How Arunima Thakur Secured AIR 1 in CLAT PG 2025: Insights and Strategies from India’s Topper
Securing All India Rank 1 in the CLAT PG 2025 is no small feat. Arunima Thakur, a student of RostrumLegal’s comprehensive program, has set an exemplary standard for aspirants with her meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication. In an exclusive interview, Arunima shares her journey, strategies, and tips to crack this highly competitive exam.
Meet Arunima Thakur: A Brief Introduction
Born and raised in Rourkela, Odisha, Arunima completed her schooling at Delhi Public School, Rourkela. She pursued her integrated BA LLB course at University Law College, laying the foundation for her stellar performance. Remarkably, CLAT PG 2025 was Arunima’s first attempt, demonstrating the power of consistent effort.
Why CLAT PG? Arunima’s Motivation
For Arunima, pursuing an LLM at a premier law college was a natural progression in her academic journey. She viewed the degree as instrumental not only for academic growth but also for advancing in judicial services. “The CLAT PG exam ensures continuity in legal studies and adds immense value to career prospects,” she explains.
Arunima’s Preparation Timeline
Arunima’s preparation journey reflects a blend of early planning and intense focus:
- First-Year Focus: Arunima credits her success to the conceptual clarity she gained during her law school semesters.
- Targeted Preparation: From June-July 2024, she began her focused CLAT PG studies, while simultaneously developing a habit of reading newspapers and judgments to enhance reading speed.
- Mock Tests: Starting early with mocks, Arunima emphasized replicating exam conditions, including using OMR sheets, to build familiarity with the real test format.
Key Strategies for CLAT PG Success
1. Build Reading Speed
“CLAT PG requires solving 24 passages in 120 minutes. Developing reading speed is critical,” Arunima advises. She achieved this by regularly reading newspapers and judgments, which not only improved her speed but also strengthened her understanding of current legal developments.
2. Master Conceptual Clarity
For subjects like Constitution, Jurisprudence, Contract Law, and International Law, Arunima relied on standard textbooks and bare acts. “Bare acts are essential, as questions can come from any part of the syllabus,” she emphasizes.
3. Strategic Use of Mock Tests
Arunima followed a unique approach to mock tests:
- Attempting them during the actual exam hours (2-4 PM) to build mental alignment.
- Practicing with OMR sheets to eliminate errors during the real exam.
- Using mocks to analyze strengths, weaknesses, and rank herself on an all-India level.
The Role of RostrumLegal
Arunima attributes her success in part to the comprehensive support from RostrumLegal. She highlights two key contributions:
- Mock Tests: These provided a variety of questions and simulated real exam scenarios.
- Judgment Analysis Classes: Conducted by Varun Sir, these sessions enriched her understanding of recent legal developments and judgments.
Balancing College and Exam Prep
Balancing CLAT PG preparation with college life can be challenging. Arunima tackled this by:
- Following a daily schedule and making incremental progress.
- Reserving weekends for revision, ensuring that concepts stayed fresh.
- Relying on familiar resources instead of exploring multiple books at the last moment.
Tackling the Question Paper: Exam Day Strategy
Arunima’s methodical approach helped her manage the overwhelming 44-page question paper:
- Tackling one passage at a time to avoid distractions.
- Filling the OMR sheet after each question to save time and minimize errors.
- Remaining composed despite initial nerves.
Her strategy allowed her to complete the paper five minutes early, leaving room for a final review.
Key Challenges and Solutions
1. Reading Speed
To overcome this, Arunima regularly read judgments and newspapers, ensuring she could quickly navigate lengthy passages.
2. Managing Old and New Criminal Laws
Arunima devised a system to differentiate between old and new criminal laws:
- Learning key differences, such as updated section numbers.
- Studying core concepts, which remain consistent across both versions.
3. Handling Negative Marking
One of Arunima’s key takeaways was avoiding unnecessary risks. “I lost 7 marks due to negative marking. It’s better to skip questions you’re unsure about,” she advises.
Do’s and Don’ts for CLAT PG Aspirants
Do’s
- Stay Consistent: Daily study, even for a few hours, is better than sporadic bursts of effort.
- Prioritize Revision: Dedicate weekends to revisiting previously covered topics.
- Attempt Mock Tests: Use them to simulate exam conditions and refine your strategy.
Don’ts
- Avoid Changing Resources: Stick to materials you’ve already studied during college.
- Don’t Attempt Uncertain Questions: It’s better to get a zero than lose marks due to negative marking.
Arunima’s Secret Mantra: Consistency
Arunima’s advice to aspirants is simple yet powerful: “Consistency is the key. Even if you can only dedicate 2-3 hours a day, do it consistently. Never break the momentum.”
Conclusion
Arunima’s journey to AIR 1 in CLAT PG 2025 is a testament to the power of consistent effort, strategic preparation, and effective use of resources. Her advice, rooted in personal experience, is invaluable for anyone aspiring to crack this challenging exam. With the right guidance, like that provided by RostrumLegal, and a dedicated approach, success is well within reach.
Join RostrumLegal today and start your journey toward CLAT PG success!
