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.
Also check,
CLAT Participating Institutes