Expert Tips on How to Crack CLAT

By Career Launcher

Appearing for CLAT? Here are some expert tips to prepare for the upcoming examination and score well in all sections.

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is an aptitude test designed to test your mental faculties in relation to time management and analytical abilities simultaneously. The question paper is now structured in four different areas including, English, General Knowledge, Reasoning (Logical and Analytical) and Mathematics. Earlier, Legal Reasoning section which was an equally important part of CLAT question paper is expected to be removed in the upcoming examination. Therefore, here are some tips from exam experts to score well in CLAT this year. 

Highlights of CLAT Sections

Candidates should focus to score well in each section of the exam by attempting maximum questions. Check below section-wise tips for CLAT exam: 

English Section 

The English section carrying 40 questions will test the candidate’s proficiency in the language. This year onwards, the section will carry more comprehension based questions including, passages and grammar. In the comprehension section, candidates will be questioned about their understanding of the passage and its central theme, meanings of words used therein etc. The grammar section requires correction of incorrect grammatical sentences, filling in of blanks in sentences with appropriate words, etc. This section requires practice to enhance the reading pace and grasping power. The candidates are also required to work on their vocabulary, as the question paper will have lots of comprehensive questions.

Also Read: 

Tips to score well in the English section of CLAT

CLAT 2020 exam pattern changed!

General Knowledge (including current affairs) 

The section carries slightly more questions than other sections as it has 50 questions. Candidates are asked questions about general awareness/ knowledge on current happenings including static general knowledge. Some focus is placed on legal issues and events as well. It is important to be aware of at least past one year’s events for which one can refer to magazines containing summaries of all the happenings of the preceding month/fortnight. It is essential for candidates to read a newspaper regularly (preferably The Hindu or The Indian Express) for everyday updates.

Mathematical Ability 

This year, the section might be renamed as Quantitative Techniques, however, it will carry the same number of questions i.e. 20 questions and it will be based on “elementary” mathematics. Since the section will be based on Class 10th mathematics syllabus therefore, the candidates should understand the fundamentals of the subject. To enhance speed, candidates need to attempt mock tests from different material. Anyhow, there are a lot of us who have a fear of mathematics since like forever. Therefore, it is better to start practising questions months before the exam to gradually develop speed and accuracy in this section. 

Logical Ability 

This section consists of two parts – i.e. deductive and logical reasoning and will carry 40 questions. The section will also carry a comprehensive type of questions. Analytical reasoning contains questions on topics including, directions and blood relations to number series and sequences. “Critical reasoning, which is much tougher, contains questions such as strengthening/weakening arguments, determining assumptions implicit in a passage, deriving conclusions, etc.

Since there is negative marking involved, there is no harm in leaving questions of critical reasoning if candidates are not sure about the answers. However, such questions can be mastered by practicing old question papers. For analytical reasoning, the purpose of the logical reasoning section is to test the student’s ability to identify patterns, logical links and rectify illogical arguments. It will include a wide variety of logical reasoning questions such as syllogisms, logical sequences, analogies, etc.

Important pointers to be kept in mind

Besides, section-wise preparation strategy for CLAT question paper, candidates should also keep below-mentioned things in check:

• Time Management 

• Planning the paper ahead

Before appearing for the actual paper one needs to chalk out the best approach for the paper. Candidates need to identify their strengths and weaknesses and plan the paper ahead accordingly. Keeping your strong subject at the forefront helps in getting in the flow and can also act as a morale booster. Ideally, the last 5-7 minutes of the exam duration needs to be reserved for revision. Apart from that solving the general knowledge and current affairs section at the end might prove fruitful since this section has no grey areas i.e. either u know the answer or you don’t. Also, if you are unsure about a few questions, then they keep on lingering in your mind throughout the examination, which might hamper your performance. Hence, they should be attempted at the end.

• Reading Skill

Once you have selected this career path, you need to work hard on your vocabulary, as many sections require understanding the principle and its application. Reading a credible newspaper every day like The Hindu always helps. Candidates should focus not just on improving reading speed but also understanding what they are reading. It is achievable only when candidates develop a habit of reading and focusing on interpretations and word meanings. 

• Smart and selective study

One needs to draw a distinction between hard work and smart work. You really don’t need to know everything about everything. One needs to plan out a good strategy and select good reading sources and maintain regularity.

• Solve Previous Years Papers

Solving the previous year’s question paper develops the most important part of one’s preparation. It’s almost non-negotiable if someone aims to get into the best law colleges in India. One must go through the previous year’s question paper as many times as convenient and also one should keep a track of time taken by them to attempt the old papers in order to analyze their performance effectively.

• Prepare brief GK notes

Whatever you consume you need to assimilate and then get it out instantly when you need it. In the case of GK section, since all the content needs to be crammed up and remembered, preparing brief notes always help in retaining the information. Also, download mobile apps for following up on current news and events on a regular basis. 

Content courtesy: Career Launcher, Delhi