Students' Speak: CLAT exam pattern and marking scheme

By: Teena P Bajaj

Study plan differs from person to person. As per your own interest, make the timetable. Last-minute revision can only be done if you have proper written notes handy.

Like in other competitive exams, Common Law Entrance Test(CLAT) have different books and online study material that is usually used to prepare for the examination. But the most authentic source is the books by Universal Publications. They give all the topics in a particular order and the practice questions attached to it. It also includes past year questions not just of CLAT examination but also of other entrance tests. Others are the online sources that will keep you updated with the current happenings all around the world. These are the basic sources through which one can prepare for CLAT. 

Back in 2018, the system was that an online test used to be conducted of 200 questions. During that time some technical issue arose. So I think because of that now they have converted it into an offline test wherein an OMR sheet would be used to answer the questions. The number of questions have also decreased from 200 to 120-150. The board thought that it's unfair to students that they are given only 120 mins to solve 200 questions. So this is the current update about the pattern. 

There is negative marking also of 0.25 marks. So it's better to attempt those questions in which one is confident. As per my experience, one should go with logical reasoning and English first because they have certain answers. One can even take mathematics if one feels confident about that. In other topics ambiguity is there. So wasting marks in those topics is not of use. If you get one wrong,  your 0.25 marks are deducted. So not taking this risk, one should attempt only those questions about which one is sure. 

There should be a proper timetable made and followed in order to attain a good score. Study plan differs from person to person. As per your own interest, make the timetable. Last-minute revision can only be done if you have proper written notes handy. This makes the person more confident. Before entering the hall one must take care that his/ her mind is calm. Revising just before the exam is not advisable. 

These are some key points one should Keep in mind before he/ she get into the hall.

About the Author:

Teena P Bajaj is a student at the Faculty of Law of Maharaja Sayajirao University. She is pursuing a degree course in Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Legislative Law (BA LLB).