How Suraj Secured an AIR 8 in CLAT PG: Preparation Strategy & Insights
Cracking CLAT PG is a dream for many law students, and securing a single-digit rank is an achievement that requires determination, strategy, and smart preparation. Suraj, an AIR 8 rank holder, shares his inspiring journey, preparation techniques, and valuable insights for aspirants who aim to ace CLAT PG.
Introduction: A Determined Journey to CLAT PG
Suraj, a B.Com LLB student from the Faculty of Law, SARM ISD, hails from Chennai. Interestingly, he did not attempt CLAT UG, which later fueled his determination to pursue CLAT PG. Inspired by his sister, a scholar with a master’s degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, Suraj aimed to secure admission to a reputed NLU for his post-graduation.
The CLAT PG 2023 Paper: A Shocking Experience
One of the most common challenges with CLAT PG is its unpredictability. Suraj recalls being surprised when he first saw the 2023 question paper, which contained 12 passages, each followed by 10 questions.
The passages were based on judgments and legal areas that most students had not anticipated. However, after reading the first passage, Suraj realized that the answers were within the text itself. This strategy helped him navigate the exam successfully despite the unexpected topics.
Suraj’s CLAT PG Preparation Strategy
Suraj’s preparation was structured and methodical. Here’s a breakdown of how he tackled different aspects of the exam:
1. Study Plan & Time Management
- Decided to take CLAT PG in January but began serious preparation in September.
- Devoted 2.5 to 3 hours daily to his studies.
- Followed a phase-wise preparation approach to cover subjects effectively.
2. Subject-Wise Preparation
- Phase 1: Focused on Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence, considering their significance in CLAT PG.
- Phase 2: Covered Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Contract Law.
- Phase 3: Focused on recent legal developments as advised by the consortium.
- Phase 4: Studied landmark judgments from sources like SCC and Live Law.
3. Tackling Recent Legal Developments & Landmark Judgments
- Followed reputed sources like Live Law and Bar & Bench to stay updated on legal news.
- Used SCC headnotes to grasp key takeaways from judgments efficiently.
- Focused on important legal developments such as the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, EWS Reservation, and Medical Rape Laws.
4. The Role of Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
- Started mock tests only in the last 15 days before the exam.
- Used RostrumLegal’s mock tests and previous year papers to improve time management.
- Analyzed mistakes after each test to refine his strategy.
Key Takeaways from Suraj’s Preparation
1. Be Open-Minded
CLAT PG is unpredictable. Suraj advises aspirants not to rely on preconceived notions about important subjects. Unexpected topics like insider trading, the Trademarks Act, and the Evidence Act were included in the exam.
2. Give Equal Importance to All Subjects
- Do not prioritize only Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence.
- The 2023 paper did not have a single passage on IPC but had questions on the Ordinance-Making Powers of Governors and Electronic Evidence under the Evidence Act.
- Focus on all provisions of a subject, not just commonly tested areas.
3. Smart Work Over Hard Work
- Instead of reading full judgments, focus on case summaries from reputed platforms.
- Utilize structured study notes and avoid unnecessary bulk reading.
- Follow legal news to anticipate possible exam topics.
The Role of RostrumLegal in Suraj’s Success
Suraj credits RostrumLegal for playing a crucial role in his preparation. Here’s how it helped:
- Mock Tests: Helped improve time management and exam strategy.
- Previous Year Papers: Enabled practice under real exam conditions.
- Concise Notes: Provided key legal insights for quick revision.
- Summarized Judgments: Saved time and covered crucial legal points effectively.
Advice for Future CLAT PG Aspirants
Suraj shares three essential tips for success:
- Be Open-Minded – Prepare for any topic to be tested in the exam.
- Follow Recent Legal Developments – Stay updated with legal news and landmark cases.
- Pay Attention to Consortium Hints – Consortium often provides indirect guidance about what to study.
Future Plans: A Career in Litigation
Suraj plans to pursue litigation, debunking the myth that a master’s degree is unnecessary for practice. He believes that specialized knowledge will help him establish himself in public law and constitutional law.
Final Thoughts
Suraj’s journey from a determined aspirant to securing an AIR 8 is proof that smart work, strategic preparation, and perseverance can help students crack CLAT PG. His structured approach, combined with resources like RostrumLegal’s study materials and mock tests, played a pivotal role in his success.
For aspirants looking to crack CLAT PG, his experience serves as a roadmap to success. Follow his strategies, stay updated with legal developments, and practice with mock tests to maximize your chances of securing a top rank.
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If you found Suraj’s journey inspiring, share this blog with fellow aspirants and start your CLAT PG preparation with a well-planned strategy!