How Gaurav Shenoy Cracked CLAT PG with AIR 3: Strategies for Success with RostrumLegal
Introduction
Securing All India Rank (AIR) 3 in CLAT PG is no small feat. It requires perseverance, a well-crafted strategy, and immense dedication. Gaurav Shenoy’s story demonstrates that even starting late can lead to success with the right focus and guidance. From overcoming the challenges of a vast syllabus and adapting to a new exam pattern to excelling through structured practice, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
This blog unpacks Gaurav’s journey, offering insights into his preparation strategy, the role of mock tests, and tips for future CLAT PG aspirants. Whether you’re just starting your preparation or refining your approach, this detailed guide can serve as your roadmap to success.
A Late Start: Gaurav’s Journey Begins
Gaurav’s decision to pursue an LL.M. stemmed from his desire to specialize in law and enhance his career prospects. Having completed his LL.B. at Government Law College, Mumbai, he aspired to join a top National Law University (NLU) for postgraduate studies.
However, his preparation began in March, only three months before the exam—a timeline far shorter than the typical six months to a year most aspirants dedicate.
“When I started in March, I knew the odds were stacked against me. Experts recommended a year of preparation, and here I was with just three months. It felt overwhelming,” he admits.
Despite these challenges, Gaurav remained steadfast, adopting a systematic approach to make the most of his limited time.
The Challenge of the New CLAT PG Pattern
The CLAT PG exam shifted to a passage-based format in 2020, presenting candidates with questions derived from Supreme Court judgments. This transition from direct concept-based questions added complexity and required a new approach to preparation.
“I attempted a few sample papers and realized how difficult the new pattern was. The questions weren’t straightforward, and the vast syllabus felt impossible to complete,” Gaurav recalls.
Faced with this challenge, Gaurav focused on two key strategies:
- Judgment Analysis: He prioritized understanding landmark and recent Supreme Court judgments, focusing on facts, issues, reasoning, and outcomes.
- Mock Test Practice: Regular mock tests helped him familiarize himself with the new format, build confidence, and improve his time management skills.
RostrumLegal’s Mock Test Series: A Game-Changer
In the final weeks leading up to the exam, Gaurav joined RostrumLegal’s mock test series, which proved instrumental in his preparation.
“RostrumLegal’s mock tests were comprehensive and aligned with the actual exam pattern. They analyzed my performance and highlighted areas I needed to work on,” he explains.
Here’s why RostrumLegal’s test series stood out:
- Comprehensive Coverage: The tests covered essential subjects, including Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, and Personal Laws.
- Performance Analysis: Detailed feedback on time management, accuracy, and subject-wise performance helped Gaurav refine his strategy.
- Realistic Simulation: The tests mimicked the difficulty and structure of the actual exam, preparing him for real-world conditions.
Breaking Down the Preparation Strategy
Gaurav divided his preparation into three distinct phases, each addressing specific aspects of the CLAT PG syllabus and exam requirements.
Phase 1: Building Conceptual Clarity
In the initial weeks, Gaurav focused on core subjects like:
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Contract Law
- Torts
To build a strong foundation, he referred to universal publishing books and bare acts, which provided concise explanations of key concepts.
“For understanding legal principles, bare acts were invaluable. They offered clarity without overwhelming detail,” Gaurav says.
Phase 2: Reading Supreme Court Judgments
The passage-based format required an in-depth understanding of landmark and recent judgments. Gaurav dedicated time to reading and analyzing judgments, focusing on the following elements:
- Facts of the Case: The background and context of the dispute.
- Issues: The legal questions addressed by the court.
- Reasoning: The analysis provided by the judges.
- Outcome: The final decision and its implications.
“Reading judgments is crucial not only for the exam but also for developing a deeper understanding of the law. It’s a skill every law student must cultivate,” he emphasizes.
Phase 3: Practicing Mock Tests
The final phase of Gaurav’s preparation revolved around mock tests. He aimed to replicate exam conditions by practicing two mock tests daily in the last month.
“Mock tests simulate the real exam environment. They helped me manage time, improve accuracy, and build confidence,” he shares.
Gaurav analyzed each test thoroughly, identifying mistakes and revisiting topics where he struggled.
Key Challenges and How He Overcame Them
1. Vast and Unpredictable Syllabus
CLAT PG has an open-ended syllabus, with questions that can come from a broad range of topics. This made it difficult for Gaurav to feel fully prepared.
Solution:
- Focused on high-yield subjects like Constitutional Law and Criminal Law.
- Relied on RostrumLegal’s test series to cover gaps in his knowledge.
“The test series ensured I wasn’t caught off guard by unexpected questions,” he notes.
2. Limited Time for Preparation
With only three months to prepare, time management was critical.
Solution:
- Divided his preparation into phases, prioritizing concept-building early on and mock tests closer to the exam.
- Maximized efficiency by focusing on core topics and judgment analysis.
3. Anxiety and Self-Doubt
The pressure of a competitive exam can be overwhelming.
Solution:
- Maintained a positive mindset by reminding himself of his goals.
- Used mock test scores as a confidence booster.
“Every mock test I completed gave me a sense of progress. It kept me motivated,” Gaurav says.
Advice for Future Aspirants
Based on his experience, Gaurav offers the following tips for future CLAT PG aspirants:
1. Start Early
Begin your preparation at least six months before the exam to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
“Starting early gives you the advantage of time to build concepts and practice extensively,” he advises.
2. Focus on Core Subjects
Prioritize subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Contract Law, which form the foundation of the exam.
3. Develop Judgment Reading Skills
Familiarize yourself with landmark and recent Supreme Court judgments.
“Learn to quickly identify key elements like facts, issues, and the court’s reasoning,” Gaurav suggests.
4. Practice Mock Tests Religiously
Mock tests are crucial for simulating exam conditions and identifying areas for improvement.
5. Analyze Your Performance
After each test, analyze your mistakes, revisit weak areas, and refine your strategy.
“Mock tests are only useful if you take the time to learn from them,” he emphasizes.
The Role of Motivation and Backup Plans
Motivation played a crucial role in Gaurav’s success.
“I had a clear goal: to pursue higher studies and work in academia. This kept me focused,” he shares.
Additionally, having a backup plan—enrolling in an LLM program at Mumbai University—reduced his anxiety and gave him the confidence to aim higher.
Behind the Success: Gaurav’s Background
Gaurav’s journey is unique, as he transitioned from a background in science to law. After completing an MSc in Chemistry from IIT Kharagpur, he discovered his passion for law and decided to pursue an LL.B.
“The decision to switch from chemistry to law wasn’t easy, but it felt right. I wanted to understand the law deeply and contribute to areas like animal rights,” he explains.
His diverse academic background and multidisciplinary perspective undoubtedly contributed to his success in CLAT PG.
The Importance of Structured Preparation
Gaurav credits RostrumLegal’s mock test series for providing the structure and guidance he needed.
“The test series covered the syllabus comprehensively and helped me stay on track. It was instrumental in building my confidence,” he says.
Conclusion
Gaurav Shenoy’s journey to AIR 3 in CLAT PG is a powerful reminder that determination, strategic planning, and the right guidance can lead to extraordinary achievements. His story demonstrates that starting late doesn’t have to be a barrier to success if you focus on smart preparation and consistent practice.
If you’re aspiring to crack CLAT PG, take inspiration from Gaurav’s journey. Start early, practice extensively, and rely on trusted resources like RostrumLegal’s mock test series to guide your preparation.
As Gaurav says, “There’s no substitute for hard work. Stay consistent, and you’ll achieve your goals.”
Take the first step toward your success—join RostrumLegal’s CLAT PG Coaching today!
