Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's son Nandil graduates from NLSIU, had secured AIR 40 in CLAT
Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's son Nandil has graduated from NLSIU Bengaluru — India's top-ranked law school — after securing AIR 40 in CLAT. Sarma's candid social media post, recounting a family's initial doubts about Nandil's gap year for CLAT prep and their eventual pride, resonated widely as a story about parental trust and student perseverance.
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's son Nandil received his law degree from NLSIU Bengaluru on 17 October 2026 .
Nandil had secured All India Rank (AIR) 40 in CLAT after taking a gap year dedicated entirely to entrance preparation.
Sarma shared an emotional social media post acknowledging early parental concerns and praising his son's determination.
NLSIU Bengaluru , founded in 1987 , is India's oldest and most prestigious National Law University.
The CM's message highlighted the importance of trusting children's decisions and supporting their academic ambitions.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, 17 October 2026, shared an emotional message on social media after his son, Nandil, received his law degree from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru — widely regarded as the country's premier institution for legal education. Sarma reflected on Nandil's journey from an uncertain year of preparation for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) to graduating from one of India's most competitive law schools.
A Father's Proud Moment
In his social media post, Chief Minister Sarma described himself and his wife as 'proud parents' as they witnessed their son receive his degree at a convocation ceremony held in Bengaluru. The post drew widespread attention for its candid and personal tone, with Sarma openly acknowledging the doubts the family had initially harboured.
'As parents, we had our share of questions and, admittedly, a few worries too,' Sarma wrote. He added that Nandil, however, remained confident in his decision and worked with sustained determination to realise his goal.
The CLAT Journey: A Year Off That Paid Off
At the heart of Sarma's message was the story of Nandil's decision to take a year off from conventional academic progression to dedicate himself entirely to preparing for CLAT — a choice that initially prompted concern within the family. The gamble proved fruitful: Nandil subsequently secured All India Rank (AIR) 40 in CLAT, earning him a seat at NLSIU Bengaluru, one of the most sought-after destinations for aspiring lawyers in India.
Admission to NLSIU's undergraduate law programme is exclusively through CLAT, a highly competitive national-level entrance examination that draws hundreds of thousands of applicants each year for limited seats across participating National Law Universities (NLUs).
Broader Message: Trusting Children's Choices
Beyond the personal milestone, Sarma used the occasion to reflect on the dynamics of parenting and ambition. He noted that parents often spend years guiding their children, only to discover how much they themselves learn along the way.
He emphasised the importance of trusting children's choices and allowing them the freedom to pursue their aspirations with confidence. 'Today, our hearts are full. So proud of you, Nandil. Go write your next chapter,' the Chief Minister said in his post.
About NLSIU Bengaluru
Founded in 1987, NLSIU Bengaluru is consistently ranked among the top law schools in India and has produced prominent lawyers, High Court and Supreme Court judges, legal scholars, and public policy professionals. It was the first of India's National Law Universities, established as a model institution for legal education reform in the country.
Nandil's graduation marks a significant personal milestone for the Sarma family, and the Chief Minister's public message has drawn attention to the role of perseverance, parental trust, and self-belief in navigating demanding academic pathways.
Point of View
And AIR 40 is an outcome most aspirants, regardless of determination, cannot replicate without access to quality resources. The emotional resonance is real, but the broader takeaway on 'perseverance' deserves to be read alongside the structural advantages that high-profile families bring to competitive exam preparation.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Nandil Sarma receive his law degree?
Nandil Sarma graduated from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, India's oldest and most prestigious National Law University. The convocation ceremony was held in Bengaluru on 17 October 2026.
What rank did Nandil Sarma secure in CLAT?
Nandil Sarma secured All India Rank (AIR) 40 in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), earning him admission to NLSIU Bengaluru. He had taken a gap year specifically to prepare for the highly competitive entrance examination.
What did Himanta Biswa Sarma say about his son's graduation?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared an emotional social media post saying 'Today, our hearts are full. So proud of you, Nandil. Go write your next chapter.' He also acknowledged that the family initially had worries about Nandil's decision to take a year off for CLAT preparation.
What is CLAT and why is it significant?
CLAT, or the Common Law Admission Test, is a highly competitive national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes at participating National Law Universities across India. Securing AIR 40 in CLAT is considered a top-tier achievement, given the large number of aspirants competing each year.
What is NLSIU Bengaluru known for?
NLSIU Bengaluru, founded in 1987, is India's first and most consistently top-ranked National Law University. It has produced prominent Supreme Court lawyers, judges, legal scholars, and public policy professionals, and admission to its undergraduate programme is solely through CLAT.
