7 Easy Tricks to Solve Percentage Questions in CUET General Test

Percentage means “per hundred". It is a mathematical way of expressing a value out of 100.

For example:

• 50% means 50 out of 100

• 25% means 25 out of 100

• 80% means 80 out of 100

Percentages are commonly used in daily life for:

• Exam marks

• Discounts

• Interest rates

• Salary increase

• Population growth

• Profit and loss calculations

In the CUET General Test, percentage questions are used to test a student’s calculation ability and aptitude skills.

Percentage is considered a foundation topic in CUET exam aptitude because many chapters depend on percentage concepts. Students who understand percentages properly can solve several other arithmetic questions more easily. Check below the table for topics connected with percentage:

Understanding percentages properly can improve overall aptitude performance.

Before learning shortcut tricks, students should understand the basic formula used in percentage calculations.

Formula

Percentage = (Part ÷ Whole) × 100

This formula helps students calculate the percentage value of any number.

Example

If a student scores 420 marks out of 600:

Percentage = (420 ÷ 600) × 100

= 70%

Answer = 70%

This basic formula is used in most percentage questions.

1. Convert Percentages into Fractions

Converting percentages into fractions is one of the easiest and fastest tricks for solving aptitude questions. Instead of using lengthy multiplication, students can directly divide numbers using fractions.

Common Percentage to Fraction Table

Students should memorize these values for faster calculations.

Example 1

Find 25% of 240.25% = 1/4240 ÷ 4 = 60Answer = 60

Example 2

Find 50% of 180.50% = 1/2180 ÷ 2 = 90Answer = 90

Benefits of This Trick

This trick is extremely useful for solving aptitude questions quickly.

2. Use the “x% of y = y% of x” Trick

This is one of the most popular percentage shortcuts used in aptitude exams.

Formula

x% of y = y% of x

This formula helps students simplify difficult calculations.

Example 1

Find 4% of 75.

Instead of calculating 4% of 75:

75% of 4 = 3

Answer = 3

Example 2

Find 18% of 50.

50% of 18 = 9

Answer = 9

Why This Trick Works

Sometimes one value is easier to calculate than the other. This trick helps students solve questions faster with less calculation.

Advantages of This Trick

3. Learn Percentage Increase Formula

Questions related to marks increase, salary increase, and price rise are common in the CUET General Test. Students should know the formula for percentage increase properly.

Formula

Percentage Increase = (Increase ÷ Original Value) × 100

Example

The price of a bag increases from ₹400 to ₹500.

Increase = ₹100

Percentage Increase = (100 ÷ 400) × 100

= 25%

Answer = 25%

Applications of Percentage Increase

Understanding this concept helps students solve real-life aptitude questions.

4. Learn Percentage Decrease Formula

Percentage decrease questions are commonly asked in discount and reduction-based problems.

FormulaPercentage Decrease = (Decrease ÷ Original Value) × 100

Example

A mobile price decreases from ₹20,000 to ₹18,000.Decrease = ₹2,000Percentage Decrease = (2000 ÷ 20000) × 100= 10%Answer = 10%

Common Uses of Percentage Decrease

This formula is important for aptitude and business mathematics questions.

5. Break Large Percentages into Smaller Parts

Students can solve percentage questions faster by dividing percentages into smaller values.

This method improves mental calculation speed.

Example 1

Find 15% of 200.

10% of 200 = 20

5% of 200 = 10

15% = 20 + 10 = 30

Answer = 30

Example 2

Find 35% of 400.

30% of 400 = 120

5% of 400 = 20

35% = 140

Answer = 140

Why Students Should Use This Trick

This trick is useful for students who want to improve speed.

6. Learn Successive Percentage Change Formula

Sometimes percentage changes happen more than once in a question.

Students should avoid directly adding percentages in such cases.

Formula

Net Change = a + b + (ab ÷ 100)

This formula works when both percentage changes are increases.

If one value is a decrease, the decrease value is taken as negative.

Example 1

A product price increases by 20% and then by 10%.

Net Change = 20 + 10 + (20×10)/100

= 30 + 2

= 32%

Answer = 32%

Example 2

A salary increases by 20% and decreases by 10%.

Net Change = 20 - 10 - (20×10)/100

= 10 - 2

= 8%

Net Increase = 8%

Importance of This Formula

This formula helps students avoid common mistakes.

7. Improve Mental Calculation Speed

Many students know formulas but lose marks because calculations take too much time.

Mental maths is very important for competitive exams like CUET.

Students Should Practice

• Tables till 20

• Squares till 30

• Fraction conversions

• Quick division

• Addition and subtraction speed

Example

Find 12.5% of 160.

12.5% = 1/8

160 ÷ 8 = 20

Answer = 20

Benefits of Mental Maths

Regular mental maths practice can improve aptitude performance.

