How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 from Scratch: Best Strategy, Daily Study Plan & Top Books
Common Law Admission Test 2026 ( CLAT )
Counselling - 5 Feb '26
How to prepare for CLAT 2026 From Scratch?
Are you wondering how to start preparing for CLAT 2026 from scratch? Whether you are in Class 12, a dropper, or just decided to pursue law CLAT Exam is a gateway to getting into the best NLUs and law colleges in the country. With a few months left for the CLAT Exam 2026, there is nothing to panic about. In this article we bring forward to you ultimate step-by-step CLAT 2026 preparation guide. CLAT 2026 Exam Date has been announced. The CLAT Exam Date is December 7, 2025
Latest Update: CLAT 2026 Admit Card (UG/PG) LIVE: Direct Link CLAT Hall Ticket Active Soon @consortiumofnlus.ac.in
This article covers:
- How to prepare for CLAT 2026 from scratch
- Best books for CLAT 2026 preparation
- Daily study timetable for CLAT 2026 aspirants
- Section-wise strategy (Legal, GK, Logic, English, Quant)
- Mistakes to avoid and mock test tips
Read further to know more.
- What is CLAT 2026?
- How to Start CLAT 2026 Preparation from Scratch
- What are the best book for CLAT 2026 Preparation (Section-Wise)
- Also Read: CLAT 2026 Sample Papers PDF (Out) - Past Years' Free Sample Paper Download Link
- CLAT Mock Papers
- Final Tips to Crack CLAT 2026 from Scratch
What is CLAT 2026?
Explore colleges based on CLAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT 2026) is the national-level entrance exam for UG law programs at 26 NLUs including NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS. Except NLU Delhi, admissions to all other NLUs are done through CLAT Exam.
CLAT 2026 Question Paper will have five sections, i.e. English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The CLAT PG exam covers Constitutional Law and other legal subjects such as Jurisprudence, Torts, IPC, CrPC, CPC, Family Law, and IPR.
| Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Date |
07-Dec-2025
|
| Exam Mode |
Offline (Pen-Paper) |
| Duration |
2 Hours
|
| Total Questions |
120 |
| Subjects |
English, Legal Reasoning, GK, Logic, Quant
|
Also Read: CLAT 2026 Official website: Important Information, Check CLAT Consortium Official Site
Explore more Law exams with upcoming dates
4 Feb '26
5 Feb '26
15 Dec '25 - 16 Feb '26
27 Feb '26
28 Feb '26
28 Jan '26 - 22 Mar '26
15 Nov '25 - 23 Mar '26
3 Mar '26 - 31 Mar '26
10 Feb '26 - 1 Apr '26
How to Start CLAT 2026 Preparation from Scratch
It is never too late to start preparing for CLAT Exam if you are determined to work hard and give your best. It is important to thoroughly understand the CLAT Syllabus 2026 first. Read further to know step-by-step guide to start CLAT preparation from the beginning.
Step 1: Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Before you begin, know what to expect:
CLAT 2026 Subjects and Weightage
| Section Approx. |
Questions |
Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 28–32 |
25% |
|
| 28–32 |
25% |
|
| 22–26 |
20% |
|
| 22–26 |
20% |
|
| 10–12 |
10% |
Focus more on comprehension-based practice. All sections are passage-based.
Step 2: Follow a 5-Month Study Plan
With only five months left for CLAT Exam. Candidates who are starting CLAT preparation in July can utilise the following study-plan to crack CLAT 2026 in first attempt.
Month-Wise Study Plan:
| Month |
Focus Area |
What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| July |
Build Basics |
Vocabulary, Legal Terms, GK habits |
| August |
Start doing sectional practice |
Practice Logic, Legal and Reading Daily |
| September |
Start practicing mock tests |
Make you practice mock tests daily keeping the duration in mind |
| October |
Start revising and practicing full length mock tests |
Note down your weak areas while attempting mock tests. Work on topics in which you are scoring low |
| Nov-Dec |
Final Revision |
Work on your speed, analyse which section you are putting more time, boost your GK section |
Also Read: How to clear CLAT 2026 in first attempt?
