Percentage PYQs for competitive exams consist of questions asked in SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC GD, SSC Stenographer, RRB NTPC, RRB ALP, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, NDA, CDS and other competitive examinations.
These questions are carefully selected to cover the concepts explained in our Percentage Hub.
You can also refer to our Percentage Formula section and Percentage Practice Questions with Answers | MCQs, Quiz & Practice Set to strengthen your understanding and improve your ability to solve percentage problems quickly and accurately.
Question 1: Which is greatest among 3/20, 14%, 1/6 and 0.15? (SSC CGL)
Solution:
Let us first convert all the given numbers into percentage form so that they can be compared easily.
3/20 = (3 × 100) ÷ 20 = 15%
14% = 14%
1/6 = (1 × 100) ÷ 6 = 100/6 = 16⅔%
0.15 = 0.15 × 100 = 15%
Now compare the percentages:
- 3/20 = 15%
- 14% = 14%
- 1/6 = 16⅔%
- 0.15 = 15%
Since:
16⅔% > 15% > 14%
Therefore, the greatest number is 1/6.
Answer: 1/6
If you are not familiar with converting fractions and decimals into percentages, check our detailed percentage formula section to revise.
Question 2: Which is greatest among 5/24, 19%, 0.21 and 1/5? (SSC CHSL)
Solution:
Let us first convert all the given numbers into percentage form.
5/24 = (5 × 100) ÷ 24 = 500/24 = 20.83%
19% = 19%
0.21 = 0.21 × 100 = 21%
1/5 = (1 × 100) ÷ 5 = 20%
Now compare the percentages:
- 5/24 = 20.83%
- 19% = 19%
- 0.21 = 21%
- 1/5 = 20%
Since:
21% > 20.83% > 20% > 19%
Therefore, the greatest number is 0.21.
Answer: 0.21
Similar conversion-based problems can be practiced in our Fraction to Percentage Questions with Answers page.
Question 3: The fare of a railway ticket inclusive of 8% GST is ₹2,700. Find the original fare of the ticket. (Banking)
Solution:
Suppose the original fare of the ticket is ₹x.
GST = 8% of the original fare.
Therefore,
Fare inclusive of GST = Original Fare + GST
= x + 8% of x
= x + (8/100)x
= x(1 + 8/100)
= 1.08x
According to the question:
1.08x = 2700
x = 2700 ÷ 1.08
x = 2500
Therefore, the original fare of the railway ticket was ₹2,500.
Answer: ₹2,500
Shortcut for SSC/RRB/ Banking and other competitive exams
2700 = 108% of the original fare
Therefore,
108% = ₹2700
1% = ₹2700 ÷ 108 = ₹25
100% = ₹25 × 100 = ₹2500
Answer: ₹2500
This is a classic reverse percentage problem. You can practice similar questions in our Find the Number Questions | Percentage Questions with Solutions section.
Question 4: Ramesh saves ₹72,000 in a year, which is 20% of his annual income. Find his monthly income. (RRB NTPC)
Solution:
Assume the monthly income of Ramesh is ₹x.
Therefore,
Annual Income = ₹12x
According to the question,
20% of Annual Income = ₹72,000
(20/100) × 12x = 72,000
12x/5 = 72,000
12x = 72,000 × 5
12x = 3,60,000
x = 3,60,000 ÷ 12
x = 30,000
Therefore, the monthly income of Ramesh is ₹30,000.
Answer: ₹30,000
SSC/RRB Shortcut
20% = 1/5
If 1/5 of Annual Income = ₹72,000
Annual Income = ₹72,000 × 5
= ₹3,60,000
Monthly Income = ₹3,60,000 ÷ 12
= ₹30,000
Answer: ₹30,000
Question 5: The difference between 42% and 18% of a number is 720. Find 15% of that number. (SSC)
Solution:
Let the number be A.
According to the question,
42% of A − 18% of A = 720
(42/100) × A − (18/100) × A = 720
0.42A − 0.18A = 720
0.24A = 720
A = 720 ÷ 0.24
A = 3000
Now,
15% of A = 15% of 3000
= (15/100) × 3000
= 450
Therefore, 15% of the number is 450.
