Chaitanya Utkarsh, the son of farmer Shishir Kumar and late Urmila Kumari, has emerged as Patna’s ISC (arts) topper with 99.5%, while securing All India Rank (AIR) 145 in CLAT 2025. His achievement positions him for admission to prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs), including NLSIU Bangalore.
The Don Bosco Academy student aced history, legal studies, and political science with full marks, defying societal expectations to pursue law over conventional science streams. His journey, marked by meticulous planning and resilience, has drawn widespread acclaim, including a viral YouTube video documenting his preparation challenges in Bihar.
Academic Triumph: Balancing CLAT and Board Exams
Chaitanya’s academic prowess is evident in his near-perfect scores: 100/100 in history, legal studies, and political science, and 98/100 in English. His success, however, was hard-won. Preparing simultaneously for CLAT and ISC exams required a carefully structured schedule.
After dedicating August–December 2024 exclusively to CLAT coaching, he resumed ISC preparations in January 2025. His CLAT rank (AIR 145) reflects his mastery of legal aptitude, logical reasoning, and English proficiency, subjects he honed through daily 6–8 hour study sessions and mock tests.
Challenging Norms: From Peer Pressure to Purpose
Despite scoring 97% in Class X, Utkarsh faced immense pressure to opt for science, a path peers equated with “career stability.” He resisted, stating, “Law aligns with my curiosity about justice and governance.” His choice underscores a growing shift among students prioritising passion over societal expectations.
While Don Bosco Academy celebrated his achievement publicly, specific commendations from school officials remain unreported. Notably, Bihar’s ISC pass rate (98.7%) exceeded the national average (96.93%) this year, with girls like Ritika Yadav (99.4%, ICSE) also excelling.
Utkarsh’s story amplifies the untapped potential of humanities students in competitive exams, challenging stereotypes that equate STEM with success.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Chaitanya’s journey epitomises how systemic barriers-from regional resource gaps to cultural biases-can be overcome through institutional support and self-belief. His success in CLAT, despite limited access to urban coaching hubs, underscores the urgent need for equitable educational infrastructure in states like Bihar.
By choosing arts over science, he reaffirms the importance of nurturing individual aspirations in a system often driven by herd mentality.
As debates about India’s “STEM vs humanities” divide intensify, his story compels us to ask: How can policymakers and educators collaborate to democratise access to quality coaching and mentorship for aspirants in non-metro regions? Let’s advocate for inclusive reforms that celebrate diverse career paths and bridge the urban-rural aspiration gap.
