
CLAT 2026 Preparation Tips: For any law aspirant, achieving a high score in CLAT and securing admission to one of the top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR is a dream. The CLAT Exam Date has not been announced yet. However, it is expected to conduct the CLAT Exam 2026 on December 7, 2025.
Having a structured study plan using the best CLAT preparation tips is crucial. Aspirants should prepare a section-wise study plan that includes solving sample papers, taking mock tests, and developing a strategy for each section. Without top-tier preparation, candidates will struggle to attain a rank high enough to gain entry to the top NLUs. The CLAT 2026 Exam Dates will be announced along with the official CLAT Notification 2026.
Read further to know how to prepare for CLAT 2026, including details about the exam pattern and syllabus, and get all major information about CLAT 2026 preparation tips.
Also Read: How to prepare for CLAT in 6 months: Tips, Tricks & Study Plan for CLAT 2026
Also Read:
The ideal time to start preparing for the CLAT exam varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as your familiarity with the subject, the level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, and the amount of time and effort you can devote to the preparation. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that you start preparing for the exam at least 6-8 months before the exam date. This will give you sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus, revise the important topics, solve mock tests and previous year papers, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are already familiar with the subject and have a good understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, you can start preparing for the exam 3-4 months before the exam date. However, if you are new to the subject or need to improve your understanding of the topics, you may need to start preparing earlier. It is important to note that the CLAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and the level of competition is increasing every year. Therefore, it is important to start preparing early and stay consistent with your preparation. With a focused approach and consistent effort, you can increase your chances of qualifying for the CLAT exam.
To crack CLAT on your first attempt, understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Create a structured study plan, allocating time to all sections: English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. Focus on improving reading comprehension by reading newspapers like The Hindu daily. Practice mock tests regularly to build speed, accuracy, and time management. Use quality study materials, solve previous years' papers, and revise important topics often. Stay consistent, set realistic milestones, and analyze your performance after each mock. Lastly, take care of your health, remain confident, and approach the exam with a calm and focused mindset.
To score 100% in CLAT 2026, master the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Create a structured study plan focusing on Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, English, and Quantitative Techniques. Read newspapers like The Hindu daily for current affairs and improve reading comprehension. Practice mock tests regularly to build speed, accuracy, and time management skills. Analyze your mistakes in mocks and work on weak areas. Solve previous years' question papers to understand trends. Revise key concepts frequently and maintain concise notes. Stay disciplined, consistent, and positive, ensuring you avoid burnout and perform confidently on exam day.
- CLAT 2026 Preparation Plan
- CLAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Section-Wise CLAT Preparation Strategy 2026
- Important Section-wise CLAT Books 2026
- CLAT Question Papers
- CLAT Free Mock Test by SHIKSHA
- How to Prepare for CLAT without Coaching?
- CLAT Exam Analysis
- CLAT Topper Interviews
- How to Prepare for CLAT in 1 Month?
- How to Prepare for CLAT in 1 Week?
- CLAT Exam Day Tips - Dos & Don'ts
- Important FAQs related to CLAT Preparation 2026
CLAT 2026 Preparation Plan
A basic preparation plan for CLAT 2026 should have been as mentioned below:
While the CLAT exam pattern was overhauled in 2020, the difficulty level of the paper was increased. Therefore, it is important to have a proper CLAT preparation plan in mind before starting with the study. The preparation plan for CLAT 2026 can be as under:
- Knowing the CLAT syllabus and understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme well.
- Gathering the best books for CLAT preparation along with other study materials, such as sample and previous year question papers.
- Analyzing strong and weak subjects from the syllabus.
- Making a well-thought-out CLAT study plan and adhering to it.
- Practicing previous year CLAT question papers.
- Revison revison, and revison.
