Meet CLAT 2023 Topper Priyam Mitra (AIR 13) who cracked the exam with two weeks of preparation
CLAT 2023 Topper Priyam Mitra in an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com spoke about his journey and tips to crack the exam with just two weeks of preparation. "I relied completely on self-study, hence, did not take any coaching for CLAT," he says. My strategy for the exam not only helped me to get AIR 13 in CLAT 2023 but also Rank 1 in MP state. Read further to know more about the books he referred to, the study pattern he followed to excel in the CLAT 2023 exam.
Q. Congratulations! Did you expect to be the topper of CLAT 2023?
A. Thank you. No, I did not expect to be AIR 13 as well as MP state rank 1, although after appearing for the exam I was happy and thought that I might get a rank in the top 100. And after I calculated my marks from the answer key, I was hoping to be in the top 50.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Q. What was the preparation strategy that helped you crack CLAT 2023?
A. As I was enrolled in coaching for JEE prep, therefore I had strategized to devote a month of dedicated preparation for CLAT. However, I fell terribly ill a month before the exam and could only give 2 weeks to the preparation. I first tried to understand the CLAT exam pattern well, and then I practiced some past year papers, the 2 sample papers released by the CLAT Consortium, and gave some mocks.
Q: Will CLAT be held twice in 2025?
In 2022, CLAT exam was held twice, I. e. on June 19 as CLAT 2022, and on December 18, 2022 as CLAT 2023. However, from 2024 onwards, CLAT exam is to be conducted once in a year only, as confirmed by the exam officials in the latest notification. Earlier, CLAT exam was conducted in May or June, but from 2024 onwards the entrance exam will be conducted in December (of preceding year to the admission year) itself for concluding admissions on time. Therefore, CLAT counselling process will be completed by May of each academic year.
Q: When will the CLAT 2025 exam be held?
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) conducted the CLAT 2025 on December 1, 2024. The exam authority published the admission notification for CLAT 2025 with details of syllabus, exam pattern and events on the official website.
Q: Is there Maths in CLAT 2025?
Yes, there is math in CLAT exam. The section carries 10 per cent weight. Scoring well in maths can give candidates big boost over competition. The CLAT syllabus for Quantitative Techniques includes the following important highlights:
- The section includes 13-17 questions in the exam
- Unlike other sections, the Quantitative Techniques section includes short sets of facts, propositions, graphs or other textual, pictorial, diagrammatic representation of numerical information
- Majority of the questions in the section are created specifically for the exam, however, few graphs and histograms are also derived from public sources such as the official website of Reserve Bank of India
- The difficulty level of questions in the exam is of Class 10 level, however, the questions are more logic-based rather than formulae-based
- Important topics on which Maths questions are based in the exam include:
CLAT Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques | |
|---|---|
Number Theory & Basic Arithmetic | Averages & Percentages |
Ratio & Proportion | Mixtures & Allegations |
Time & Work | Time, Distance & Speed |
Fractions & Equations | Monetary Evaluations |
Probability | Permutations & Combinations |
Data Interpretation to analyse Charts, Tables, Histograms & other Graphical Information | |
Q. How did you manage time between board exams and entrance exam prep?
A. It’s pertinent to understand what’s of greater significance to one. My priority was entrance exams and not the boards. Luckily, there was a 2-month gap between the two during which I focussed solely on board exams.
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Q. Did you take any coaching for this exam?
A. No, I didn’t take any coaching for CLAT and rather relied on self-study.
Also Read: AILET 2023 Topper Interview: Shubham Thakare AIR 2 says expect the unexpected in entrance exam
Q. What study plan did you follow for this exam?
A. For the sections of English, logical reasoning, and legal reasoning, my study plan was to practice as many questions as I could in a timed fashion to enhance my speed, accuracy, and comprehension. As for the maths section, my focus was especially on practicing questions on DI. For GK section, my plan was to go through any year end compilation available in the market, although I was keeping myself abreast of the daily current affairs too.
Q: Where can I get the CLAT 2025 invite list?
Only those aspirants who have been included in the CLAT 2025 invite list will be allowed to appear for CLAT 2025 Counselling. The counselling procedure of CLAT 2025 is conducted through an online centralised system. The counselling is conducted separetly for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The entire process is conducted as per the CLAT 2025 counselling dates that is released by consortium. After every round, the consortium will announce the seat allotment for national law universities (NLUs) that are pariticipating in the admission process.
Q: How to Check CLAT Merit List 2025?
Candidates can check the NLU-wise CLAT merit list by following the below steps:
Step 1: Visit CLAT official website
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Notifications’ section
Step 3: Click on ‘CLAT 2025 Allotment List’ link
Step 4: View and download the CLAT allotment list 2025
Candidates must note that they can appear for CLAT Counselling 2025 only if there name is there in the merit list. CLAT counselling will be conducted in online mode. Candidates must appear for the counselling to get admission to one of the NLUs in the country.
Q: Will CLAT be conducted in regional languages?
CLAT 2025 is expected to be held in regional language. The Bar Council of India is planning to include vernacular languages as medium of paper in the coming years. Till CLAT exam 2024, it was held in the English language only like in previous years. CLAT 2025 PG Exam is also expected to be conducted in English only.
