1723534562.png){kind=small}
RJS 2024 Topper Interview: Kanika Garg (Rank 86)
April 22, 2025
Overview: There are stories that begin with ambition, and there are stories that begin with awakening. The journey of Kanika Garg, a Chandigarh-born chemical engineering graduate turned law aspirant, is a compelling mix of both.
Kanika didn’t always know she would become a judiciary aspirant. In fact, she started out in a completely different field—Chemical Engineering from Punjab University. But as life unfolded and her understanding of society deepened, she made a conscious and bold shift: from processing molecules to processing justice.
This is not just the story of a career change- it is the story of purpose finding a person.
The Engineer with a Conscience
Kanika completed her schooling and higher education in Chandigarh, her hometown. Like many bright students from science backgrounds, she appeared for JEE Mains, and based on her rank and choices available, she took admission in Chemical Engineering at Punjab University.
“To be honest, chemical engineering was not a dream I chased- it was the natural outcome of the admission process. You go where the rank takes you.”
Know More: How to prepare for judiciary exams
Her early semesters were filled with core science subjects- chemistry, physics, mathematics, and basic computer programming. She studied principles like heat transfer, energy conservation, and reaction kinetics, and recalls the classic engineering mindset:
“Energy can neither be created nor destroyed—only converted from one form to another. I see law in a similar way. Justice already exists in theory. A judge doesn’t create it but channels it—interpreting, converting, delivering it into action.”
The Spark of Law in an Engineer’s Mind
It was during her engineering years that a shift began. Kanika got involved in student societies, social awareness campaigns, and event organisation—interacting closely with NGOs, volunteers, and most importantly, lawyers.
“As I started working with legal aid events and student awareness drives, I noticed something. Law students just... thought differently. They were aware of their rights, duties, and the world around them in a very conscious way.”
These interactions planted a seed. She realised that while engineering solved scientific problems, law solved human ones. And that was the space she wanted to be in.
Read More - Personal Interview Preparation Tips for Judiciary Exams 2025
A Second Degree and a New Direction
After completing her B.Tech, Kanika made a conscious decision to pursue LL.B. from Punjab University itself. Her university, which had already played a major role in shaping her mindset, now became the place where she would formally begin her legal journey.
“If not for the kind of open and active campus I had at Punjab University, I probably wouldn’t have thought of law. The exposure to diverse minds and debates gave me the clarity I needed.”
During her LL.B., she was drawn most toward Evidence Law and Contract Law, finding them both conceptually rich and practical.
Why not litigation or corporate law? Why not UPSC?
Kanika’s choice to prepare for the judiciary was informed by a combination of self-awareness and social commitment.
“Litigation is powerful—but often limited to representing one party. The judiciary gives you the ability to impact lives at scale, uphold rights, and ensure justice without bias. It’s not just noble—it’s necessary.”
She also shared a deeply personal reason—her physical health concerns make a physically demanding profession like litigation difficult. The judiciary, on the other hand, allows her to contribute meaningfully while working in a stable environment.
“Even if I worked in an NGO, I’d still need the support of the legal system to make things happen. Law is the language of justice. And a judge is the interpreter.”
Must Read - Criminal Procedure Code Notes for Judiciary Preparation
Legal Knowledge in Action
During her interview, Kanika demonstrated her conceptual understanding across key legal areas. Here’s a summary of some topics discussed and her responses:
Indian Evidence Act
Sections 25 & 26: She accurately defined a police officer and police custody, explaining that even if the officer doesn’t hold a traditional rank, what matters is the authority they exercise over the accused.
Section 90: When asked about a document created in 1994 and produced in 2020 and again in 2025, she pointed out that Section 90's presumption requires the document to be 30 years old and produced as evidence, meaning the clock starts from the time it is submitted in court—not when it was created.
DNA Evidence & Section 11: She noted that scientific evidence like DNA can be used under Section 11 to support or contradict facts in issue, and that modern courts are increasingly recognising its evidentiary strength.
Dying Declaration: She explained how Indian law (unlike English law) allows a dying declaration even when the declarant wasn't necessarily in immediate anticipation of death.
Prepare for Judiciary: Join India's Best Judiciary Institute
Kidnapping vs. Abduction
She clearly differentiated between the two:
- Kidnapping involves taking a minor or a person of unsound mind from lawful guardianship.
- Abduction involves force or deceit and does not require a guardian to be present.
In the hypothetical case of a 12-year-old orphan being taken away, she rightly classified it as abduction, since the child was not under any legal guardian's custody.
Complaints, Reports, and Procedure
She further explained:
- A police report (Section 173 CrPC) follows an investigation.
- A complaint is initiated by an individual and may directly be filed with a magistrate.
- A case diary (Section 172 CrPC) is a running record maintained by the IO, helping courts assess the transparency and progress of the investigation, though not admissible as evidence.
Join: Prepare for RJS with Judiciary Gold
A Judge in the Making
Kanika’s composure, humility, and deep-rooted sense of purpose set her apart. While she doesn’t claim to know everything, her answers were honest and thoughtful. Her reflections showed a rare blend of technical discipline and empathetic reasoning.
“Law gives you the power to not just fight for your rights—but to fight for others, with fairness, compassion, and a sense of duty. That’s why I chose this path.”
Know: RJS Recruitment Notification
Conclusion
Kanika’s journey reminds us that it’s okay to change paths—what matters is why you do it. From being an engineering student who wasn’t sure of her place in the technical world, to becoming a law graduate ready to take the judiciary head-on, her path has been shaped by experience, awareness, and a desire to serve.
In her own words:
“You don’t always find law. Sometimes, law finds you.”