CLAT preparation is rarely linear. Scores rise, fall, and test your patience—especially when CLAT mock difficulty changes every week. Shivam’s journey shows how a calm mindset, structured study, and consistent revision can turn fluctuations into progress.
From scoring just 14 marks in his first mock to achieving CLAT 2026 success before his Class 12 boards, Shivam built his preparation around one core principle: improve comprehension and everything else becomes easier.
He strengthened comprehension through timed editorial reading and explaining what he read to family and teachers. Alongside this, he focused heavily on Legal theory clarity, sectional discipline, and checklist-based GK revision—while keeping his schedule task-based instead of time-based.
In this interview, Shivam shares what worked, what didn’t, how he handled bad days, and why mock analysis (including QT) can change your rank dramatically.
CLAT 2026 Topper Interview: Shivam (Q&A)
Law Prep: Many congratulations on your CLAT 2026 success. How are you feeling right now?
Shivam:
Thank you so much. I’m feeling really good right now. It feels great to see my preparation paying off. The hard work that I put in—along with the constant support of my parents, teachers, mentors, and guides—has finally shown results. I’m extremely happy and grateful.
Law Prep: How would you describe your overall preparation journey?
Shivam:
CLAT Preparation is like an ocean—you have to move with the waves. There are high tides and low tides. Sometimes my mock scores were high, sometimes low. If a mock was easy, I scored well; if it was tough, the marks dropped.
But when the final result comes, it’s always a moment of happiness because you know you gave your 100%. No matter what the score is, if you’ve worked honestly, you should be proud of yourself.
Law Prep: You mentioned systematic study. How important was that in your preparation?
Shivam:
Systematic study was everything. Honestly, the biggest joy in preparation comes when you study in a structured way. My selection today is purely the result of systematic studies.
When I first met Sonia Ma’am, she told me one thing clearly: “If you improve your comprehension, everything else will fall into place.” That advice stayed with me throughout my preparation.
Law Prep: How did you work on improving your comprehension?
Shivam:
I started by developing a habit of reading editorials with a timer. For example, I would read an editorial from The Indian Express in 2–3 minutes and then explain it to my family—especially my mother.
When you explain something to someone else, your concepts automatically become clearer. I used to do the same with my teachers. When I explained current issues to them, both my comprehension and GK improved.
Law Prep: Did comprehension improve instantly, or did it take time?
Shivam:
It definitely took time. There was nothing magical about it. I worked slowly and steadily. With consistency, my foundation became strong. Once comprehension improved, subjects like Legal Reasoning also became easier.
Law Prep: How did you approach Legal Reasoning, especially the theory-heavy parts?
Shivam:
Legal Reasoning becomes easier if you break big concepts into smaller parts. For example, when Sarver Sir taught contract law, he started with very basic concepts and explained them using daily-life examples.
Concepts like invitation to offer seem difficult, but when explained through examples like auctions, they become easy to remember. If your foundation is clear, everything else becomes manageable.
Law Prep: Did you practice sectional tests during preparation?
Shivam:
Yes, absolutely. After completing theory, I regularly gave sectional tests. The modules and class sheets were extremely helpful.
I maintained strict time discipline—24 minutes for 24 questions, 32 minutes for 32 questions. Discipline was non-negotiable, especially during sectionals.
Law Prep: Did you follow a fixed strategy during mocks?
Shivam:
I always had a strategy, but I believe it shouldn’t be rigid. This year, I thought I would attempt CR first, but there was no CR in the paper.
That’s why flexibility is important. You should be prepared for everything and ready to adapt based on the paper.
Law Prep: How did you deal with mistakes and fluctuating scores?
Shivam:
Mistakes are actually good—they make you aware of gaps you didn’t even know existed. Even if you score well in a sectional test, it doesn’t mean you’re done.
Sometimes you read something today and forget it tomorrow. That’s normal. The more mistakes you make, the more you learn from them.
Law Prep: How did you prepare for Legal GK and current legal affairs?
