Mettl Aptitude Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: If APPLE = 50 (A=1, P=16, P=16, L=12, E=5), what does CAT equal?

22
30
27
24 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 24

C=3, A=1, T=20; 3+1+20 = 24.

Question 2: A number series: 3, 6, 12, 24, __ . What is the missing number?

36
42
52
48 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 48

Each term doubles the previous one: 24 × 2 = 48.

Question 3: The word 'EPHEMERAL' most nearly means:

Colorful
Short-lived (Correct answer)
Mysterious
Long-lasting

Correct answer: Short-lived

Ephemeral describes something that lasts for a very short time.

Question 4: Consider the following recursive function written in pseudocode. What is the result of calling `calculate(4)`? ``` FUNCTION calculate(n) IF n <= 1 THEN RETURN 1 ELSE RETURN n + calculate(n - 1) ENDIF ENDFUNCTION ```

9
10 (Correct answer)
24
4

Correct answer: 10

This function recursively calculates the sum of numbers from `n` down to 1. The calls would be: `calculate(4)` -> 4 + `calculate(3)` -> 4 + (3 + `calculate(2)`) -> 4 + (3 + (2 + `calculate(1)`)) -> 4 + (3 + (2 + 1)). The final result is 10.

Question 5: Identify the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.

She hit the ground running because the meeting was cancelled.
He hit the ground running after resigning from the company.
They hit the ground running by waiting for further instructions.
She hit the ground running and closed two deals in her first week. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She hit the ground running and closed two deals in her first week.

'Hit the ground running' means to start a new role or task energetically and productively from the very beginning.

Question 6: Which sentence uses the word 'affect' correctly?

She had a positive affect on profits.
The affect of the medicine was immediate.
Stress can affect your sleep quality. (Correct answer)
The affect was a 10% increase.

Correct answer: Stress can affect your sleep quality.

'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is the noun form used for results.

Question 7: Which number best continues the series: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, __?

30
42
36 (Correct answer)
49

Correct answer: 36

The series is perfect squares: 1², 2², 3², 4², 5², 6² = 36.

Question 8: In Mettl's EQ framework, a person who remains calm and collected during a high-stress deadline demonstrates:

High Extraversion
High Empathy
High Openness
High Self-Regulation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High Self-Regulation

Remaining calm under stress is a demonstration of self-regulation — the ability to control disruptive emotions and impulses.

Question 9: During a high-stakes negotiation, your counterpart raises their voice. The highest-EI response is to:

Apologize to de-escalate regardless of fault
End the meeting immediately to avoid conflict
Match their energy to assert dominance
Internally note their emotional state and respond calmly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Internally note their emotional state and respond calmly

Recognizing the counterpart's emotional escalation while maintaining your own calm is a direct application of emotional regulation and social awareness.

Question 10: The pie chart below shows the percentage distribution of a company's total expenditure for the year 2022. If the company spent $45,000 on Raw Materials, what was its total expenditure on Salaries and Rent combined? (A pie chart is described showing: Salaries 30%, Raw Materials 25%, Rent 15%, Marketing 20%, Miscellaneous 10%)

$45,000
$81,000 (Correct answer)
$63,000
$90,000

Correct answer: $81,000

First, determine the total expenditure. We know that 25% of the total expenditure (Raw Materials) is $45,000. So, Total Expenditure = $45,000 / 0.25 = $180,000. Next, find the combined percentage for Salaries and Rent: 30% + 15% = 45%. Finally, calculate the expenditure for this combined percentage: 45% of $180,000 = 0.45 * $180,000 = $81,000.

Question 11: A company's profit was $120,000 in 2022 and grew by 15% in 2023, then declined by 10% in 2024. What was the 2024 profit?

$120,000
$117,000
$113,400
$124,200 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $124,200

2023: $120,000 × 1.15 = $138,000; 2024: $138,000 × 0.90 = $124,200.

Question 12: When constructing a sound argument, which pair of properties must both be present?

Complexity and emotional appeal
Popularity and internal consistency
Validity and true premises (Correct answer)
Length and authoritative sources

Correct answer: Validity and true premises

A sound argument must be logically valid (correct structure) and have all true premises, ensuring the conclusion is also true.

Question 13: A person who is described as 'emotionally volatile, easily frustrated, and prone to worry' scores high on which Big Five trait?

