CUET UG 2026 Preparation Tips From High Achiever Rajeshwari Mandal's Self-study Journey

Rajeshwari Mandal, a CUET UG 2026 achiever from Kolkata, successfully cracked the examination entirely through self-study despite beginning her preparation with limited time at hand. An unexpected decision she took to appear for CUET soon became a focused journey marked by strategic planning, disciplined preparation, and a determination to make every day count.

In a competitive examination where many students spend months preparing, Rajeshwari's story highlights the importance of consistency, smart use of resources, and self-belief. She shares her preparation journey, challenges, and key takeaways for future aspirants.

Here's how Rajeshwari prepared for CUET UG 2026.

Meet Rajeshwari Mandal: a self-study success story

In Rajeshwari's own words:

Starting late didn't stop me

"When I decided to appear for CUET, it wasn't a decision that had been planned for months. Rather, it was something very spontaneous. I began my preparation with significantly less time than many other aspirants, so the situation appeared challenging at first.

The syllabus was huge, the competition was intense, and there was always the thought that perhaps I was starting too late. Especially for a domain subject like Psychology, achieving such a high score in such a short span of time was unexpected even for me. But I have always believed in hard work.

Building a realistic study plan

Since I was preparing entirely through self-study for CUET, I knew I needed to be extremely organized. I couldn't afford to spend hours figuring out what to study next or scrolling through YouTube videos.

Instead, I relied on the resources and Class 12 books I already had and made my own short notes.

Knowing the exam pattern first

Equally important was becoming familiar with the examination pattern. I believe that no matter which examination we are appearing for, understanding its pattern should always be the first step.

It also helps identify the areas that carry the most weight.

Setting achievable daily and weekly goals

Once I had a clear understanding of how the examination was structured, I created daily and weekly goals that were also realistic and achievable.

Looking back, I realized that believing in myself was the key.

Focusing on quality, not study hours

Personally, I feel one of the biggest mistakes students often make is assuming that studying longer automatically means studying better.

But the truth is that the number of hours doesn’t matter as much as the quality of concentration.

Contrary to popular belief, studying for 15 hours a day or even just two hours a day doesn't guarantee results. For me, a balanced and healthy routine with six to seven focused hours of study worked far better.

Of course, this is simply what worked in my case.

During my preparation, I concentrated on understanding concepts clearly and revising them regularly, just like any other aspirant.

Consistency beats motivation

Another crucial aspect of my preparation was consistency. There will be days when you feel energetic, and definitely there will be days when you procrastinate. Don't worry, that's absolutely normal.

It happened to me too, and I believe it's part of every aspirant's journey.

What helped me move forward was my decision to remain consistent, irrespective of how I felt. Even on difficult days, I tried to complete the targets I had set for myself. Over time, these small daily efforts accumulated into significant progress.

That became my own coping mechanism.

Why mock tests made all the difference

Mock tests also played a crucial role in my preparation journey. Initially, they revealed many weaknesses that I wasn't aware of. I noted areas where I was losing marks, questions that took too much time, and topics that required additional revision.

Rather than feeling discouraged by my mistakes, I treated every mock test as a learning opportunity. Gradually, my speed improved, my accuracy increased, and my confidence grew.

That motivated me to keep going.

Never underestimate the power of revision

One lesson I learnt very early was the importance of revision and recap. No matter what you're studying, you must keep revisiting what you've already learnt; otherwise, much of the information will gradually fade.

I made it a point to revise previously studied concepts every day.

Stop comparing your journey with others

I also learned the importance of avoiding unnecessary comparisons. During your preparation, relatives may compare you with others. They are your well-wishers, and healthy competition can certainly be motivating. But I also feel that, at times, constant comparison creates unnecessary stress.

It's common to hear how much others are studying, how many mock tests they have completed, or how far ahead they seem to be. I realized that comparing myself with others only added pressure.

Our goal should be to improve a little every day.

Trust yourself through every challenge

Perhaps the most valuable lesson from this entire experience was learning to trust myself. One thing about examinations is that they help us understand ourselves better and encourage us to move one step closer to our dreams.

It's not only about what we achieve. The courage and determination that every student shows at this stage of life deserve to be valued.

Even I experienced moments of self-doubt, but I kept reminding myself that consistent effort eventually produces results.

Rajeshwari's advice for future CUET aspirants

For students preparing for CUET or any competitive examination, I would say this:

• Don't let a late start convince you that success is out of reach.
• Create a realistic plan, stay consistent, and revise regularly
• Make smart use of the resources available to you.
• Most importantly, trust the process and trust your own capabilities.
• Don't get discouraged by what others say.
• Aim for the stars, value yourself, and remember that your self-belief is what truly shapes your journey.

Looking back on a life-changing achievement

Looking back, cracking CUET UG 2026 remains one of the most memorable moments of my life. Through this journey, I became more familiar with resilience, discipline, time management, and the importance of believing in myself, even when circumstances seemed challenging.

I truly hope my experience reassures future aspirants that with determination, consistency, and the right approach, success is always possible.

I realized that dreams really do come true. It is a rare and extraordinary feeling, and this achievement will always remain close to my heart."

Rajeshwari's journey reminds us that success in competitive examinations is not always about starting early or studying the longest. With a realistic plan, disciplined preparation, regular revision, and confidence in your own abilities, you can achieve remarkable results.

Preparing for an important entrance test? Discover practical tips to crack competitive exams. Read the complete guide to boosting preparation for the best performance.

Published: July 09, 2026