CLAT PG Topper’s Talk: Smarak Samal, AIR-18 in CLAT PG 2025 – Tips and Insights from a RostrumLegal Star

CLAT PG aspirants constantly look for the perfect strategy to ace this highly competitive exam. Today, we bring to you the inspiring journey of Smarak Samal, who secured All India Rank 18 in CLAT PG 2025 while pursuing his LLB at National Law University, Odisha. As a proud student of RostrumLegal’s Capsule Course 2025, Smarak’s story is a testament to the right blend of determination, strategy, and expert guidance.

In this interview, Smarak shares his preparation journey, time management strategies, and invaluable advice for future CLAT PG aspirants.

Introduction to Smarak Samal: AIR-18 in CLAT PG 2025

Hailing from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Smarak is a final-year law student at NLU Odisha. He candidly shared his motivations for attempting CLAT PG, stating that his goals included pursuing higher education at premier institutions like NLSIU Bangalore and NALSAR Hyderabad, exploring PSU opportunities, and eventually joining the judiciary.

Why CLAT PG?

Smarak emphasized that his decision to attempt CLAT PG was driven by three key motivations:

1. Higher Studies: The desire to engage in intensive legal research and education at top law schools.
2. Public Sector Opportunities: CLAT PG opens doors to prestigious roles in PSUs.
3. Judiciary Aspirations: Utilizing the LLM program to strengthen his legal knowledge base.

“I wanted to utilize my time wisely, and CLAT PG seemed like the perfect step toward achieving my long-term goals,” Smarak explained.

Starting the CLAT PG Journey

Initial Planning

Smarak began his preparation in May 2024 with a structured approach:

• Understanding the Syllabus: He created a comprehensive list of core subjects (e.g., Constitution, Contract, IPC) and minor acts (e.g., JJ Act, POCSO, PMLA).
• Analyzing Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Smarak reviewed PYQs to identify recurring themes and develop a targeted study plan.
• Leveraging Existing Knowledge: Being in the final year of his LLB, he aligned his preparation with subjects already covered in his curriculum.

“CLAT PG is not about rote learning. It’s about understanding concepts and applying them effectively,” he emphasized.

Study Materials and Resources

Core Subjects and Textbooks

For major subjects like Constitution, IPC, and Contract Law, Smarak relied on:

• Standard textbooks such as Jain & Pandey for Constitutional Law.
• Self-prepared notes for revision.
• The concise and precise notes provided by RostrumLegal.

Tackling Weak Areas

Smarak acknowledged his struggles with subjects like Jurisprudence and Public International Law (PIL). For these, he focused on the short, exam-oriented notes from RostrumLegal, which helped simplify complex concepts.

Mock Tests: A Game-Changer

Mocks played a crucial role in Smarak’s preparation:

• He viewed each mock test as a repository of 120 new questions, which amounted to over 3,000 practice questions across 25+ mocks.
• Post-mock analysis was a priority, helping him internalize key concepts and landmark cases.

“Every mock test is a learning experience. Even a wrong answer teaches you something new,” Smarak shared.

Preparation Strategy for Landmark Cases and Legal Developments

Smarak outlined a systematic approach to mastering case laws and recent legal updates:

Recent Case Laws

• LiveLaw and Bar & Bench: Enabled notifications to stay updated on judgments.
• Note-Making: Summarized cases daily, ensuring easy reference during revision.
• RostrumLegal Monthly Summaries: Used RL’s case law compilations to reinforce his understanding.

Landmark Judgments

• Organized subject-wise lists of landmark cases, such as pivotal constitutional law judgments.
• Cross-referenced frequently asked cases from PYQs and mocks.

“Recent judgments are a continuous process. Staying curious and consistent is key,” he advised.

Time Management: A Balancing Act

Balancing ninth-semester academics and CLAT PG preparation was a major challenge. Smarak revealed his daily routine:

• Classes and Commitments: Managed academic classes (9 AM–5 PM) while reducing non-essential activities like freelancing and committee work.
• Study Hours: Dedicated 2–4 hours initially, gradually increasing to 10–12 hours during intensive revision phases.
• Break Strategy: Balanced intense study sessions with regular breaks to recharge mentally.

Exam Day Time Management

Smarak approached the two-hour exam with precision:

1. Treated the paper as a 90-minute exam to reserve 30 minutes for OMR filling and review.
2. Avoided wasting time on tough questions and focused on maximizing accuracy.
3. Maintained composure to prevent panic under pressure.

“The key is to remain calm and take the exam step by step. Confidence and preparation go hand in hand,” he said.

Overcoming Challenges

Mental Pressure

Preparing for competitive exams often involves battling self-doubt. Smarak admitted feeling overwhelmed, especially when peers secured corporate jobs. However, he overcame this by:

• Focusing on His Goals: Staying committed to his judiciary aspirations.
• Building a Support System: Surrounding himself with like-minded friends who shared his CLAT PG journey.

Consistency Over Perfection

“I believe that studying consistently, even for 3–4 hours daily, is more effective than cramming,” Smarak shared.

Key Takeaways for CLAT PG Aspirants

Four Pillars of Preparation

1. Master the Syllabus: Focus on core and minor subjects using trusted resources.
2. Recent and Landmark Cases: Stay updated and maintain detailed notes.
3. Legal Developments: Keep track of amendments and significant changes.
4. Mock Tests: Use them to simulate exam conditions and refine your approach.

Top Advice from Smarak

1. Consistency is Key: A disciplined study routine is non-negotiable.
2. Effective Note-Making: Invest time in preparing detailed notes for efficient revision.
3. Stay Calm During the Exam: Treat the paper like any other test and trust your preparation.

Why RostrumLegal Played a Vital Role

Smarak credited RostrumLegal for providing structured guidance and high-quality study materials:

• Concise notes simplified tough topics like Jurisprudence.
• Regular mock tests simulated real exam scenarios.
• Expert mentorship boosted his confidence and strategy.

“RostrumLegal’s resources were instrumental in shaping my preparation. Their mock tests and concise notes are a must for every CLAT PG aspirant,” Smarak concluded.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Toppers

Smarak Samal’s journey from a law student to AIR-18 in CLAT PG 2025 is a story of dedication, strategic planning, and leveraging the right resources. For aspirants aiming to crack CLAT PG 2026, his advice is clear: be consistent, stay curious, and trust the process.

At RostrumLegal, we’re proud to be part of such incredible journeys. Join us today to transform your aspirations into achievements!

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