Every CLAT aspirant dreams of achieving a top rank, but few manage to reach the very top-AIR 1. Abhinav Somani, who secured All India Rank 1 in CLAT 2023, is now a third-year student at NLSIU Bangalore, and his journey reflects sincerity, clarity, and emotional maturity.
In this exclusive conversation with Law Prep Tutorial, Abhinav talks about his academic background, how he moved away from science despite coming from a family of doctors, why he chose law, and how CLAT preparation shaped him. He also discusses college life at NLSIU, the importance of mental balance, why reading fearlessly is the key to CR/RC, and how to manage guilt, distractions, and the pressure of expectations.
For aspirants preparing for CLAT 2027 and CLAT 2028, this interview offers honest, practical, and deeply relatable lessons that go far beyond textbooks.
About Abhinav Somani, AIR 1 CLAT 2023
Abhinav Somani, AIR 1 in CLAT 2023, comes from a family where nearly everyone-including parents, grandparents, and relatives-is a doctor. Even then, he chose law after realizing that science didn’t align with his interests. A sincere and studious child throughout school, Abhinav consistently scored above 90–95% and excelled particularly in humanities subjects like History, Economics, and Political Science.
During COVID, his father encouraged him to explore CLAT for a month. What started as an experiment quickly turned into genuine interest. Abhinav loved the logical and analytical nature of legal reasoning, and the BA-plus-professional degree structure of law made perfect sense.
Today, as a third-year student at NLSIU Bangalore, he continues to explore different areas of law through internships and academic exposure. His mindset, calmness, and maturity make his story one of the most inspiring journeys for future CLAT aspirants.
Interview With Abhinav Somani: AIR-1 CLAT 2023
Law Prep: Were you always a sincere and studious student?
Abhinav: Yes. I was always the 90–95% student. I studied sincerely throughout school. Only after coming to college did I learn to relax a bit.
Law Prep: Why didn’t you choose Science despite being academically strong?
Abhinav: Everyone in my family is a doctor, but by Class 10, I knew science wasn’t for me. I often joke that if boards weren’t cancelled during COVID, I might have failed science!
I loved humanities, and my father suggested law since it combines BA subjects with a professional career.
Law Prep: Did you have long-term plans when you chose law?
Abhinav: Not at all. It was confusion mixed with COVID uncertainty. My father asked me to try CLAT preparation for a month. That’s when I started developing genuine interest in the subject.
Law Prep: When did you start liking law as a subject?
Abhinav: During CLAT prep itself. Even basic torts or contract concepts fascinated me. After joining NLS, I like the law even more.
Law Prep: As a first-generation lawyer, did it affect your clarity?
Abhinav: Yes. I had no idea about law careers. My early perception came from Suits and Harvey Specter. But NLS opens up so many fields—litigation, policy, research, corporate-that your assumptions disappear quickly. I try different internships to find what fits.
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: What’s more fun-CLAT prep or life at NLS?
Abhinav: College, definitely. CLAT prep was intense. College is friends, Bangalore, exploring, late-night discussions. Life gets richer.
Law Prep: Does CLAT prep help in law school?
Abhinav: Only partially. CLAT teaches fast reading. But college reading requires understanding, not speed. So yes, the skill helps, but not dramatically.
Law Prep: What do you find funny about first-year students?
Abhinav: Their energy! Running everywhere, singing, playing badminton, attending every event. By third year, you become calmer.
Law Prep: What does their excitement fade for by third year?
Abhinav: Talks and events. First years feel they must attend everything. Later you realize missing one talk won’t ruin your life.
Law Prep: How was your Maths for CLAT?
Abhinav: Decent. I wasn’t strong in advanced Math, but I was fast with mental arithmetic, which helped tremendously.
Law Prep: Should weak students skip Quant?
Abhinav: Never. Even random guessing helps if done smartly. You can eliminate options and increase your probability. One mark can decide NLS.
Law Prep: Advice for CR & RC?
Abhinav: Remove labels like CR or RC. Everything is English comprehension-including Legal Reasoning. When you see all of it as “reading and understanding English,” fear reduces.
Law Prep: Tips for Legal Reasoning?
Abhinav: Just get familiar with basic concepts like contracts, torts, offer-acceptance, consideration. Don’t overdo it; you’ll study them in college anyway.
Law Prep: Advice for GK prep?
Abhinav: The biggest enemy is FOMO. Don’t read 15 sources. I used only 3.
Read fewer sources deeply and consistently.
Law Prep: Did you have a Plan B?
Abhinav: Not really. My plan was to give CLAT and AILET. If needed, explore other exams later.
Law Prep: What needs more mental strength-CLAT or college?
Abhinav: Both. CLAT feels huge because lakhs compete. College feels personal because everyone knows each other’s CGPAs and achievements.
Law Prep: How did you handle low phases during preparation?
Abhinav: I took breaks-especially walking my dog daily. I reminded myself that feelings of “not enough” are normal. On exam day, all you can do is your best.
Law Prep: Students feel guilty for missing school life or events. Is it worth it?
Abhinav: Objectively, yes-top law schools are worth sacrifices.
But subjectively, don’t give up things that protect your mental peace. For me, daily dog walks were non-negotiable.
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 |
Law Prep: Did you use social media during prep?
Abhinav: I used it in the early months, but as CLAT came closer, I deactivated everything.
Law Prep: Final message for CLAT aspirants?
Abhinav: Don’t compare yourself unnecessarily.
Stay calm – panic is natural but manageable.
CLAT is important but not life-defining.
If things don’t go as planned, life still offers great opportunities – many of my friends in other colleges are genuinely happier.
Watch Video of Interview With CLAT Topper Abhinav Somani
FAQs About Abhinav Somani – CLAT 2023 AIR 1
Abhinav Somani, currently a third-year student at NLSIU Bangalore.
He began during COVID-era uncertainty after his father suggested trying CLAT prep for a month.
Strong mental arithmetic skills and smart elimination strategies helped him.
Sticking to 3 high-quality sources, avoiding FOMO, and reading consistently.
Don’t compare, stay mentally composed, and remember CLAT doesn’t define your entire future.
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