Agreeableness
Neuroticism (Correct answer)
Openness
Extraversion

Correct answer: Neuroticism

Neuroticism encompasses emotional instability, tendency toward anxiety, irritability, and negative mood states.

Question 14: Pointing to a woman, Raj said, 'Her mother is the only daughter of my mother.' How is the woman related to Raj?

Niece
Aunt
Sister
Daughter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Daughter

'Only daughter of my mother' = Raj's sister. The woman's mother is Raj's sister. Therefore, the woman is Raj's niece.

Question 15: Which of the following numbers will complete the series: 3, 7, 16, 35, ?, 153

82
74 (Correct answer)
78
69

Correct answer: 74

The pattern of the series is multiplying the previous number by 2 and then adding a consecutively increasing number starting from 1. (3 * 2) + 1 = 7; (7 * 2) + 2 = 16; (16 * 2) + 3 = 35. Following this pattern, the next number will be (35 * 2) + 4 = 74. To verify, the subsequent number would be (74 * 2) + 5 = 148 + 5 = 153, which matches the series.

Question 16: A shopkeeper marks up his goods by 40% and then offers a 20% discount. What is his net profit percentage?

12% (Correct answer)
20%
14%
10%

Correct answer: 12%

Let CP = 100. MP = 140. SP = 140 × 0.80 = 112. Profit% = (112-100)/100 × 100 = 12%.

Question 17: What does the following pseudocode do? `for i from 1 to n: sum = sum + i`

Computes the average of 1 to n
Finds the maximum of 1 to n
Computes the sum of integers from 1 to n (Correct answer)
Multiplies all numbers from 1 to n

Correct answer: Computes the sum of integers from 1 to n

The loop accumulates each integer from 1 to n into `sum`, computing the total sum of that range.

Question 18: Is integer n positive? Statement 1: n² > 25 Statement 2: n > −10 Which of the following is correct?

Even both statements together are not sufficient to answer the question (Correct answer)
Statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the question
Statement 1 alone is sufficient to answer the question
Both statements together are sufficient, but neither alone is

Correct answer: Even both statements together are not sufficient to answer the question

Statement 1 means |n| > 5, so n could be 6 (positive) or −6 (negative). Statement 2 allows n = −3 (negative) or n = 5 (positive). Combined, n could still be 6 or −6. Neither alone nor together determines the sign of n.

Question 19: A scatter plot shows a strong positive correlation between advertising spend and sales. Which conclusion is most valid?

There is no relationship between the two variables
Advertising spend and sales tend to increase together (Correct answer)
Higher advertising always guarantees higher sales
Sales cause advertising spend to increase

Correct answer: Advertising spend and sales tend to increase together

A positive correlation means the two variables tend to move in the same direction, but correlation does not imply causation.

Question 20: Which number does not belong in the series: 4, 9, 16, 25, 35, 49?

49
35 (Correct answer)
16
25

Correct answer: 35

The series is perfect squares: 2²=4, 3²=9, 4²=16, 5²=25, 6²=36, 7²=49. 35 is not a perfect square (6²=36, not 35).

Question 21: A company spends $18,000 on advertising and generates $270,000 in sales. If they increase ad spend by 25%, and ROI remains constant, what will the new sales figure be?

$337,500 (Correct answer)
$295,000
$312,500
$325,000

Correct answer: $337,500

ROI ratio = 270,000/18,000 = 15; new ad spend = $22,500; new sales = 22,500 × 15 = $337,500.

Question 22: The term 'social awareness' in EI refers to:

Being popular and well-liked in the workplace
The ability to accurately read the emotional climate of individuals and groups (Correct answer)
Knowing the social norms of different cultures
Being active on professional social media platforms

Correct answer: The ability to accurately read the emotional climate of individuals and groups

Social awareness in EI means accurately perceiving the emotions, needs, and dynamics of individuals and groups—it includes empathy and organizational awareness.

Question 23: A double bar chart shows male and female applicants per department: HR (M=20, F=40), IT (M=60, F=30), Finance (M=25, F=35). Which department has the highest total applicants?

IT (Correct answer)
HR
HR and Finance tied
Finance

Correct answer: IT

IT total = 90, HR total = 60, Finance total = 60, making IT the highest.

Question 24: If A > B, B > C, and C > D, which statement must be true?

B > D is uncertain
D > A
C > A
A > D (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A > D

By transitivity of inequality, A > B > C > D, so A > D must be true.

