One of the most persistent myths surrounding the CUET UG 2026 entrance is that the General Test (GT) is designed to favor science students. For aspirants from Humanities and Commerce backgrounds, the "Numerical Ability" section often appears as a daunting wall of equations and complex calculations. However, the ground reality is far more encouraging. The mathematics asked in the General Test is strictly limited to Grade 10 standards, focusing on logic rather than advanced theorems. With the right hacking strategy, even a student who hasn't touched a calculator in two years can outperform the competition and secure a seat in elite colleges like SRCC, LSR, or Hindu College.

Demystifying the "Maths" Phobia in General Test

The secret to mastering the GT section lies in understanding that NTA is not testing your ability to solve differential equations. They are testing your "Quantitative Literacy"—your ability to interpret numbers and apply basic logic to solve real-world problems. For a non-science student, the advantage lies in the fact that everyone is working within a 60-minute window for 60 questions. Speed and accuracy are the great equalizers. By focusing on Arithmetic and Data Interpretation, you are tackling the most high-yield areas that do not require specialized scientific knowledge.

High-Yield Topics for Non-Science Aspirants

If you have limited time, you must prioritize. Analysis of the last three years of CUET papers shows that nearly 70% of the maths-based questions come from a few select chapters. Arithmetic remains the king of the General Test. Topics like Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, and Averages are not just formulas; they are logical patterns. Once you understand the "Unitary Method," you can solve nearly any Arithmetic problem without memorizing a single complex theorem. Geometry is also limited to basic Mensuration (Area and Volume), which can be mastered in a weekend.

Calculation Hacks: The Non-Maths Toolkit

The difference between a 90th percentile and a 99th percentile score is often the time spent on calculations. Non-science students should focus on "Mental Arithmetic" hacks. For example, calculating 15% of a number is simply finding 10%, halving it, and adding them together. Learning the tables up to 20, squares up to 30, and cubes up to 15 will save you crucial minutes. Furthermore, the use of "Digital Sum" and "Last Digit Verification" allows you to identify the correct option in a multiple-choice format without completing the entire calculation.

Strategic Goal Setting: The 200+ Club

To secure admission into a top-tier North Campus college, your target for the General Test should be a raw score of 190-210. In the maths segment, this translates to attempting around 15-18 questions with high accuracy. Remember, the General Test is normalized. If you find the maths section tough, chances are thousands of others do too. Focus on clearing the "Easy-Medium" questions first. A common mistake non-science students make is getting stuck on one difficult problem; in GT, every question carries the same weight. Skip the speed bumps and collect the low-hanging fruit.

• Focus on Arithmetic: It is the foundation of 60% of the questions.
• Master Percentages: They are used in Profit/Loss, Interest, and DI.
• Use the Elimination Method: Often, the options tell you the answer.
• Timed Practice: Speed is more important than depth in the General Test.

Conclusion: Leveling the Playing Field

CUET 2026 is designed to be inclusive. The General Test is your opportunity to show that you possess the analytical skills required for university-level education, regardless of your stream. By treating maths as a series of logical puzzles rather than academic hurdles, you can bridge the gap between your current level and the requirements of the top-ranked universities. Start with the basics, trust the hacks, and maintain a consistent practice schedule. The doors of India's elite colleges are open to those who strategize better, not just those who study harder.