Step 3: Follow a Daily Study Timetable
To prepare for any exam it is very important to have a time table in mind. To help you as a beginner we have framed a daily CLAT 2026 study schedule below:
| Time |
Subject |
|---|---|
| 1 hour |
Legal Reasoning Section (2 passages/ day) |
| 45 minutes |
Current Affairs + GK revision |
| 30 minutes |
Vocabulary + English comprehension |
| 30 minutes |
Logical Reasoning practice |
| 30 minutes |
Quant (basic math + graph-based Qs)
|
| Practice full-length mock test |
Every Weekend |
Also Read:
- Synonyms & Antonyms for Law Entrance 2026: List of Most Commonly Asked Words
- Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning
What are the best book for CLAT 2026 Preparation (Section-Wise)
Candidates always get confused while choosing books to prepare for CLAT 2026. While there is no scarcity of books to study for CLAT Exam, here we have listed the top books for CLAT 2026:
| Subject |
CLAT 2026 Book Recommendation |
|---|---|
| CLAT Logical Reasoning |
· A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal · Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal · Analytical Reasoning (English) by MK Pandey · A New Approach to Verbal and Analytical Reasoning by Arihant |
| CLAT Legal Reasoning |
· Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by Pearson · Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning by AP Bhardwaj · Objective Legal Aptitude by RS Aggarwal |
| · Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant Publications · 30 days wonder for Maths by S Chand · Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Pearson's · Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal |
|
| CLAT GK & Current Affairs |
· General Knowledge 2025, 2024, and 2023 by Arihant Publications · Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant Publications · Manorama Year Book by Manorama Publications · General Knowledge 2025-2026 by Lucent’s · General Knowledge 2025-2026 by Tarun Goyal |
| CLAT English |
· Objective General English 2025 by SP Bakshi · Objective General English 2025 by RS Aggarwal · The Pearson Guide to the CLAT by Pearson's · Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis · CLAT Guide by Tata McGraw-Hill |
Also Read: CLAT 2026 Sample Papers PDF (Out) - Past Years' Free Sample Paper Download Link
CLAT Mock Papers
The Consortium shares the online mock tests for CLAT 2026 UG and PG exams. However, it starts mock test by September onwards. But, to help you prepare well Shiksha has created CLAT Free Mock Tests. Candidates can practice and get ready for the upcoming CLAT Exam 2026. Check the table below to access Shiksha’s free CLAT Mocks for practice:
| Clat Mock Test 1 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 2 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 3 |
CLAT Mock Test Set 3 Solutions |
| CLAT Mock Test Set 4 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 5 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 6 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 7 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 8 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 9 Solutions |
|
| CLAT Mock Test Set 10 Solutions |
Final Tips to Crack CLAT 2026 from Scratch
- Practice 100+ legal reasoning passages before the exam
- Read news daily and revise monthly current affairs
- Attempt at least 30–40 full-length mocks
- Keep a notebook for mistakes, revise every week
- Stay confident. CLAT rewards smart strategy, not rote learning
Q1. Can I prepare for CLAT 2026 without coaching?
As per the experience shared by toppers, it is very much possible to clear CLAT without Coaching and just by self-study. Consistency matters more than classes.
Q2. Is 6 months enough to crack CLAT 2026?
Yes, 6 months are enough to prepare for CLAT 2026. If you ensure that you study 4–5 hours daily with focused mock test practice and revision.
Q3. How many hours should I study daily?
Candidates who are in Class 12th must ensure that they study minimum 3-4 hours a day. However, aspirants who have dropped an year for the preparation are advised to spend 5-6 hours since they don’t have to worry for board exam.
Q4. When should I start mock tests?
Aspirants must ensure that they start with section-wise, then full-length at least two months before the exam.