Also Read:
CLAT Maths Questions 2026 | CLAT Logical Reasoning Questions 2026 | CLAT English Questions 2026 |
Download and Practice CLAT question papers from the table below:
Also Read: Last 17 years CLAT Question Papers With Answers free PDF Download
Commonly asked questions
CLAT is one of the highly competitive law exam and is considered to be one of the toughest exams to clear. However, aspirants should not worry, as with the right preparation and attitude you can definitely ace in the CLAT exam. The toppers of CLAT have suggested that aspirants should trust NCERT books and a habit to read newspaper daily to crack the exam. The difficulty level of CLAT paper is usually moderate. For complete insights on CLAT paper difficulty level, check analysis for current and previous years above.
Preparing for CLAT alongside board exams requires smart time management and a balanced approach. Allocate specific hours daily for CLAT preparation, focusing on sections like Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and English. Use weekends and holidays for mock tests and revising weaker areas. Prioritize board exam studies during school hours and focus on CLAT during free time. Stay consistent by following a daily schedule and avoid procrastination. Read newspapers like The Hindu for current affairs and comprehension skills. Solve previous years' CLAT papers for practice. Lastly, stay calm, maintain a healthy routine, and balance both exams with confidence.
For last-minute CLAT preparation, focus on revision and strengthening weak areas. Prioritize high-weightage sections like Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs. Revise important legal principles, formulas, and practice reading comprehension. Take short mock tests to gauge your speed and improve time management. Focus on accuracy over the number of questions attempted. Don't start new topics; instead, revise notes and previous year papers to familiarize yourself with the pattern. Stay updated with the latest current affairs. Keep calm, get enough sleep, and avoid burnout. Lastly, maintain a positive mindset and trust your preparation.
Coaching for the CLAT exam is not mandatory but can be beneficial depending on your preparation style and requirements. Here's a breakdown:
When Coaching is Beneficial:
Structured Guidance: Coaching institutes provide a systematic approach to cover the syllabus and focus on high-weightage topics.
Expert Mentorship: Experienced faculty can clarify doubts and teach effective strategies for time management and problem-solving.
Mock Tests: Coaching centers offer mock tests and analysis tailored to the CLAT pattern.
Consistency: Regular classes help maintain discipline and consistency in preparation.
Self-Preparation Works If:
You are disciplined and can follow a well-planned schedule.
You have access to good study material, mock tests, and previous papers.
You're confident in your ability to self-analyze and improve.
Ultimately, coaching can supplement preparation, but success in CLAT depends on your dedication and consistent practice.
CLAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Before talking about the exam preparation, it is important to be well-versed with the syllabus and pattern of CLAT 2026. Check important highlights for the CLAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus below:
CLAT Exam Pattern 2026
With no changes announced to the exam pattern, the CLAT question paper will consist of 120 objective-type questions, each carrying one mark, making a total of 120 marks. The exam featured reading comprehension passages followed by related questions. It was conducted offline in a pen-and-paper format, with a total duration of two hours. Check the important highlights of the CLAT exam pattern below:
Particulars | CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights |
---|---|
Exam mode |
Offline |
Exam duration |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
Test language |
English |
Type of questions |
Comprehension-based MCQs |
Exam subjects |
5 (English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques) |
Total questions |
120 |
Maximum marks |
120 |
Marking scheme |
+1 for a correct answer -0.25 for an incorrect answer |
CLAT Syllabus 2026
Check section-wise highlights for CLAT syllabus below:
CLAT Sections | CLAT Syllabus Highlights |
---|---|
English Language |
|
Current Affairs including General Knowledge |
|
Legal Reasoning |
|
Logical Reasoning |
|
Quantitative Techniques |
|
Also Read: Important topics to study from CLAT 2026 syllabus
Commonly asked questions
For the CLAT exam, focus on these key topics:
- Legal Reasoning: Focus on legal principles, criminal law, contracts, and constitutional law.
- English Language: Prioritize reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated on national and international news, legal developments, and important events from the last 12 months.
- Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, and deductive reasoning.
- Quantitative Techniques: Focus on basic arithmetic, data interpretation, percentages, ratios, and simple problems.
