CLAT 2024 Topper Interview: Sritama Goswami shares how solving mock tests, less study hours helped her ace in CLAT Exam
Common Law Admission Test 2025 ( CLAT )
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Sritama Goswami secured AIR 117 in CLAT 2024 Exam. While speaking to Shiksha, she shared her preparation tips, books she referred to and her study methods and helped her to ace one of the toughest law entrance exams in the country. Read further to know more.
CLAT 2024 Topper Interview: Sritama Goswami shares how solving mock tests, less study hours helped her ace in CLAT Exam
CLAT Topper 2024 Sritama Goswami in an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com talks about how strategizing well and being focused helped her to crack one of the toughest law exam in the country. Sritama secured AIR 117 in CLAT 2024. While speaking to Shiksha, she said, "One of my strengths was strategizing well and being focused. I knew I could depend on that. I tried to minimize my weaknesses by giving many mocks. I didn't stress too much about my weaknesses because I didn't want to hamper my strengths." In this article, we bring forward to you all the preparation tips, books and how to crack the CLAT Exam as per the topper's perspective.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Q. Did you expect this good rank in CLAT 2024?
A. Not at all! I thought I messed up the CLAT Exam because I was underconfident after finishing. My rank was a great surprise for me.
Q. Did the change in CLAT Exam Pattern 2024 hamper your preparation?
Q: Is solving CLAT 2026 mock tests important for scoring well?
Q: How to score 100+ marks in CLAT Mock Tests 2026?
Candidates should start attempting the CLAT Mock Tests only when they have completed their CLAT Syllabus 2026. Mock tests will help your reading speed, ability to comprehend the passage and to actually understand the questions. Many students end up not performing well in the CLAT Exam even after the best preparation. Hence, it is very much needed to solve the mock tests or previous years’ question papers to know the pattern and also to know the topics you need to work on.
Q: How to Use CLAT Mock Test to Advantage?
While practicing CLAT mock tests is extremely important, it is also equally important to know how to make best use of them to ensure effective CLAT preparation. Check out some points below to keep in mind while attempting CLAT 2026 mock tests:
- Enroll in a good online mock test series
- Practice at least one mock test everyday along with one previous year CLAT question paper or sample paper
- Be wary of the time while attempting the CLAT mock test. Although there is no sectional time limit, it is advised that you allot fixed time to each section to ensure efficient use of the total two hours for the exam
- After attempting each mock test, note down your weak and strong areas for the exam and work on them accordingly
- After attempting at least five mock tests, sample papers and question papers try to analyse the important topics from which most questions have been asked in the paper. Focus on the important topics more.
A. Not really. I adapted to the new CLAT Exam Pattern pretty quickly and felt that perhaps I was better suited to the new pattern. Since the total number of questions was reduced to 120, I was satisfied that there was a higher chance of completing the full paper.
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Q. Which section did you feel was more challenging? And took more time in the exam?
A. Maths was challenging for me and it took more time than I should have given in the paper. However, I could do a reasonable amount of questions before the paper ended.
Q. How did you manage time between the Class 12th Board Exam and Entrance Preparation?
Q: How can I improve my CLAT mock score?
To improve CLAT mock score, it is important to take the following measures:
- Practice at least one CLAT mock test daily. The more number of questions you will solve the more chances you will have of scoring better.
- Try to improve your speed and accuracy while attempting the CLAT mock test
- After attempting a mock test, note down your weak subjects/topics. Focus on your weaker areas more and then attempt the CLAT mock test again
By following these measures you will gradually see an improvement in your overall CLAT mock score. Following the measures will also increase your chances of cracking the CLAT exam with flying colours.
Q: How to attempt the mock test of CLAT 2026?
Candidates must practice as many CLAT 2026 mock tests as possible until the last day. Aspirants can follow the simple tips and tricks given below to score maximum marks:
- Decide the order of attempt
Candidates must identify the order in which they wish to attempt a section so that they don’t waste their time. They should ensure that they follow the same strategy on the exam day too.
Attempt 110+ questions:
Candidates must try and attempt 110+ questions. On the basis of the difficulty level of the paper, the candidates can decide how many questions they want to attempt. Candidates must not forget that there is a negative marking for each wrong answer. Be very sure of the answers before attempting them to avoid negative markings.
3 Sections should be STRONG:
As per the CLAT UG Exam Pattern 2026, there will be five sections. Candidates must ensure that at least they are strong in three sections. These three sections should be such that you can answer any question asked from it. These three sections should be such that you are sure that you will be able to secure above 80% marks.
