‘Taking breaks is important too’: Devina Gahlot, daughter of BJP leader Kailash Gahlot, shares her formula for success.
When the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) results were declared on June 23, 2026, among the thousands of students refreshing their screens and anxiously waiting for their scores, one name emerged at the top of the national merit list. Devina Gahlot, the younger daughter of BJP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Kailash Gahlot, bagged the All India Rank 1, registering the highest total 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 get AIR 1… God has been very kind.”While interacting with ANI, he mentioned that studying for a long time alone does not guarantee success and emphasized on the need for balance while preparing.“Also, taking some breaks is necessary,” he noted, adding that consistency and proper studying were more important than just studying for longer hours.
Another type of preparation
According to Devina, CUET preparation needs a different preparation approach than most other exams. Instead of memorizing anything, I understood the concept well and applied it to different situations.“I didn’t memorize,” he said while discussing his approach to preparation.According to her, students who have studied seriously for class 12 exams already have a solid foundation for CUET.“If you have prepared for the boards, preparing for the CUET is no different,” he said, seeking to reassure aspirants who often see the entrance exam as a completely separate challenge.His observations reflect the evolving nature of oppositions, which increasingly prize conceptual clarity over memorization.
NCERT at core
Devina also highlighted the central role that NCERT textbooks play in their preparation. He noted that the questions were heavily based on NCERT content, but required students to think beyond direct textbook recall.“The questions were NCERT based. 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 good understanding of the basics seems to have been more valuable than amassing 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 his daughter’s hard work, discipline and perseverance for the success. He also thanked his teachers, mentors and the community of Delhi Public School Vasant Kunj for their support and guidance throughout his academic journey.
Beyond the range
For thousands of students, a top 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 concepts, rely on the preparation done for board exams, avoid rote learning and leave room for breaks.As students across the country begin preparing for the next edition of the CUET, the country’s top scorer has delivered a message that may be as valuable as the ranking itself, that success is not always about studying the longest, but learning the smartest way possible.
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