Law entrance exams have made a name for themselves as being highly competitive and tough, and achieving an All India Rank (AIR) in the All India Legal Entrance Test (AILET) conducted for admission to Delhi University’s law program is no small feat. for the Abhijay TiwariA determined open-school student from NOIDA, this achievement is a testament to his tenacity, adaptability, and unwavering belief in the power of self-motivation. In AILET 2025, he secured 9th position. What makes her story even more compelling is the unique journey that brought her here—filled with an unorthodox study schedule, moments of self-doubt, and a heavy reliance on collaborative learning with peers.
Behind this remarkable success is the quiet strength of his mother Swati Tiwari, a single parent who put aside her own aspirations to nurture Abhijay. His sacrifice and encouragement became the foundation on which he built his dreams, transforming obstacles into milestones. From grappling with analytical reasoning to overcoming the anxiety of low mock test scores, Abhijay’s story is a shining example of the power of resilience and community to achieve extraordinary goals. In a free-wheeling chat with TOI Education, Abhijay opens up about his preparation strategies, the challenges he faced and how he fought them, and more.
Firstly, congratulations on securing AIR 9 in AILET 2025. Let’s rewind a bit. What inspired you to choose law as a career?
To be honest, I was not very interested in studying. So, I didn’t really like commerce or science. But when someone told me about CLAT—in fact, my grandfather told me about it—I started studying law, and I developed a real interest in it. I actually studied this myself. Earlier I used to study only one day before the exam. You know how it goes, right? I didn’t really aspire to much more than that. But here, I actually wanted to do something cool, you know, like a topper or something. Yes, it’s one of the few things I was genuinely interested in.
Every aspirant has his own way of preparation. Some prefer to study at night, while others may study in the morning session. What was your field of study?
I didn’t have a strict schedule. But I didn’t start studying in the morning. I would wake up, and it would take me three or four hours to come to my senses. So I used to study from noon till late at night.
So how many hours do you think is enough for preparation?
See, the thing is, for CLAT in the last two years, I would say there is such a thing as over-preparation. Frankly speaking, there hasn’t been much GK in recent years. So, the only thing you need to be good at is English and Maths. For AILET, though, you need to study. I suggest at least four to five hours daily. But remember, many students are managing the school at the same time. I went to an open school, so I didn’t have that pressure. However, not everyone has that time, so it depends.
Was there any topic or section in AILET that kept you awake or scared you?
I say analytical reasoning. If they had made it more difficult, I don’t think I would have been in the top 10 ranks.
So how did you overcome this challenge? Do you have a special preparation strategy?
I wouldn’t say I had a specific strategy. Whenever I was in the mood, I just practiced. I don’t like doing things I’m not good at, but that’s a trap. You should focus on your weak points first.
What were your resources while preparing – any books, online platforms, or mentors?
I would like to say that my teacher was great. Magic GK was helpful. CLAT Express was also a really good resource. Additionally, the content from Career Launcher helped me a lot.
What were the biggest hurdles in your AILET journey? Have you ever felt depressed?
Yes, many times. About two months before the exam, I scored the lowest in the mock test. I was really disappointed. Having a good friend group helped me get out of that mindset. They supported me, and we related to each other’s struggles.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received on this journey?
Someone told me to form a study group with friends, and that helped a lot. It has given me accountability. When you study alone, it’s hard to stay accountable. In a group, you can discuss problems and revise more effectively.
How did you recover when you did not study?
I’m an anime fan, so I watched shows like One Piece. I also enjoy cooking, not as a hobby, but for a living. Sometimes, I used to play phone games like PUBG, but they pissed me off more than anything.
If you hadn’t chosen law, what alternative career path would you have considered?
Probably a BBA from a top college. Honestly, I didn’t have any other passions, so I don’t think I tried much else.
Now that you are moving to NLU Delhi, what excites you most about this new chapter?
Meeting new people. My friend is brilliant, and I’m excited to meet others like him. Also, the three-story library is fascinating — I want to explore it.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Corporate law, litigation, the judiciary, or something else?
I have always thought about corporate law as I am not very interested in litigation. But now that I’m in a good college, I want to explore different fields through internships and see where my interests really lie.
What is your number one tip for AILET aspirants?
Don’t take fake marks too seriously. Many students who scored higher than me in mock exams did not clear CLAT or AILET. On a real day, anything can happen. The key is to stay calm and not be nervous. Also, it’s good to form a study group—revising GK with friends can make it more fun.