Being A Non-NLU Student

Blogs and articles related to 'cracking CLAT' or 'getting a top-notch NLU' have been done to death. I am one of those who went through such articles for tens of times and ultimately ended up entering a Non-National Law University-- Faculty of Law, University of Allahabad.

The bottom line is that, maybe, I wasn't "smart" enough to crack CLAT in the first attempt . Subsequently, I was "lucky" enough to secure a CNLU seat in the second attempt (through vacancies only :p ).

And Why on Earth these NLUs have exorbitant fees requirement?

Nevertheless, I am done and dusted with my First Year of B.A. LL.B. (Hons) from University of Allahabad, one of the oldest central universities of India, known for producing renowned politicians, bureaucrats, academics, legal experts, etc.

My parents were so enamored of the legacy the university carries with itself that they got me matriculated, and University of Allahabad became a part of my identity.

It made me low-spirited not to have the NLU tag. I wanted it so badly. Shortly, however, the period of low spirits came to an end. [Time is the best healer, you know.]

I am well acquainted with the perks and privileges that NLU students enjoy, and that I am devoid of at my own law school.

They are groomed in such a competitive environment where everyone is striving for the best, day in and day out. The fact-- they are NLU students hence they are supposed to do the best-- works as a pressure for them. Most of them get busy writing articles, blogs or research papers from their First Year itself.

Also, they are mentored by the most efficient faculties; they get a far better exposure; extra academic activities [moots, debates, etc] are conducted every now and then, and it's easier for them to get internships in Tier 1 and Tier 2 law firms.

At my law school, on the other hand, one is devoid of such privileges for most of the time. For instances, the faculty is hardly concerned about students' extra academic records; for getting good internship opportunities, students have to work their guts out all on their own; one's C.V. has to be taken care of by oneself.; the faculty has nothing to do with it except for the academic performance, and the list goes on.

These are some stumbling blocks which I have to overcome and turn them into stepping stones. For this to happen I surely have to put exponentially high effort.

An NLU student must be working hard. They might be having challenges, too. As a non-NLU student, I have to work harder and have bigger challenges to wrestle with. NLUs could only have made things easier. However, at the end of the day, it's not the law school but one's own potential that ultimately counts.

Well, I am where I am supposed to be, wrestling with the challenges and looking forward to grabbing every single opportunity that comes my way.

Thankfully, I have met some outstanding people at my law school who are gems in a true sense. There is so much to learn from them.