Read More:
She has over 10 years of experience in the education and publishing sectors. She specialises in exam coverage and content creation. At Shiksha, she writes, analyses, and presents information for students preparing f
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
4 Feb '26 | AILET Third Provisional Merit ... |
5 May '26 | AILET Fourth Provisional Merit... |
8 Jun '25 | LSAT India 2025 May Session Re... |
May '25 | LSAT India 2025 May Exam |
Feb '26 | ULSAT 2026 Admit Card |
20 Jan '26 | ULSAT 2026 Applications (3-yea... |
Apr '26 | RULET 2026 Application Process |
May '26 | RULET 2026 Correction Window |
8 Jan '26 - 13 Feb '26 | MH CET Law 2026 Application (f... |
9 Jan '26 - 14 Feb '26 | MH CET Law 2026 Application (f... |
Jul '23 | LFAT 2023 Declaration of Resul... |
1 Jun '23 - 7 Jun '23 | LFAT 2023 Reserved Exam Dates |
Feb '26 | ACLAT Exam 2026 |
1 Oct '25 | ACLAT 2025 Application |
29 Jan '26 - 9 Apr '26 | PU UGLAW 2026 Online Registrat... |
Apr '26 | PU UGLAW 2026 last date of fee... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
The 'exit' from CLAT counselling means leave the counselling process; and the student will not be considered for further rounds. This option allows candidates to withdraw from the admission process entirely at any time after registration. If a seat was previously allocated and accepted (via Freeze/F
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
Freeze option in CLAT Counselling means accept the NLU seat, lock it, and opt-out of the upgrade process. In this case, the fee becomes non-refundable and has to be paid before the last date. The candidate is removed from the counseling process for future rounds.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, the CLAT counselling fee is refundable if no seat is allotted or if a student withdraws before the final date. A penalty of INR 5,000 may be applied if a seat is frozen and later withdrawn after May 30th.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
There will be a total of 5 rounds for CLAT 2026. Students who make it to the merit list and who receive an invitation via email/SMS can register and pay the counselling fee. Students have to pay a fee of INR 30,000 for General and INR 20,000 for ST/SC/OBC/BC/EWS/PwD, for CLAT examination.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
The GNLU Silvassa CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released for round 2 for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and Master of Law (LL.M.) programme. The cutoff was released for various categories under both the All India and Home State quotas.
The NLU Silvassa CLAT Cutoff 2026 for round 2 was 1264 for BA LLB (Hons) course and 1
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The NLU Sonipat CLAT Cutoff 2026 is out for round 2 for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota candidates. The cutoff was released for admission to the B.A. LL.B and Master of Legislative Laws (LL.M.) courses.
For the LLM course, the General AI category cutoff was 2349 in r
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The NLU Shimla CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released for round 2 for multiple categories under both the All India and Home State quota. The cutoff was out in the form of opening and closing ranks.
For the General HS category, the cutoff was 11211 for the B.A LL.B (Hons.) course, and 16167 for B.B.A.LL.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The NLU Jabalpur CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released for round 2 for admission to BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses. The cutoff was released for all categories under the All India and Home State quota.
For the General AI category, the round 2 cutoff for BA LLB (Hons) course was 1789. For LLM courses, it was
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
The NLU Assam CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released for admission to the LL.M. LL.B. (Hons.) and LLM courses for round 2. The cutoff was released for various categories under both the All India and Home State quotas.
For the OBC AI category, the cutoff ranged from 2430 to 3669, wherein the LLM course a
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
NLU Assam CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released till round 2 for admission to BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota.
For the SC AI category, the round closing ranks ranged between 4884 and 11777, for the LLM and BA LLB (Hons) courses, respect
N
Contributor-Level 10
CLAT Notifications
The CLAT Topper List will be released along with the CLAT 2026 Result. It must be noted that the admission to the NLU will be given based on the preference choosen by the candidate while filling the application form.