CUET UG 2025 Topper Ishani Debnath, AIR 8, Shares Her Journey to LSR and Psychology Honours

In this exclusive interview, Ishani shares how she prepared for CUET UG alongside CBSE board exams, her subject-wise strategy, and advice for future aspirants.

Ishani Debnath, who secured All India Rank 8 in the CUET UG 2025 conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is among the top achievers who has made it to her dream college—Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), Delhi University. With over 13.5 lakh students competing this year, her success is a reflection of focused planning, discipline, and smart execution. In this exclusive interview, Ishani shares how she prepared for CUET UG alongside CBSE board exams, her subject-wise strategy, and advice for future aspirants.

Q. What was your overall strategy for CUET UG preparation, and how did you balance it with Class 12 board exams?

Ishani Debnath: I figured that to get into Delhi University, I’ll have to attempt CUET UG, and they consider English plus three domain subjects. I started preparation for English early on in 11th grade, while the syllabus of the domains overlapped with the 12th CBSE board syllabus. Thus, I was able to prepare for both side by side.

Q. Which subjects did you focus on the most, and how did you prioritise them?

Ishani Debnath: I focused on English the most, as it is compulsorily considered for DU. I practised vocabulary regularly and watched videos on the topic.

Q. Did you follow NCERT textbooks alone, or did you refer to any additional resources/coaching material?

Ishani Debnath: For domains like History, Political Science, Psychology and Economics, I laid emphasis on preparation from NCERT textbooks. Once I got a hold on concepts, I solved computer-based mock tests and previous year questions by Adda247 regularly.

Q. How did you structure your daily study routine during the final months before CUET UG?

Ishani Debnath: After my board examinations ended, I made an extensive monthly plan, devoting two subjects to revise and practice per day. I used to attempt mock tests, evaluate them, brush up on topics, etc. for two subjects per day, as planned. I stuck to my routine and never fell behind schedule.

Q. What role did mock tests and previous year papers play in your preparation?

Ishani Debnath: Mock tests and previous year questions played a pivotal role in my CUET preparation. As I had already established conceptual clarity during my preparation for boards, my goal for CUET was to extensively solve previous year papers and mock tests. This helped me to gain perspective of the format of the exam, speed required, strengths as well as weaknesses, so that I could work upon them and improve.

Q. What was the most challenging part of CUET UG for you, and how did you overcome it?

Ishani Debnath: My challenge was to prepare the microeconomics portion for the Economics domain just after boards ended, as it had not been declared prior. I addressed it by reading the NCERT textbook and solving maximum questions from the topic. In the topics I had doubts about, I watched videos online.

Q. Did you ever feel stressed or doubtful during your preparation? How did you stay motivated?

Ishani Debnath: Yes, I did feel stressed at times, but my parents always reminded me to take breaks. I kept a picture of Lady Shri Ram College for Women on my desk as my goal. When you want to achieve it so badly, one is always motivated.

Q. How did your school, teachers, or coaching support you during this time?

Ishani Debnath: My school teachers have always been approachable and available for guidance. My parents and teachers also provided moral support during the preparation period, as well as during the examination days.

Q. Was there a specific moment or turning point when you realised you could be among the top rankers?

Ishani Debnath: I felt I could be a top achiever in CUET when I achieved AIR 1 in Class 12 CBSE Board Exams. This made me realise my true potential and enabled me to work even harder.

Q. What course and college are you aiming for now, and why did you choose that path?

Ishani Debnath: I have got admission in Lady Shri Ram College for Women, for BA Psychology Honours. I chose Psychology as it is a new and emerging field in India, which has large real-life applications and potential for improvement in people’s daily lives, at times by just making small adjustments.

Q. How has cracking CUET UG changed your life or boosted your confidence?

Ishani Debnath: Cracking CUET UG has boosted my confidence as this was my first pan-India competitive exam, and I achieved AIR 8 among more than 10 lakh aspirants. This has made admission into my dream college possible, where I stand to gain good exposure and experience, making it a turning point in my life.

Q. What’s one thing you’d do differently if you had to start your CUET UG journey again?

Ishani Debnath: I feel I should have started serious preparation for English a lot earlier than I did, as it is a very vast subject.