Concentrate on these areas, solve previous year papers, and take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Studying from Arihant and NCERT can be a solid foundation for CLAT preparation, but they might not be sufficient on their own. Arihant provides comprehensive practice for legal and logical reasoning, while NCERT is essential for building strong basics in subjects like English, History, and Constitutional Law. However, CLAT requires a higher level of application, so supplement your studies with current affairs from newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, mock tests, and previous year papers. To maximize your chances, integrate a mix of resources, including specialised CLAT guides and legal aptitude materials.
A good score in the CLAT exam depends on the competition and the number of seats available, but typically, a score above 100-105 can be considered competitive. For top NLUs like National Law School of India University (NLSIU), a score around 110-115 or higher is generally required for securing a seat. However, scoring above 95-100 puts you in a strong position for other NLUs. Keep in mind that cutoffs vary yearly based on factors like the difficulty of the exam and the number of candidates. Aim for a score that places you well above the general cutoff for your desired NLU.
While NCERT textbooks are great for building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, and Constitutional Law, they are not enough to clear CLAT 2026 on their own. The CLAT syllabus requires a deeper understanding of topics like Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Advanced Logical Reasoning, which may not be fully covered by NCERT alone. To excel in CLAT, you need to supplement your studies with specialised CLAT preparation books, mock tests, newspapers for current affairs, and previous year papers. NCERT should be part of your preparation, but not the only resource.
Section-Wise CLAT Preparation Strategy 2026
Ideally, you should allocate ample time to prepare for each section of the CLAT exam. The amount of time you spend should depend on your strengths and weaknesses in each subject and the level of effort you wish to invest. However, it is crucial to prepare all sections thoroughly. Here are some tips for preparing for each section of the CLAT exam:
CLAT Preparation for English Section
This section aims to test the comprehension, analytical, grammar and vocabulary skills of candidates. You will be required to correct the incorrect grammatical sentences, fill in the blanks with appropriate words, etc. The difficulty level of the questions will be of Class 12. Some of the important topics that you should prepare for English section of the CLAT exam include Grammar, Vocabulary, Antonyms/Synonyms, Word Meanings and Idioms and Phrases.
This section of the CLAT question paper cannot be attempted by cramming up the syllabus, it needs to be prepared consistently. You can prepare for the section by following the tips given below:
- Read newspapers: Read some good newspapers and magazines daily. While reading, do not forget to go through the editorial section of the paper. It is the most important part of a newspaper as it helps develop opinions about a topic, which will further help you understand the arguments and statements laid out in the passage.
- Have discussions: Engage in regular discussions with your peers or study group. You can discuss a particular passage from the CLAT English section and try to figure out the main theme, arguments and conclusions set out in the passage together.
- Practice grammar: To improve your English grammar, it is must that you practice, practice and practice. You do not need to pick up any fancy book but can just start from any good Class 10 grammar book.
- Improve vocabulary: Improving English vocabulary needs consistent effort and practice. You can improve it by finding and memorising the meaning of any new word that you come across while reading a book or newspaper.
How to Attempt Questions?
- Usually a passage will have one point followed by arguments and statements. Try to identify the main point being made in the passage.
- Once done, try to extract information related to Who, What, Why, When and Where from the passage
- Pay close attention vocabulary questions. They will be of two types - one, asking the simple meaning of a word/phrase and two, asking the meaning of a word/phrase in the context of the passage.
- Pay attention to the wordings used in the questions. Sometimes, the language can be twisted to judge your reading comprehension skills
Also Read: CLAT 2026 preparation strategy & tips to attempt questions in English Language Section
CLAT Preparation for Current Affairs including GK Section
The section can be prepared easily if you regularly keep a track of all news and events around the world and of national importance. You should follow all the controversial stories and legal judgements regarding current events. Apart from this, you should increase your awareness about general knowledge related to personalities & events, awards & recognitions, History and Art & Culture.
Listed below are some newspapers, magazines and apps that you can refer to keep your GK and Current Affairs up to date:
- Newspapers - The Hindu, GK Today, The Telegraph, Economic Times
- Magazines - The Chronicles, Outlook India, India Today
- Apps - Twitter, Inshorts, Business Insider
How to Attempt Questions?
