Securing AIR 1 in CLAT 2022, Rishabh Shivani emerged as one of the most inspiring toppers in recent years. His journey is not a linear story of success — it is a powerful mix of consistency, doubt, breakdowns, intense self-reflection, and a remarkable comeback that ultimately led to his Rank 1.
Many aspirants see CLAT toppers as naturally confident, but Rishabh breaks that myth. He openly shares how he faced mock score dips, moments of deep frustration, phases where he wanted to quit, and the struggle to rebuild confidence just weeks before the exam.
His story shows that CLAT success is not about perfection, but mindset – the ability to bounce back stronger after setbacks. Today, as a student at NLSIU Bangalore, he talks about the realities of law school, expectations from an AIR 1, campus life, internships, and placements. This interview is a complete guide for anyone preparing seriously for CLAT.
About Rishabh Shivani, AIR-1 CLAT 2022
Rishabh Shivani, AIR 1 in CLAT 2022, is known for his extraordinary discipline, introspection, and resilience. Before topping CLAT, he experienced multiple mock failures, fluctuating ranks, and even a major breakdown just 2–3 months before the exam – but these struggles shaped his ultimate performance.
Rishabh is someone who analyses deeply, learns quickly, and adapts immediately. His CLAT preparation focused on repeated mock analysis, self-correction, and controlling the mental side of the exam – something most aspirants underestimate.
Today, as a student at NLSIU Bangalore, he shares insights about academics, hostel life, internships, campus routines, and how CLAT success does not automatically translate to law school success. His grounded nature and honesty make this interview incredibly relatable and valuable for future aspirants.
CLAT Topper Interview – AIR 1: Rishabh Shivani
Law Prep: What changed after securing AIR 1 in CLAT?
Rishabh: For a few days, you feel like a mini celebrity. Everyone congratulates you, your result goes viral among relatives, and there’s an emotional high. But once college begins, everything resets. At NLS, everyone is extraordinary, so AIR 1 holds value only for a very short time. You start from scratch again.
Law Prep: Did you ever imagine getting Rank 1?
Rishabh: I never visualised AIR 1, but I kept motivational wallpapers and reminders around me. They kept me anchored during tough days.
Law Prep: How did you deal with self-doubt?
Rishabh: Everyone faces it. I did too — repeatedly.
What helped me:
- Revisiting earlier good performances
- Talking to mentors
- Storing memories of high scores to remind myself I can do better
- Staying consistent even during low phases
- Self-doubt is normal; bouncing back is a choice.
Must Know for Every CLAT Aspirant:
Law Prep: Was there a point when you felt like giving up?
Rishabh: Yes. About 2–2.5 months before CLAT, I got a terrible mock score. It shattered me completely. I even called my mentor at 3 AM saying I wanted to quit. That two-week breakdown was the hardest part of my journey.
Q: What helped you recover from that burnout?
Rishabh: I increased my intensity:
- Doubled my study hours
- Took 3 CLAT mocks back-to-back
- Analysed everything minutely
- Optimised small details: pen choice, time blocks, exam-day plan
CLAT is not just a knowledge test — it’s about discipline, hunger, and controlling variables.
Law Prep: What was your reaction when you saw the result?
Rishabh: I kept refreshing the page of CLAT results. I saw different numbers — 122, then 127, then 124.5 — and finally realised: “This is AIR 1.” I must have taken 200 screenshots! The first person I told was my mom.
Law Prep: How different is law school from CLAT preparation?
Rishabh: Very different. CLAT is objective; law school is academic:
- Long readings
- Projects
- High expectations
- Classroom discussions
- Deep legal reasoning
People expect the AIR 1 to top everything, but that’s unrealistic. You learn to balance things over time.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT 2026 Rank Predictor | CLAT 2026 Answer Key |
| CLAT 2026 Counselling | CLAT 2026 Admit Card |
| CLAT Marks vs Rank | CLAT 2026 College Predictor |
| CLAT 2026 Question Paper |
Law Prep: Describe a typical day at NLSIU.
Rishabh:
- Wake up between 6 AM–8:30 AM
- Each class is 85 minutes
- 10-minute breaks between classes
- Lunch at 1:30 PM
- Classes usually end by 4:40 PM
Evenings are for sports, hanging out, or extra work. Fridays and Saturdays are fun; Sundays are for recovery (with a bit of regret!).
Law Prep: How is the mess food and campus culture?
Rishabh:
- Breakfast & dinner are included
- Lunch optional (many eat outside)
- Sunday biryani is famous
- Campus dogs add charm
Culture-wise:
- Zero ragging
- Helpful seniors
- Very diverse batch
- Supportive academic ecosystem
Law Prep: What about internships and PPOs?
Rishabh:
- One mandatory internship every year
- The internship cell helps arrange many
- PPOs mostly come through strong internship performance
- Law school growth matters much more than CLAT rank.
Law Prep: Final message to CLAT aspirants?
Rishabh:
- Don’t compare unnecessarily — it destroys confidence
- Stay calm near the exam
- CLAT matters, but it isn’t life-defining
- Even if CLAT doesn’t go well, law has limitless opportunities beyond NLUs
- Consistency > talent. Mindset > strategy.
Watch Video of Interview With CLAT Topper Rishabh Shivani
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