Problems Based on Trains are commonly asked in the Quantitative Aptitude section of SSC, Banking, RRB, and State-level competitive examinations. These questions are based on the concepts of speed, time, distance, and relative speed. In this article, we are providing Problems Based on Trains short notes, important formulas, quick tricks, solved examples, and practice questions to help candidates improve their speed and accuracy.
Download Problems Based on Trains Questions PDF
In this PDF, we have compiled important Problems Based on Trains questions for competitive exam preparation. The ebook covers different question types, including trains crossing poles, platforms, bridges, stationary objects, and other trains moving in the same or opposite direction. The PDF also includes useful formulas, shortcut methods, and solved examples to help candidates understand the concepts and solve questions within less time.
Attempt Problems Based on Trains Questions Live
Strengthen your preparation by attempting Problems Based on Trains questions through the live practice quiz. The quiz includes exam-level questions based on speed, time, distance, train length, and relative speed. Regular live practice will help candidates understand different question patterns, reduce calculation errors, improve accuracy, and increase their question-solving speed before the actual examination.
Q1) A train running at 90 km/hr crosses a pole in 8 seconds. What is the length of the train?
Q2) A train 150 m long passes a pole in 15 seconds. What is the speed of the train?
Q3) A train 200 m long crosses a platform 300 m long in 25 seconds. What is its speed?
Q4) Two trains of lengths 130 m and 110 m run on parallel tracks in the same direction at 40 km/hr and 24 km/hr. How much time will they take to cross each other?
Q5) A 300 m long train crosses a 500 m long bridge in 40 seconds. Find the speed of the train.
Q6) A train 110 m long runs at 60 km/hr. How long will it take to pass a man standing on a platform?
Q7) A train crosses a 250 m long platform in 30 seconds and a pole in 10 seconds. Find the length of the train.
Q8) Two trains 180 m and 120 m long run at 60 km/hr and 40 km/hr in opposite directions. How much time will they take to cross each other?
Q9) A train moving at 72 km/hr crosses another train of half its length moving at 36 km/hr in the same direction in 20 seconds. Find the length of the first train.
Q10) A train 125 m long passes a man running at 5 km/hr in the same direction in 10 seconds. What is the speed of the train?
Q11) A train covers a distance of 360 km at a uniform speed. If its speed is increased by 10 km/hr, it takes 3 hours less. Find the original speed.
Q12) A train 240 m long passes a standing man in 12 seconds. How long will it take to pass a 360 m long platform?
Q13) A train running at 54 km/hr takes 20 seconds to pass a platform. It takes 12 seconds to pass a man walking at 6 km/hr in the same direction. Find the length of the platform.
Q14) Two trains start at the same time from A and B, which are 300 km apart, and move towards each other at 70 km/hr and 80 km/hr. When will they meet?
Q15) A train 400 m long crosses an electric pole in 20 seconds. Find its speed.
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What is Problems Based on Trains in Quantitative Aptitude?
“Problems Based on Trains” involve scenarios where one or more trains cover distances or cross objects like poles, platforms, or other trains. These questions apply fundamental concepts of time, speed, and distance, often using the relative speed concept.
These questions are popular because they:
- Are time-bound and measurable
- Test basic arithmetic and logical interpretation
- Appear with slight variations in multiple exams
Skills Required:
- Basic Speed-Time-Distance understanding
- Logical application of relative speed
- Visualization of crossing events (train-pole, train-platform, train-train)
Why is Problems Based on Trains Important in Competitive Exams?
Understanding this topic is crucial as it often appears in Tier 1 and Prelims rounds. With the right tricks and formulas, these questions can be solved in under a minute.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Problems Based on Trains Quantitative Aptitude Short Notes
Terms commonly used to solve questions based on this topic are as follows:
| Term | Description |
| Speed | Distance covered per unit time (m/s or km/h) |
| Relative Speed | Speed difference (opposite direction: add; same direction: subtract) |
| Train crossing pole | Distance = Length of the train |
| Train crossing platform | Distance = Length of train + platform |
| Train crossing another train | Distance = Sum of lengths of both trains |
| Conversion | 1 km/h = 5/18 m/s and 1 m/s = 18/5 km/h |
Quick Revision Summary for Problems Based on Trains
Concepts commonly used to solve Problems on Trains are as follows:
| Concept | Details |
| Relative Speed – Opposite | Speed = A + B |
| Relative Speed – Same | Speed = A – B |
| Time to Cross a Pole | Time = Train Length / Speed |
| Time to Cross a Platform | Time = (Train + Platform Length) / Speed |
| Train Speed Conversion | km/h to m/s → × 5/18 |
| Two Trains Cross Each Other | Time = (Length1 + Length2) / Relative Speed |
What are the Types of Problems Based on Trains Questions in Quantitative Aptitude?
Different types of questions asked in exams include:
- Direct Length-Speed-Time questions – Basic type where train crosses pole or platform.
- Puzzle-based train questions – Speed and distance given indirectly, need multi-step logic.
- Relative speed with two trains – Train overtaking or crossing another.
- Mixed-concept – Combines train with time zones, unit conversion, or platform width.
Problems Based on Trains Formulas for Quantitative Aptitude
These formulas are your time-savers:
- Speed = Distance / Time
- Time = Distance / Speed
- Relative Speed (Same Direction) = |Speed1 – Speed2|
- Relative Speed (Opposite Direction) = Speed1 + Speed2
- Convert km/h to m/s = Multiply by 5/18
- Convert m/s to km/h = Multiply by 18/5
Example: A train of length 200 m moving at 54 km/h takes how much time to pass a pole?
Convert speed = 54×518=1554 \times \frac{5}{18} = 1554×185=15 m/s
Time = 20015≈13.33\frac{200}{15} \approx 13.3315200≈13.33 sec
Problems Based on Trains Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Use these smart tricks to save time during exams:
- Always convert km/h to m/s before using formulae
- If train crosses a pole, use only train length
- If train crosses platform, add both lengths
- Use Relative Speed logic when 2 trains are moving
- Draw a mini-diagram for crossing-type questions
- Check units carefully – mix-up between meters and km = silly mistakes
- Use approximation when options are far apart
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Problems Based on Trains
While solving train-based questions, candidates must keep the below points in mind:
- Wrong Unit Conversion – Always convert km/h to m/s or vice versa correctly.
- Ignoring Object Length – Platform and second train’s length must be added.
- Wrong Use of Relative Speed – Direction matters. Add for opposite, subtract for same.
- Skipping Diagram Sketching – Visualizing improves accuracy in crossing cases.
- Guessing Without Calculation – These are calculative but easy with correct method.
FAQs
Direct crossing, platform-based, two-train relative speed, and mixed-type time-distance problems.
Yes, especially in mains-level IBPS and SBI exams, often in coded or logical formats.
Multiply by 5/18 to convert km/h to m/s; multiply by 18/5 for the reverse.
Add lengths of train and platform, then divide by speed to get time.
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