Answer: 450
SSC/RRB Shortcut
42% − 18% = 24%
24% of the number = 720
Therefore,
1% of the number = 720 ÷ 24 = 30
15% of the number = 30 × 15
= 450
Answer: 450
Question 6: A government employee had a monthly income of ₹18,000 and a monthly expenditure of ₹12,000. In the next year, his income increased by 20% and his expenditure increased by 10%. Find the percentage increase in his savings. (BANKING)
Solution:
Savings in the first year
= Monthly Income − Monthly Expenditure
= 18,000 − 12,000
= ₹6,000
Next year income
= 1.2 × 18,000
= ₹21,600
Next year expenditure
= 1.1 × 12,000
= ₹13,200
Next year savings
= 21,600 − 13,200
= ₹8,400
Increase in savings
= 8,400 − 6,000
= ₹2,400
Percentage Increase in Savings
= (2,400 ÷ 6,000) × 100
= 40%
Therefore, the savings increased by 40%.
Answer: 40%
SSC/RRB Shortcut
Income increased by 20%
Increase in income = 20% of 18,000 = ₹3,600
Expenditure increased by 10%
Increase in expenditure = 10% of 12,000 = ₹1,200
Increase in savings
= 3,600 − 1,200
= ₹2,400
Original savings
= ₹6,000
Percentage increase
= (2,400 ÷ 6,000) × 100
= 40%
Answer: 40%
For more percentage growth problems, check our Percentage Increase Questions with Answers page.
Question 7: The price of a laptop was reduced by 50% during a clearance sale. After the sale ended, the reduced price was increased by 50%. Find the net percentage change in the price of the laptop. (SSC)
Solution:
Using the successive percentage formula:
Net Percentage Change = a + b + (ab/100)
Here,
a = -50% (decrease)
b = +50% (increase)
Therefore,
Net Percentage Change
= -50 + 50 + [(-50 × 50)/100]
= 0 – 25
= -25%
Therefore, the price of the laptop decreased by 25%.
Answer: 25% decrease
Shortcut Trick for SSC/RRB/Banking/NDA/CDS/IBPS
Assume the original price = ₹100
50% decrease → ₹50
50% increase → ₹75
Net decrease = ₹25
Therefore, percentage decrease = 25%
Answer: 25% decrease
You can practice similar reduction-based problems in our Percentage Decrease Questions with Answers and Solutions section.
Question 8: A railway porter was working 8 hours per day. His working hours were increased by 25%, and his earnings per hour were increased by 12%. By what percentage did his daily earnings increase? (SSC)
Solution:
Initial working hours = 8 hours
Working hours increased by 25%
New working hours
= 125% of 8
= (125/100) × 8
= 10 hours
Let the initial earning per hour be ₹E.
Initial daily earnings
= 8 × E
= 8E
After a 12% increase in earnings per hour,
New earning per hour
= 1.12E
New daily earnings
= 10 × 1.12E
= 11.2E
Increase in daily earnings
= 11.2E − 8E
= 3.2E
Percentage increase
= (3.2E ÷ 8E) × 100
= 40%
Therefore, the daily earnings increased by 40%.
Answer: 40%
SSC/RRB Shortcut
Working hours increased by 25%
Earnings per hour increased by 12%
Net increase
= 25 + 12 + (25 × 12)/100
= 25 + 12 + 3
= 40%
Answer: 40%
This question uses the successive percentage concept. Solve more examples in our Successive Percentage Questions with Answers and Solutions page.
Question 9: The price of electricity increased by 20%. By what percentage should a household reduce its electricity consumption so that the monthly electricity bill remains unchanged? (SSC)
Solution:
Let the electricity bill be ₹100.
After a 20% increase in electricity price,
New bill = ₹120
Increase in bill
= ₹120 − ₹100
= ₹20
Required percentage decrease
= (Increase ÷ Increased Value) × 100
= (20 ÷ 120) × 100
= 16⅔%
Therefore, the household should reduce its electricity consumption by 16⅔% to keep the monthly electricity bill unchanged.
Answer: 16⅔%
SSC/RRB/Defence/Banking Shortcut
Required Percentage Reduction
= (Total Increase ÷ Increased Value) × 100
= (20 ÷ 120) × 100
= 16⅔%
Answer: 16⅔%
SSC/RRB Exam Trick
Many students think that if the electricity price increases by 20%, then consumption should be reduced by 20%.