- Make sure of reading the entire passage before attempting the questions. While doing so, try to pick clues about the answers to the questions
- Try to find out the main theme of the passage
- Make sure of reading all the four given options before answering a particular question
Also Read: CLAT Preparation 2026: How to attempt questions in Current Affairs & GK section?
CLAT Preparation for Legal Reasoning Section
CLAT Legal Reasoning is one of the highest weightage sections of the exam and thus should not be taken lightly. The section will include reading passages of about 450 words on legal matters, public policy questions and moral philosophical enquiries. The best way to master this section is by improving your reading and analytical skills. For the same, you can follow the preparation strategy mentioned below:
- Spend about two to three hours everyday in reading good newspapers, magazines and blogs related to static and current legal issues
- Go through all the important cases decided in last one year, all the new amendments and enactments done in the parliament and all other contemporary issues
How to Attempt Questions?
- Read the passage and identify the principles and facts set out in it
- Break down the principle into smaller parts to gain better understanding of the passage
- Pay close attention to the small tweaks in the facts that can have a big impact on the outcome of a question
- Avoid applying any pre-existing knowledge of laws as it can lead to errors
Also Read: CLAT Preparation 2026: How to attempt questions in Legal Reasoning section?
CLAT Preparation for Logical Reasoning Section
This section of the CLAT exam is closely related to English Language and Legal Reasoning sections. Therefore, you can adopt a similar preparation strategy as for English and Legal Reasoning. Some of the important topics to prepare for CLAT Logical Reasoning section include Logic Games, Syllogisms, Relationships and Analogies.
How to Attempt Questions?
- Carefully identify the premises and conclusions in the passage
- Thereafter, identify the overall theme or the main point being made in the passage
- Identify the set of arguments made in the passage
- Read each question carefully before attempting it
Also Read: CLAT Preparation 2026: How to attempt questions in Logical Reasoning section?
If you haven’t studied Mathematics in Class 11 and 12, it’s essential to review the basic fundamentals from the Class 10 syllabus. To cover the CLAT Mathematics syllabus, aim to understand one concept per day and practice with mock papers regularly. Although the section comprises only 13-17 questions, it includes negative marking for incorrect answers. Therefore, it's important to practice thoroughly, grasp challenging concepts, understand formulas, and use mock papers effectively. Allocate at least three months to build speed and accuracy. Key topics to focus on include Basic Algebra, Ratios and Proportions, Mensuration, and Statistics.
How to Attempt Questions?
- Analyse the graphical information carefully before attempting a question; remember the questions in the section will be more logic-based rather than formulae-based
- Keep your rough notes neet and handy so that you can refer them quickly if needed
Also Read: CLAT Preparation 2026: How to attempt questions in Quantitative Techniques section?
Commonly asked questions
In the CLAT exam, Legal Reasoning generally carries the maximum weightage, contributing around 35-39 questions. This section tests your ability to understand and apply legal principles in various scenarios, which is crucial for law aspirants. Next in importance is English Language, followed by Current Affairs, which includes general knowledge and legal updates. Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques also play significant roles but typically have fewer questions compared to Legal Reasoning. To score well, prioritize Legal Reasoning by practicing case-based questions and ensuring a solid understanding of legal principles.
To choose the best books for CLAT 2026, look for comprehensive, well-structured study material that covers the entire syllabus. Opt for books that focus on Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. Choose books with clear explanations and ample practice questions, such as Arihant's CLAT Guide for reasoning and legal sections, RS Aggarwal for logical reasoning, and Word Power Made Easy for English vocabulary. For Current Affairs, refer to monthly compilations and daily newspapers like The Hindu. Additionally, select books that provide mock tests and papers from previous years for better exam preparation.
