#MyCLATStory- Capt. Vasa Jaishanth on his Journey from being a CLAT Aspirant to being a Captain in the Indian Army

Ruchika Mohapatra

19 May 20234 min read

In this interview with CLATalogue, Captain Vasa Jaishanth from NLUO shares his journey from being a CLAT aspirant to being a Captain.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Captain Vasa Jaishanth, a law graduate from NLU Odisha and I’m currently working as an Officer of the JAG’s Branch in the Indian Army.

How did you start your CLAT journey?

The decision to study for CLAT was more accidental than planned. I wanted to escape the regular career choices at that time, and wanted to take up a career which is niche (since I anyway wanted to join the Army right from my childhood). Eventually, towards the final couple of months of 12th Grade, I came to know about CLAT.

I had very less time and hence prepared for a month before appearing for it the first time. I didn’t make the cut in my first attempt and had to drop a year to attempt CLAT again, while pursuing BA English (Hons). In my second attempt, I secured a seat for myself and joined NLU Odisha.

How were your initial years in law school?

I was pretty lost academically during the first year and a half. I understood what was being taught, but I could never score very high marks. After a lot of struggle and experimentation, I understood what works for me and I used it to good effect, which eventually helped me secure an almost perfect grading before I graduated.

Coming to the social life during the initial years, it was a very unique experience for me. I had never met people from so many States across India. It was a good learning experience and since I am quite an inquisitive lad, I had a lot of fun. Studying in a law school broadened my thought process and opened my mind to be more receptive of a lot of lesser known ideas. It made me more aware of the inner workings of society.

What motivated you to pursue law as a career?

Like I mentioned, I had not taken it up because I knew what it entails to be a Lawyer. I took it up to make a career in a field where nobody in my family had dared to set foot in. Whether or not to become a first generation Lawyer, was no doubt a difficult choice to make, but I went for it nonetheless.

Before appearing for CLAT, I read about the possible career options for a Lawyer, and I got to know about the fact that Law is one of the most versatile career options and a Lawyer can be hired in any field or department.

Since I ultimately wanted to join the Armed Forces, I realized that it would be great if I had knowledge of the Law. Little did I know, that there was a whole Branch of armed Lawyers who work for the Nation, and that one day, I’d be blessed enough to join them in doing the same.

What were your top 3 sources of information for CLAT? Did you prepare for CLAT all by yourself?

I had joined Career Launcher for guidance and coaching for CLAT. I used to rely on Newspapers and study material of the coaching centre, along with whatever material I could gather from the internet. A lot of self study went into preparation for CLAT, but for me, it was not just personal effort and I can’t take all the credit for it. Guidance was definitely required in my case.

What would you say sets apart your #CLATStory from others?

My CLAT story may not be very different from others, but what some might relate with me on, is that I had to fight for what I chose. I had to go against the wishes of my family members and needed to prove myself in a field that my family had no knowledge of. But, I’ve never regretted appearing for CLAT and ultimately becoming a Lawyer.

Any advice you’d like to pass on to law school aspirants and law students?

Even though it may seem difficult, do not give up. If you intend on becoming a Lawyer, work hard and become a good Lawyer. There is no greatness in mediocrity, especially in the field of Law. Be it in your career or in life, always give it your best shot, so that you have no regrets later on in life.

This interview is a part of our series #MyCLATStory where we interview law students and legal professionals.

Click here to submit your #CLATStory

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