Interview: Swati Satyanita Mishra | Secured 35th rank in the 2022 Odisha Judicial Service Examination

Swati Satyanita Mishra, a Dhenkanal, Odisha native successfully secured the 35th rank in the prestigious Odisha Judicial Services (OJS) in 2022 on her second attempt.

Her academic journey commenced at Kendriya Vidyalaya Dhenkanal for her schooling. Subsequently, she pursued a 5-year B.A. LLB (Hons.) at University Law College, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar. She further honed her expertise by completing an LLM in Business Law at NOU, Mayurbhanj.

Interview: Swati Satyanita Mishra | Secured 35th rank in the 2022 Odisha Judicial Service Examination

Legal Bites: Congratulations on securing the 35th rank in the Odisha Judicial Service Examination 2022 on your second attempt! Can you share with us the motivation and inspiration that led you to pursue a career in the legal field, specifically in judicial services?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: Thank you for the warm wishes! The motivation to pursue a career in the legal field, especially in judicial services, stems from a family legacy deeply rooted in law. My grandfather, a gold medalist in law, though not practising it professionally, served as a significant source of inspiration. Following in his footsteps, my father became an advocate, further fueling my interest in the legal domain.

Witnessing their dedication to justice and the impact they could make within the system, I was naturally drawn towards studying law and contributing to the judicial services.

The rich familial connection to the legal profession has not only shaped my educational path but has instilled a profound sense of duty to uphold the principles of justice in society.

Legal Bites: Achieving success in competitive exams often involves overcoming challenges and setbacks. Can you tell us about a specific obstacle you faced during your preparation for the Odisha Judicial Service Examination and how you managed to overcome it?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: While preparing for the Odisha Judicial Service Examination, I encountered a significant obstacle that tested my ability to balance personal responsibilities with academic commitments. During that time, my maternal grandmother fell critically ill and was admitted to the ICU. Given the circumstances, my mother had to be by her side as an attendant, leaving me with the responsibility of managing household duties.

This unexpected turn of events presented a unique challenge, making it difficult to strike a balance between essential household tasks and dedicated study time. However, recognizing the importance of maintaining focus on my exam preparation, I adopted a strategic approach. I created a structured study schedule that allowed me to allocate specific time slots for both household responsibilities and rigorous study sessions.

Additionally, I sought support from family members, redistributing tasks to ensure a collective effort in managing the household. This collaborative approach, coupled with effective time management, enabled me to navigate through the challenging period successfully. It taught me resilience and reinforced the significance of adaptability, essential qualities that proved beneficial not only during my exam preparation but also in my overall approach to life's unforeseen challenges.

Legal Bites: Your educational journey includes schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya Dhenkanal and pursuing both LLB and LLM in Odisha. How do you think your academic background has contributed to your success in the judicial service examination?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: Kendriya Vidyalaya not only provided me with a strong academic foundation but also served as a platform for developing essential skills, particularly an enriched vocabulary. Active participation in extracurricular activities during my schooling years significantly contributed to expanding my linguistic abilities.

Moving forward to my legal studies, the comprehensive curriculum not only facilitated the clearance of foundational legal concepts but also provided me with valuable insights into the intricacies of the legal system. Equally important was the unwavering support and guidance I received from my teachers. Their mentorship played a crucial role in honing my understanding of the subject matter and preparing me for the challenges of the judicial service examination.

Legal Bites: The Odisha Judicial Service Examination covers a diverse range of subjects such as General English, Procedural Law, Law of Crime, Property Law, and Personal Law. How did you structure your study plan to effectively cover these subjects, and do you have any specific tips for aspirants preparing for similar exams?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: Effectively covering the diverse subjects of the Odisha Judicial Service Examination required a well-structured study plan tailored to the specific demands of each topic. For General English (GE), I focused on translation and reading comprehension, dedicating significant time to Odia translation to enhance language proficiency. I used to translate the ‘chinta kalpa’ section in Odia newspaper for practice and coaching classes which has also played a pivotal role in sharpening my linguistic skills. Daily, I allocated 2-2.5 hours to GE, emphasizing practice in precis and comprehension.

Recognizing Procedural Law as my weakest area, I dedicated 3-4 hours daily to strengthen my understanding. Leveraging my background knowledge, Property Law became a relatively easier section for me. However, Personal Law posed challenges, and I developed my understanding through meticulous note-taking.

For aspirants preparing for similar exams, my tips include:

Daily Revision: Regularly revisiting the subjects to reinforce the concepts and maintain a solid grasp of the material.

Familiarize with Legalese: Read legal texts to familiarize yourself with the language and nuances of the subject matter.

Practice Answer Writing: Simulate exam conditions during preparation by practising answer writing with time constraints and physical pressure, ensuring clarity, and avoiding overwriting or messy answer sheets.

Patience is Key: Competitive exams demand patience. Maintain a calm and composed demeanour during the preparation process and the actual exam.

