Every CLAT aspirant dreams of becoming a CLAT topper and getting the dream NLU, but few achieve the remarkable feat of becoming All India Rank 1.
In this exclusive conversation, we at Law Prep Tutorial bring you insights from Saksham Gautam, who achieved AIR 1 in CLAT 2025. His story is not just about academic brilliance; it’s about balance, mindset, and self-awareness.
Saksham opens up about his CLAT preparation strategy, the mindset that helped him stay calm under pressure, and his strategies for mastering each section: from Legal Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques to Critical Reasoning and GK. He also shares how he handled mock test fluctuations, distractions, and the pressure of expectations.
If you’re preparing for CLAT 2027 or CLAT 2028, this interview will give you a realistic and inspiring perspective on how India’s top ranker prepared, performed, and evolved through his journey.
About Saksham Gautam, CLAT 2025 AIR-1
Saksham Gautam, a humanities student from Class 12 with subjects like History, Political Science, Economics, English, and Legal Studies, secured All India Rank 1 in CLAT 2025. His journey to the top wasn’t driven by obsession but by consistency and focus.
Saksham’s calm approach, disciplined routine, and deep analytical mindset made him stand out. Unlike many CLAT toppers, he didn’t aim specifically for Rank 1. Instead, he aimed to give his best in every test. His preparation philosophy revolved around self-assessment, reading widely, and trusting the process.
Now a student at NLSIU Bangalore, Saksham emphasizes that CLAT success is just the beginning.
Interview with Saksham Gautam: CLAT 2025 AIR 1
Law Prep: When did you start your CLAT journey, and did you always aim for Rank 1?
Saksham: Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it. I never said, “I have to get AIR 1.” Maybe that’s exactly why it happened, because I wasn’t overthinking it.
Setting such a specific target might’ve created unnecessary pressure. My goal was simple: prepare well and stay consistent.
Law Prep: Did you always dream of NLSIU Bangalore?
Saksham: Yes, at first. NLSIU’s iconic library tower was my wallpaper!
But I’ve learned not to overidealize any college. Admission depends on effort and luck — ambition is healthy, but obsession isn’t.
Law Prep: Which subjects were your strengths?
Saksham: Legal Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques were my strongest sections. Even though I didn’t study Maths in Class 11 and 12, CLAT Quant is Class 10 level, so practice made it manageable.
Law Prep: What’s your advice for students afraid of Quant?
Saksham: Stop being afraid of it. Quant is actually very objective. With regular practice, you’ll get definite answers. It’s a major differentiator. If you skip it, cracking top ranks becomes difficult.
Practice with CLAT Quantitative Techniques Questions.
Law Prep: How did you prepare for Legal Reasoning?
Saksham: CLAT legal reasoning is a reading-based section. You must strengthen your comprehension skills. Read newspapers, editorials, and legal articles.
Understand how judgments and principles are framed. Websites like PRS India and Supreme Court Observer are very helpful.
Law Prep: How did you balance CLAT and AILET preparation?
Saksham: Both exams are similar but not identical. CLAT passages are longer and indirect; AILET questions are more principle-based.
I focused on Critical Reasoning for CLAT, but practiced Analytical Reasoning too for AILET.
Practice with CLAT Critical Reasoning Questions.
Law Prep: What was your approach to Critical Reasoning (CR)?
Saksham: Midway through preparation, CR became my weak point. I analyzed my mock attempts and identified recurring mistakes.
Reviewing fundamentals helped. Many students practice mechanically, and that’s a mistake. Analyze patterns and revisit basics regularly.
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: How did you build vocabulary and tackle Reading Comprehension (RC)?
Saksham: I started my CLAT preparation early in Class 11 with Word Power Made Easy and regular newspaper reading for CLAT. I also maintained a vocabulary notebook and revised it consistently.
I also analyzed tones and figures of speech from CLAT previous year papers to understand why correct answers were correct.
Law Prep: What was your strategy for General Knowledge (GK)?
Saksham: Restrict your sources. Choose a few: the CLAT current affairs magazine by your coaching, newspapers, and trusted websites, and revise them thoroughly. You’ll never feel 100% prepared, but consistency matters more than coverage.
Law Prep: How often should students take mock tests?
Saksham: Not daily. CLAT mock tests help only if you analyze them. Writing mocks mindlessly is useless.
After every test, identify what went wrong and what worked. My lowest mock score was 45, but analysis helped me bounce back.
Law Prep: How did you deal with mock score fluctuations?
Saksham: I had months when my scores dropped drastically, but I didn’t lose focus.
Mock scores don’t define your ability. Keep preparing; improvements will come. Stay calm and consistent.
Law Prep: Did you ever compare yourself with others during preparation?
Saksham: Of course, but I learned that comparison is healthy only when it’s positive. Competing with others can motivate you, but don’t let it turn toxic. Focus on your own growth.
Law Prep: What did you enjoy most during your preparation?
Saksham: The awareness that comes from learning. GK and reading make you more informed about the world. That growth is rewarding beyond ranks and marks.
Law Prep: How is life after joining NLSIU Bangalore?
Saksham: Law school is on another level. The workload is intense — daily readings, case summaries, and no exam holidays. I realized that
CLAT preparation was just the beginning of a much larger journey.
Law Prep: Any final advice for CLAT aspirants?
Saksham: Ya.
- Focus on discipline, not distractions.
- Talk openly with parents.
- Don’t aim for a specific rank — aim to do your best.
- Manage your time well during the paper, and don’t panic if surprises appear.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT 2026 Result | CLAT 2026 Answer Key |
| CLAT 2026 Counselling | CLAT 2026 Admit Card |
| CLAT Marks vs Rank | CLAT 2026 College Predictor |
| CLAT 2026 Question Paper | CLAT 2026 Rank Predictor |
Watch Full Podcast With AIR-1 CLAT 2025
Topper Insight:
“FOMO is natural, but it’s a trap. Don’t worry about what others are doing — focus on your own preparation and revision.”
Know more about Law Colleges & Universities in India:
FAQs About CLAT 2025 Topper Saksham Gautam
The All India Rank 1 in CLAT 2025 is Saksham Gautam, who secured admission to NLSIU Bangalore.
His lowest mock score was 45, proving that mock scores fluctuate — what matters is learning from them.
He restricted his sources to a few trusted ones, revised them consistently, and didn’t let FOMO affect his confidence.
“Discipline and self-belief are more important than perfection. Focus on learning, not just ranking.”
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