Niranjan keeps up LSIU record

Updated on: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bangalore: The National Law School of India University has produced a Rhodes Scholar every year since 1996, except in 2006.

This year is no different, with Niranjan V winning it to study in Oxford University next year. 'I always dreamt of practising law in India. I can't imagine doing anything else. I know that Oxford will give me just the skills,' said Niranjan. 'There were 500 applications from India, of which 125 were law students.'

With the application, candidates write a personal statement, detailing why they want to study at Oxford and how they plan to use the stint. It is mandatory to have six letters of recommendation -- three from their professors and three from people they have worked with.

'There was a preliminary interview on our personal statement on September 5 in Mumbai. But I did brush up on my general knowledge and read my essay thoroughly,' he added. There was a two-week wait before he was informed he was one of the top finalists and the final interview was on October 12. 'The night before was wonderful. We had an informal chat with panelists including Ratan Tata, Rahul Gandhi, Rakhi Mehra and Sanjeev Sanyal,' recalls Niranjan.

During the interview, Niranjan was asked mostly on arbritationa and taxation law. Three hours later Niranjan had got the scholarship. 'I was elated. My dream to go to Oxford will finally be fulfilled,' said Niranjan.

Niranjan keeps up LSIU record

More Education news