When the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) results were declared on June 23, 2026, among the lakhs of students refreshing their screens and waiting anxiously for their scores, one name emerged 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, recording the highest aggregate National Testing Agency (NTA) score in the country.When the result arrived, her first reaction was disbelief. Speaking to the ANI after the results were announced, Devina said, “The exam went very well, but I never thought that I would secure AIR 1… God has been very kind.”While interacting with ANI, she mentioned that studying for a long time by itself does not ensure success and emphasised the need for balance while preparing.“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 type of preparation
According to Devina, CUET preparation needs a preparation approach that is different from most other exams. Instead of memorising anything, she understood the concept well and applied it to different situations.“I didn’t memorise,” she said while discussing her preparation approach.According to her, students who have studied seriously for their Class 12 board examinations already possess a strong foundation for CUET.“If you have prepared for boards, then preparing for CUET is no different,” she said, seeking to reassure aspirants who often view the entrance examination as an entirely separate challenge.Her remarks reflect the evolving nature of competitive examinations, which increasingly reward conceptual clarity over memorisation.
NCERT at the core
Devina also highlighted the central role played by NCERT textbooks in her preparation. She noted that the questions were largely based on NCERT content but required students to think beyond direct textbook recall.“The questions were based on NCERT. There were more application-based questions,” she said. The observation is likely to resonate with future aspirants, many of whom spend considerable time searching for additional study material. For Devina, a strong grasp of core concepts appears to have been more valuable than accumulating extensive resources.
A proud moment for the family
The result was celebrated by her family, with her father, Kailash Gahlot, sharing the news on X. “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,” he wrote.In his message, Gahlot credited the achievement to his daughter’s hard work, discipline and perseverance. He also thanked her teachers, mentors and the Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj community for their support and guidance throughout her academic journey.
Beyond the rank
For thousands of students, a top rank often appears to be the result of extraordinary routines or relentless study schedules. Devina’s story offers a different perspective.Her advice is simple: understand concepts, trust the preparation done for board examinations, avoid rote learning and make room for breaks.As students across the country begin preparing for the next edition of CUET, the country’s top scorer has delivered a message that may be as valuable as the rank itself, that success is not always about studying the longest but about learning in the smartest way possible.
