CLAT 2021 Topper Karthik J Lal, AIR 3, says, “Positive Attitude and Adherence Betrays None”

The Consortium of NLUs declared the results of the much-awaited national-level law entrance exam, CLAT 2021 on July 29, 2021. By securing an overall score of 117, Karthik J Lal, who hails from Kochi, Kerala, has managed to secure the AIR 3 much to the delight of his parents and well wishers. Supported by his family and friends, he worked on his areas of improvement and achieved success in the exam. In an exclusive interview with Careers360, CLAT 2021 Topper Karthik J Lal shares his experience about the road to clearing CLAT 2021. He believes, “Interminable dedication, hardwork and a positive mindset towards situations will surely lead to success.”

The CLAT 2021 was conducted on July 23 at various test centres across the country. The exam was conducted in pen-and-paper format following strict COVID-19 safety protocols.

Here are the excerpts of the interview Careers360 did with CLAT 2021 Topper Karthik J Lal. Read the complete conversation if you are aiming for the next CLAT exam.

Careers360- Congratulations on your performance in CLAT 2021. What was your initial reaction upon knowing your rank?

Karthik- Thank you so much. I was overjoyed when I saw the CLAT results on July 29, 2021.

Careers360- Tell us something about yourself - the board you studied under, the name of the school, the place you belong to, and a bit about your family?

Karthik- I have studied from Rajagiri Public School, Kochi. My father is a neurosurgeon and my mother is an ophthalmologist. We hail from Kerala. I also have a younger sister.

Careers360- What are your overall and sectional scores in CLAT 2021?

Karthik- In the CLAT 2021 exam, I got 117 marks overall. In English i scored 24 marks, in GK - 27.5 marks, in Legal - 27.5 marks, logic - 28.75 marks, and in Maths - 9.

Careers360- Were you expecting the CLAT results, or was it a surprise?

Karthik- For me, it was a happy surprise.

Careers360- How and when did you start preparing for the CLAT 2021 exam?

Karthik- I was motivated to pursue law by my seniors and the books that I read. I started preparing for clat in class 11. I joined a coaching centre called Heritage located in kochi.

Careers360- Did you follow any specific routine and study hours?

Karthik- I did not follow a rigid schedule. But I made it a point to read “The Hindu” everyday.

Careers360- What are the subject-wise books you used for CLAT exam preparation? Any specific reason for selecting these books?

Karthik- For English and Critical reasoning I used GMAT books. They follow a similar pattern. For quantitative aptitude I did questions from RS Agarwal.

Careers360- Tell us last month’s exam preparation tips?

Karthik- I spent the last month brushing up on GK and current affairs. I tried to do two mocks everyday and I reviewed them thoroughly.

Careers360- Did you solve sample papers and take mock tests? What is the correct frequency for these exercises?

Karthik- I did solve mock tests from the beginning of my preparation. In the last few months I did one mock everyday.

Careers360- Many students make a mess of their preparation in the law few days, as exam pressure reaches the pinnacle. How to handle this tricky phase?

Karthik- My friends and my family definitely helped decrease the stress. I tried to enjoy the process and that made it easier.

Careers360- How can one improve accuracy and speed?

Karthik- Reading the questions before going through the passage is advisable. Practice definitely increases your accuracy Reading editorials regularly helps to improve your reading speed

Careers360- Is there any particular order for attempting the CLAT question paper? How should one go about attempting the test?

Karthik- I think that varies. I did Gk first, then moved to English followed by maths and legal. I did logic in the end.

Careers360- Did the prolonged delay and multiple postponements affect your exam preparation? How did you manage to stay on track?

Karthik- I used the delay to revise topics that I had missed out and to practise. Taking things positively will surely help.

Careers360- Did you face any difficulty during the exam considering there were strict COVID-19 guidelines in place?

Karthik- I did not face any difficulties due to the protocol.

Careers360- Which law discipline do you want to study in your undergraduate?

Karthik- I have not made up my mind on any disciple.

Careers360- Also, do you have any NLU preferences?

Karthik- I prefer NLSIU Bangalore.

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