This is incorrect because the reduction is calculated on the increased value (₹120) and not on the original value (₹100).
Therefore, the required reduction is 16⅔%, not 20%.
Question 10: Ramesh earns 25% more than Suresh. By what percentage does Suresh earn less than Ramesh? (RRB ALP)
Solution:
Let Suresh’s income = ₹100.
Since Ramesh earns 25% more than Suresh,
Ramesh’s income
= ₹100 + 25% of ₹100
= ₹125
Difference in income
= ₹125 − ₹100
= ₹25
Percentage by which Suresh earns less than Ramesh
= (Difference ÷ Ramesh’s Income) × 100
= (25 ÷ 125) × 100
= 20%
Therefore, Suresh earns 20% less than Ramesh.
Answer: 20%
SSC/RRB/Defence/Banking Shortcut
If A is 25% more than B,
Then B is less than A by
= (25 ÷ 125) × 100
= 20%
Answer: 20%
SSC/RRB Exam Trick
Many students wrongly answer 25% because they use Suresh’s income (₹100) as the base.
Since the question asks:
“By what percentage does Suresh earn less than Ramesh?”
The comparison must be made with Ramesh’s income (₹125).
That’s why the answer is 20%, not 25%.
Question 11: How is 4/5 expressed as a percentage? (RRB Group D)
Solution:
(4/5) × 100
= 400/5
= 80%
Therefore, 4/5 expressed as a percentage is 80%.
Answer: 80%
If you want more conversion questions like this, check our Percentage to Fraction Questions & Answers section.
Question 12: Find 38% of 341 (Banking)
Solution:
38% of 341
= (38/100) × 341
= 12958/100
= 129.58
Therefore, 38% of 341 is 129.58.
Answer: 129.58
For more such direct percentage calculations, check our Finding Percentage Questions with Answers section.
Question 13: (0.85% of 405) + (2.25% of 550) =? (Banking)
Solution:
0.85% of 405
= (0.85/100) × 405
= 3.4425
2.25% of 550
= (2.25/100) × 550
= 12.375
Therefore,
(0.85% of 405) + (2.25% of 550)
= 3.4425 + 12.375
= 15.8175
Answer: 15.8175
Question 14: 35% of 480 + ? = 72% of 500 − 15% of 400 (RRB NTPC)
Solution:
35% of 480
= (35/100) × 480
= 168
72% of 500
= (72/100) × 500
= 360
15% of 400
= (15/100) × 400
= 60
Therefore,
168 + ? = 360 − 60
168 + ? = 300
? = 300 − 168
? = 132
Answer: 132
Question 15: A sales executive sells products worth ₹24,000. If he receives a commission of 2.5% on sales, find his commission. (SSC)
Solution:
Commission = 2.5% of Sales
= 2.5% of ₹24,000
= (2.5/100) × 24,000
= 2.5 × 240
= ₹600
Therefore, the commission earned by the sales executive is ₹600.
Answer: ₹600
Question 16: 0.125 is what percent of 0.5? (RRB NTPC)
Solution:
Percentage
= (0.125 ÷ 0.5) × 100
= 0.25 × 100
= 25%
Therefore, 0.125 is 25% of 0.5.
Answer: 25%
Question 17: An interval of 4 hours 20 minutes is wrongly estimated as 4 hours 33 minutes. Find the percentage error. (BANK PO)
Solution:
Original reading
= 4 hours 20 minutes
= (4 × 60 + 20) minutes
= 260 minutes
Wrongly estimated reading
= 4 hours 33 minutes
= (4 × 60 + 33) minutes
= 273 minutes
Error
= 273 − 260
= 13 minutes
Percentage Error
= (Error ÷ Original Reading) × 100
= (13 ÷ 260) × 100
= (1 ÷ 20) × 100
= 5%
Therefore, the percentage error is 5%.
Answer: 5%
Question 18: 37.5% of 720 = 45% of ? (RRB Group D)
Solution:
37.5% of 720 = 45% of ?
(37.5/100) × 720 = (45/100) × ?
37.5 × 720 = 45 × ?
? = (37.5 × 720) ÷ 45
? = 600
Therefore, 45% of 600 is equal to 37.5% of 720.
