How to prepare for CLAT in 3 months? Know strategy, books and more

CLAT is one of the most competitive law entrance exam, and candidates need to devote their time sufficiently to surpass cutoff marks. Know here the tips to prepare for CLAT in just 3 months with the main emphasis on exam pattern and syllabus. 

3 months for CLAT Preparation

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)  will be conducted on December 7, 2025. For qualifying CLAT exam 2026 with maximum marks, candidates have to prepare exhaustively, but in a strategic manner. They can also prepare for CLAT 2026 in just three months by following a plan. Therefore, while preparing for CLAT 2026, candidates were required to ensure a few things to score above cutoff marks, such as:

1. Being well-informed about CLAT exam pattern
2. Knowing the subjects and syllabus for CLAT
3. Referring the best books as recommended for CLAT 
4. Attempting CLAT past year question papers and mock tests

Apart from the key factors, candidates should know some keys tips to get a good rank in CLAT 2026 in the remaining time.

Step 1 - Knowing the CLAT 2026 pattern

A few important points regarding CLAT exam pattern to keep in mind include:

• Passage-based questions in all sections of the CLAT paper
• The total number of questions is 120 objective-type questions 
• There is no change in the mode and language of the exam, that is, it remains a paper-based test and will be in English medium only
• The duration of the exam will be two hours, i.e. from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
• The sectional weightage of the CLAT 2026 exam is expected to be as under:

Candidates can relax a bit, as the Consortium’s motive in changing the exam pattern of CLAT was to make it convenient for the candidates. There will be comprehensive questions, therefore, the candidates should focus on improving their English reading skills, comprehension skills, grammar and vocabulary to increase the speed of attempting the examination.

Current affairs including General Knowledge – Candidates will find passages based on news, journalistic sources and other non-fiction writings. Moreover, the section will also cover legal information and knowledge besides contemporary events in India and the world, arts and culture, world affairs as well as historical events.

Legal Reasoning – The section will be based on legal matters, public policy questions or moral philosophical enquiries. There will be passages followed by questions on general awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues.

Logical Reasoning – The section carries passages of around 300 words based on relationships, analogies, logical sequences and arguments. Candidates will have to critically analyse the arguments, the pattern of reasoning, identify contradictions and  attempt the questions.

Quantitative Techniques – The questions will be based on short sets of facts, propositions, graphs, pictorials, textuals or diagrammatic representations of numerical data and candidates will be required to attempt MCQs by deriving, inferring and manipulating the numerical data.

Step 3 – Best books to refer

Aspirants should get subject-specific books for all the sections of the CLAT question paper. Listed below are the books for CLAT preparation:

Besides, there are preparation books for CLAT based on the new pattern as under:

• Self Study Guide CLAT 2025 by Arihant Experts
• CLAT 2024-2025 Grand Masters Box by LegalEdge Tutorials
• CLAT New Pattern Passage Based Question Bank with Past Questions By Disha Experts

Candidates need not buy all the books available for CLAT 2026 preparation but the ones that are based on new pattern. CLAT books carrying passages based on objective questions for English, Elementary Mathematics, Legal Aptitude and Reasoning, Current Affairs and General Knowledge will be the best source of preparation. 

Step 4 – Attempting CLAT question paper and mock tests

To complete preparation, candidates need to attempt the CLAT question papers (past two years) conducted as per the latest exam pattern. Apart from last year's paper, candidates should attempt other previous year CLAT question papers to get a hang of the type of questions that are typically asked in the exam.  

Candidates should also take CLAT mock tests based on the new pattern. This will help them in enhancing test-taking skills as well as giving an analysis of their preparation. As per exam experts, candidates should take at least three to four mock tests in a week. After taking the mock test, candidates should focus on the key areas that need preparation.

Key Tips for CLAT 2026 Preparation

Some other tips that candidates should keep in mind while preparing for each section of the CLAT exam include:

• To ace reading comprehension questions, practice, practice and practice
• Develop a daily habit of reading
• Develop the habit of reading reputed newspapers such as The Hindu as it will help you make your reading comprehension skills better
• Maintain a separate notebook for each section and make short notes while studying
• Create a rigid time-table for yourself and stick to it
• Maintain balance by giving sufficient time to proper sleep and food
• Remove any scope of procrastination if you wish to be among the CLAT toppers
• Do not rely on last-minute study if you wish to crack the exam
• Do not completely ignore any sectionas it can lead to degrade your chances of clearing the exam
• Solve CLAT Sample Papers

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