Question 25: What is 'cloud computing' in the context of IT infrastructure?

Delivering computing services (servers, storage, software) over the internet on-demand (Correct answer)
A type of network cable used in data centers
A weather monitoring system for IT equipment
Software installed locally on personal computers

Correct answer: Delivering computing services (servers, storage, software) over the internet on-demand

Cloud computing delivers IT resources (servers, storage, databases, software) over the internet, allowing on-demand access without owning physical hardware.

Question 26: In a spreadsheet (Excel/Google Sheets), which formula calculates the sum of values in cells A1 to A10?

=CALCULATE(A1:A10)
=SUM(A1:A10) (Correct answer)
=TOTAL(A1:A10)
=ADD(A1,A10)

Correct answer: =SUM(A1:A10)

=SUM(A1:A10) is the standard Excel/Google Sheets formula to add all values in the range A1 through A10.

Question 27: Which of the following best demonstrates active listening?

Paraphrasing the speaker's key points and asking follow-up questions (Correct answer)
Nodding while thinking about your response
Waiting for the speaker to finish so you can share your own experience
Maintaining eye contact while checking your phone

Correct answer: Paraphrasing the speaker's key points and asking follow-up questions

Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, paraphrasing to confirm understanding, and asking questions that deepen the conversation.

Question 28: A study finds that employees who drink coffee are more productive. A company therefore decides to provide free coffee to boost productivity. What is the critical flaw in this reasoning?

The company should ask employees before deciding
Coffee is expensive
Correlation between coffee drinking and productivity doesn't establish that coffee causes productivity (Correct answer)
Productivity can't be measured

Correct answer: Correlation between coffee drinking and productivity doesn't establish that coffee causes productivity

Correlation does not imply causation. Coffee drinkers may be more productive for other reasons (e.g., they work longer hours, have different roles, etc.).

Question 29: What is an infinite loop?

A loop that skips the first iteration
A loop inside another loop
A loop that runs exactly n times
A loop whose condition never becomes false (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A loop whose condition never becomes false

An infinite loop occurs when the loop's termination condition is never met, causing it to execute indefinitely.

Question 30: What does 'standard deviation' measure in a dataset?

The most frequent value.
The average value.
The middle value.
The spread of data around the mean. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The spread of data around the mean.

Standard deviation is a measure of the dispersion or spread of data points in a dataset relative to its mean. A low standard deviation indicates that data points tend to be close to the mean, while a high standard deviation means data points are spread out over a wider range. It quantifies the typical distance of data points from the average.

Question 31: What is the first step in developing a psychometrically valid assessment?

Choosing a delivery platform
Writing sample questions
Defining the test objectives and constructs (Correct answer)
Selecting question types

Correct answer: Defining the test objectives and constructs

The very first and most critical step in developing a psychometrically valid assessment is to clearly define its objectives and the specific constructs (traits, knowledge, skills) it aims to measure. This foundational clarity ensures that all subsequent stages, from item writing to scoring, are aligned with the test's purpose. Without well-defined objectives, the validity of the assessment cannot be established.

Question 32: Choose the word that best fits both blanks: 'The team decided to the launch until the bug was fixed, and the client agreed to payment accordingly.'

defer (Correct answer)
expedite
review
cancel

Correct answer: defer

'Defer' means to postpone, which fits both delaying the launch and delaying payment.

Question 33: You realise that a recurring report you produce contains a formula error that has slightly overstated results for the past three months. No one has noticed. What should you do?

Wait to see whether anyone raises the issue before acting.
Fix the formula, inform your manager, and issue corrected figures for the affected months. (Correct answer)
Delete the old reports so the error cannot be found.
Fix the formula going forward and say nothing about past reports.

Correct answer: Fix the formula, inform your manager, and issue corrected figures for the affected months.

Transparency and correction of past errors maintain trust and data integrity.

Question 34: In a certain code language, 'MASTER' is written as 'OCUVGT'. Following the same logic, how would 'LABOUR' be written?

NDBQUW
NCBQTW
NCDQWT (Correct answer)
MABNSP

Correct answer: NCDQWT

The coding pattern is based on shifting each letter forward by two positions in the alphabet. M becomes O, A becomes C, S becomes U, and so on. Applying this +2 shift to 'LABOUR', L becomes N, A becomes C, B becomes D, O becomes Q, U becomes W, and R becomes T. Thus, 'LABOUR' is coded as 'NCDQWT'.