Answer: 600
SSC/RRB Shortcut
37.5% = 3/8
Therefore,
(3/8) × 720 = 45% of ?
270 = 45% of ?
? = (270 × 100) ÷ 45
= 600
Answer: 600
Question 19: A consumer received a discount of ₹48 for paying his electricity bill before the due date. If the discount rate was 6%, find the original bill amount. (SSC)
Solution:
Let the original bill amount be E.
According to the question,
6% of E = 48
(6/100) × E = 48
0.06E = 48
E = 48 ÷ 0.06
E = 800
Therefore, the original bill amount was ₹800.
Answer: ₹800
SSC/RRB/Defence/Banking Shortcut Trick
6% of the bill amount = ₹48
Therefore,
1% = 48 ÷ 6 = ₹8
100% = ₹8 × 100
= ₹800
Question 20: In a coaching institute in Mukherjee Nagar, 72% of the students are preparing for SSC examinations and the remaining students are preparing for banking examinations. If the number of banking aspirants is 252, find the total number of students in the institute. (SSC)
Solution:
Let the total number of students be S.
Students preparing for SSC examinations = 72% of S
Students preparing for Banking examinations = 252
Therefore,
72% of S + 252 = S
(72/100) × S + 252 = S
0.72S + 252 = S
S − 0.72S = 252
0.28S = 252
S = 252 ÷ 0.28
S = 900
Therefore, the total number of students in the institute is 900.
Answer: 900
SSC/RRB/Defence/Banking Shortcut Trick to solve this:
Students preparing for Banking examinations
= 100% − 72%
= 28% of total students
Given,
28% of total students = 252
(28/100) × S = 252
0.28S = 252
S = 252 ÷ 0.28
S = 900
Question 21: A water tank is 75% full. It contains 12 litres more water than when it is 60% full. What is the capacity of the tank? (NDA,CDS)
Solution:
Let the capacity of the tank be C litres.
According to the question,
60% of C + 12 = 75% of C
(60/100) × C + 12 = (75/100) × C
0.6C + 12 = 0.75C
0.75C − 0.6C = 12
0.15C = 12
C = 12 ÷ 0.15
C = 80
Therefore, the capacity of the tank is 80 litres.
Answer: 80 litres
SSC/RRB/BANKING Shortcut
75% − 60% = 15%
15% of the tank’s capacity = 12 litres
Therefore,
Capacity = (12 × 100) ÷ 15
= 80 litres
Answer: 80 litres
Question 22: A number is decreased by 20% and becomes 320. By what percentage should the reduced number be increased to become 480? (UP POLICE)
Solution:
Let the original number be N.
After decreasing by 20%,
0.8N = 320
N = 320 ÷ 0.8
N = 400
However, finding the original number is not necessary to solve this question because the percentage increase has to be calculated on the reduced number, which is already given as 320.
To become 480, the reduced number must increase by:
480 − 320 = 160
Percentage Increase
= (160 ÷ 320) × 100
= 50%
Therefore, the reduced number should be increased by 50% to become 480.
Answer: 50%
SSC/RRB/Banking Trick:
Many students unnecessarily calculate the original number (400) and then use it as the base for percentage calculation.
Remember that the increase takes place from 320 to 480, so the base value is 320, not 400.
Increase = 480 − 320 = 160
Percentage Increase
= (160 ÷ 320) × 100
= 50%
Answer: 50%
Question 23: The difference between two numbers is 25% of the larger number. If the smaller number is 36, find the larger number. (IBPS)
Solution:
Let the larger number be L.
Smaller number = 36
According to the question,
L − 36 = 25% of L
L − 36 = (25/100) × L
L − 36 = L/4
Multiplying both sides by 4,
4xL-36×4=L
4L − 144 = L
4L − L = 144
3L = 144
L = 144/3
L = 48
Therefore, the larger number is 48.
Answer: 48
SSC/RRB Shortcut
Difference = 25% of the larger number
25% = 1/4
So,
Difference = 48 − 36 = 12
If 12 is 1/4 of the larger number,
Larger number = 12 × 4
= 48
Answer: 48
Question 24: In an SSC examination, a candidate must secure 45% marks to qualify. A candidate scored 328 marks and fell short by 4% marks. Find the maximum marks in the examination. (SSC)
Solution:
Let the maximum marks be M.