Increase your speed and accuracy
Aspirants must work on their speed and accuracy. This is important so that you can complete your CLAT 2026 Question paper on time. Candidates can work on increasing speed by reading newspapers, solving sectional tests, solving more mock tests, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of giving CLAT Mock Tests 2026?
The key benefits of solving CLAT 2026 sample and question papers was that the sample paper contained similar types of questions to the ones asked in the actual CLAT exam. So, by solving the sample papers, the candidate were able to develop problem-solving and time-management skills. Another thing was previous years questions papers helped them to know types of questions asked, marking scheme, difficulty level, etc. With better insights into the exam, the candidate were able to adopt a better strategy for success.
A. I didn't have to balance my class 12 boards and CLAT because this was a drop-year for me. I could dedicate my time and attention to the entrance exams.
Q. Do you feel coaching plays an essential part in clearing the law entrance Exam?
A. Yes it does. Although some people can manage on their own, I have found that I need teachers to keep me on track and accountable. My coaching played an essential role in my success.
Q. What was your study plan?
A. I didn't study for too long per day. I studied 4 hours max per day because any longer would stress me out. However, I took 2 mocks per week and that number intensified towards the end of my preparation.
Q. Do you think NCERT books are sufficient for law entrance exam Preparation?
A. I didn't study from NCERT books at all because I am from an ICSE/ISC background.
Q. How did you deal with your strengths and weaknesses while preparing for entrance Exam?
A. One of my strengths was strategizing well and being focused. I knew I could depend on that. I tried to minimize my weaknesses by giving many mocks. I didn't stress too much about my weaknesses because I didn't want to hamper my strengths.
Also Read: CLAT 2024 Topper AIR 1 Jai Bohara says 'Good score in Boards doesn't guarantee good college'
Q. Was Law always your choice as a career?
A. No it wasn't. I wanted to become a teacher for a long time. However, my family has a legacy of lawyers, so it was always at the back of my mind that law could be a viable career option. Once I became aware of the growing legal opportunities in India, I decided to pursue law.
Q. Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?
A. Take CLAT mocks regularly. Analyse them well. A rigorous analysis is more important than giving a huge number of mocks but poor analysis. Don't get too hung up on failures. Move on and try to learn from them. Improvement might take time but be patient because it will happen if you are diligent. Lastly- take it easy. A relaxed mind always performs better. Best of luck!
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 20 hours ago
101 marks is a very good in AILET score. Generally 70-100 marks are considered good score to be considered. With this marks you'll rank good enough.
While, 5095 rank is bit higher, it is seen and consider rank around 3.5k is a good rank to be considered. Try to came more closer near 3k, for better.
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 22 hours ago
Based on your OBC category rank of 1,721 in the CLAT 2025 examination and your domicile status in Uttar Pradesh, your chances of securing admission to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow appear favorable.
Historically, RMLNLU has admitted OBC candidates with UP domicil
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 23 hours ago
Considering your AIR in CLAT is 19202 and EWS rank is 1775, admission at tier 2 NLUs will be competitive. Cutoff CLAT EWS will be issued for the year 2025 by Consortium NLUs at its website. NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad are predicted to obtain a rank above 500. The cut-off for GNLU Gandhinaga
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The approval process for entering the 5-year law program at Institute of Law Nirma University through the B.A. LL.B. Hons. degree relies on obtaining a passing score in the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) as well as meeting the qualifying cutoff score for the particular admission year. Secure admis
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Contributor-Level 10
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Your probability of securing admission in National Law Universities (NLUs) stands poor due to an All India Rank (AIR) of 26746 and a category rank of 1439 in the SC category. Although your chances are limited you possess eligibility to enter admission competitions at select NLUs with reduced cutoff
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Success in the Common Law Admission Test offers students several different professional options within the law field. The success in CLAT examination enables you to achieve entry at top National Law Universities to study their five-year integrated law program. Students who finish their studies at NL
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
With an All India ST Rank of 721, you have a good chance of getting admission to NALSAR based on your category, as the cutoff for the ST category is usually much lower than the general category, making it likely that your rank falls within the admission range for NALSAR for the ST category.
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
It's difficult to say whether you can get a seat at National Law University and Judicial Academy Assam (NLUJA) with an AIR of 51586 and a ST category rank of 1206 in CLAT. The admission process for NLUJA is based on CLAT ranks, and the cut-offs vary each year.
Explanation
CLAT ranks
The CLAT 2025 rank
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
With the rank of 37 in ST category rank in CLAT ,the 37 rank in st category in a very good rank , specially belonging to ST category
You will definately get the admission in B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore in the Reserved Seats.
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Contributor-Level 6
CLAT Notifications
Yes, solving the mock test of CLAT 2026 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.