Question 35: Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to 'METICULOUS':

Precise
Thorough
Attentive
Careless (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Careless

Meticulous means very careful and precise, so careless is its antonym.

Question 36: Which tool is most effective for tracking how you spend your time?

A time log or time-tracking app (Correct answer)
Your manager's notes
A list of future goals
A guess of your daily activities

Correct answer: A time log or time-tracking app

A time log or time-tracking app provides an objective and detailed record of how time is actually spent, rather than relying on estimations. This precise data allows individuals to identify patterns, pinpoint time-wasting activities, and make informed decisions to optimize their schedule. It's the most effective method for gaining accurate insights into time allocation and improving productivity.

Question 37: A dataset shows production output over 6 months: 200, 220, 210, 240, 230, 250. What is the average monthly output?

215
230
220
225 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 225

Sum = 1350; divided by 6 months = 225 units per month.

Question 38: Which of the following best describes a 'variable scope'?

The memory size of a variable
The region of code where a variable can be accessed (Correct answer)
The default value of a variable
The data type of a variable

Correct answer: The region of code where a variable can be accessed

Scope defines the region of the program where a variable is visible and can be referenced.

Question 39: A bar chart shows employee headcount by department: Sales 120, Engineering 180, Support 60, HR 40. What percentage of total employees works in Engineering?

45% (Correct answer)
50%
40%
36%

Correct answer: 45%

Total = 400; Engineering share = 180 / 400 = 45%.

Question 40: Monthly website traffic data: Jan=10K, Feb=12K, Mar=9K, Apr=15K, May=18K. Which month recorded the sharpest month-over-month decline?

April to May
March to April
February to March (Correct answer)
January to February

Correct answer: February to March

Feb to Mar dropped by 3K (from 12K to 9K), which is the only decline in the dataset.

Question 41: A data set has values: 14, 18, 11, 22, 15, 18, 11. What is the mode?

15
11 and 18 (Correct answer)
18
11

Correct answer: 11 and 18

Both 11 and 18 appear twice — more than any other value — making this a bimodal dataset.

Question 42: A report states: 'The project was completed in a timely manner, achieving all objectives.' This sentence is an example of which writing issue?

Passive voice misuse
Run-on sentence
Incorrect grammar
Vague language / lack of specificity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vague language / lack of specificity

'Timely manner' and 'all objectives' are vague — they don't specify when or which objectives. Professional writing should be specific and quantifiable.

Question 43: In the context of programming, what is the primary purpose of using a local variable inside a function?

To retain its value even after the program has finished executing.
To share its value with all other functions in the program.
To declare a variable that is accessible from anywhere in the code.
To limit the variable's existence and accessibility to only within that function, preventing unintended side effects. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To limit the variable's existence and accessibility to only within that function, preventing unintended side effects.

Local variables are declared within a function and their scope is limited to that function. This is a fundamental principle of encapsulation that helps prevent conflicts with variables of the same name in other functions and avoids unintended modifications to data, making code more modular and easier to debug.

Question 44: Which component of emotional intelligence involves recognizing your own emotional triggers and how they affect your behavior?

Social skills
Empathy
Self-awareness (Correct answer)
Motivation

Correct answer: Self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and how your emotions affect others.

Question 45: Select the sentence that is grammatically CORRECT:

Each of the students has submitted their assignment. (Correct answer)
Each of the students were submitting their assignment.
Each of the students have submitted his assignment.
Each of the students have submitted their assignment.

Correct answer: Each of the students has submitted their assignment.

'Each' is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'has'; 'their' is accepted as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

Question 46: A company table shows two divisions: Division X earned $240K with 40 employees, Division Y earned $300K with 50 employees. Which division has higher revenue per employee?

Division Y
Cannot be determined
They are equal (Correct answer)
Division X

Correct answer: They are equal

Division X: $240K/40 = $6K; Division Y: $300K/50 = $6K — they are equal.

Question 47: A chart shows that Product X has a 15% return rate. If 3,400 units were sold, approximately how many units were NOT returned?

3,060
3,230
2,720
2,890 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2,890

Units returned = 15% × 3,400 = 510; units not returned = 3,400 − 510 = 2,890.

Question 48: Which SQL statement is used to retrieve unique values from a column?

