NLSAT 2024 Rank 15 Nikita Rakhra | NLSAT Topper Interviews

Summary

In this insightful session, Nikita Rakra, who secured rank 15 in NLAT 2024, shares her journey and strategies for success. She emphasizes the importance of reading comprehension and essay writing, highlighting her approach to building reading speed and comfort. Nikita discusses her preparation, including using online resources, practicing with mock tests, and maintaining a balance to avoid burnout. She also advises starting early, utilizing available materials effectively, and staying connected with peers for support. The conversation underscores the value of perseverance and strategic preparation in achieving top ranks in competitive law entrance exams.

Takeaways

• 📚 Nikita, who ranked 15 in NLAT 2024, emphasizes the importance of reading extensively to improve reading speed and comprehension, starting with fiction and moving to opinion pieces and long-form essays.
• 🔍 She advises understanding the exam pattern by going through past papers, especially focusing on the type of passages and questions in Part A of the NLAT.
• 🔄 Nikita suggests using online resources for additional reading comprehension practice, such as materials from the GRE, LSAT India, and LSAT US exams.
• ⏱ She highlights the need for time management and speed in Part B, recommending practice writing to avoid hand cramps and manage time effectively during the exam.
• 📝 Nikita shares her approach to answering Part B questions by first writing without guidance, then comparing with provided notes, and rewriting for clarity and improvement.
• 🤔 She admits to feeling overwhelmed at times and the importance of not letting exam pressure interfere with preparation, encouraging a balanced approach to studying.
• 📉 Nikita notes that in her observation, many high-ranking candidates in NLAT score above 58 in Part A and slightly less in Part B, indicating a balanced focus on both sections.
• 📝 For Part B preparation, she recommends writing multiple times to refine answers and to get a feel for the exam's writing requirements.
• 👀 She stresses the importance of reading the question properly and not rushing, as it can lead to marking wrong answers, a mistake she made initially.
• 📈 Nikita suggests trying different approaches in mock tests to find what works best for the individual, such as the order of attempting different sections.
• 💡 Lastly, she encourages using the Constitution as a resource for Part B, as it can provide a foundation for arguments and a sense of calm during the exam.

Q & A

Who is Nikita Rakra and what achievement is she recognized for in the transcript?

Nikita Rakra is a student who secured rank 15 in the NLAT (National Law Aptitude Test) 2024. She was part of the first online batch of students who joined the full batch for NLS (National Law School) in July 2023.

What were Nikita's scores in Part A and Part B of the NLAT exam?

Nikita scored 61.2 in Part A and 35.25 in Part B of the NLAT exam.

What was Nikita's overall percentile in the NLAT exam?

Nikita's overall percentile in the NLAT exam was 97.4.

How did Nikita prepare for the NLAT exam, especially for Part A?

Nikita prepared for Part A by increasing her reading speed and comfort with reading. She started by reading a lot of books, then moved on to opinion pieces and long-form essays, and finally practiced reading comprehensions from various sources including past NLAT papers and other exams like the LSAT.

What was Nikita's approach to handling the stress and pressure during her NLAT preparation?

Nikita acknowledged the stress but reminded herself not to put too much pressure on herself. She realized that it's important not to let the fear of the exam interfere with her preparation and to keep going despite the challenges.

How did Nikita practice for Part B of the NLAT exam?

Nikita practiced for Part B by answering questions without seeing the video solutions first, then comparing her answers with the provided notes and points, rewriting her answers, and making notes of improvements. She also practiced writing to improve her speed and manage exam time effectively.

What was the significance of the mock tests in Nikita's preparation for the NLAT exam?

Mock tests were significant in Nikita's preparation as they helped her understand the exam format, practice writing under time constraints, and identify the order of attempting sections that worked best for her.

How did Nikita's background in English and previous academic experiences contribute to her NLAT preparation?

Nikita's background in English and her experiences in writing portfolios during college helped her in structuring her essays for Part B. She learned to complete thoughts clearly and avoid confusion, which she applied to her NLAT essays.

What advice does Nikita give to students who are preparing for the NLAT exam?

Nikita advises students to start preparing early, ideally from September, to avoid feeling overwhelmed. She also emphasizes the importance of reading extensively, practicing writing, and not being afraid to ask doubts or seek help.

How did Nikita handle the situation when she felt she was not doing well in her initial mock tests?

Nikita initially felt stressed and even stopped studying for two weeks. However, she realized the importance of not letting the fear of the exam stop her from improving and got back to her preparation with a more focused approach.

What role did the Constitution play in Nikita's preparation for the NLAT exam, particularly for Part B?

Nikita's knowledge of the Constitution, which she gained from her studies and a short Constitution series provided in her preparation course, gave her a sense of calmness and allowed her to bring up relevant points in her essays for Part B.