Candidates are advised to give minimum one year to six months of preparation time to crack CLAT exam with high scores. CLAT is one of the most competitive law entrance exam, and candidates need to devote their time sufficiently to surpass cutoff marks. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 is expected to be held on December 7, 2025. For qualifying CLAT exam with maximum marks, candidates have to prepare exhaustively, but in a strategic manner.
One of the greatest challenges is to balance the preparation for CLAT with that of preparation for board exams. Here are a few tips to strike the right balance:
- Make a separate study plan for boards and CLAT exam - If you mix the two, it will be all messy and you will have a hard time figuring out which goes where or where you left off. Make weekly and monthly, and follow it up.
- Summer and winter vacations are ripe for exam preparation - As most of the classes are held offline, candidates can Add to that summer and winter vacations, and you get some free time to really dive into board and CLAT preparations.
- Some topics in CLAT carry more weightage; make sure that you pay special attention to these topics.
- For CLAT, make it a point to solve sample papers and previous years’ question papers. Closer to the exam, you will also have to take mock tests.
Important Section-wise CLAT Books 2026
Check out some important section-wise CLAT books for preparation:
CLAT Books for English Section
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- The Pearson Guide to the CLAT
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- CLAT Guide by Tata McGraw-Hill
CLAT Books for Current Affairs including GK Section
- Manorama Year Book
- General Knowledge 2023, 2022 by Arihant Publications
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
CLAT Books for Legal Reasoning Section
- Universal’s Guide to CLAT LLB Entrance Examination
- Pearson's Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning
- Pearson’s Guide to the CLAT
CLAT Books for Logical Reasoning Section
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
- Arihant’s A New Approach to Verbal and Analytical Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning (English) by MK Pandey
CLAT Books for Quantitative Techniques Section
- 30 days wonder for Maths by S Chand
- Pearson's Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
Commonly asked questions
The GK section carries a total 25 per cent weightage in the CLAT exam. Read below the best practices to follow to score well in GK section:
- You must be aware of the Daily Current Affairs in the area of the Economy, the Indian Constitution, Awards, sports, etc.
- Inculcate habit of reading the newspaper on a daily basis
- Static GK is also a part of the syllabus, but most of the questions are asked on the basis of the current affairs
- Try and read about various legal events and issues of the past
- Prepare your own notes. This will help you during your revision time
- Do not cram events. Try and understand why something happened and idea behind it
- Refer to as many Magazines, Newspapers, E-Newspapers, Blogs, etc., possible to be more aware of all the happenings worldwide
- Must watch news channels for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour per day
You can download the CLAT syllabus PDF from the official website of the CLAT Consortium. Here's how you can do it:
- Visit the official CLAT website: clatconsortiumofnlu.ac.in
- Navigate to the "Examination" section or look for the "Syllabus" link.
- Download the CLAT 2026 syllabus PDF from the available resources.
- Alternatively, many coaching institutes and educational websites also provide downloadable PDFs of the syllabus. Make sure to download the most recent syllabus from the official CLAT Consortium website for accuracy.
The CLAT exam is conducted only in English. All questions, including those in the sections like Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English Language, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques, are presented in English. Therefore, a strong grasp of the English language, particularly reading comprehension and vocabulary, is essential for success. While the exam is conducted in English, candidates can still answer the questions in the provided language of choice, but understanding the exam's language is crucial for clear comprehension and accurate answers. Preparing in English will give you an edge for the CLAT exam.
If you wish to score more than 25 marks in the English section, follow the guidelines given below while preparing for CLAT:
- Focus on enhancing your grammar and vocabulary
- Try not to study all topics in one go. Rather, study 2-3 topics a day and revise them daily
- Reading newspapers daily, preferably the Hindu, is a must
- In the grammar section, you must correct the given sentences' errors
- Work on grasping ability as it has to be high. This will improve only with daily practice
- Try and form different types of sentences from the new words you learned in a day
- Get familiar with sentence formation and word usage
- Learn at least 10-12 new antonyms and synonyms a day.
