‘You should focus on your weak points first’: Abhijay Tiwari, AILET 2025 topper

Law entrance exams have registered their names for being highly competitive and difficult, and accomplishing an All India Rank (AIR) in the All India Legal Entrance Test (AILET, held for admission to National Law University, Delhi) is no small feat. For Abhijay Tiwari, a determined open-school student from NOIDA, this achievement is a testament to his grit, adaptability, and unyielding belief in the power of self-motivation. In AILET 2025, he secured the 9th rank. What makes his story even more compelling is the unique journey that led him here—one filled with unconventional study schedules, moments of self-doubt, and a deep reliance on collaborative learning with friends.
Behind this remarkable success is the silent strength of his mother, Swati Tiwari, a single parent who put her own aspirations aside to nurture Abhijay’s. Her sacrifices and encouragement became the foundation on which he built his dreams, transforming hurdles into milestones. From battling analytical reasoning to overcoming the anxiety of low mock test scores, Abhijay’s story is a shining example of resilience and the power of community in achieving 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 over, and more.
First of all, congratulations for securing AIR 9 in AILET 2025. Let’s rewind a bit. What inspired you to choose law as a career path?
Well, frankly speaking, I didn’t have much interest in studying. So, like, I didn’t really like commerce or science. But when someone told me about CLAT—actually, my grandfather told me about it—I started studying law, and I developed an actual interest in it. I actually studied it on my own. Before this, I used to just study one day before the exam. You know how that happens, right? I really didn’t have much aspiration beyond that. But here, I actually wanted to do something good, you know, like be a topper or something. Yeah, it’s one of the few things I had an actual interest in.
Every aspirant has their own way of preparation. Some prefer studying at night, while others might study during early morning sessions. What was your study zone?
I didn’t have a strict schedule. But I never started studying in the morning. I would wake up, and it would take me three to four hours to get into the mindset. So I would start in the afternoon and study till late at night.
So how many hours do you think are enough for preparation?
See, the thing is, for CLAT over the last two years, I would say there’s 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 would suggest a minimum of four to five hours daily. But remember, many students are managing school alongside. I was from open schooling, so I didn’t have that pressure. However, not everyone has that amount of time, so it depends.
Was there any subject or section in AILET that gave you sleepless nights or terrified you?
I would 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? Did you have any special preparation strategy?
I wouldn’t say I had a particular strategy. I just practised whenever I was in the mood. 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 go-to resources while preparing—any books, online platforms, or mentors?
I would say my teacher was great. Magic GK was helpful. CLAT Express was also a really good resource. Additionally, material from Career Launcher helped me a lot.
What were the biggest hurdles during your AILET journey? Did you ever feel demotivated?
Yes, a lot of times. About two months before the exam, I scored the lowest I’d ever scored in a mock test. I was really depressed. Having a good friend group helped me pull out of that mindset. They supported me, and we related to each other’s struggles.
What’s the best piece of advice you received during this journey?
Someone told me to form a study group with friends, and that helped immensely. It gave me accountability. When you study alone, it’s hard to stay accountable. In a group, you can discuss problems and revise much more effectively.
When you weren’t studying, how did you unwind?
I’m an anime fan, so I watched shows like One Piece. I also enjoy cooking, not as a hobby, but more for survival. Sometimes, I played phone games like PUBG, but they irritated me more than anything.
If you hadn’t chosen law, what alternate career path would you have considered?
Probably BBA from a not-so-great college. Honestly, I didn’t have any other passion, so I don’t think I would’ve put in much effort elsewhere.
Now that you’re heading 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-storeyed library is fascinating—I’d love to explore it.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Corporate law, litigation, judiciary, or something else?
I’ve always thought of corporate law because I don’t have much interest in litigation. But now that I’m in a good college, I want to explore different fields through internships and see where my interests truly lie.
What’s your number one tip for AILET aspirants?
Don’t take mock scores too seriously. Many students who scored higher than me in mock tests didn’t clear CLAT or AILET. On the actual day, anything can happen. The key is to stay calm and not get nervous. Also, it’s good to form a study group—revising GK with friends can make it much more fun.