In a powerful address that resonated with students and parents alike, Geetali Gupta, the achiever of All India Rank 1 in the CLAT 2026 examination, has raised a strong voice against the growing practice of enrolling in 'dummy schools'. Speaking at an event in Bhopal on Sunday, the 17-year-old prodigy underscored the indispensable role of regular, formal schooling in holistic student development.
Balancing Board Exams and CLAT Preparation: A Recipe for Success
Geetali Gupta, a native of Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan, presented a compelling case for a balanced approach. She firmly believes that dedicated preparation for the highly competitive law entrance test can seamlessly coexist with school studies. Demonstrating this in practice, she revealed her stellar academic record, having scored 96.6 percent in her Class 10 board exams. She is now preparing for her Class 12 examinations with equal dedication.
"Thorough preparation for the law entrance exam can go hand-in-hand with school studies," Geetali asserted. She identified balance and consistency as the fundamental pillars of her remarkable achievement. In the CLAT 2026, one of India's most prestigious law entrance tests, she secured an outstanding score of 112.75 out of 119, bringing immense pride to her district and state.
The Pillars of Perseverance and Self-Belief
Beyond strategy, Geetali emphasized the critical mental attributes required for such a feat. She advised aspiring students to cultivate unwavering self-belief and razor-sharp focus. "You should have faith in yourself and stay focused. If a student can do these two things, they can clear any exam with flying colors," the young topper remarked. Her message highlighted that success in competitive exams like CLAT is as much about persistence and emotional strength as it is about intellectual prowess.
A Viral Moment of Pure Emotion
The event also provided Geetali an opportunity to address the now-viral video that captured her raw, emotional reaction upon checking her CLAT 2026 results. The video, filmed near a temple in her home, shows the moment of disbelief and subsequent tears of joy that symbolized the culmination of years of hard work.
"I never expected the video to go viral. I was just shocked and emotional when I saw the results," she shared, describing the moment as genuine and unfiltered. This humanizing glimpse into her journey has made her an inspiration to countless students across the nation, proving that behind the top rank is a story of dedication and heartfelt emotion.
By voicing her objection to the dummy school trend, Geetali Gupta has sparked an important conversation in the Indian education landscape. Her own journey stands as a powerful testament to the value of a well-rounded education, where excellence in board exams and cracking a national-level entrance exam are not mutually exclusive goals, but achievable milestones on the same path.
