Cracking CLAT with a top rank is tough, but maintaining balance, consistency, and mental stability is even tougher. Manav Agarwal, AIR 5 in CLAT 2024 and now a second-year student at NLSIU Bangalore, offers a remarkably honest and relatable perspective on both.
In this exclusive conversation with Law Prep Tutorial, he reflects on how the second year differs from the first, how NLS students manage intense academics alongside an active social life, and why smart work matters more than perfection.
Manav’s insights are especially useful for aspirants preparing with limited time. From vocabulary building to Quant must-dos, from GK strategy in the last three months to handling mock score fluctuations – he breaks everything down with clarity.
His interview is filled with practical lessons, making it a must-read for aspirants of CLAT 2027 and CLAT 2028 looking for a realistic roadmap.
About Manav Agarwal, AIR-5 CLAT 2025
Coming from a disciplined and focused academic background, Manav began preparing for CLAT along with other competitive exams and cleared the exam with one of the highest ranks in the country.
At NLS, he quickly realized the importance of balancing academics, social life, peer support, and mental health. His experience shows that success isn’t only about studying harder, it’s also about community, collaboration, and knowing when to rely on shared notes, seniors, and the Academic Support Program.
Manav has built strong habits around reading, vocabulary improvement, and structured analysis of mocks. His approach is both practical and adaptable, making him a role model for aspirants who want to study smart and stay consistent.
Interview with Manav Agarwal: CLAT 2024 AIR 5
Law Prep: How is the second year at NLS compared to the first year?
Manav: Much better! In the first year, everything feels uncertain. By second year, you understand how academics work, how to prepare for classes, and how to clear courses. There’s more clarity now.
Law Prep: Students say NLS is academically intense but still shows a lively social life online. How do students balance both?
Manav: Balance is essential. You must keep up with academics, readings, and revisions – but you also need social life to stay mentally stable.
Don’t skip campus events, don’t isolate yourself. NLS runs on smart work: last-minute help, shared notes, seniors, ASP repository – your support system comes from socialising.
Law Prep: Do YOU attend parties? How do you balance it personally?
Manav: Yes, I do! I don’t miss major events. Social life helps you stay sane, and the academic structure allows support when needed – so both are manageable.
Law Prep: Which was easier – CLAT prep or NLS academics?
Manav: CLAT, without a doubt. CLAT gives you routine, discipline, sleep. NLS breaks your sleep cycle, stretches nights, and fluctuates workload. Anyone who joins NLS realizes CLAT was simpler!
Law Prep: Is it possible to crack CLAT if someone starts now with little time left?
Manav: Yes, absolutely. Even with 3 months, it’s possible – but you must work harder and smarter. Many in my batch prepared for IPMAT and simultaneously took CLAT and cleared it.
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 diverse is the NLS crowd?
Manav: Very diverse – students from every region and from all streams, including science. Diversity is one of NLS’s biggest strengths.
Law Prep: Tips to improve English for CLAT?
Manav: My vocabulary method:
- While reading newspapers or solving mocks, write difficult words.
- Don’t write meanings – write synonyms.
- One word gives 3–4 new words. Weekly revision boosts RC & CR skills.
Law Prep: How should students prepare GK in the last 3 months?
Manav:
- Be strategic.
- Use weekly magazines (like Law Prep’s CLAT Express).
- Identify 5–10 high-priority topics with mentors.
- Make 5–6 page notes on each major theme (e.g., Israel–Hamas, sports awards, international events).
- Most CLAT GK questions come from repeated, recent topics.
Law Prep: Tips for Logical Reasoning (CR)?
Manav: Only one answer: mock analysis. CR improves when you understand where your reasoning went wrong.
Law Prep: Tips for Legal Reasoning?
Manav: Same approach – mock exposure. Mocks include new laws, judgments, and diverse legal areas. That variety is enough.
Law Prep: What Quant topics are non-negotiable?
Manav: These six are essential:
- Averages
- Percentages
- Ratio & Proportion
- Mensuration
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
Hard topics won’t decide ranks; these six give maximum returns.
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: How to handle mock score fluctuations?
Manav: Everyone faces them. Mine dipped suddenly in October. Focus on:
- Relative Rank (CLAT = relative game)
- Mistake analysis
- Improving errors
Don’t let the numbers shake your confidence.
Law Prep: Final advice for CLAT aspirants?
Manav:
- Treat time management seriously – attempt mocks exactly like the real exam.
- Stop writing after 120 minutes. Don’t take extra time.
Many students panic on exam day because they can’t finish OMR. Practice the real way now.
Watch Video of Interview With CLAT Topper Manav Agarwal
FAQs About Manav Agarwal, AIR 5 CLAT 2024
Manav Agarwal, second-year student at NLSIU Bangalore.
Averages, Ratio–Proportion, Percentages, SI–CI, Mensuration.
Use curated magazines, identify key topics, and prepare short notes.
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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