If you’re aiming to ace the NLSAT and secure a top rank, learning from those who’ve already done it is invaluable.
In this exclusive NLSAT Topper Interview, we bring you the journey, strategy, and detailed NLSAT preparation approach of Saubhik Mishra, who achieved All India Rank 9 in NLSAT 2025 and secured admission to the prestigious 3-year LL.B. program at NLSIU Bangalore.
Saubhik Mishra, the NLSAT 2025 Topper, hails from Delhi and pursued his undergraduate studies in History from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University.
After graduation, he spent time preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam and also enrolled at Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, for legal studies.
His exposure to competitive exams and the legal field played a pivotal role in shaping his eventual decision to focus entirely on NLSAT preparation.
Saubhik’s journey wasn’t a straightforward one. After UPSC, he re-evaluated his goals and found law to be a more focused and aligned career path.
This shift in direction, although late in the academic cycle, proved to be a decisive and successful one.
His transition from civil services preparation to NLSAT 2025 was guided by clarity, purpose, and a desire to enter India’s most prestigious law school NLSIU Bangalore.
Read More: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for NLSAT
Saubhik began his NLSAT preparation in late January or early February, shortly after the release of his UPSC mains results.
For someone with prior exposure to intense academic preparation, starting a few months before the exam proved effective.
However, he’s quick to point out that this timeline worked for him due to his existing skills in comprehension, analysis, and current affairs.
For first-time aspirants or those unfamiliar with structured legal entrance exams, Saubhik strongly advises beginning at least six months in advance.
Building a solid foundation in legal aptitude, logical reasoning, essay writing, and general awareness requires time and deliberate effort.
Experienced aspirants: 3–4 months of focused study may suffice.
Beginners: Start earlier to build familiarity with the exam pattern and question types.
When asked about the most critical factor in his NLSAT 2025 preparation, Saubhik unequivocally credits mock tests and timely feedback.
He took mock tests regularly and used them not just for assessment, but as diagnostic tools.
What set his experience apart was the prompt evaluation and personalized feedback provided by NLTI.
Unlike many coaching setups where mock reviews are delayed or generic, NLTI’s turnaround was fast and detailed.
This allowed him to immediately work on weak areas, spot patterns in his errors, and adjust his strategy accordingly.
He didn’t wait for scores to accumulate he acted after every test.
Take regular mocks under timed conditions.
Treat each mock as a learning opportunity, not a verdict.
Actively use feedback to iterate and improve.
Simulate exam conditions use OMR sheets and time blocks.
This disciplined use of mock tests was crucial in helping Saubhik understand where he stood and what adjustments were needed as the exam approached.
One of the most important aspects of the NLSAT preparation journey is managing time effectively during the exam.
Saubhik approached this with a clear plan, devoting around 65–70 minutes to Part A and using the remaining time for Part B, which included written legal reasoning questions and an essay.
However, he notes that OMR sheet filling took longer than anticipated during the actual exam.
This unexpected delay meant less time for Part B, where he felt he could have delivered stronger answers.
Recommended Time Split:
Part A : ~70 minutes
Part B : ~80 minutes
(10–11 minutes per legal question; 17–20 minutes for the essay)
His advice? Don’t underestimate logistical aspects like OMR filling. Practice these at home under real conditions.
Read More: Most Frequently Asked Questions for NLSAT
For Part B of the NLSAT 2025, which tests analytical and legal writing skills, Saubhik adopted a comprehensive strategy.
He attempted all mock Part B questions, regardless of whether he submitted them for evaluation.
This consistent writing practice helped him sharpen his structure, clarity, and legal reasoning.
He believes that writing more leads to course correction, deeper self-assessment, and better time calibration.
Even if a written response wasn’t submitted for review, the act of writing itself was invaluable in refining his approach.
Even with a UPSC background, Saubhik emphasized that NLSAT GK requires a tailored approach.
While prior knowledge helped, he insists that daily newspaper reading, especially The Indian Express, was his core strategy.
The ‘Explained’ section became his go-to resource for in-depth understanding of current affairs.
Alongside this, he regularly revised monthly compendiums provided by coaching institutes.
These helped him consolidate his awareness and identify patterns in question framing.
He cautions aspirants not to rely entirely on UPSC-style material, as NLSAT GK has a different scope and emphasis.
Read newspapers daily, not just headlines understand context.
Use compendiums for structured revision.
Identify themes that frequently recur (constitutional events, judgments, social policy).
Focus on comprehension and application rather than fact recall.
Saubhik’s journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the role of NLTI, which he joined for structured guidance during his NLSAT 2025 preparation. He specifically praises:
Affordable pricing for high-quality services
Well-designed mocks that reflect actual exam difficulty
Responsive faculty who addressed doubts promptly
Supportive mentorship that kept him accountable
He contrasts this with his earlier experience at larger coaching centers, where students often feel lost in the crowd.
NLTI’s attention, especially in feedback and doubt resolution, helped him stay on track and focused.
As a successful NLSAT 2025 Topper, Saubhik’s advice is practical, honest, and rooted in experience:
Tailor your strategy: Know your strengths and adapt accordingly. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
Simulate real exam conditions: Practice on OMR sheets, under time pressure, with no distractions.
Seek constructive feedback: Use your coaching, peers, or mentors to evaluate your progress.
Be consistent: Show up every day. Small efforts compound into big results.
Avoid panic and over-preparation: Stick to limited, high-quality resources and revise thoroughly.
The NLSAT 2025 results speak for themselves. NLTI students secured AIR 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 24, with over 50+ selections to NLSIU Bangalore.
What makes NLTI different is not just content, but their systematic approach to mentorship, their exam-like mocks, and the ethic of discipline and feedback that they instill in every aspirant.
Their emphasis on analytical training, GK comprehension, and legal writing practice is finely tuned to the demands of the NLSAT making them a top choice for serious aspirants.
If you’re serious about cracking the NLSAT and want to learn from the best, following the preparation roadmap of NLSAT 2025 Topper Saubhik Mishra can give you a significant edge.
His disciplined approach to mock tests, clarity in time management, structured GK prep, and trust in mentorship are lessons worth internalizing.
Join a reputed coaching institute like NLTI, practice strategically, revise consistently, and trust your preparation.
With the right focus, even a few months of serious work can place you among the top ranks just like it did for Saubhik.
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