A Story of Discipline, Focus and Belief - Story of CLAT 2026 topper Rohan Ajay Joshi

For Bengaluru’s Rohan Ajay Joshi, securing All India Rank 3 in CLAT 2026 is still sinking in. A Class XII student of Greenwood High International School, Rohan credits his achievement to consistent hard work and unwavering faith in the preparation process. With the result opening the doors to India’s top law schools, he now hopes to pursue his legal education at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru—a dream made sweeter by the familiarity of home.

“I’ve lived in Bengaluru all my life, and cracking CLAT with such a high rank means I can continue my education and build my career here. It still feels very surreal,” he says.

Rohan’s journey to law was shaped not by family tradition but by introspection. Coming from a non-law background—both his parents work in the semiconductor industry—choosing law was a new and uncharted path for the family. His interest began taking shape in Classes X and XI, when he started assessing his academic strengths. “I realised I didn’t enjoy science or mathematics enough to pursue engineering. I was always more inclined towards history and political science. After exploring various career options and speaking to people from different fields, law stood out as both viable and engaging. Once I started preparing, I genuinely enjoyed the subject,” he recalls.

He began his CLAT preparation in Class XI with offline coaching, focusing initially on strengthening the basics. The early months were devoted to improving reading speed and comprehension—skills critical to the exam. As the test drew closer, his approach became more intensive. By the start of the year, he was taking one to two mock tests each week, increasing the frequency from May onwards. “From May, I eliminated distractions completely. Consistent practice became my top priority,” he says. Detailed mock analysis and daily current affairs preparation helped sharpen his accuracy and build confidence, with study hours gradually stretching to six to eight hours a day by September.

A defining moment came around May or June, when Rohan began comparing his performance with peers. “I saw friends doing better than me, and it made me realise just how competitive the exam was,” he says. Rather than feeling disheartened, the realisation became a catalyst. “I knew I could do better, so I decided to give it everything.” To stay mentally focused during the crucial months, he chose to step away from social media altogether. “Deactivating my accounts helped me avoid unnecessary comparisons and stay focused,” he adds.

Throughout the journey, family support played a pivotal role. “My parents stood by me at every step. When the result came out, it felt like their achievement as much as mine,” he says. He also found valuable guidance from a school senior who is now a law student and served as a mentor. Studying alongside a small peer group and engaging in regular discussions kept him motivated and grounded.

Beyond academics, Rohan has maintained a strong connection with sports and extracurricular activities. A fast bowler, he represented India at the Under-19 national level in cricket this year. He also enjoys playing chess, reading, and playing the guitar, having completed Grade 5. While he gradually reduced cricket commitments closer to the exam, sports remained an important part of his routine. “Cricket taught me discipline. If I spent time playing, I ensured I compensated with focused study,” he says. He believes sports played a crucial role in building mental resilience, helping him stay calm on exam day despite facing several centre-related challenges.

As he looks ahead to life at a national law university, Rohan remains open-minded about the future. While criminal law currently interests him, he plans to explore different areas of law during his undergraduate years. “I see myself as a practising lawyer, but I’ll make a final decision in my third or fourth year,” he says.

For now, Rohan’s CLAT success stands as a testament to disciplined preparation, self-belief, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you stayed true to your strengths.