When on June 23, 2026, the results of the Municipal University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) were declared, among the lakhs of students refreshing their screens and eagerly waiting for their scores, one name appeared at the top of the national merit list. Devina Gahlot, the youngest daughter of BJP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Kailash Gahlot, has secured All India Rank 1, recording the highest National Testing Agency (NTA) score in the country.When the result came, his first reaction was disbelief. Speaking to ANI after the results were announced, Devina said, “The exam went very well, but I never thought I would secure AIR 1… God has been very kind.”While interacting with ANI, he said that studying for a long time does not ensure success and emphasized the need for balance while preparing.“Also, taking some breaks is necessary,” he said, adding that consistency and proper study was more important than just studying for longer hours.
Another type of preparation
According to Devina, CUET preparation requires a preparation approach that is different from most other exams. Instead of memorizing something, he understood the concept well and applied it to different situations.“I didn’t memorize it,” he said while discussing his approach to preparation.According to her, students who have studied seriously for their Class 12 board exams already have a strong foundation for CUET.“If you have prepared for the boards, then preparing for CUET is no different,” he said, trying to reassure aspirants who often see the entrance exam as a completely separate challenge.His remarks reflect the evolving nature of competitive exams, which increasingly prize conceptual clarity over memorization.
NCERT to heart
Devina also highlighted the central role played by NCERT textbooks in their 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,” he said. The observation is likely to resonate with future aspirants, many of whom spend considerable time looking for additional study material. For Devina, a strong understanding of core concepts seems to have been more valuable than the accumulation of 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 youngest 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 success to his daughter’s hard work, discipline and perseverance. He also thanked his teachers, mentors and Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj community for their support and guidance throughout his academic journey.
Beyond rank
For thousands of students, a high rank often seems to be the result of extraordinary routines or relentless study schedules. Devina’s story offers a different perspective.His advice is simple: understand the concepts, trust the preparation done for the board exams, avoid rote learning and make room for breaks.As students across the country begin to prepare for the next edition of CUET, the country’s highest scorer sent a message that can be as valuable as the rank itself, that success is not always about studying the longest, but learning in the smartest way possible.
