What is the CPNS TIU threshold and how many questions must be correct?

The TIU threshold target is 80 out of a maximum of 175. Since each correct answer is worth 5, the figure 80 equals 16 correct answers out of 35 questions. This figure is the minimum target for clearing the TIU section, and overall SKD success still considers the thresholds of all three sections together with your rank on the formation you applied for.

Does a wrong answer on the TIU reduce your score?

No. On the TIU, a wrong answer and a blank both score 0, while a correct answer is worth 5. Since there is no point deduction, every question is worth filling even with a measured guess when time runs short. Leaving a question blank only wastes the chance to add points.

Which TIU question group is the hardest and most time-consuming?

For many candidates, numeric ability, especially number series and word problems, is the most time-consuming, because it demands calculation and pattern recognition at once. A common strategy is to work the quickly-read verbal and figural questions first, then set the remaining time aside for the heavy numeric questions.

How do you solve TIU number-series questions quickly?

Write the difference between numbers beneath the series to read its pattern. Recognize common pattern types: a fixed addition or subtraction, multiplication or division, an alternating jump pattern, and a blend of two patterns. By recognizing the pattern type first, you avoid time-consuming trial and error. Building a bank of series patterns from practice speeds up recognition during the exam.

How much time per TIU question is ideal in the CAT system?

The SKD gives a total of 100 minutes for 110 questions across TWK, TIU, and TKP, so each question on average gets less than a minute. Because numeric TIU questions are heavier, many candidates give them a looser time share and save time on TKP and quick analogies. Setting a personal time limit per question keeps you from getting stuck long on one item.

How do you practice the TIU effectively before the SKD schedule?

Run a full CAT-based SKD simulation with the complete time so your rhythm and exam pressure get trained. After each simulation, dissect the result by question group to find the types you get wrong most, then aim your next practice there. A repeated cycle of practice, simulation, and evaluation makes your TIU score steadier on the way to the threshold target.

Do you need tutoring to prepare for the CPNS TIU?

Self-study can succeed if you are disciplined and have good practice material. Private tutoring helps when you struggle to find your own weak points or need correction on how you approach questions. A mentor can aim practice at the question types that hold your score back most, so preparation time is spent more precisely. Many candidates blend self-study with mentoring as the exam nears.

How to Work Through the CPNS TIU to Chase the 80 Passing-Grade Target

Seven sequential steps that carry a candidate from recognizing the verbal, numeric, and figural question map to moving with ease through the CAT system while aiming to clear the TIU threshold.

Estimated time: 2 to 4 months of regular practice before the SKD schedule

Illustration of CPNS TIU preparation: answer sheet, CAT test screen, number series, and image patterns

How to work through the CPNS TIU starts with recognizing its three question groups, namely verbal, numeric, and figural ability, then drilling each group by its distinctive pattern, managing your time in the CAT system, and closing preparation with repeated simulations. The TIU holds 35 questions with a threshold target of 80, which means at least 16 correct answers. Each correct answer is worth 5, while a wrong answer and a blank both score 0.

The TIU is split into three groups: verbal, numeric, and figural, each with question types you can learn to recognize
The TIU threshold target is 80 out of a maximum of 175, equal to 16 correct answers out of 35
There is no point deduction for a wrong answer, so every question is worth filling even with a measured guess

What You Need

A collection of CPNS TIU questions with worked solutions from trusted sources

Sources & References

1. Passing Thresholds for the CPNS Basic Competency Selection · Ministry of PANRB (2024)
2. Announcement and Guide to SKD Implementation With BKN CAT · National Civil Service Agency (2024)
3. Civil Servant Candidate Selection System Portal · SSCASN BKN (2024)

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Seven Steps to Work Through the CPNS TIU With Focus

Take them in order. The first three steps build mastery of each question group, and the rest train time management, measured guessing, and simulations that approach exam conditions.

Step 1: Map the Three Question Groups and Their Weight

Before memorizing tricks, first recognize what the questions look like. Take one complete TIU practice set, then tag each question as verbal, numeric, or figural. Notice that numeric questions such as number series and word problems usually consume the most time, while word analogies and figural questions can be answered faster once the pattern is read. From this mapping you find which group is your strongest and which one you get wrong most often. This data decides how you split your practice ahead, so your energy lands on the point that needs improvement most.

Tips

Record the average time you need for each question group, this figure becomes your time-strategy benchmark
Tag the question types that leave you unsure, that list becomes your first practice priority

Step 2: Master Verbal Ability

The verbal group covers analogy, syllogism, and analytical reasoning. In analogy, the main key is recognizing the type of relationship between a pair of words, for example cause and effect, part and whole, or a tool and its function. Once that relationship is clear, apply the same pattern to the answer choices. In syllogism, train yourself to conclude only from the premises provided, and stay alert to conclusions that reach too far beyond what is stated. In analytical reasoning, sketch a small diagram or table to organize scattered information so the relationships between elements become visible. Reading questions carefully suppresses errors born from misreading keywords such as all, some, and not.

