Didn't memorise: CUET UG 2026 topper Devina Gahlot shares her strategy

When the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) results were declared on June 23, 2026, lakhs of students were glued to their screens, anxiously refreshing their scores. Amid them, one name stood out at the very top of the national merit list. Devina Gahlot, the younger daughter of BJP leader and former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot, secured All India Rank 1, achieving the highest aggregate National Testing Agency (NTA) score in the country.

When the result was announced, her initial reaction was one of disbelief. Speaking to ANI, Devina said, "The exam went very well, but I never thought that I would secure AIR 1... God has been very kind."

While speaking to ANI, she also stressed that long hours of studying alone do not guarantee success, and highlighted the importance of balance during preparation.


"Also, taking some breaks is necessary," she pointed out, adding that consistency and proper studying were more important than just studying for longer hours.

A different approach to preparation

According to Devina, CUET-UG preparation demands a different strategy compared to many other competitive exams. Instead of relying on rote memorisation, she focused on understanding concepts deeply and applying them across different contexts.

"I didn't memorise," she said while explaining her preparation strategy.

She added that students who have seriously prepared for their Class 12 board exams already possess a strong foundation for CUET.

"If you have prepared for boards, then preparing for CUET is no different," she said, aiming to reassure aspirants who often see CUET as a completely separate challenge.

Her perspective highlights the changing nature of competitive exams, where conceptual clarity is becoming more important than memorisation.

NCERT at the core

Devina also emphasised the importance of NCERT textbooks in her preparation journey. According to her, most questions were rooted in NCERT content but required analytical thinking beyond direct recall.

"The questions were based on NCERT. There were more application-based questions," she said. This insight is likely to be useful for future aspirants who often rely on additional reference material, sometimes overlooking core textbooks.

A proud moment for the family

The achievement was widely celebrated by her family. Her father, Kailash Gahlot, shared the news on X, writing, "With immense pride and gratitude, we share that our younger daughter, Devina Gahlot, has secured All India Rank 1 in CUET (UG)-2026, achieving the highest aggregate NTA score in the country."

In his post, Gahlot credited his daughter’s success to her hard work, discipline, and perseverance. He also expressed gratitude to her teachers, mentors, and the Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj community for their constant guidance and support.

Beyond the rank

For many students, securing a top rank is often associated with extreme study schedules or extraordinary routines. Devina’s journey presents a more balanced perspective.

Her advice is straightforward: focus on concepts, build on Class 12 preparation, avoid rote learning, and make space for breaks.

As aspirants across the country prepare for the next CUET cycle, the top scorer’s message stands out—success is not always about studying longer, but about studying smarter.