Shivam:
I regularly read newspapers and followed Legal Express. The material is precise and well-summarised, making it easy to revise.
Scoring 30+ in Legal isn’t random—it’s the result of consistent effort and proper material.
Law Prep: What was your strategy for General Knowledge?
Shivam:
In the initial phase, my teachers advised me to focus heavily on static GK along with CLAT Express. I prepared at the level of my seniors, even during Class 11.
Since my static base was already strong, in the final year I only had to focus on new developments. Static facts, once learned properly, stay with you.
Law Prep: You cleared CLAT before your Class 12 boards. How does that feel?
Shivam:
It feels amazing. My board exams are still pending, but knowing that I’m already selected and college-ready is a huge relief. The pressure has reduced significantly.
Law Prep: How important was revision in your preparation?
Shivam:
Revision is the second most important thing after comprehension. Memorising CLAT Express fact by fact and revising it multiple times is crucial.
I revised topic-wise—international, national, schemes, policies—and followed a checklist-based revision timetable. Without revision, nothing stays.
Law Prep: Did you follow a strict daily timetable?
Shivam:
Not really. I didn’t have a fixed daily schedule. My preparation was task-based. If I did one topic today, I made sure to do the next one tomorrow.
The key is not to waste days or carry guilt forward. One bad day is okay, but don’t let it ruin the next one.
Law Prep: Did you ever face extremely low mock scores? How did you cope?
Shivam:
Yes, I remember my first mock clearly. I scored just 14 marks. At that time, even 40 or 50 felt unreachable, while toppers were scoring above 90.
But slowly, I improved—14 became 26, and then higher. Sometimes scores went down again. That fluctuation is normal. You have to trust your preparation and move forward with optimism.
Important Resources After CLAT Exam:
| CLAT 2026 Rank Predictor | CLAT 2026 Answer Key |
| CLAT 2026 Counselling | CLAT Allotment List |
| CLAT Marks vs Rank | CLAT 2026 College Predictor |
| CLAT 2026 Result | CLAT 2026 Toppers |
| CLAT 2026 Question Paper |
Law Prep: How did optimism help you during preparation?
Shivam:
Optimism helped me move on quickly from bad days. Even if half the day was wasted, I made sure to do something—few GK topics, half of CLAT Express, or a sectional test.
Every bit counts. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Law Prep: How did mock analysis help you?
Shivam:
Mock analysis is extremely important. If mocks were on Sunday, I ensured all doubts were cleared by Monday or Tuesday.
English, CR, and Legal mistakes need deep analysis. QT is crucial too—you should never skip it because those 12 marks can take you from 100 to 112 and drastically improve your rank.
Law Prep: How did you treat mocks and the final CLAT exam?
Shivam:
I treated every mock like CLAT and CLAT like a mock. As Anupama Ma’am says, “Every mock is your D-Day.”
I stayed relaxed on exam day, joked with friends, remembered my classes and teachers, and entered the exam hall with confidence and balance.
Law Prep: Which subjects did you find toughest initially?
Shivam:
CR and RC were difficult at the beginning. These don’t improve overnight—you have to practice daily.
But once they click, they become your safest sections—not just for CLAT but for other law entrance exams as well.
Law Prep: What role did mindset play in your success?
Shivam:
Mindset played a huge role. You have to be selfish—in a positive way. Focus only on your journey.
It doesn’t matter where others are or how much they’re scoring. What matters is where you are today and where you’ll be on result day.
Law Prep: Any final advice for future CLAT aspirants?
Shivam:
Be optimistic, give your 100%, and believe in yourself. Self-belief is everything. If you truly trust your preparation, nothing is impossible.
Law Prep: Who would you like to thank for your success?
Shivam:
I would like to thank my parents, my sister, and all my mentors—Sonia Ma’am, Ritesh Sir, Vivek Sir, Sarver Sir, Mukul Sir, Megha Ma’am, Jitendra Sir, and all the teachers at Law Prep Tutorial.
Even the online faculty supported us tremendously. This achievement belongs to the entire Law Prep family.
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