SELECT SINGLE
SELECT DISTINCT (Correct answer)
SELECT DIFFERENT
SELECT UNIQUE

Correct answer: SELECT DISTINCT

SELECT DISTINCT eliminates duplicate rows from the result set.

Question 49: Read the passage: 'Despite the exhaustive research conducted over three decades, scientists remain divided on the root causes of the phenomenon.' What does 'exhaustive' mean here?

Tiring and draining
Thorough and comprehensive (Correct answer)
Recent and cutting-edge
Inconclusive and flawed

Correct answer: Thorough and comprehensive

In this context, 'exhaustive' means thorough and comprehensive, covering all aspects of the subject.

Question 50: Identify the error in this sentence: 'Neither the manager nor the employees was prepared for the audit.'

No error
'manager' should be 'managers'
'audit' should be 'auditing'
'was' should be 'were' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'was' should be 'were'

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearest subject; 'employees' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 51: A figure rotates 45° clockwise at each step. After 4 steps from its original position, how many degrees has it rotated in total?

180° (Correct answer)
225°
90°
135°

Correct answer: 180°

4 steps × 45° per step = 180° total rotation.

Question 52: A Mettl personality report shows a candidate scores low on 'Neuroticism.' What does this indicate about them?

They are resistant to new ideas
They tend to remain emotionally stable under pressure (Correct answer)
They avoid social interaction
They prefer routine over creative tasks

Correct answer: They tend to remain emotionally stable under pressure

Low Neuroticism (high emotional stability) means the person is calm, resilient, and less prone to negative emotional reactions.

Question 53: A sequence of grids increases in filled cells: 1, 3, 6, 10, ? How many cells are filled in the 5th grid?

14
13
12
15 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 15

The differences increase by 1 each step: +2, +3, +4, +5 → 10+5=15.

Question 54: An employee freezes and avoids decision-making during organizational change. Which personality dimension does this MOST reflect?

Low Extraversion
High Conscientiousness
High Neuroticism (Correct answer)
Low Agreeableness

Correct answer: High Neuroticism

High Neuroticism is associated with anxiety, emotional reactivity, and difficulty coping with uncertainty or stress.

Question 55: In a cross-functional team meeting, two members have a visible conflict. As a participant (not the leader), the most appropriate action is to:

Send an email to HR during the meeting
Stay silent and let the conflict escalate to get the meeting over
Join one side to help resolve it faster
Acknowledge the tension and suggest tabling the specific issue for a separate discussion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acknowledge the tension and suggest tabling the specific issue for a separate discussion

Acknowledging the tension and suggesting a focused separate discussion is professional — it respects all parties and keeps the meeting productive.

Question 56: A company's revenue grew from ₹40 lakh to ₹52 lakh. What is the percentage growth?

25%
30% (Correct answer)
35%
20%

Correct answer: 30%

Growth = 52-40 = 12 lakh. Percentage growth = (12/40) × 100 = 30%.

Question 57: From a data table, Department A spends $50K on salaries and $10K on overheads. Department B spends $80K on salaries and $20K on overheads. Which department has a higher overhead-to-salary ratio?

Department A
They are equal (Correct answer)
Cannot be determined
Department B

Correct answer: They are equal

Department A: 10/50 = 0.20; Department B: 20/80 = 0.25 — Department B has a higher ratio.

Question 58: A data table shows production: Mon=320, Tue=290, Wed=340, Thu=310, Fri=280. What is the median daily output?

320
310 (Correct answer)
308
290

Correct answer: 310

Sorted values: 280, 290, 310, 320, 340 — the middle (3rd) value is 310.

Question 59: In Python, what is the result of `len('hello')`?

5 (Correct answer)
0
4
6

Correct answer: 5

The string 'hello' contains 5 characters (h, e, l, l, o), so `len('hello')` returns 5.

Question 60: What is a null pointer dereference?

Passing too many arguments to a function
Dividing a number by null
Deleting a variable twice
Accessing memory at address zero or an uninitialized pointer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Accessing memory at address zero or an uninitialized pointer

Dereferencing a null pointer attempts to access memory at an invalid address, usually causing a runtime crash.

Mettl Aptitude Assessment

The Mettl aptitude test evaluates candidates across verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and behavioral competencies for pre-employment screening.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

50%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

support.mettl.com — Eligibility, retake policy · verified Oct 2026
mettl.com — Fees, test delivery · verified Oct 2026