CLAT 2023 Topper Interview: Himang Gupta (AIR 5) says don't delay solving mock tests
CLAT 2023 Topper says consistency is extremely important for cracking this exam in a manner that does not generate undue panic and anxiety for oneself. Don't delay mocks and keep them for the end, and be as regular as possible with GK. Read further to know his preparation strategy and journey to crack CLAT 2023.
CLAT 2023 Topper Himang Gupta AIR (5) in an exclusive interview with shiksha.com shares his journey for preparing for one of the toughest Law entrance exams CLAT and securing top rank in the same. He says, "I worked over my mistakes, kept track of them and solved specific questions and exercises that catered to the ones I had a problem with. Other than that, being regular with the newspaper and GK is imperative for anyone who is targeting CLAT. The exam rewards curiosity, and that should be at the heart of anyone's GK preparation."
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Read further to know how he prepared for the law entrance exam along with his board exams.
Q. Congratulations! Did you expect to be the topper of CLAT 2023?
A. Thank you so much for the wishes! Honestly, the result, this amazing came as an extremely pleasant surprise. After checking my CLAT 2023 score I was reasonably sure about either NLS or NALSAR. The CLAT Result turned out to be better than anything I could have conceivably imagined.
Q: Who all are eligible for BA LLB at National Law School of India University?
To be eligible for a BA LLB at National Law School of India University (NLSIU), candidates must:
Have completed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% marks or equivalent
Have a valid score in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
Have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate.
Q: Can students join National Law School of India University directly without any entrance exam?
No, students cannot join the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) directly without going through the university's admission process, which typically involves a competitive entrance exam. NLSIU is one of the premier law schools in India, and like other top law schools in the country, it requires candidates to qualify for admission through a standardized entrance test.
The primary entrance exam used for admission to NLSIU's undergraduate BA LLB programme is the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Candidates must register for CLAT, take the exam, and achieve a qualifying score to be eligible for admission to NLSIU.
NLSIU, like other national law universities in India, uses the entrance test results to determine the selection of candidates. The selection process may also include further evaluation, such as personal interviews and counseling rounds, depending on the university's specific admission criteria.
It's essential for aspiring students to check NLSIU's official website and the CLAT website for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements, dates, and procedures, as they may change from year to year. Admissions to NLSIU are highly competitive, and success in the entrance exam is a crucial step towards securing a seat at the university.
Q: Does National Law School of India University accept CLAT score?
Yes, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, India, accepts CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) scores for admission to its various undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, including the BA LLB program. CLAT is a common entrance test used by many of the top law schools in India to determine admission to their law programs. NLSIU is one of the prestigious institutions that consider CLAT scores for their admissions.
Candidates interested in applying to NLSIU's BA LLB programme and other law programs should register for the CLAT examination, take the test, and use their CLAT scores to apply to NLSIU during the admission process. Keep in mind that the specific admission criteria, cutoff scores, and application procedures may vary from year to year, so it's advisable to check NLSIU's official website and the CLAT website for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements and processes.
Q. What was the preparation strategy that helped you crack CLAT 2023?
A. A large part of my preparation strategy revolved around giving and analysing as many mocks as I could. I increased the frequency with which I gave mocks after June 2022, and made a point of analysing them meticulously. I pored over my mistakes, kept track of them and solved specific questions and exercises that catered to the ones I had a problem with. Other than that, being regular with the newspaper and GK is imperative for anyone who is targeting CLAT. The exam rewards curiosity, and that should be at the heart of anyone's GK preparation.
Q. How did you manage time between board exams and entrance exam prep?
A. In 12th grade, almost all of my time up until December was almost entirely dedicated to CLAT. Thanks to the subjects that I had chosen, I focused on preparing for boards after I was done with my entrances.
Q. Did you take any coaching for this exam?
A. I did enroll in coaching for this exam. However, I did not attend a lot of classes from Feb 2022 onwards. Most of my prep thence was oriented towards self-studying and analysis along with my friends.
Q: Is Nalsar University of Law hard to get?
Getting accepted to Nalsar University of Law is unquestionably difficult and is extremely hard. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a key component of the institution's selection procedure. Nalsar University requires high academic aptitude and legal knowledge and also admission is based on the availability of seat. The difficult admissions procedure, however, is evidence of Nalsar's dedication to upholding a high bar for legal education. Although it may be challenging to get accepted, prospective legal scholars should persevere because attending this esteemed university has several advantages.