Tips

Collect a list of analogy relationship types that appear often, then repeat them until you read them in an instant
In syllogism, reject any answer choice that adds new information beyond the premises

Guessing the meaning of a difficult word without confirming its relationship makes analogy easy to slip toward a choice that looks similar yet is wrong.

Step 3: Conquer Numeric Ability

The numeric group demands quick calculation and pattern sensitivity. For number series, recognize the type of pattern first: a fixed addition or subtraction, multiplication or division, an alternating jump pattern, or a blend of two patterns. Write the difference between numbers beneath the series so the pattern reads quickly. For word problems and quantitative comparison, turn sentences into simple calculations, then find the fastest route, including estimation when the answer choices sit far apart. Practice basic multiplication and division without a calculator so your hand grows fast. This group consumes the most time, so mastering quick-calculation tricks hands you extra precious minutes for other questions.

Tips

Memorize multiplication into the teens and the squares of small numbers to speed up your calculation
When answer choices sit far apart, estimation is often faster than calculating all the way through

Step 4: Drill Figural Ability

The figural group works with images, covering image analogy, odd-one-out, and series. In image analogy, observe the change in shape, direction of rotation, count of elements, and position, then apply the same change to the next pair. In odd-one-out questions, find the one image that breaks the pattern the others follow. In series, read the direction of change from left to right to predict the continuing image. This group often feels lighter once the eye is trained to read patterns, so it suits being worked early to gather points quickly. Regular practice trains the eye to recognize rotation and mirroring without needing to think long.

Tips

Watch for one element changing at a time, many figural patterns move a single step per image
Distinguish a clockwise rotation from a mirror image, the two often look alike at a glance

Step 5: Manage Time in the CAT System

The SKD is taken through a Computer Assisted Test system, and your score appears the moment the time runs out. Because TWK, TIU, and TKP share a total of 100 minutes for 110 questions, each question on average gets less than a minute. Work the quickly-read questions first, such as word analogies and figural items whose pattern is immediately visible. Heavy number-series or word problems are better tagged and left for now, then revisited once the light questions are done. Use the flag-for-review feature on the CAT screen to mark questions you want to revisit. This working rhythm keeps you from getting stuck long on one hard question while many easy points slip past.

Tips

Set a personal time limit per question, and the moment it is passed, tag it and move on
Leave a few minutes at the end to review the questions you flagged as uncertain

Wrestling too long with one hard series question often leaves candidates out of time before they reach the easy questions near the end.

Step 6: Manage Measured Guessing

In the TIU, a wrong answer and a blank both score 0. This rule means there is no reason to leave a question blank. When time runs short and a question remains unsolved, still fill it with your best guess. A guess grows smarter when you first eliminate the choices that are clearly wrong, so your odds of being right rise. Get into the habit of saving the final minute to make sure every question is filled, with none left blank. This small habit often adds a few decisive correct answers when your score sits thin near the threshold.

Tips

Eliminate one or two clearly wrong choices before guessing, your odds of being right go up
Scan the screen in the final minute to make sure no number was left blank

Step 7: Run Regular CAT Simulations and Evaluate Scores

Mastery of each question group needs testing in conditions that approach the real exam. Run a full CAT-based SKD simulation with the time running in full, complete with TWK and TKP, so your stamina and rhythm get trained. After each simulation, dissect the result by question group: where your TIU score falls short, which question type you get wrong most, and how much time drained into heavy questions. Focused improvement is born from honest evaluation like this. Repeat the cycle of practice, simulation, and evaluation until your TIU score steadily clears the threshold target across several consecutive attempts.

Tips

Run a full simulation with the complete time so real exam pressure gets trained
Keep a score recap for each simulation so your progress trend stays clearly visible over time

Question Type	Quick Route	Trap to Watch For
Word analogy	Formulate the first pair's relationship, then apply it to the answers	A choice similar in meaning yet a different relationship type
Syllogism	Conclude strictly from premises, reject added information	A conclusion reaching beyond the words all or some
Number series	Write the difference between numbers to read the pattern quickly	A blended or alternating jump pattern that looks random
Figural series	Read the direction of change from left to right, one step	A rotation confused with a mirror image

How to Work Through the CPNS TIU to Chase the 80 Passing-Grade Target

Sources & References

Prepare Your CPNS TIU With an EduPoint Mentor

The Numbers That Shape a TIU Strategy

First, Understand What the TIU Measures

Seven Steps to Work Through the CPNS TIU With Focus

Step 1: Map the Three Question Groups and Their Weight

Step 2: Master Verbal Ability

Step 3: Conquer Numeric Ability

Step 4: Drill Figural Ability

Step 5: Manage Time in the CAT System

Step 6: Manage Measured Guessing

Step 7: Run Regular CAT Simulations and Evaluate Scores

Three TIU Question Groups and How to Handle Them

Verbal Ability

Numeric Ability

Figural Ability

TIU Question Types, Quick Routes, and Common Traps

Readiness Checklist for Working Through the TIU

How Much CPNS Preparation Costs at EduPoint

Questions About Working Through the CPNS TIU