P = 12,000

R = 1/10 of P

Interest Earned = [(1/10) X Rs 12000] X 2 years

= 120 X 2 years

= Rs 240

Mostly, the Calculation could be done mentally using the “Fraction Trick for

Simple Interest ”.

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Understanding the Compound Interest for NID DAT 2026

Compound Interest: Compound interest is an extension of Simple Interest. Compound interest keeps on adding the interest generated in the principal amount. So, in compound interest is that the principal keeps on getting updated yearly.

Compound Interest Traditional Vs. Ratio Approach

Let's try to understand the faster approach for Compound Interest through a similar example:

Ques: Calculate the C.I. (Compound Interest) for 2 years on Rs 12000, calculated for a rate of Interest of 10% for the given duration.

1. Attempting the question through the Formula based approach :

Compound Interest = 12000 x [ 1 + (10/100)]2 - 12000

= 12000 x [ 1+.1]2 - 12000

= 12000 x [1.21] - 12000

= 14520 - 12000

= Rs 2520 approx( time consuming)

2. Calculating the Compound Interest with a Ratio Approach:

In this approach, we need to remember the table year-wise to calculate the compound interest for the desired number of years.

* Remember the table!

1 Year - 1

2 Years - 2: 1

3 Years - 3 : 3: 1

4 Years - 4: 6 : 4: 1

For the above example, where the interest is to be calculated for two years, the ratio :

Step 01: Calculate the Simple Interest for the first year, i.e. 10% of Rs 12000

= Rs 120

Step 02: Multiply the Interest in stages as shown with the given ratios

Interest @10% for Rs12000 in the first year = Rs 1200

If Calculating for 02 Years

Similarly, if we wish to calculate for three years (03), we need three steps.

This method is rapid and accurate for calculating the Compound Interest for any duration of Time (T = 1, 2, 3 years)

Important Points for Compound Interest for NID 2026 Exam:

• For Compound Interest, Interest is calculated based on both Principal and previously accumulated interest for previous years.

• Mainly, questions are asked in DAT exams to calculate the interest for up to 4 years.

• Compound interest Accumulates more Interest for the same duration than Simple Interest.

With Regular practice and memorizing the predefined set of values, aspirants can reduce the calculation time for the S.I. & C.I. based questions for NID DAT 2026.

Preparation Tips for NID DAT 2026 Exam

Aspiring students can prepare for Simple and Compound interest according to the NID DAT Exam pattern with the help of following tips:

1. Focus on Mental Math: Speed and accuracy are two critical factors for scoring well in the NID DAT 2026. It is suggested that you practise calculation using either tricks or mental calculation to attempt more questions accurately in a given time frame.

2. Practise With Approximation: Work on practising the 20-30 CI problems using the above-discussed Ratio method for the Compound Interest. Developing any logic in passive memory requires some practice to develop the habit of solving problems.

3. Memorise the Values/Rates for Fast Application: Remember the compound interest table, as provided above, for up to 04 years.

4. Break Complex Calculations: Calculate the values in chunks manually. We can calculate the P x R at a time and divide the overall operations into smaller chunks to push the “Mental Calculations”, avoiding multiplying all values simultaneously.

5. Students can look at NID DAT sample papers to deepen their understanding of the syllabus and how to approach the exam.

6. Practice NID DAT High Weightage Topics: While preparing for practice sessions, pay equal attention to scoring components like Analytical Ability, Visualization, and General Knowledge for the exam synthesis.

7. Use Quality NID DAT Study Material 2026: Make sure to include study guides that have a well defined structure for Quants, Logical reasoning, and General Knowledge along with comprehended solving sessions on Simple and Compound Interest.

8. Make a Habit of Solving NID GK Questions: Work on last year's NID GK Questions and with attention to design affairs stay abreast with topical events to help recall them for the NID GK test.

9. Pick The Best NID DAT Preparation Books: Focus on the best available compiling textbooks that have easy and simple to advance progressive Mathematics, Logical reasoning, and General Knowledge. Practice, done through sets and examples of SI and CI, will ensure a good CGPA through these exams.

Practice Questions for Simple and Compound Interest for NID 2026:

Q: An amount of ₹15,000 is invested at an annual rate of 12% for 3 years. Find the CI using:

1. The traditional formula

2. Ratio Multiplication Technique

Solution:

1. To calculate compound interest (CI) using the traditional formula, we use:

2. To calculate compound interest (CI) using Ratio Multiplication Technique, we use:

Principal (P) = ₹15,000

Annual interest rate (r) = 12%

Time (t) = 3 years