- Start practicing with small passages followed by lengthy ones
Also Read: CLAT 2026 English Preparation Tips
CLAT Question Papers
The preparation for CLAT exam is incomplete without practicing CLAT previous year question papers, sample papers and mock tests. It was important to solve CLAT question papers due to the following reasons:
- Provides exam-like atmosphere
- Helps to know the difficulty level of the paper
- Helps analyse the strong and weak areas for the exam
- Improves time management skills
- Boosts confidence
Commonly asked questions
Candidates need to score more than 30 in this section to crack CLAT 2026 in the first attempt. Here bring you the plan to crack the exam as per the experts:
- Try to learn and understand the legal principles and jargon in a quick way
- Understand how to apply the facts in the situations and arguments
- Try to practice short-cut techniques
- Try and understand the concepts. Do not go cramming
- Work on your reading speed. Having a good reading speed is very important to crack this section
- Practice previous years' CLAT question papers
- Read law magazine to get more legal perspective on issues
Read About: CLAT Legal Aptitude Preparation Tips
Passing the CLAT exam without studying is highly unlikely, as it requires focused preparation to secure a good score. While some candidates might rely on prior knowledge or instincts, achieving success without adequate study is rare and risky. To pass CLAT, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the syllabus, especially in Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. Skipping preparation may result in weak performance. Regular practice with mock tests, previous year papers, and staying updated with current affairs will enhance your chances of success in the exam.
For the CLAT English section, refer to the following books:
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis: Ideal for vocabulary building and understanding root words.
- "High School English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin: Excellent for grammar and sentence construction.
- "English for CLAT" by Bhardwaj: A comprehensive book for CLAT-specific English practice.
- "Arihant's CLAT English Language": Focuses on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
- "Objective General English" by R.S. Aggarwal: For improving language skills and practicing grammar.
Additionally, reading newspapers like The Hindu daily will also improve your comprehension and language skills.
Experts recommend a strategic approach to prepare for the CLAT exam. Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Focus on strengthening your reading comprehension and legal reasoning skills, as these carry significant weight. Regularly solve mock tests and previous year papers to improve speed and accuracy. Stay updated with current affairs by reading reliable newspapers like The Hindu and legal developments. Practice logical reasoning and quantitative techniques daily to build confidence. Experts also emphasize the importance of time management, consistent revision, and maintaining a calm, positive mindset throughout your preparation.
CLAT Free Mock Test by SHIKSHA
Candidates can practice the free CLAT Mock Test given below to prepare for the upcoming CLAT Exam:
Commonly asked questions
Securing good marks in the CLAT exam can be challenging, but it's achievable with the right preparation. The exam tests your skills in Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques, requiring consistent effort and a strategic approach. The competition is intense due to the limited seats in top NLUs. However, with proper planning, regular mock tests, and focused revision, you can improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. Success depends on understanding the exam pattern, managing time effectively, and staying updated on current events. While challenging, dedicated preparation can make scoring well in CLAT manageable.
To achieve a high rank in the CLAT exam, you should aim for 6-8 hours of focused study each day, depending on your comfort level and proximity to the exam. Consistency is key, so make sure you allocate time to all sections—English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques. Break your study into manageable sessions with regular breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout. Prioritize mock tests and previous year papers as part of your daily routine. Closer to the exam, increase the intensity of your preparation while revising frequently.
Solving CLAT mock tests is crucial for several reasons. First, they help you understand the exam pattern and time constraints, allowing you to manage time effectively during the actual exam. Mock tests simulate the real exam environment, reducing anxiety and helping you stay focused. They also highlight your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to prioritize revision accordingly. Regular practice enhances speed and accuracy, essential for securing a high score. Additionally, analyzing mock test results helps identify areas needing improvement, making it a key component of targeted preparation. Overall, mock tests are vital for boosting confidence and exam readiness.
For the CLAT exam, the age limit varies depending on the course you are applying for:
- Undergraduate (UG) Program: There is no upper age limit for candidates. However, candidates must have completed Class 12 or an equivalent exam with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) as of the year of admission.
- Postgraduate (PG) Program: Again, there is no upper age limit for applicants. Candidates must hold a LLB degree (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) to be eligible.
