CLAT PG AIR 6 Sayan Mandal Interview: Preparation Strategy & Success Journey

How does it feel to see a single-digit rank next to your name from a pool of 17000+ exam takers when you only expected a "decent" result? 

For Sayan Mandal, the journey to CLAT PG 2026 AIR 6 was a blend of disbelief, overwhelming joy, and a rock-solid strategy. Balancing the final year of law school with one of the toughest postgraduate entrance exams in India is no small feat, yet Sayan turned his "Plan B" into a historic achievement.

In this detailed breakdown, we dive deep into the daily routine, the resources, and the mindset that propelled Sayan to the top of the leaderboard. Whether you are a first-year student or a final-year aspirant, his journey offers a masterclass in disciplined preparation.

Who is Sayan Mandal? The Journey at a Glance

Sayan Mandal is a fifth-year law student who managed to conquer the CLAT PG while still navigating his college curriculum. Interestingly, his decision to sit for the exam wasn't a long-held dream but a strategic response to the shifting legal landscape, specifically the news regarding the 3-year practice rule.

Detail	Information
Name	Sayan Mandal
All India Rank (AIR)	6
Preparation Duration	6+ Months
Daily Study Hours	4–5 Hours + 1 Hour for Case Laws
College Status	5th Year (Final Year)
Target NLU	NLSIU Bangalore (NLS)

Why Sayan Chose LEAC for His Journey?

For an aspirant aiming for a top-tier rank, choosing the proper guidance is the most critical decision. Sayan credits LegalEdge After College (LEAC) as a cornerstone of his success, describing the environment as one in which dedicated faculty for each subject ensure that no topic is left uncovered. When faced with daunting subjects like Jurisprudence and International Law, Sayan didn't panic; instead, he relied on LEAC's specialised video courses and detailed notes, which he found more than enough to master these complex areas.
The most tangible benefit, however, came from the LEAC mock tests. Sayan described them as "top-notch" and noted that two or three questions in the actual exam came directly from the LEAC mocks. Furthermore, LEAC's monthly magazines, which condense the 12 most important cases of the month, served as his ultimate tool for last-minute revision. Beyond the material, Sayan emphasised the LEAC team's approachability, stating that mentors are available for guidance anytime, helping students develop the essential skill of "how to read the law".

For future aspirants, Sayan's journey is a testament to the fact that the right ecosystem doesn't just provide information—it provides a clear path to All India Ranks.

What factors played a significant role in Sayan's motivation for CLAT PG 2026?

1. The "Why" Behind the Exam

Every journey needs a catalyst. For Sayan, the news about mandatory practice rules for advocates pushed him to solidify his career through an LLM and potentially pursue the PSUs or the UGC NET JRF.

2. Balancing College and Coaching

How did he manage college and coaching at the same time? Sayan responded and highlighted about::

• Attendance Policy: His college was not overly stringent, allowing him to skip some classes to focus on CLAT.
• Exam Timing: His semester exams were scheduled for January, leaving the crucial pre-CLAT period free for intensive study.

The Winning Strategy: Pointers for Every Aspirant by AIR 6 in CLAT PG 2026

Sayan's approach wasn't about "genius" but about intentional, core-focused study. Here is the blueprint he followed:

• Master the Core Subjects: He focused heavily on the "big" subjects, such as CPC, CRPC, IPC, and Constitutional Law.
• The Power of Bare Acts: Sayan believes focusing on the Bare Acts and foundational knowledge is non-negotiable for any competitive legal exam.
• Don't Ignore Previous Year Papers: He describes these as the "preliminary guide" for all examinations. This year, many questions were repeated or familiar due to this practice.
• Case Law Consistency: Instead of cramming at the end, he watched daily legal current affairs videos and followed monthly magazines that summarised the 12 most important cases of the month.
• Newspaper Reading: Following The Hindu or The Indian Express helped him identify critical cases, like the Tamil Nadu Governor's case, which proved beneficial in the exam.

The Role of Mock Tests: Why 50 is the Magic Number for CLAT PG 2026 AIR 6?

Sayan attempted approximately 50 mock tests. He credits the LegalEdge After College (LEAC) mocks for being "top-notch" and incredibly realistic.

Why were mocks so critical?

1. Direct Hits: Two or three questions in the actual exam came directly from the LEAC mocks.
2. Familiarity: Because he had practised so many mocks and past papers, the actual exam felt familiar rather than intimidating.
3. Time Management: In a paper with 24 passages, knowing the cases beforehand through mocks saves time spent reading long paragraphs.

Core Subjects vs. Case Laws: How Sayan managed it?

Focus Area	Sayan's Approach	Why It Matters
Foundational Law	4–5 hours daily on core subjects (IPC, CRPC, etc.).	Even if you don't know the specific case, a basic understanding allows you to attempt questions.
Case Laws	1 hour specifically at night (11 PM – 12 AM) watching videos.	Knowing the case beforehand (like the AMU or Visakha cases) means you don't have to read the passage in the exam.
Secondary Subjects	Referred to video courses for Jurisprudence and International Law.	These subjects require specialised guidance rather than just rote reading.

3 Golden Tips from CLAT PG 2026 AIR 6 for Future Aspirants

When asked what three things every student should follow, Sayan was clear:

1. Dedication and Perseverance: You must show up every day, even when it's hard.
2. Focus on Bare Acts & PYPs: These are your foundational tools. Never skip previous year papers.
3. Utilise Mocks and Videos: Use technology and structured test series to simulate the exam environment.

Final thoughts

Sayan Mandal's success proves that extraordinary results come from ordinary days used well. He didn't consider himself the "smartest" student in the room; instead, he was a focused aspirant who prioritised core subjects and consistent revision.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Early: Preparation throughout your five years of law school builds the foundation you need for the PG entrance.
• Trust the Process: Use structured coaching batch of Legaledge After College to cover subjects you find difficult, such as Jurisprudence.
• Analyse Your Mistakes: Using mocks to identify familiar patterns is what separates a "decent rank" from a single-digit rank.

Sayan's journey is like building a skyscraper; while the world only sees the tall tower (the AIR 6 rank), the strength lies in the deep, invisible foundation of core subjects and Bare Acts he spent years and months perfecting.