Students preparing for CUET should follow some important preparation tips.

Learn Formula Revision Daily

Daily formula revision improves memory and speed.

Practice Questions Regularly

Consistent practice helps students understand question patterns.

Focus on Accuracy

Wrong calculations can reduce marks even if concepts are correct.

Attempt Mock Tests

Mock tests improve time management and confidence.

Avoid Guesswork

Students should avoid random answers in aptitude sections.

Many students lose marks because of avoidable mistakes. Understanding common errors can help students improve accuracy. Check below the common mistakes students make in percentage question:

Students can practice aptitude questions from good preparation books. Quality practice material helps students understand concepts properly. Check the below table for CUET recommended books:

Also Read: Best Books for CUET English Preparation 2026

Students should follow a proper study routine for effective preparation. Regular study improves consistency and confidence. Check the below table for sample daily study plan:

Students can improve solving speed by following smart preparation techniques. Speed improvement is very important for competitive exams because students get limited time.

Important Speed Improvement Tips

• Practice mental maths daily

• Learn shortcut tricks

• Avoid lengthy calculations

• Solve timed questions

• Revise formulas regularly

• Practice mock tests consistently

These habits improve overall aptitude performance.

Also Read: 7 Easy Tricks to Solve Percentage Questions in CUET General Test

Students should follow a proper preparation strategy for better results. Check below the step-by-step prepration plan:

Step 1: Learn Percentage to Fraction Conversion

Converting percentages into fractions helps students solve questions quickly. Check the below table for important percentage to fraction:

Students should memorize these values for faster calculations.

Example

Find 25% of 240.

25% = 1/4

240 ÷ 4 = 60

Answer = 60

This trick reduces calculation time during the exam.

Step 2: Learn Important Percentage Formulas

Students should revise important formulas regularly. Check below the important Percentage formulas:

Students should practice applying these formulas to different question types.

Step 3: Practice Mental Maths Daily

Calculation speed is very important in competitive exams. Students should practice:

• Tables till 20

• Fraction conversions

• Quick multiplication

• Division shortcuts

• Addition and subtraction speed

Example

Find 15% of 200.

10% of 200 = 20

5% of 200 = 10

15% = 30

Answer = 30

Mental maths improves speed and reduces dependency on rough work.

Step 4: Solve Different Types of Percentage Questions

Students should not practice only direct percentage questions. They should solve:

• Percentage increase questions

• Percentage decrease questions

• Application-based questions

• Data interpretation questions

• Profit and loss questions

Benefits of Practicing Different Questions

Regular practice helps students understand question patterns.

Step 5: Use Shortcut Tricks

Shortcut tricks help students solve questions faster.

Shortcut 1: x% of y = y% of x

Example:

4% of 75 = 75% of 4 = 3

Shortcut 2: Break Percentages into Smaller Parts

Example:

15% of 200

10% = 20

5% = 10

15% = 30

Shortcut 3: Successive Percentage Formula

Net Change = a + b + (ab ÷ 100)

These shortcuts improve solving speed in aptitude exams.

Step 6: Attempt Mock Tests Regularly

Mock tests are very important for CUET preparation.

They help students:

• Improve speed

• Build confidence

• Understand exam patterns

• Improve time management

How Mock Tests Help

Students should attempt timed aptitude tests regularly.

Step 7: Revise Formulas and Tricks Regularly

Revision is very important for aptitude preparation.

Students often forget formulas during exams because of poor revision. Check below the daily revision tips:

Students can improve solving speed by following smart preparation techniques. Speed improvement is very important for competitive exams because students get limited time.

Important Speed Improvement Tips

• Practice mental maths daily

• Learn shortcut tricks

• Avoid lengthy calculations

• Solve timed questions

• Revise formulas regularly

• Practice mock tests consistently

These habits improve overall aptitude performance.

Also Read: How to Score Full Marks in CUET General Test Reasoning Section

CUET General Test contains multiple sections, so students should manage time properly. Good time management can improve overall scores significantly. Percentage questions can become scoring opportunities if solved quickly. Check below the table for CUET time management tips:

Practice questions help students apply concepts properly. Regular practice improves both confidence and calculation speed.

Question 1

Find 20% of 450.

20% = 1/5

450 ÷ 5 = 90

Answer = 90

Question 2

A student’s marks increase from 300 to 360. Find the percentage increase.

Increase = 60

Percentage Increase = (60 ÷ 300) × 100

= 20%

Answer = 20%

Question 3

The price of a product decreases by 25%. If the original price was ₹800, find the new price.

25% of 800 = 200

New Price = 800 - 200

= ₹600

Answer = ₹600

Question 4

Find 12.5% of 240.

