These West Bengal Students Are Solving Complex Math Problems In Seconds Without A Calculator: What’s The Secret? | Education and Career News
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A study of 204 primary-school children found that children receiving mental-abacus instruction performed better on arithmetic tasks than control groups.
Research on abacus-based mental calculation suggests that such training can improve arithmetic performance. (File Photo)
For some children, mathematics can trigger anxiety even before they begin solving a problem. But programmes teaching mental arithmetic, abacus-based calculation and Vedic Math are increasingly being promoted as a way to make children faster and more confident with numbers.
A recent report from Barasat, West Bengal, highlighted children between four and 14 years being trained in rapid calculation at around 45 centres across the state. The programme uses bead-based tools, visualisation and finger movements to help children gradually perform calculations mentally.
Research on abacus-based mental calculation suggests that such training can improve arithmetic performance. A randomised study of 204 primary-school children found that children receiving mental-abacus instruction performed better on arithmetic tasks than control groups. However, the researchers did not find evidence that the training broadly changed cognitive abilities, reported News18 Bengali.
Another study found improvements in arithmetic and some visual-spatial mathematics skills among children who underwent long-term abacus training. Research has also reported gains in aspects of working memory, although these findings do not establish that mental-maths training makes children generally more intelligent.
This distinction is important. Being able to calculate quickly is not the same as understanding mathematics.
Modern mathematics education places emphasis not only on numerical fluency but also on conceptual understanding, reasoning and problem-solving. A child may be able to mentally calculate a complex multiplication problem within seconds, but that alone does not show whether they can explain the method, identify patterns or solve an unfamiliar mathematical problem.
Mental-math training can therefore be useful as a tool for building arithmetic fluency. For children who struggle with basic calculations, repeated practice may also help them become more comfortable with numbers.
However, experts claim it would be inappropriate to assume that any one method will be equally effective for every child. It is important to choose a learning approach based on a child’s interests, age and learning style. Nevertheless, such initiatives have attracted the attention of parents and educators for helping children overcome their fear of mathematics and making the subject easier and more engaging from an early age. In a competitive environment, this kind of training may help improve children’s mathematical skills as well as their confidence.
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Ask News18Students in West Bengal are being trained in mental arithmetic, abacus-based calculation, and Vedic Math. These programs utilize bead-based tools, visualization, and finger movements to help children perform calculations mentally and improve their arithmetic performance.
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September 09, 2026, 09:43 IST
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