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:
- Being well-informed about CLAT exam pattern
- Knowing the subjects and syllabus for CLAT
- Referring the best books as recommended for CLAT
- 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
- Step 2 – Knowing the subjects
- Step 3 – Best books to refer
- Step 4 – Attempting CLAT question paper and mock tests
- Key Tips for CLAT 2026 Preparation
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:
| Sections |
Questions weightage |
Marks weightage |
|---|---|---|
| 28 - 32 MCQs |
28 - 32 marks |
|
| 35 - 39 MCQs |
35 - 39 marks |
|
| Quantitative Techniques (Elementary mathematics up to class 10th standard) |
13 - 17 MCQs |
13 - 17 marks |
| 35 - 39 MCQs |
35 - 39 marks |
|
| 28 - 32 MCQs |
28 - 32 marks |
|
| Total Questions |
150 MCQs |
150 marks |
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.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The CLAT Topper List will be released along with the CLAT 2027 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.
Step 2 – Knowing the subjects
The other important aspect in CLAT preparation is to know the topics to cover in each section of the question paper. CLAT syllabus will be of Class 12 level except for Quantitative Techniques, which will be of Class 10 Mathematics. All the sections will carry passages of around 300-450 words. Check below the detailed syllabus for the same:
English language – The section will carry questions based on an understanding of the passage, theme, and meanings of words used in the passage. Candidates will be required to read and comprehend the passages of contemporary, historically significant fiction and non-fiction writing to answer them.
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:
| Book name |
Author/ Publisher |
|---|---|
| Objective General English |
RS Aggarwal |
| General Knowledge Yearbook 2024-2025 |
Manorama |
| Lawmann’s Passage Based Questions For CLAT & Other Entrance Examinations |
Neeraj Kumar |
| 30 Days Wonder for Maths |
S Chand’s |
| Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning |
AP Aggarwal |
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.
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
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.
Explore more Law exams with upcoming dates
22 Apr '26 - 5 Jun '26
6 Jun '26
14 Jun '26
1 Nov '25 - 15 Jun '26
19 Jun '26
12 Jul '26
5 Jun '26
9 Jun '26
10 Jun '26
14 Aug '26
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
Read More:
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jun '26 | AILET 2027 Official Notificati... |
Aug '26 | AILET 2027 Registration |
8 Jun '25 | LSAT India 2025 May Session Re... |
May '25 | LSAT India 2025 May Exam |
1 May '26 - 3 May '26 | ULSAT 2026 Exam Date |
15 Dec '25 - 29 Apr '26 | ULSAT 2026 Applications (5-yea... |
30 Apr '26 | SLS Hyderabad third merit list |
10 Apr '26 | SLS Noida third merit list |
Jul '26 | RULET 2026 Admission/ Counsell... |
Jul '26 | RULET 2026 Admission & Cutoff ... |
10 Jun '26 | MH CET Law 2026 Result (5-Year... |
27 May '26 | MH CET Law 2026 Result (3-Year... |
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 |
Jun '26 | Last date for submission of ha... |
Jun '26 | PU UGLAW Tentative Merit List ... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
No, CLAT is not compulsory to take admission in the law courses at Innovative Institute of Law. Candidates are shortlisted based on merit achieved in last qualifying exam. However, the institute accepts CLAT score as well.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
To check the merit list for NLU Silvassa, students can refer to the list of pointers below.
- Go to the official Consortium of NLUs website.
- Click on the CLAT OPTION in the top-right corner
- Scroll down to the notification section
- Check the merit list for all courses at the UG and PG levels.
Students shou
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
To get a seat at GNLU Silvassa for the UG and PG-level law courses, students have to appear for the CLAT entrance examination and then the counselling process to be considered eligible for admission.
The GNLU Silvassa CLAT cutoff 2026 was concluded after 5 rounds of seat allotment for the above-ment
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you could get into GNLU Silvassa with a 4000 rank if you belong to the SC AI category. For this category, the overall cutoff range was 2843 to 8902. Hence, a rank of 4000 could get you a seat at this institute.
Students can see the table below to know the last round closing ranks for available
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
GNLU Silvassa CLAT cutoff 2026 concluded after the release of the final round of seat allotment for the BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses. The cutoff was out for several AI and HS quota categories.
For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 336 to 1500 for both courses, with LLM course
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
To get a seat at Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University for the BA LLB and LLM courses, students have to first appear for the CLAT entrance exam and then sit for the CLAT counselling process to be considered eligible for admission to the above-mentioned courses.
The NLU Sonepat CLAT cutoff 2026 was
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, you could get into NLU Sonepat with a CLAT rank of 300 if you belong to the OBC AI category.
For this category, the overall cutoff ranged from 3409 to 4684 for the BA LLB and LLM courses. Students can refer to the table below to know the first and last round closing ranks for this category.
| Course | Round 1 | Last Round |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. LL.B. | 3409 | 3780 |
| Master of Legislative Laws (LL.M.) | 3526 | 4684 |
Not
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
To know how to check the merit list for NLU Sonepat admission to the UG and PG-level courses, see below:
- Go to the official Consortium of NLUs portal.
- Click on the CLAT option on the top bar.
- Find the merit list declared for UG and PG programmes.
- Candidates can also log in to the CLAT portal to access
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
To get into HPNLU for the BA LLB (Hons), LLM and BBA LLB (Hons) courses, students have to first appear for the CLAT entrance examination, followed by its counselling process. Only those students who appear for the counselling process are considered eligible for admission.
The HPNLU CLAT cutoff 2026
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
The NLU Shimla CLAT cutoff 2026 was released for both the SC All India and the SC Home State quota. The cutoff was out for admission to the BBA LLB (Hons), LLM and BA LLB (Hons) courses.
For the ST AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 4544 in the first round to 13896 in the last round. As per
N
Contributor-Level 10
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 Bio