How to get a good rank in CLAT 2026? Prepare like a topper - Read here
Common Law Admission Test 2027 ( CLAT )
CLAT 2027 online registrations
3 Aug '26 - 31 Oct '26
How to score like a topper or at least get a good rank in CLAT 2026? This article shares some tips to prepare like a top ranker for the upcoming law entrance exam.
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will be conducting the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) on December 7, 2025. Now, the candidates (including the law aspirants who could not secure a seat in CLAT 2025) can apply for the upcoming CLAT exam before deadline. However, the CLAT registration process is the first step towards admissions to NLUs, to be able to secure a seat in these law colleges, candidates need to qualify and secure a good rank in the CLAT exam. Moreover, a good rank in the CLAT exam ensures good scholarships from private law colleges offering admissions on the basis of CLAT scores.
Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning
When we discuss preparation tips with CLAT toppers, it is observed that they all follow a strategy, which is similar to the strategy followed by all other aspirants. However, below-mentioned preparation methods helped them stand out and score a top rank in CLAT exam:
- Self-study plan
- Effective methods of note making
- Performance/ Preparation Evaluation
- Mock-test practice
Self-study plan
You may be enrolled with a coaching institute for CLAT 2026 preparation, however, you will succeed with 90 per cent efforts from your end. Yes, all the candidates who secured top 10 ranks in CLAT exam in the past, shared that they put extra hours in self-studies along with coaching classes. Moreover, all the subjects of CLAT exam can only be prepared thoroughly with self-preparation. The coaching will help you in learning tricks and tips to attempt different types of questions in each section. If you decide to prepare for CLAT by yourself, then you can learn these tricks with online study material or preparation videos available on various platforms. Apart from this, you can make an effective self-study plan for CLAT 2026 as under:
- Scheduling - Subject-wise time table for conceptualisation, practice and evaluation.
- Performance and goal setting - Set monthly, weekly, as well as, daily goals for CLAT 2026 preparation with respect to time remaining till the exam day.
- Prioritization - Along with CLAT 2026, you must be planning to appear in upcoming exams like class 12 board exams, or entrance exams. Therefore, if your exclusive goal is to secure a good rank in CLAT 2026, and secure a seat in top NLUs then, you will have to prioritize your preparation goals accordingly. Many toppers applied for other entrance exams, as well as, appeared for Class 12 board examinations, but their priority was always to secure top rank in CLAT exam. They were able to achieve their goal favourably.
Commonly asked questions
Though CLAT Preparation takes months of practice, it is still not impossible. You can prepare for the CLAT Exam in one week with a correct and dedicated focus. But you should have at least some understanding of concepts to clear the exam.
Yes it is very much possible to clear the CLAT Exam in first go. You just need to be consistent and prepare well. Candidates must include attempting mock test and solving past years question paper in their study plan.
As per NIRF ranking 2025, NLSIU Bangalore is the No. 1 ranked NLU colleges in India. The table below has other NLUs in India rankwise.
Top NLUs in India | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 | NIRF 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 1 | |
2 | 2 | 2 | |
4 | 4 | 4 | |
7 | 8 | 5 | |
18 | 21 | 27 | |
24 | 22 | 30 | |
30 | 26 | 15 | |
28 | 27 | 35 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.
While it is bit challenging as its syllabus is not defined. Candidates can expect question on CLAT Current Affairs from anywhere. But if you do prepare well your chances to score high in this section also increases. The best way to prepare is to read the newspaper on a daily basis. Rest is to read GK books.
Effective methods of note making
Preparation for CLAT begins with planning and note making, so when a candidate starts taking classes, he/she should devise/ learn note-taking methods, which will be helpful during revision. Some of the highly effective methods for note taking that you can explore are:
- Mapping method
- Charting method
- Outlining method
- Cornell method
- Boxing method
You can either pick one method that you are most comfortable with or pick multiple to prepare different subjects for the CLAT question paper. The final goal is to score well in the CLAT exam, whichever (Fair) way. It is helpful to learn these methods even before you begin conceptualisation, as note-taking will begin thereafter.
Performance/ Preparation Evaluation
Without knowing where you stand, you cannot aim for a higher rank in CLAT 2026. It would be helpful to know the actual picture well in advance, as the exam is only a couple of months away. Many toppers shared that they did not expect a top rank in CLAT exam, rather they aimed for a certain score, which was accepted by their preferred NLU. This provided them with an additional boost and they leveled-up their preparation for the exam. Setting a high benchmark may not ensure you a good rank, rather knowing what you want and your preparation level will. Therefore, it is essential to know the CLAT cutoff for each institute, and aim for a rank accepted by your preferred NLU. Thereafter, prepare and regularly evaluate your performance as per the real-time exam.
Commonly asked questions
To prepare for this section which cover 10 percent marks of the total CLAT paper it is important to have a right approach. Candidates must note that you can score really well if you study the Class 19 level mathematics properly. Be regular and plan strategically rather than trying to learn advance maths,
The Legal Reasoning section in the CLAT exam checks your ability to apply logical legal principle to given situations. Some of the important topics are Law of Torts, Contract and Criminal Law, Legal Maxims, etc. Candidates must include practicing passage based legal cases to apply logic and memorise law related to them.
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Mock-test practice
CLAT consortium will be sharing mock-test practice papers in the next three months so that candidates can prepare for the exam day. You can include mock test practice papers as well as, analyse previous years' question papers into your self-study plan. Also, refer to the preparation books for CLAT that are exam pattern specific only.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Best CLAT Coaching institute in Faridabad in my experience is LegalEdge. I have myself experienced through their amazing demo classes and very experienced faculty.
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered Yesterday
I think the best CLAT coaching institute in Bangalore shouldn't be a direct decision. Take demo sessions from multiple centers and check for authentic results by the organisation with verifiable claims.
I did study from LegalEdge and know correctly about the recent results they have claimed. You can
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered Yesterday
LegalEdge as I found has launched their 3-year LLB preparation category as well. The working professionals can apply for the Law degree through LegalEdge and for Civil Judge preparation, you can try Judiciary Gold by Toprankers.
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 days ago
BA LLB is also a good course for future after complete the class 12th.Quantum University is one of the good university who provide the BA LLB and BBA LLB course with affordable with affordable fees as comparison to other university.Quantum University is a UGC, BCI, and PCI approved university.The pl
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
No you don't need to memorise every section. Focus on important concepts key provisions definitions and CLAT style application questions. Understanding legal principles is more important than memorising section numbers.
D
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No, both are different exams, but both are conducted nationwide. CUET LLB will be conducted by NTA, while CLAT 2027 will be conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, CLAT is generally considered more difficult than CUET as CLAT exam requires more intense reading and preparation. It also involves intense time pressure as candidates are required to read around 15,000 words across 30 passages before answering the questions.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Choose Commerce if you want an early foundation in business and finance for corporate law, or Arts (Humanities) if you prefer subjects that align closely with reading comprehension and current affairs for the CLAT exam.
Both streams make you fully eligible for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Ministry of Education can release the NLUs NIRF Ranking soon on its official website. There is no time line announced by the ministry in this regard.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
NLSIU Bengaluru, which has held the top spot in the Law category every year since NIRF introduced it in 2018.
R
Contributor-Level 7
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
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