In essence, a well-rounded study plan, focus on weaker areas and disciplined practice can significantly enhance an aspirant's chances of success in such demanding examinations.

Legal Bites: Balancing academics and personal life can be challenging, especially during exam preparations. How did you manage your time effectively, and what strategies did you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance during this period?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: Maintaining a healthy balance between academics and personal life, particularly during exam preparations, was made possible by a supportive family structure. Having an understanding and supportive parents alleviated much of the mental tension associated with exam preparations. Being a full-time student, my primary focus was on preparing for the Odisha Judicial Service Examination.

After completing my LLM, I transitioned into a dedicated phase of exam preparation, minimizing external diversions. This intentional decision allowed me to channel all my energy and attention toward the exam syllabus, ensuring an undivided focus on academic pursuits. The unwavering support from my family provided a conducive environment for effective time management and study.

Legal Bites: Having attempted the examination twice, can you share any specific lessons or insights you gained from your first attempt that significantly contributed to your success in the second attempt?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: My first attempt at the Odisha Judicial Service Examination provided invaluable lessons that significantly influenced my success in the second attempt. One crucial insight I gained was the need for a more efficient answer-writing strategy. In my initial attempt, I employed a paragraph-style format, which, although comprehensive, proved to be time-consuming.

Learning from this, I strategically shifted to a short, to-the-point bullet format in my second attempt. This adjustment not only improved the speed of my answers but also enhanced the overall quality. It allowed for clearer communication of key points, ensuring a more impactful presentation.

Another vital lesson was the importance of preparing my notes. In the first attempt, the absence of personalized notes became evident as a drawback. Recognizing this, I diligently created and utilized my own set of notes during the second attempt. These notes served as a concise yet comprehensive reference, aiding in quick revisions and reinforcing key concepts.

Legal Bites: Many aspiring law students may be curious about the role of practical experience in preparing for judicial service examinations. Did you engage in internships or gain practical legal experience during your academic journey, and if so, how did it enhance your preparation for the examination?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: Absolutely, practical legal experience played a significant role in my preparation for the judicial service examination. Throughout my academic journey, I actively engaged in internships and sought practical exposure to the legal field. One notable aspect was my involvement in case law reading, where I encountered numerous real-life legal scenarios. This experience not only deepened my understanding of legal principles but also honed my ability to analyze and apply them in practical situations.

Participating in various offline internships provided me with firsthand exposure to diverse legal practices. Additionally, I contributed to research paper submissions, which involved synthesizing vast amounts of information into coherent arguments. This process greatly enhanced my analytical skills, a crucial aspect of judicial service examinations.

The practice of summarizing complex legal concepts directly influenced my answer-writing quality. It enabled me to present concise and well-structured responses, a skill set that proved invaluable during the examination. In essence, the practical experience gained through internships and research activities complemented my academic knowledge, providing a holistic and practical foundation for success in the judicial service examination.

Legal Bites: Your success is undoubtedly a result of your hard work, but the support system plays a crucial role as well. Could you share how your family, including your parents and siblings, contributed to your journey in pursuing a career in the legal field and preparing for the Odisha Judicial Service Examination?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: Undoubtedly, my journey in pursuing a career in the legal field and preparing for the Odisha Judicial Service Examination was significantly shaped by the unwavering support of my family. As the eldest daughter, I shouldered many responsibilities, yet my parents played a pivotal role in ensuring that I could focus on my studies without being burdened by household chores. Their relentless support provided me with the necessary space and tranquillity to concentrate on my academic pursuits.

Furthermore, my brother actively contributed to my preparation. He played a crucial role in providing study materials and resources, creating a collaborative and conducive study environment at home. Both psychologically and physically, their presence was a morale booster, lifting my spirits during challenging times.

Legal Bites: In today's digital age, educational technology platforms like Legal Bites offer comprehensive resources such as the Law Library, subject-wise quizzes, and test series. How do you believe utilizing such platforms can benefit aspiring candidates in their preparation for judicial service examinations, and were there any specific features or resources that you found particularly helpful in your preparation?

Swati Satyanita Mishra: In the digital age, educational technology platforms like Legal Bites play a crucial role in transforming the preparation landscape for aspiring candidates for judicial service examinations. I found such platforms to be immensely beneficial for several reasons. One notable feature is the Law Library, which offers comprehensive resources that are instrumental in building a strong foundation of legal knowledge.

Subject-wise quizzes provided by these platforms proved to be invaluable, aiding in self-assessment and reinforcing key concepts. Additionally, the availability of test series, including mock tests, emerged as a game-changer, particularly in the context of the preliminary examinations.

Moreover, the platform's resources facilitated efficient note preparation, allowing me to compile concise yet comprehensive study materials.

In conclusion, the integration of educational technology platforms, such as Legal Bites, significantly enriches the preparation experience for judicial service examinations. The diverse array of features, from comprehensive study materials to realistic test simulations, contributes to a holistic and effective study approach for aspirants.

Legal Bites: Thank you so much!

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