CLAT PG 2017 Topper Interview: AIR 9, Saptarshi Das wants to become a Judge

CLAT 2017 PG Topper: Saptarshi Das, AIR 9

Saptarshi Das has cracked CLAT PG 2017 exam by scoring a total of 116.5 marks out of 150 and bagging AIR 9. A student of NLSIU, Bangalore, Saptarshi is currently pursuing his LLM in Human Rights Law. Saptarshi has completed his graduation from National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam and was the topper of his batch.

Saptarshi’s father, Dhruba Jyoti Das is an engineer by profession. His mother is a Geologist. However, according to Saptarshi, the one person who inspires him the most is his IITian brother who is now working with an MNC in New York.

A Football enthusiast, Saptarshi revealed that he did not expect to be the topper of CLAT 2017. Elaborating further, he said, “The schedule at NLSIU is very hectic. What helped was the fact that I had some very good teachers at NLU, Assam and that learning was pivotal to securing a good rank in CLAT.”

Talking about his preparation strategy for CLAT 2017, Saptarshi said, “I did not adopt any strategy as such. I just kept reading the bare text of the Constitution and other subjects. Also, I made sure that I chalk out at least one hour everyday from my LLM schedule to prepare for CLAT.” He further added, “I not only read the bare text of all subjects but also studied guide books by AK Jain, Gaurav Mehta etc.”

On being asked how he dealt with his strengths and weaknesses while preparing for the exam, Saptarshi said, “I knew my strengths and did not focus much on them because I knew I would do well. As far as weaknesses are concerned, I kept reading the subjects in which I was not confident so that I could brush up my concepts.”

An extremely focused and dedicated student, Saptarshi never took any coaching for the law entrance exam. According to him, his discussions with his batchmates helped him a lot to prepare well for the exam.

It is worth noting that law was never Saptarshi’s first career option. He shared, “My first preference was medical but law came to me as a blessing in disguise.” He further revealed, “I never appeared for CLAT UG exam. Since we were the first batch of NLU, Assam, admission was not through CLAT but a separate All-India Exam conducted under the auspices of NLU, Odisha. CLAT UG is very different from CLAT PG because the former entails a more analytical dimension and ignites the intellectual acumen by subjecting our mind to extensive rigour.”

When we asked Saptarshi what tips he would like to give to current CLAT aspirants, he said, “Work your socks off from day one because the competition is very tough. Brush up your Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence.”

In near future, Saptarshi wishes to appear for Assam Judiciary Services and civil services exams. He shared, “My grandfather who was a Judge left an everlasting impression on me. His memories are etched in my heart with an indelible ink. I want to emulate his success by becoming a Judge and make my family and country proud.”