CLAT 2026 AIR 10 Arav Tikkoo Says, "Take Small Steps Everyday & The Result Will Be Supremely Fruitful"

CLAT UG 2026 Topper Arav Tikkoo (AIR 10) shares how his consistent efforts helped him to crack the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) UG with shiksha.com. Read further to know more.

CLAT 2026 AIR 10 Arav Tikkoo Says, "Take Small Steps Every Day & The Result Will Be Supremely Fruitful"

CLAT UG 2026 Topper Arav Tikkoo, in an exclusive interview with shiksha.com, discussed how small, consistent steps towards achieving a goal give a beautiful outcome. "My advice to all CLAT, AILET, and other Law Entrance Test aspirants is to take small steps every day, be brave to take these small steps, and the result that will come out is supremely fruitful and can change your lives," he said. 

Q. Congratulations! Did you expect to be the topper of CLAT 2026?

Thank you so much! I did not expect to be the topper of CLAT 2026 with such an amazing rank. But the months following up to CLAT 2026, I was really consistent in my work, so this didn’t feel like a surprise but more of the fruit of hard work or the outcome of an amazing journey.

Q. What was the preparation strategy that helped you crack CLAT 2026?

My preparation strategy for CLAT 2026 was very simple. Out of the five sections that I had, I used to pick up the weakest of the five and work on it. I believe everybody should have a different preparation strategy. Everybody has different strengths and weaknesses, and should play according to their strengths or weaknesses. I was especially strong in quantitative techniques, so I used to devote a little less time to it than to other sections. I was quite weak in critical reasoning, so I used to devote a lot of time to it.

There are consistent activities that a CLAT aspirant should follow, such as reading newspapers and solving daily assignments. Small, consistent steps towards achieving a goal compound and give a beautiful outcome. My advice to all CLAT, AILET, and other Law Entrance Test aspirants is to take small steps every day, be brave to take these small steps, and the result that will come out is supremely fruitful and can change your lives. 

Also Read: CLAT 2026 Topper Roshan Sengupta says 'Sticking to one mock test pattern will not be useful'

Q. How did you manage time between board exams and entrance exam prep?

For me, my entrance exam preparation was my number one priority. At the start of the academic session, I made sure that I completed the syllabus for subjects that I wasn't really comfortable with, such as economics. So I took tuitions and extra classes, but towards the end, I only focused on entrance exam preparation, and boards were totally out of my mind.

Q. Did you take any coaching for this exam?

Yes, I took coaching for this examination. I was part of Legal Edge as a classroom contact student, and they really helped me throughout my preparation. It does not matter which coaching institute you follow; what truly matters is taking consistent steps and following a disciplined daily routine. Hard work is what helps you rise above all other aspirants in this journey.

I am extremely thankful to my coaching institute for providing constant support right from doubt-solving to extra practice material, additional mocks, and strategy masterclasses. I am deeply grateful to my teachers and all the mentors who guided me throughout this journey.

Also Read: CLAT 2026 Topper Chhavi Poplani says 'Analysed my mistakes after each mock tests'

Q. What study plan did you follow for this exam?

I had a very simple study plan for this exam. I used to devote minimal time to each and every subject, and according to my mock scores and my performance graphs, I used to add more time to subjects that really needed my attention.

For example, I have 5 subjects, and from the last 3 mocks, I have been consistently underperforming in the English language. So I devote extra time to the English language and try to reinforce my learning and instill confidence in myself.

I followed a consistent routine where I used to wake up in the morning and read the newspaper. After that, I used to solve my morning assignments, then go to the coaching institute. Returning from the coaching institute, I used to look back at the assignments and analyse them, or if we had a CLAT mock test, I used to analyse that mock.

And then late evenings or late nights, I used to study GK. Generally, after six, I used to study only GK, watching the GK classes or reading GK and keeping on revising it.

Q. Which books did you read to prepare for the exam?

I'd be happy to suggest some books that can help you get ready for the exam. Lucent GK is extremely good for static GK. Buying course materials from coaching institutes can really help you streamline your preparation. But for me, except books, reading newspapers from trusted sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, and many others will actually help you get used to the exam's language. So, reading newspapers is extremely important. 

Q. How did you deal with your strengths and weaknesses while preparing for the exam?

Understanding my strengths and weaknesses was a key part of my CLAT preparation. Early on, I made sure I had a clear idea of where I stood. I consciously spent more time working on my weaker areas and tried to steadily improve them so they wouldn’t hold me back. By the end of the journey, I felt confident that I had given my best and was genuinely satisfied with the effort I had put in. I always prioritised my weaknesses over my strengths, because I believed consistent improvement mattered more than being comfortable.

Also Read: CLAT Toppers 2026 List 

Q. What other law entrance exams did you take or are planning to take?

This year, I took only two Law entrance exams: CLAT and ALET. I had also planned to give SLAT, but due to my excellent CLAT result, I decided against. I believe law aspirants must assess their standing and plan accordingly for backup options. 

Q. Was law always your first preference?

Law wasn’t my initial choice. Believe it or not, I was a maths and science enthusiast. I excelled in Olympiads in both subjects. However, I also had a passion for debating and public speaking. I was an avid debater, reader, and member of Model United Nations Conferences. My love for argumentation and debating ultimately inspired me to pursue law as a career. I’m incredibly glad I listened to that inner voice. 

Q. Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?

For anyone seriously considering law examinations, consistency is key. Start reading newspapers, stay informed about global events, and develop critical thinking skills.  Be brave, keep on working, no matter the circumstances, the hardships, and the speed bumps you face in this journey. Keep on working hard. This journey is beautiful, amazing, and the end is even sweeter than the start. 

Q. What are your plans?

I don’t have any concrete plans yet. I’d like to make them once I go to college and gain more information about the field I’m interested in.  My immediate goal is to excel in my board exams and spend these final months with my family before starting college. I’m prepared for the demanding work and hard work ahead and look forward to the future with optimism and excitement.

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