Let’s be honest—if you’re an Indian student preparing for entrance exams, you probably have a love-hate relationship with numbers. Some days they behave, and some days… they act like they skipped their morning chai.

But here’s one trick to tame the number beast: memorise multiplication tables.

Yes, we said it. The age-old “2 into 2 is 4” chant your primary school teacher insisted on still holds magical powers—even in your 16s and 17s.

So, why memorise multiplication tables when you’ve got a calculator in your phone?

Ah, great question! But here’s the thing—your phone isn’t allowed in the exam hall. And even if it was, unlocking your phone, opening the calculator, and punching in numbers will take precious seconds. Seconds that could decide whether you finish that paper on time or not.

Let’s break it down further:

1. Speed = Marks

Entrance exams like SET, IPMAT, NPAT, PDEU, and IHM JEE are all about speed and accuracy. You’re not just competing on “who knows more” but also on “who can solve faster”. When you memorise multiplication tables, your brain doesn’t pause to calculate. It just knows. Boom. Instant answers.

2. Less Brain Fatigue

Imagine calculating 7 × 8 in your head vs. just knowing it’s 56. One takes effort, one is effortless. Entrance exams are mentally exhausting. By having tables up to 20 (yes, 20—don’t stop at 10!), you reduce decision fatigue and save that mental juice for tougher questions.

3. Confidence Booster

There’s something deeply satisfying about flying through the basic maths section without breaking a sweat. It gives you momentum. That confidence can carry over to the trickier questions. Think of memorised tables as your warm-up stretch before the academic sprint.

4. Helps in Almost Every Section

You’d be surprised how often tables pop up—not just in Quant, but also in Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and even Analytical puzzles. Whether it’s calculating percentages, ratios, or checking options quickly—tables are like your behind-the-scenes support crew.

5. It’s Old-School, But It Works

We get it. Memorising sounds boring. But it’s no different from learning lyrics to your favourite Bollywood song or your Insta reel script. Just that, in this case, the returns are far more rewarding (like cracking your dream college).

Pro Tip: Turn It Into a Game

Use flashcards. Quiz yourself while brushing. Chant tables when stuck in traffic. Or, challenge your sibling—first one to mess up does the dishes!

Final Thought: Don’t Skip the Basics

You can’t build a skyscraper on a shaky foundation. If you’re aiming for a top score in entrance exams, basic skills like multiplication tables are non-negotiable. They’re your cheat code for faster, smarter solving.

So go ahead—memorise multiplication tables like your future depends on it… because it just might.

The post Tables Are Not Just for Dining – Why You Need to Memorise Multiplication Tables first appeared on N. Sathyanarayan.