Q: What are the things to carry to CLAT Exam Centre 2024?
On the day of the exam, candidates must carry the following documents and items to the CLAT centre:
- CLAT admit card: Since, it is a mandatory document to be carried to the test centre, candidates must carry their admit card as issued to them. Candidates without a valid admit card on the day of the exam will not be allowed to appear in exam.
- Photo ID proof: Along with the admit card, candidates must also carry an original photo ID proof issued by the Government of India. Documents that can be presented as an ID proof include PAN Card, Driving License, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card and Ration Card.
- Photo: Candidates will also have to carry an attested passport size photograph (the same as uploaded at the time of filling the application form).
- Stationary: Since the CLAT 2025 is an offline exam, candidates have to carry at least two good-quality ball-point pens of blue or black ink and an HB pencil to the test centre
- Disability certificate: The certificate is mandatory for candidates who have applied under the Persons with Disability (PwD) category
- Other items such as an analogue watch, transparent water bottle, face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer must also be carried to the test centre.
Q: Can I appear for CLAT 2025 if I forget to carry my photo ID?
No, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the examination without a valid photo ID. Candidates are advised to keep the following three things ready with them, a day before the examination; a valid photo ID proof, CLAT admit card 2025, and a recent passport-sized photograph. These are the mandatory documents to be produced during entry to the CLAT exam centre. The valid photo identity card which would be allowed at the CLAT 2025 exam centre include Aadhaar card/ Driving Licence/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Voter Id. The admit card should also have the passport and postcard-sized photographs pasted on it.
Q. Which books did you read to prepare for the exam?
A. I didn’t refer to any book, but rather relied on online resources and question-solving.
Q. How did you deal with your strengths and weaknesses while preparing for the exam?
A. My reading speed and the sections of maths, legal, English, and logical reasoning were my strengths while GK section was my weakness. To build further upon my strengths, I focussed on practicing questions on the respective sections. To tackle my weakness, I tried to go through an year-end compilation. I think its imperative to devote sufficient time towards tackling our weaknesses.
Q. What other law entrance exams did you take or are planning to take?
A. I am not planning to take any other law entrance exam although I did appear for AILET 2023 but I was terribly ill during that and couldn’t secure a good rank.
Q. Was law always your first preference?
A. It wasn’t so initially although I always maintained a keen interest in the current legal affairs of the nation and the world. I really admire the power of knowledge that one acquires after knowing the law of the land. I believe everyone should know the law since ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Q. Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?
A. Make sure to solve previous year's papers and sample papers released by the Consortium plus give mocks in a timed manner. Reading speed is important to complete the paper on time. This can be enhanced by reading novels, and also by reading newspapers. Do work on comprehension skills to perform well in passage-type questions. Practicing previous year's questions will help one in this area. Keep yourselves abreast with current affairs by regularly following the news on TV, YouTube, newspapers, or the compilations available in the market. Make sure to work on your weak areas to strengthen them. Practice is the key to converting your weaknesses into strengths. Don’t forget to be confident in your abilities & preparation, and don’t panic in the examination hall. Lastly, this quote inspired me a lot, “it always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Q. What are your future plans?
A. Well, am excited to join NLSIU, Bangalore in July. And I look forward to having a great holistic learning experience there.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 days ago
If you want to go through flat exam in university so you had to wait for 1 year but if you want to do your course you can take admission in private and better colleges
R
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 6 days ago
To apply for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), follow these steps:
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for CLAT, which typically includes:
- - For UG Programmes: Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates)
- -
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
The CLAT ranks below 1000 are enough for getting INLU of Nirma University.
Scholar-Level 18
Answered a week ago
No, its not at all mandatory to give CLAT to become a lawyer. Candidates can enroll in Law courses offered by various universities and colleges to pursue UG and PG law courses. However, those who wish to take admission in one of NLUs except NLU Delhi will have to appear for Common National Admission
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
Yes, Gujarat National Law University, accepts CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) scores for admission to its various undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, including the BA LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB and LLM courses. CLAT is a common entrance test used by many of the top law schools in Indi
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Your prospects of getting into a National Law University (NLU) with an All India Rank of 37,778 and a SC category rank of 2452 in the CLAT rely on a number of variables including seat availability, cutoff trends and reservation rules
elite NLUs: Because of higher cutoffs admission to elite NLUs such
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Chances of getting the following NLUs CA be made.
- NLU Kochi
- NLU Assam
- NLU Tripura
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 2 weeks ago
NLUs are not possible on this rank. Please try some private colleges.
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 2 weeks ago
The National Law University (NLU) admission prospects are slim in view of a CLAT rank of 7616 and an EWS rank of 640. Most of the NLU cut-off ranks tend to be exceptionally lower as compared to general category and EWS candidates, even in some of the most sought-after courses like BA LLB.
Factors inf
R
Contributor-Level 10
I am currently pursuing B.Sc Medical 1st semester. Now I want to do B.A LL.B but have missed CLAT 2025 exam. What should I do now?