Alarm for Class of '28: Is 74% of Candidates Failing SPI Due to Time Limits? Class of '27 Reveals Realities of Test Hardship

## Alarm for Class of '28: 74% Failing SPI Due to Time Limits? Insights from the Class of '27

Shukatsu Map, a job search support content platform for university students operated by Noah's ark Inc. (Fujimi, Saitama), surveyed 100 undergraduate and graduate students graduating in 2027 about their experiences with SPI tests.

This report presents findings from our proprietary survey regarding subjects perceived as "difficult" and the challenges posed by time constraints during the screening process.

### "Inference" Identified as the Most Difficult Subject

When asked which subjects were the most difficult in SPI, "Inference" received the highest number of responses (44 votes). This was followed by "Combinations & Probability" (41 votes) and "Data Interpretation" (38 votes), highlighting student concerns regarding non-verbal reasoning. In language sections, "Reading Comprehension" dominated with 31 votes, significantly outpacing the second most difficult category, "Fill-in-the-Blanks" (12 votes).

### "Data Interpretation" Most Frequently Causes Time Issues

"Data Interpretation" was identified as the subject where students most frequently felt they ran out of time (40 votes), followed by "Combinations & Probability" (34 votes) and "Inference" (32 votes). Considering both perceived difficulty and time pressure, students seem to struggle particularly with "Combinations & Probability."

### 74% Experienced Failure Due to Time Constraints

When asked if they had ever "failed or felt unsuccessful" in an SPI screening due to time constraints, 40% of students reported experiencing this multiple times, and 34% reported it once or twice. In total, 74% of respondents admitted to having been eliminated from a selection process due to time mismanagement.

### The "Panic" Trigger: Short Time Limits

Regarding moments of panic during web-based or test center exams, 40 respondents cited being "overwhelmed by the short time limit of 30 seconds to 1 minute per question." An additional 25 respondents noted the issue of "spending too much time on difficult problems, leaving too many questions unanswered at the end."

### High Demand for Accessibility

Regarding desired features for SPI preparation, "the ability to solve problems on a smartphone immediately without member registration or login" was the most sought-after feature, receiving 52 votes.

## Survey Overview
- Survey Period: May 26 – June 3, 2026
- Survey Provider: iBridge Co., Ltd. (Service name: "Freeasy")
- Target Audience: Male and female undergraduate/graduate students graduating in 2027
- Sample Size: 100
- Methodology: Internet survey