From JEE preparation to a top CLAT rank – Shubham Thakre’s journey to AIR 3 in CLAT 2023 is an inspiring blend of exploration, discipline, and adaptability. Now in his third year at NLSIU Bangalore, Shubham reflects on life at India’s premier law school, the decision to choose NLSIU over NLU Delhi, and what it really takes to thrive as a law student.
In this exclusive conversation with Law Prep Tutorial, Shubham shares his experiences, from early academic excitement to the rigorous life of an NLS student.
He also reveals how he built a strong research foundation, balanced internships, and shifted career paths from engineering to law.
For aspirants of CLAT 2027 and CLAT 2028, this interview offers practical lessons on developing research habits, managing time, and building accuracy and confidence for the exam and beyond.
About Shubham Thakre, AIR-3 CLAT 2023
Shubham Thakre, who secured All India Rank 3 in CLAT 2023, is currently in his third year at NLSIU Bangalore. Coming from a Humanities background, Shubham is among those few students who transitioned from preparing for engineering to finding his true calling in law.
His preparation approach combined speed, accuracy, and curiosity. Having once prepared for JEE, he brought strong quantitative skills to CLAT and focused on consistent mock analysis and conceptual clarity.
At NLSIU Bangalore, he has already completed six internships across NGOs, courts, academic institutions, and corporate law firms, gaining exposure to both litigation and research. Beyond academics, Shubham values curiosity and consistency, believing that research and reading habits are the backbone of a successful law career.
His story encourages aspirants to explore deeply, think critically, and choose law with passion, not pressure.
Interview with Shubham Thakre: CLAT 2023 AIR 3
Law Prep: How was life when you entered NLSIU, and how is it now?
Shubham: When I first entered NLS, I was very excited. I’ve always loved law and social sciences, and the first-year subjects – sociology, history, and political theory – were fascinating.
Now, after two years, I’m still interested in academics, though the routine can get tiring at times.
Law Prep: You had top ranks in both CLAT and AILET. Why did you choose NLSIU over NLUD?
Shubham: Initially, I leaned toward NLU Delhi. But when I compared both universities, I found NLSIU’s curriculum, trimester system, and faculty more appealing. The academic rigor at NLS attracted me the most.
Law Prep: Any regrets about not choosing NLUD?
Shubham: Not really, though it’s mixed. NLUD students often get more time for moots and research papers since their academics are less demanding. NLSIU is tougher but also more structured. It depends on what you enjoy – both have strengths.
Law Prep: What advice would you give students confused between NLS and NLUD?
Shubham:
- If you love academics, writing, and research, NLSIU is ideal.
- If you prefer more internships, moots, and balanced academics, NLUD might suit you better.
In short, bookworms thrive at NLS, while all-rounders enjoy NLUD.
Law Prep: How many internships have you completed so far?
Shubham: We have three trimester breaks a year. I skipped my first one but have interned every break since – so far, six internships.
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:
| CLAT Marking Scheme | CLAT Exam Date |
| Best Books for CLAT Preparation | CLAT Syllabus PDF |
| CLAT Eligibility Criteria | CLAT Exam Pattern |
| CLAT Age Limit | Career Opportunities after Law |
Law Prep: Could you list your internships?
Shubham:
- PRIA NGO – Child rights internship (mandatory)
- DLSA Mumbai – Legal aid and paralegal work
- Bombay High Court – Assisted a labor law advocate
- NLU Mumbai Professor – Research on criminal law topics
- Legal Aid Defense Clinic, Mumbai – Assisted criminal defense lawyers
- KNS Partners – First corporate/IP law internship
My next goal is a tech-law corporate internship in the upcoming June break.
Law Prep: What’s one skill every CLAT aspirant and law student should start developing?
Shubham: Research. It’s the foundation of everything in law – moots, internships, or academics.
Learn to:
- Read long judgments quickly
- Compare multiple rulings
- Locate credible secondary sources
- Extract relevant arguments
Law Prep: How can CLAT aspirants start building research habits early?
Shubham: Use your GK prep as a starting point. When you read about an event like the G20 Summit, search more on it through Wikipedia, official sites, or newspapers. The habit of cross-verifying and exploring builds a researcher’s mindset.
Law Prep: You came from a Humanities background. How did you handle Quant?
Shubham: I had prepared for JEE earlier, so my basics were solid.
I revised through:
- CLAT study material offered by coaching
- Bank exam arithmetic books
- Past CLAT Quant questions
- Data interpretation and arithmetic topics like ratio, percentages, averages
Law Prep: Why did you switch from JEE to law?
Shubham: After two years of JEE prep, I realized I wanted something more people-oriented and practical. During lockdown, I researched different courses and found law to be both intellectual and socially relevant.
Law Prep: What’s your advice for CLAT aspirants?
Shubham:
- Focus on accuracy, not just speed.
- Give CLAT mocks, but spend more time analyzing than attempting.
- Track your mistakes – correct answers, wrong ones, and skipped questions.
- Strengthen fundamentals and practice past year CLAT papers.
That’s how you improve consistently.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT Result 2026 | CLAT Answer Key 2026 |
| CLAT Counselling 2026 | CLAT Admit Card 2026 |
| CLAT Marks vs Rank 2026 | CLAT College Predictor 2026 |
| CLAT Toppers 2026 | CLAT Rank Predictor 2026 |
| CLAT Question Paper 2026 |
Watch Video of Interview With CLAT Topper Shubham Thakre
FAQs About Shubham Thakre – CLAT 2023 AIR 3
Shubham Thakre secured All India Rank 3 in CLAT 2023.
For its academic rigor, trimester system, and research-focused curriculum.
Research – the ability to read, compare, and analyze judgments efficiently.
Related Reads:
- CLAT Previous Year Papers
- CLAT Mock Test Series
- Online CLAT Coaching
- How to Prepare for CLAT?
- CLAT Scholarship Test
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