Solution

12.5% = 1/8

240 ÷ 8 = 30

Answer

30

Question 5

Find 35% of 200.

Solution

10% of 200 = 20

30% of 200 = 60

5% of 200 = 10

35% = 60 + 10

Answer

70

Percentage Increase Questions

Question 6

The price of a product increases from ₹400 to ₹500. Find the percentage increase.

Solution

Increase = 500 - 400 = 100

Percentage Increase = (100 ÷ 400) × 100

= 25%

Answer

25%

Question 7

A student’s marks increase from 300 to 360. Find the percentage increase.

Solution

Increase = 360 - 300 = 60

Percentage Increase = (60 ÷ 300) × 100

= 20%

Answer

20%

Question 8

A salary increases from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000. Find the percentage increase.

Solution

Increase = 30,000 - 25,000 = 5,000

Percentage Increase = (5000 ÷ 25000) × 100

= 20%

Answer

20%

Percentage Decrease Questions

Question 9

A mobile price decreases from ₹20,000 to ₹18,000. Find the percentage decrease.

Solution

Decrease = 20,000 - 18,000 = 2,000

Percentage Decrease = (2000 ÷ 20000) × 100

= 10%

Answer

10%

Question 10

The population of a town decreases from 50,000 to 45,000. Find the percentage decrease.

Solution

Decrease = 50,000 - 45,000 = 5,000

Percentage Decrease = (5000 ÷ 50000) × 100

= 10%

Answer

10%

Question 11

The price of a shirt decreases from ₹800 to ₹600. Find the percentage decrease.

Solution

Decrease = 800 - 600 = 200

Percentage Decrease = (200 ÷ 800) × 100

= 25%

Answer

25%

Questions Based on Percentage Shortcuts

Question 12

Find 4% of 75.

Solution

Using the shortcut:

4% of 75 = 75% of 4

75% of 4 = 3

Answer

3

Question 13

Find 18% of 50.

Solution

18% of 50 = 50% of 18

50% of 18 = 9

Answer

9

Question 14

Find 15% of 240.

Solution

10% of 240 = 24

5% of 240 = 12

15% = 24 + 12

Answer

36

Successive Percentage Questions

Question 15

A product price increases by 20% and then by 10%. Find the net percentage increase.

Solution

Net Change = 20 + 10 + (20×10 ÷ 100)

= 30 + 2

= 32%

Answer

32%

Question 16

A salary increases by 20% and then decreases by 10%. Find the net percentage change.

Solution

Net Change = 20 - 10 - (20×10 ÷ 100)

= 10 - 2

= 8%

Answer

8% Increase

Application-Based Percentage Questions

Question 17

A student scored 420 marks out of 600. Find the percentage marks.

Solution

Percentage = (420 ÷ 600) × 100

= 70%

Answer

70%

Question 18

A shopkeeper gives a 15% discount on a shirt worth ₹2,000. Find the discount amount.

Solution

15% of 2000

10% = 200

5% = 100

15% = 300

Answer

₹300

Question 19

A cricket player scored 84 runs in a match where the team total was 280. Find the percentage contribution of the player.

Solution

Percentage = (84 ÷ 280) × 100

= 30%

Answer

30%

Data Interpretation Percentage Questions

Question 20

In a class of 50 students, 30 students passed an exam. Find the passing percentage.

Solution

Percentage = (30 ÷ 50) × 100

= 60%

Answer

60%

Question 21

Out of 200 voters, 150 voted in an election. Find the voting percentage.

Solution

Percentage = (150 ÷ 200) × 100

= 75%

Answer

75%

Mixed Practice Questions

Question 22

A product costs ₹1,200 after a 20% discount. Find the original price.

Solution

Let original price = x

80% of x = 1200

x = 1200 × 100 ÷ 80

= 1500

Answer

₹1,500

Question 23

A number increases from 240 to 300. Find the percentage increase.

Solution

Increase = 300 - 240 = 60

Percentage Increase = (60 ÷ 240) × 100

= 25%

Answer

25%

Question 24

Find 60% of 450.

Solution

60% = 6/10

450 × 6 ÷ 10

= 270

Answer

270

Question 25

The price of a bag is reduced by 20%. If the original price was ₹2,500, find the new price.

Solution

20% of 2500 = 500

New Price = 2500 - 500

= ₹2,000

Answer

₹2,000

Students should first solve easy questions and gradually move to advanced questions.

Students can improve their speed and accuracy by following simple preparation techniques. Check below the tips to solve percentage questions faster:

• Memorize percentage to fraction conversions
• Practice mental maths daily
• Learn shortcut tricks
• Solve timed mock tests
• Revise formulas regularly
• Avoid lengthy calculations

Also Read: Best Daily Routine for CUET 2026 Preparation at Home