Marks required to qualify
= 45% of M
= 0.45M
According to the question,
45% of M − 4% of M = 328
(45/100) × M − (4/100) × M = 328
0.45M − 0.04M = 328
0.41M = 328
M = 328 ÷ 0.41
M = 800
Therefore, the maximum marks in the examination are 800.
SSC/RRB Shortcut
45% − 4% = 41%
41% = 328
1% = 328 ÷ 41 = 8
100% = 8 × 100
= 800
Question 25: If x% of 400 = y% of 250 and x% of y% of 160 = 64, find x. (SSC)
Solution:
Given,
x% of 400 = y% of 250
( x/100 ) × 400 = ( y/100 ) × 250
400x = 250y
8x = 5y
y = 8x/5
Now,
x% of y% of 160 = 64
(x/100) × (y/100) × 160 = 64
Now putting the value of y = 8x/5 in the equation.
(x/100) × (8x/500) × 160 = 64
1280x² = 64 × 50000
x² = 2500
x = 50
Therefore, the value of x is 50.
Answer: 50
Question 26: 4 kg of tea and 6 kg of sugar together cost ₹156. The price of tea increased by 25% and the price of sugar increased by 10%. After the increase, the same quantities of tea and sugar cost ₹178.80. Find the original price of tea per kg. (RRB NTPC)
Solution:
4 kg tea + 6 kg sugar cost = ₹156
Let tea cost = T rupees/kg
Let sugar cost = S rupees/kg
4T + 6S = 156
T = (156 − 6S)/4
After the increase in prices:
Tea price = 1.25T
Sugar price = 1.1S
Therefore,
4 × 1.25T + 6 × 1.1S = 178.8
5T + 6.6S = 178.8
Putting the value of T = (156 − 6S)/4,
5 × (156 − 6S)/4 + 6.6S = 178.8
Multiplying both sides by 4,
5(156 − 6S) + 26.4S = 715.2
780 − 30S + 26.4S = 715.2
780 − 3.6S = 715.2
3.6S = 64.8
S = 18
Now,
4T + 6(18) = 156
4T + 108 = 156
4T = 48
T = 12
Therefore, the original price of tea was ₹12 per kg.
Question 27: A bank increased the interest rate on a savings scheme by 10%. After six months, it again increased the interest rate by 10%. The two increases together are equivalent to a single increase of: (RRB ALP)
Solution:
Net Percentage Change
= a + b + (ab/100)
Where,
a = 10
b = 10
Therefore,
Net Percentage Change
= 10 + 10 + (10 × 10)/100
= 10 + 10 + 1
= 21%
Therefore, the two successive increases of 10% each are equivalent to a single increase of 21%.
Answer: 21%
Question 28: The price of a mobile data plan decreases by 25%, while a user increases his data consumption by 20%. What is the percentage change in his expenditure on mobile data? (SSC CHSL)
Solution:
Suppose:
- Initial price = ₹100 per unit
- Initial consumption = 100 units
Initial expenditure:
= 100 × 100
= ₹10,000
Now:
- Price decreases by 25% → ₹75 per unit
- Consumption increases by 20% → 120 units
New expenditure:
= 75 × 120
= ₹9,000
So,
Percentage change in expenditure
= (9000 − 10000) / 10000 × 100
= -10%
Therefore, expenditure decreases by 10%.
SSC/RRB/Defence/Banking Shortcut
Net Percentage Change
= -25 + 20 + [(-25) × 20]/100
= -10%
Therefore, expenditure decreases by 10%.
Answer: 10% decrease
Question 29: A sapling grows every year by 10% of its height. If its current height is 12 m, how much will its height increase in 2 years? (SSC Stenographer)
Solution:
Current height of the sapling = 12 m
Growth every year = 10% of its height
After 1 year:
= 12 + (10/100) × 12
= 12 + 1.2
= 13.2 m
After 2 years:
= 13.2 + (10/100) × 13.2
= 13.2 + 1.32
= 14.52 m
Increase in height
= 14.52 − 12
= 2.52 m
Therefore, the height of the sapling will increase by 2.52 m in 2 years.
