Securing AIR-14 in CLAT 2026 with a strong score of 109 marks, Prathamesh Gaurav’s journey reflects intellectual curiosity, disciplined preparation, and emotional balance. Prathamesh managed school academics and CLAT preparation from Law Prep Tutorial simultaneously, proving that structured effort and clarity of purpose can deliver exceptional results even under tight timelines.
A quizzer by background and a student with a natural inclination towards economics and mathematics, Prathamesh Gaurav found law appealing due to its interdisciplinary nature. His preparation was marked by limited but trusted resources, heavy reliance on CLAT Express, rigorous mock testing, and the ability to recalibrate during low phases.
In a year where CLAT demanded endurance, analytical thinking, and calmness under pressure, Prathamesh stood out through consistency and smart decision-making. This interview captures his preparation strategy, mindset, subject-wise approach, and how balance-through music and controlled habits-played a crucial role in his success.
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Interview with Prathamesh Gaurav (AIR 14, CLAT 2026)
LPT: First of all, congratulations on your remarkable achievement! How are you feeling after the results?
Prathamesh: Thank you so much, sir. Honestly, I’m still unable to fully process the results. It feels very different when the result is actually in front of you.
LPT: Were you expecting such a strong result?
Prathamesh: I was expecting something around the top 20 or 30 because my score was quite decent—109 is a good score. But expectations and reality feel very different once the results are declared.
LPT: Let’s go back to the beginning. Why did you choose law as a career option?
Prathamesh: I had decided in Class 9 that I would take humanities in Classes 11 and 12, but I wasn’t sure about my career. In Class 10, there was a popular meme in our quizzing circuit about Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, which sparked my curiosity about the legal system.
As I read more about law, I found it deeply interesting. I also had seniors from my school who went to NLSIU Bangalore and NLU Delhi, and interacting with them made law school feel exciting. Since I also enjoy economics and mathematics, I realised law is a very interdisciplinary field, which made it the perfect professional degree for me.
LPT: When did you begin your CLAT preparation?
Prathamesh: I started my CLAT preparation in Class 12.
LPT: You’re currently in Class 12, right?
Prathamesh: Yes, sir. I’m in Grade 12 and will be appearing for my board exams in March.
LPT: Many students choose CLAT because they don’t like maths. Was that the case for you?
Prathamesh: Not at all. I had humanities with applied mathematics in Classes 11 and 12, and I’ve always enjoyed maths. For me, Quantitative Techniques was actually a bonus section.
LPT: General Knowledge is considered vast. How did you prepare for GK?
Prathamesh: CLAT GK preparation had two aspects for me. Since I’ve been a quizzer for a long time, GK and maths were relatively easier, while Legal, English, and Logical required more effort.
I began serious GK preparation around June, strictly using CLAT Express. I made detailed notes from every monthly edition, and even today, I have stacks of CLAT Express on my table. I also practiced extensively using GK Brahmastra. I trusted these sources completely and didn’t add unnecessary material.
LPT: So CLAT Express played a major role?
Prathamesh: Absolutely. CLAT Express is one of the best GK compendiums available because it consolidates important monthly topics with practice questions. I followed it religiously and avoided multiple sources.
LPT: What did your daily study schedule look like?
Prathamesh: Until October, since I was managing school, I studied less than two hours daily. In November, I took a leave of absence from school—my school was very supportive—and studied 6 to 10 hours a day. This included GK revision, subject practice, and at least one mock test daily.
LPT: How important are mock tests for CLAT?
Prathamesh: Mocks form about 60–70% of CLAT preparation. They simulate exam pressure and train your mind for endurance. After giving enough mocks, the actual CLAT exam starts feeling like just another mock. Since CLAT is about thinking and patience, CLAT mocks are essential.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT 2026 College Predictor | CLAT 2026 Answer Key |
| CLAT 2026 Counselling | CLAT 2026 Rank Predictor |
| CLAT 2026 Marks vs Rank | CLAT 2026 Toppers |
| CLAT 2026 Allotment List | CLAT 2026 Result |
| CLAT 2026 question paper |
LPT: Did you read newspapers daily?
Prathamesh: Honestly, that’s where I fell a little short. If I had read newspapers regularly, I might have scored 3–4 marks more in GK. But with school and preparation, it’s tough. If you don’t read newspapers, you must compensate with something else. For me, compendiums filled that gap.
LPT: Apart from academics, what are your hobbies?
Prathamesh: Music is a huge part of my life. I play the keyboard and guitar, and I’m deeply involved in music.
LPT: Did music help you manage stress?
Prathamesh: Definitely. There was a phase when my mock scores dropped from the 90s to 78, which was mentally disturbing. I took a 3–4 day break and spent time playing the keyboard. Music completely rewires my brain and helps relieve stress. CLAT is important, but it shouldn’t consume your entire life.
LPT: How did you manage social media during preparation?
Prathamesh: My screen time was around 1.5–2 hours daily, with social media about 45–50 minutes. Mostly messaging friends or checking news. Mindless scrolling is harmful, but controlled usage is manageable. It’s all about self-control.
LPT: Did you appear for AILET as well?
Prathamesh: Yes, sir. I’ve appeared for AILET and am currently waiting for the results.
LPT: If given a choice between NLSIU Bangalore and NLU Delhi, what would you choose?
Prathamesh: That’s a great dilemma to have. I haven’t decided yet. I’ll wait for the AILET results and then make a call.
LPT: Have you thought about celebrating this success?
Prathamesh: Not yet. It’s only been a few hours since the results came out. Once the AILET results are in, we’ll celebrate properly—hopefully together with friends heading to top law schools.
More important resources for CLAT exam:
Watch Interview of AIR-14 CLAT 2026
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