Bijay Karmakar hails from Sambalpur, Odisha, and is currently pursuing a B.A. LL.B. at the National Law University Odisha (NLUO). He comes from a lower middle-class family where his father works as a truck mechanic and his mother is a homemaker. His elder brother, employed in the retail sector, has been a constant source of support throughout his educational journey.
From an early age, Bijay was drawn to history and political science, which led him to choose the humanities stream in school. As House Captain and a participant in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp, he developed leadership skills and a strong sense of social responsibility. His exposure to student activism further strengthened his interest in justice and social change.
Bijay’s interest in law began in Class 12 when a senior introduced him to the field. Inspired by the potential of law to create meaningful impact, he enrolled in a local law college. However, a family emergency and financial difficulties forced him to discontinue his studies.
He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology while volunteering with the National Service Scheme and working part-time to support himself. These experiences reinforced his desire to use law as a tool for positive change.
While researching legal education opportunities, Bijay discovered CLAT and National Law Universities. Financial constraints made the journey seem difficult until he learned about IDIA. He joined IDIA as a trainee in 2024 and, despite not clearing CLAT 2025, continued preparing with the support of mentors, mock tests, and training sessions. His perseverance paid off when he successfully cleared CLAT 2026 and secured admission to NLUO.
Coming from a family displaced during Partition and later resettled in Odisha, Bijay has a deep understanding of displacement and its consequences. This has inspired him to work with communities affected by development-induced displacement in western Odisha and strengthened his commitment to public service.
Today, Bijay hopes to build a career in public law and use his legal education to advocate for marginalized communities. His story reflects resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of opportunity and mentorship.