It's important to check the official CLAT notification for specific eligibility requirements in the year you plan to apply.
How to Prepare for CLAT without Coaching?
"How to prepare for CLAT 2026?" keeps hovering the minds of a lot of candidates. Therefore we provid some essential tips to prepare for CLAT 2026 without coaching:
- Study plan: Having a monthly and weekly study plan in place is extremely important to ensure consistent studies. However, the CLAT study plan should be such that it should have complete details on the subjects and topics to be studied every day. Along with that, the study plan should also include frequent breaks to ensure that you have some relaxing time.
- CLAT question papers: Regular practice is the key to success for CLAT 2026 exam. Therefore, practicing CLAT question papers and sample papers is advised. However, remember that after attempting a paper it is also must to analyse it well so that you can work on your weaker areas.
- Revision: While preparing for a national-level entrance exam like CLAT, it is not only important to study but also retain what you study for a longer duration of time. And for that, regular revision was the key.
Commonly asked questions
CLAT exam can be cracked without coaching. However, aspirants have to be very focussed and consistent while preparing for the exam. CLAT 2026 is year away and aspirants who are looking forward to appearing for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) should gear up and prepare their best for it. In order to crack the CLAT entrance exam it is important to have a proper study plan. You should follow the timetable to score better in the CLAT Exam 2026.
Here's a suggested CLAT 2026 preparation timetable:
Morning (6 AM - 8 AM): Revise Current Affairs (daily news and legal updates).
Mid-Morning (10 AM - 12 PM): Study Legal Reasoning (concepts, case laws, and practice questions).
Afternoon (2 PM - 4 PM): Focus on English Language (reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary).
Evening (5 PM - 6 PM): Solve Logical Reasoning puzzles and practice critical reasoning.
Night (8 PM - 9 PM): Work on Quantitative Techniques (arithmetic and data interpretation).
Weekly Tasks: Take mock tests and analyze them on weekends.
Include short breaks and stay consistent for optimal results!
To prepare for the CLAT GK (Current Affairs) section effectively, follow these tips:
Daily Newspaper Reading: Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express to stay updated on national and international events, legal developments, and important issues.
Monthly Current Affairs Compilations: Use reliable resources like Manorama Yearbook or online platforms to revise monthly updates.
Focus on Key Topics: Prioritize topics like legal news, government policies, awards, sports, science, and global events.
Regular Revision: Maintain short notes for quick revisions.
Practice: Solve previous year papers and attempt GK-specific mock tests to improve retention and accuracy.
CLAT Exam Analysis
Commonly asked questions
The CLAT exam's marking scheme is based on the idea of negative grading. This indicates that 0.25 points is subtracted from the candidate's final score for each wrong response. One mark is given for each accurate response, and 0.25 marks is subtracted for each erroneous response. Hence, candidates have to be very carefull while marking their answers. Since, CLAT PG 2026 will have negative marking, students are advised to avoid guesswork and only answer the questions they are confident about.
CLAT PG Exam will carry 150 questions. The CLAT PG Exam will be held in a pen-and-paper-based test, meaning that candidates have to take the exam in a physical answer sheet with an OMR sheet. The exam will consist of 150 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice questions test your knowledge of legal reasoning.The duration of the exam will be of two hours. For each correct answer, one mark will be awarded.
If you go through the pattern of CLAT exam, you will see that it is mostly general and does not involve any difficult subject. If you have basic understanding of English and have some interest in reading news and Current Affairs you are ready for two sections. The most challenging part, for most students, is Mathematics. However, it is of elementary standard and does not require special knowledge. If you did well in Math in class X, you have an edge. Only section that needs special preparation is legal aptitude. Most class XII students do not have idea about law. If you start in time and join coaching classes for help, you can get a hold of the basics in no time.
So, we can say that CLAT is easy if you have basic knowledge of topics involved and you are prepared for some hard work to hone your skills further.