Q: Can I get into Nalsar University of Law with 70%?
For taking admission in BA LLB in Nalsar University a candidate is needed to have minimum 45% in aggregate in 12th. For LLM a candidate is needed to have minimum 55% in aggregate in LLB . For taking admission in MBA, a candidate needed to have Bachelor's degree with atleast 50 % aggregate. For MBA, a candidate needed to have Bachelor's degree from recognised university. For BBA Masters degree in any discipline with minimum of 55 % aggregate is required . In conclusion, a candidate should look at the eligibility criteria of the courses of their choice before applying.
Q: Who is eligible for NLSIU Bangalore BA LLB?
NLSIU Bangalore accepts admission to BA LLB (Hons) programme, based on the CLAT score. The table below presents the eligibility and selection criteria for popular courses offered at NLSIU:
Course Name | Eligibility | Selection Criteria |
---|---|---|
BA LLB (Hons) | Class 12 with at least 45% aggregate (40% aggregate for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) |
The eligibility criteria is gathered from external sources. Hence, is indicative.
Q: Is solving CLAT 2024 mock tests important for scoring well?
Yes, solving the mock test of CLAT 2025 regularly increases your chances to score good in the exam and also to get fundamental knowledge of various topics asked in the exam. The mock tests/ solving previous years’ question papers will help you in the better application of topics, expanding your knowledge and grasp of the subject. Along with solving mock tests, candidates must also keep track of topics or subjects they struggle with so that they can work on them more.
Q: Can I join NLSIU Bangalore LLM without entrance exam?
No, NLSIU Bangalore don't offer admission to LLM programme without a valid score of CLAT. Hence, it is mandatory to qualify CLAT entrance for admission to this university. Apart from entrance exam candidates need to fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria to take admission to the university.
The table below covers CLAT minimum eligibility criteria for admission to LLM programme:
Course Name | Eligibility |
---|---|
LLM | LLB degree with at least 50% aggregate from a recognised university |
Q. What study plan did you follow for this exam?
A. There wasn't any strict study plan or routine per se. I chalked out the tasks that had to be done on a particular day on the preceding day, or earlier in the same day itself. My day had certain nonnegotiables that had to be done every day, including the newspaper. I also tried to come up with weekly plans to plan out my preparation in a broader manner.
Q. Which books did you read to prepare for the exam?
A. As an exam, CLAT doesn't require solving any particular books. Nonetheless, for sections like quantitative aptitude, RS Agarwal is a good source. One must be mindful of the volume of questions contained in the same, however. GMAT guides may also aid in sorting out CR concepts and for practice. Other than that I just went through my coaching material.
Also Read: AILET 2023 Topper Interview: Shubham Thakare AIR 2 says expect the unexpected in entrance exam
Q. How did you deal with your strengths and weaknesses while preparing for the exam?
A. I analysed and tried to gauge the reasons for questions I got wrong during the course of practice. An accurate appraisal of the traps I was repeatedly falling into was crucial with respect to preparation. While it is much easier said and done, and I, more often than not, had a hard time with it, not being emotionally fazed by one's weaknesses is the most helpful way of tackling them. I tried to be calm about how I approached improvements in scores, but nonetheless, periods of intense anxiety were immanent in this process.
Q. What other law entrance exams did you take or are planning to take?
A. I appeared only for CLAT and AILET and shall not be appearing for any other law entrance examinations.
Q. Was law always your first preference?
A. I briefly explored and flirted with a number of options prior to 11th grade. However, owing to what I thought of as my own strengths made the choice of pursuing a law firm. I am interested in the fields of policy, history, and the legal process in general. I used to participate in a number of debates while in school as well, which further propelled me toward law.
Q. Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?
A. Consistency is extremely important for cracking this exam in a manner that does not generate undue panic and anxiety for oneself. Don't delay mocks and keep them for the end, and be as regular as possible with GK. Make notes that are easily navigable, and try to revise them whenever you get the chance. Read widely and eclectically, and find things that interest you. It'll make the process of prep much more engaging and forgiving.
Q. What are your future plans?
A. I plan on pursuing litigation after law school. 5 years is a long time, however, so I shall see what opportunities await me. I'm not strictly corralling myself into any particular trajectory.
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