How to get a good rank in CLAT 2026? Prepare like a topper - Read here

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) 2026 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 2026 application 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

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. 

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. 

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.

Read More: 

• CLAT Exam Pattern
• CLAT Syllabus 
• CLAT Sample Papers (Past Years Question Papers)