South Asian University Topper for LLM 2018: AIR 1, Akhand Pratap Rai wants to become a Teacher

Akhand Pratap Rai secured Rank 1 in the LLM entrance exam conducted by South Asian University. Akhand shared that he did not take any other law entrance exam as he is interested in pursuing International Law and South Asian University (SAU) is best for this.

A law graduate from Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University, Akhand completed his graduation in BA (Hons) Political Science from Faculty of Social Science, Banaras Hindu University. Talking about his family background, Akhand said, “I belong from Gorakhpur District in Uttar Pradesh. My father is the Head Constable in CRPF and my sister is pursuing MA (Ancient History) from UP College, Varanasi”.

Shiksha spoke to Akhand about his prep strategy, success mantra and future plans. Go through the complete interview below for more details.

Thank you for your wishes. I felt confident that I would make it to the selection list but AIR-1 came as a surprise for me. I did not except this at all. I could not believe my ears and had it verified more than once.

I would attribute my success to God, my seniors, friends, family members and my alma mater, that is, Banaras Hindu University.

I first analysed previous years’ questions paper of South Asian University for LLM course to get an idea of the exam pattern after which I followed a two-step strategy. The first step was to get through basic concepts, understand and revise them consistently. The second step involved practicing questions based on my understanding of the basic concepts.

SAU LLM has two sections, the first section consist of 20 questions from General Studies & Current Affairs of SAARC Countries. The second section consists of 80 questions from various subjects like International Law, Jurisprudence, Intellectual Property Rights, International Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, International Trade Law, International Environment Law etc.

No. I didn’t take any coaching class for my preparation but I regular took advice from my seniors.

Consistency is important in studies. I did 4-5 hours of self-study which was enough for clearing the SAU LLM Entrance Exam. I tried to cover as much syllabus and topic as I could for all parts of the exam. Whenever I had any doubt, I would note it down and discuss it with my friends, seniors and teachers. This method helped me a lot.

Initially my strength was General Studies, International Law and Jurisprudence. But my knowledge of International Trade Law and International Environment Law was not up to mark. But I was able to cover a lot of ground through practice in these areas.

Yes. I read various book, like

• Malcolm N Shaw (International Law), Cambridge University Press
• Dr SK Kapoor (Public International Law& Human Rights)
• Edgar Bodenheimer (Jurisprudence)
• Birnie & Boyle (International Environment Law), Oxford University Press
• Dr SR Myneni (International Trade Law)
• Dr VK Ahuja (Intellectual Property Rights)

I was always more inclined towards policy making, foreign & diplomatic relations as well as current affairs. I had realised that I had an inclination towards being part of the Indian Legal System. It was in graduation that I finally made up my mind to choose law as a career. I believed one should listen to their inner-self and proceed confidently in the direction of their dreams.

I love watching debates on television, participating it them and playing chess as well as football.

LLM exam of South Asian University was similar to the exam conducted in the previous year. There was no change in the pattern of the exam.

Yes, South Asian University was my first preference because the objective of the Faculty of Legal Studies at the South Asian University is really good for International Legal studies. Adopting a cross-functional approach in this domain area, South Asian University focuses on discoursing on the South Asian legal systems and their responses to the emerging issues in International Law.  

A law aspirant needs to engage in proper planning and work hard on that study-plan. I have always believed ' if you have the passion you can create the talent'. There is no substitute for hard work to success.

My interest lies in academics and I want to become an academician.