By starting your CLAT preparation in Class 11, you give yourself ample time to master the subjects, develop test-taking strategies, and build the confidence needed to excel in the exam. With consistent effort, a well-structured study plan, and the right resources, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a seat in one of the top NLUs. Read further to know more.
Are you preparing for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) from Class 11 is a a smart move that can give you an advantage. CLAT Exam 2026 will be held on December 7, 2025. If you start your CLAT preparation in Class 11 that will give you enough time to master the subjects and build confidence. All you need is a good plan and it can really improve your chances of securing a seat in one of the National Law Universities. We have given a detailed guide on how to prepare for CLAT from class 11:
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Latest Updates: CLAT Application 2026 (Closing SOON) LIVE: Apply Online for CLAT UG/PG & Form Correction
The candidates can clear the CLAT in the first attempt if they prepare and approach the CLAT exam with the right strategy. The candidates should solve as many previous year question papers to understand the level of their preparation. If you are dedicated and prepared well, it is highly possible that you can clear the exam in first attempt.
As per NIRF ranking 2025, NLSIU Bangalore emerged to be as the No. 1 ranked NLU colleges in India. Listed below are the other NLUs in India along with their top NLU in India rank wise 2025:
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.
CLAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
It is important to understand the CLAT exam pattern and syllabus first. The CLAT exam will have following five sections:
- English Language: Do cover and practice passages, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge: Try to cover as many recent events, general knowledge, and static GK.
- Legal Reasoning: No direct legal questions are asked but the exam will test your legal concepts, principles, and their application.
- Logical Reasoning: It is basically to test your analytical and logical thinking knowledge
- Quantitative Techniques: Do cover arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation.
CLAT 2026 Syllabus (Updated): Subjects and Weightage
Check the CLAT question paper pattern and CLAT syllabus to prepare well:
| Subjects |
Number of Questions |
Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs, including General Knowledge |
35-39 |
25% |
| 28-32 |
20% |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
28-32 |
20% |
| Quantitative Techniques |
13-17 |
10% |
| 35-39 |
25% |
|
| Total |
120 questions |
120 marks |
What your study-plan should look like
To help you plan properly we have given below an idea to move forwards:
Having a well-structured study plan is crucial when you start early. Here's how you can approach it:
Year 1 (Class 11):
- Work specifically on strengthening your base in each and every section. You should invest this year in just making your base strong in English, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
- Do make a habit to read atleast one newspaper or magazine daily. This will help you to stay up to date.
- Make sure you practice basic mathematics and upgrade your skills.
Year 2 (Class 12):
Since by now you have build a strong base, it's time to focus on more advanced topics. Invest your time to take regular mock test to understand the CLAT Exam Pattern. Make sure you revise daily of whatever you are learning. As the exam date comes near by, appear for more mock test. Try to track your time and how accurate you are able to solve your paper.
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.
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,

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Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Hi.
Level: Comparable overall. NLET may be slightly more analytical/legal-reasoning oriented.
Preparation Overlap: Preparing for CLAT will largely cover NLET syllabus, but you may need extra practice on complex legal reasoning questions for NLET.
Difficulty: Both are competitive; CLAT is high due to la
h
Scholar-Level 18
Answered Yesterday
Hi...
Colleges You Can Get With Your CLAT Rank (General Guide)
Since you didn’t mention your exact CLAT rank, here’s a helpful list of law colleges that accept CLAT scores, including National Law Universities (NLUs) and good non‑NLU options, including options for mid to higher ranks. All these accept
h
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 5 days ago
To raise grievances on the CLAT 2026 Result, log in to your account on the Consortium of NLUs website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in), find the 'Submit Grievance' button, detail your issue (score/rank discrepancy, conduct) with supporting proof within the specified time, and submit online; accepted grievan
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, you can. Candidates can raise their grievances by sending an email. Candidates can follow the steps given below
- Go to the consortiumofnlus.ac.in
- Login using your email
- Enter your password
- Click on the grievance option
- Submit
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, you can absolutely prepare for CLAT and UPES ULSAT together, as they share significant syllabus overlap (Legal/Logical Reasoning, GK, English, Quant), making integrated preparation efficient; focus on core areas for both but tailor extra practice for ULSAT's specific GK/current affairs and CLAT
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
You should understand that once you opt to get out of the counselling process you can not go back. You will get option to either freeze your seat or choose to let it go and participate in next round. You can anytime exit the whole process too.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
There is no restriction as such for the CLAT exam. Thus, one can give CLAT any number of times they want to. Candidates should not feel bad if they are not able to clear the CLAT exam in first time.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
No you can not get admission to 24 participating NLUs without clearing CLAT Exam. For admission to NLU Delhi, you need to clear AILET Exam.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can, However, the consortium will not open any objection window for the same. In case you have any problem with your result you have to contact the helpdesk directly.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Counselling - 17 Dec '25 - 27 Dec '25
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.