Preparing for SLS Pune PI: A Personal Account of the PI-WAT Experience

Introduction

Entering the legal profession is no small feat, especially when it involves prestigious institutions like Symbiosis Law School, Pune (SLS Pune). The process of admission includes the Writing Ability Test (WAT) and the Personal Interview (PI), both of which are designed to gauge a candidate's readiness for legal studies. Here, I reflect on my personal experience with SLS Pune's PI-WAT process for the 2019 admission cycle, sharing insights on what to expect and how to prepare.

WAT - The Writing Ability Test

The WAT is a 45-minute writing task aimed at evaluating a candidate's ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely. The topic for my WAT was the 'Sabrimala Temple Issue,' which provided ample material for a robust essay. Writing about contemporary legal issues, especially those with significant public interest, is a common technique used to assess candidates' understanding and engagement with current affairs.

PI - The Personal Interview

The PI, on the other hand, is a more conversational form of assessment. It aims to understand a candidate's motivations, interests, and critical thinking skills. Here’s a breakdown of what my PI was like:

Registration Process

The registration process was efficient and well-organized. It’s crucial to ensure that all documents, such as copies of identification and relevant academic certificates, are self-attested and submitted in the correct order as mentioned in the call letter. This helps to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Group Discussions and WAT

Candidates were divided into groups of 13-15 students. After registration, we were directed to a hall where we filled out a small CV form, which would be reviewed by the PI panel. We then spent about 2-2 hours in the hall before moving to different classrooms for the WAT. The WAT was straightforward, and since the topic provided ample content, it didn't create any additional stress.

The Interview Process

The PI was the most anticipated part of the process. Contrary to the fears and rumors I had heard, my PI went relatively smoothly. The interviewers were professional, and the atmosphere was informal and friendly. Here are some of the questions they asked:

Why Law? This question is fundamental and tests your reason for choosing a legal career and your insight into the field. Why SLS Pune? This question gauges your research and interest in SLS Pune over other institutions, showing your enthusiasm for the program. Why Litigation? This question evaluates your understanding of the legal profession and your passion for litigation, an essential aspect of law. Views on Recent Judgements and Legal Decriminalizations This question assesses your awareness of current legal issues and your ability to articulate your opinions. Sabrimala Temple Issue This specific topic tests your ability to discuss sensitive legal issues and your understanding of judicial decisions.

After the initial questions, I was presented with a scenario where I had to choose between being honest and doing what would benefit my client. This question was designed to evaluate my ethical standing and ability to handle complex situations.

Conclusion

Preparation for the PI-WAT is essential, but the key is to be genuine and confident. The PI is not an interview but an interactive session that tests your ability to articulate your thoughts and handle situations responsibly. Remember, they are not looking for a perfect answer but are more interested in your perspective and confidence.

To all SLS aspirants, trust the process and focus on being yourself. Confidence and clarity in your responses will take you a long way. Good luck!

Written by Samriddh Rao