Answer: 2.52 m
SSC/RRB Trick
Successive increase
= 10 + 10 + (10 × 10)/100
= 21%
Increase in height
= 21% of 12
= (21/100) × 12
= 2.52 m
Answer: 2.52 m
Question 30: How much does 75% of ₹368 exceed ₹250? (RRB Group D)
Solution:
First Let Us Calculate;
75% of ₹368
= (75/100) × 368
= (3/4) × 368
= 276
Difference
= 276 − 250
= 26
Therefore, 75% of ₹368 exceeds ₹250 by ₹26.
Answer: ₹26
SSC/RRB Shortcut
75% = 3/4
75% of ₹368
= (3/4) × 368
= 276
Difference
= 276 − 250
= 26
Answer: ₹26
Question 31: 105% of 1200 + 12% of 2360 = 22% of (?) + 140 (SSC CGL)
Solution:
105% of 1200 + 12% of 2360 = 22% of (?) + 140
105% of 1200
= (105/100) × 1200
= 1260
12% of 2360
= (12/100) × 2360
= 283.2
Now putting the values in the given equation:
1260 + 283.2 = 22% of (?) + 140
1543.2 = 22% of (?) + 140
22% of (?)
= 1543.2 − 140
= 1403.2
Therefore,
(22/100) × (?) = 1403.2
? = (1403.2 × 100) ÷ 22
= 6380
Therefore, the required number is 6380.
Answer: 6380
Question 32: Binit Kumar’s monthly income is 25% more than Amit’s monthly income. By what percentage is Amit’s income less than Binit Kumar’s income? (RRB ALP, NTPC, Group D, NDS, CDS, SSC CHSL)
Solution:
Assume Amit’s monthly income = ₹100.
Therefore,
Binit Kumar’s monthly income
= ₹100 + 25% of ₹100
= ₹100 + ₹25
= ₹125
Difference in income
= ₹125 − ₹100
= ₹25
Percentage by which Amit’s income is less than Binit Kumar’s income
= (25 ÷ 125) × 100
= 20%
Therefore, Amit’s income is 20% less than Binit Kumar’s income.
Answer: 20%
SSC/RRB Shortcut
If A is 25% more than B,
Then B is less than A by
= (25 ÷ 125) × 100
= 20%
Answer: 20%
FAQ:
1. Are percentage questions asked in SSC CGL?
Yes, percentage questions are asked in SSC CGL. They are also frequently asked in other SSC exams such as SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD, SSC CPO, SSC Selection Post and others. Therefore, preparing percentage questions and practicing percentage PYQs is important to score well in SSC examinations.
2. How many percentage questions are asked in RRB NTPC?
The exact number of percentage questions cannot be predicted because it varies from year to year. However, percentage is an important topic in RRB NTPC and questions from this chapter are regularly asked. Similar questions are also asked in other railway exams such as RRB Group D, RRB ALP and RRB RPF.
3. What are the most important percentage formulas?
Percentage is an important chapter and all percentage formulas should be studied and practiced properly. However, the formula of successive percentage is especially important because it helps solve many word problems quickly and saves valuable time in competitive examinations.
4. Is percentage important for NDA and CDS?
Yes, percentage questions are important for NDA, CDS and other defence examinations. Since percentage concepts are also used in topics like Profit and Loss, Simple Interest, Compound Interest and Data Interpretation, students should practice percentage PYQs and percentage practice tests regularly to strengthen their preparation.
5. Why should I practice percentage PYQs?
Practicing percentage PYQs helps you understand the type of questions asked in SSC, RRB, Banking and Defence examinations. It also helps you learn shortcuts, avoid common mistakes and improve your speed and accuracy in the actual examination.
Important Resources to Percentage Chapter:
- Percentage Formula
- Basic Percentage Questions & Answers
- Percentage to Fraction Questions & Answers
- Fraction to Percentage Questions with Answers
- Finding Percentage Questions with Answers
- Find the Number Questions | Percentage Questions with Solutions
- Percentage Increase Questions with Answers
- Percentage Decrease Questions with Answers and Solutions
- Successive Percentage Questions with Answers and Solutions
- Percentage Practice Questions with Answers | MCQs, Quiz & Practice Set
- Percentage: Meaning, Formula, Examples & Questions for Exams