“I want to represent companies one day,” CBSE topper on choosing law and cracking CLAT

Tarushi Gupta, a bright and determined student from Apeejay School, Kharghar recently emerged as a Class 12 CBSE topper with an impressive academic percentage of 97.6%. But what sets her apart is her clear vision for the future – to pursue corporate law. In this conversation, Tarushi shares her preparation strategy, time management tips, and why law – especially intellectual property and corporate representation – truly fascinates her. Read edited excerpts:

What made you choose law, specifically corporate law, as your career path?

I’ve always been drawn to the courtroom environment – the arguments, the representation of people. But what really caught my attention was corporate law and intellectual property rights. It’s something new, and I found it exciting. The idea of representing companies, navigating contracts, and understanding the business side of law felt like a perfect fit for me.

You mentioned you appeared for the CLAT entrance exam. How did you manage preparing for that along with CBSE boards?

It was tough, no doubt. My pre-boards clashed with CLAT, so I had to miss a few. But my teachers supported me because they knew I had been consistent throughout the year.

So how did you manage your study schedule during such a demanding time?

I made sure I was always up to date with both school and CLAT preparation. No backlogs. I followed a simple method – just pick two subjects a day, one easy and one difficult, and prepare a weekly to-do list. It’s not about studying 20 hours a day, but being consistent.

How was your experience with CLAT?

The paper went well, but there was some chaos because a petition was filed in the Supreme Court regarding the exam. It created a bit of uncertainty, but I stayed focused on my preparation.

Which universities are you targeting through CLAT?

I am targeting the top five National Law Universities (NLUs). They all offer a five-year integrated law course, and you can specialize in areas like corporate law later, just like a doctor chooses a specialisation.

Did your school support your career decisions?

Absolutely! Apeejay conducted 2–3 career counselling sessions – after Class 10 and even after Class 11. These really helped me understand various career paths and solidified my decision to go for law.