CLAT JUNCTION:- Pre-school to Law School.

Interview with Amey Pandey, Co-Founder of CLAT Junction.

Q) How did the idea initially come up? When was it (year)? How many people were initially involved?

Ans : The idea came up in 2011 around the month of October while I was preparing for my CLAT examinations. It was only after I got exhausted visiting a number of different sites and still not getting the required study material in an organized manner. That was the evening when along with my two friends (Takshendra Sharma and Bansi Bishnoi) decided to have our own online portal which would be much more organized and user friendly. I wanted it to be an easily accessible Portal for the tech-savvy generation that we belong to. On 11th of November 2011, CLAT junction was launched and it entered the virtual world of Learning.

Q) Were people around initially convinced about the idea?

Ans. Frankly, I didn’t share the idea of CLAT junction with anyone else than my two friends who are also the co-founders of CLAT junction. So, I didn’t really had to convince many people but yes, convincing them was not that difficult as they were also preparing for CLAT with me and  hence, crippling with the same problems as me. There was only one question that was going through our minds was “How are we going to do this?” Having your own website might sound big and exciting but there’s actually a lot of responsibility that comes along. People are going to visit your website and there are a number of students who are going to follow it, the onus is on you to provide appropriate and up to the mark contents for them.

Q) How was the name CLAT Junction selected?

Ans. I wanted name to be such that would strike the CLAt aspirants so that they can remember and connect easily. After rejecting a number of names I along with the two co-founders decided to call it CLAT “JUNCTION”. Junction means the place where two or more things came together and I wanted CLAT junction to be one such platform for the students. So, that’s how the name got selected.

Q) How was the initial capital raised? What were the other financial difficulties?

Ans.  Initially, I got an aid from my father and I owe him my heartiest gratitude for being there for me. Having he not helped me at that time; I could not have made it. Once it was established I tried to keep it pocket friendly both for me and for its users. Therefore, there’s no Capital investment involved in it nor we want to generate Profit out of it. The sole purpose of CLAT junction is helping CLAT aspirants as far as possible.

Q) What were the primary problems faced while starting?

Ans. There were innumerous problems that I had to face initially right from designing a website to its advertisements. Being a student, i had no idea of designing a website which took a lot of time and patience. I also had a bit of doubt as to why people are going to follow this website in front of the well-designed websites run by professionals that already existed in the market. That moment I had just one hope that “My work will speak for itself” not the advertisements as I had no Capital to invest for advertisement of the website. I also lack marketing skills which is a very important tool for a website to reach a wider audience.

Q) How were outsiders approached?

Ans. Due to lack of advertisement skills and means to do the same, I faced hindrances for reaching the desired number of people initially. As far as approaching outsiders is concerned, social media played an significant role. Being a part of this tech-savvy generation and CLAT junction being a virtual classroom for the aspirants I decided to use Facebook and other social networking sites as an instrument where I could advertise and target maximum people for free.

Q) Current Problems?

Ans. I want the enthusiasm of learning to be kept alive in every Law aspirant and that they should get optimum benefit out of CLAT junction at a nominal price. Although I have succeeded in my mission to a large extent but it has not been accomplished yet. I want to reach to a much wider population of those aspiring for Legal profession in India. There are no such difficulties that I am currently facing but yes; CLAT junction has to go a long way.

Q) Any tips for future law students?

Ans. “There’s nothing that you should fear when you have your knowledge with you.”

Q) Which direction do you see yourself heading now?

Ans. I feel proud today when i see back to how it all started. The response that I have got over the couple of years is a warming experience for me. The faith that people have showed in CLAT junction is unbelievable and I really want to maintain it in future. It has grown bigger over the years and I expect a lot more now.  I want CLAT junction to turn into a bigger family. But With every step of success comes much more responsibilities which I shall strive to discharge honestly.

Q) Any tips for future start-ups?

Ans. “When you work honestly with honest intentions and approach, there’s nothing that can hinder your success.”

Posted in: INTERVIEWS.,Legal Start-ups