CLAT cut off is always released in the form of opening and closing ranks by each NLU after the conclusion of counseling rounds. CLAT 2025 Cut off is expected to range between 95-100 for the general category while for SC/ST and OBC category CLAT Cut off is likely to range between 80-85. CLAT 2025 cut-offs will be released separately for the UG and PG courses, as well as for each category (Open, PwD, SC, ST, OBC).
CLAT Topper Interviews
Commonly asked questions
The ideal time to start preparing for the CLAT exam varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as your familiarity with the subject, the level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, and the amount of time and effort you can devote to the preparation. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended that you start preparing for the exam at least 6-8 months before the exam date. This will give you sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus, revise the important topics, solve mock tests and previous year papers, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are already familiar with the subject and have a good understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus, you can start preparing for the exam 3-4 months before the exam date. However, if you are new to the subject or need to improve your understanding of the topics, you may need to start preparing earlier. It is important to note that the CLAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and the level of competition is increasing every year. Therefore, it is important to start preparing early and stay consistent with your preparation. With a focused approach and consistent effort, you can increase your chances of qualifying for the CLAT exam.
In 2022, CLAT exam was held twice, I. e. on June 19 as CLAT 2022, and on December 18, 2022 as CLAT 2023. However, from 2024 onwards, CLAT exam is to be conducted once in a year only, as confirmed by the exam officials in the latest notification. Earlier, CLAT exam was conducted in May or June, but from 2024 onwards the entrance exam will be conducted in December (of preceding year to the admission year) itself for concluding admissions on time. Therefore, CLAT counselling process will be completed by May of each academic year.
The CLAT question paper for UG courses had objective-type questions from subjects such as Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning Quantitative Techniques, English and Current Affairs including General Knowledge. The CLAT paper for the LLM. course had both objective questions from law subjects such as Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, etc. Generally, the questions are designed as passage followed by series of questions of one mark each. Candidates had to attempt the questions by reading and interpreting the passages only.
How to Prepare for CLAT in 1 Month?
Commonly asked questions
The total score in the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) varies depending on the program:
CLAT UG (Undergraduate):
Total Marks: 120
Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer.
CLAT PG (Postgraduate):
Total Marks: 120
Each question carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers.
The scoring pattern emphasizes accuracy, and candidates should carefully manage negative marking to maximize their scores.
CLAT 2026 is expected to be held in regional language. The Bar Council of India is planning to include vernacular languages as medium of paper in the coming years. Till CLAT exam 2024, it was held in the English language only like in previous years. CLAT 2025 PG Exam is also expected to be conducted in English only.
As per the CLAT exam pattern, there will be 120 questions in CLAT 2026. Candidates must note that it is not mandatory to solve all the questions. Candidates should solve only those questions which they can solve correctly as there is negative marking in CLAT. During the exam preparation, focus on the chapters from which majority of the questions are added. This will help them in achieving the sectional and overall cut offs are required. The consortium has released the marking scheme for CLAT 2026 Exam too. Aspirants can refer to the marking scheme for UG courses below:
For every correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark
For every wrong attempt, 0.25 marks are deducted from their total score
No marks are awarded or deducted for questions not left un-attempted
Yes, you can definitely appear for the CLAT exam again if you did not clear it in the first attempt. The CLAT exam is conducted once a year by the Consortium for enrolling students in various law courses offered at 24 NLUs in the country.
There is no limit on the number of attempts that you can make for the CLAT exam. However, you have to fulfill the eligibility criteria to appear in the exam. All those candidates who are willing to appear for the CLAT 206 should meet the eligibility criteria as announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities. All eligible candidates must fill the CLAT 2026 application form before the last date.The consortium released the updated eligibility criteria of CLAT 2026 for admission to 5-year LLB and LLM courses on its official website. These criteria include parameters like academic qualification, minimum marks, age limit, etc.
How to Prepare for CLAT in 1 Week?
Commonly asked questions
Yes, the CLAT exam has negative marking of -0.25 marks for wrong attempt. Unanswered questions have no negative marking. Candidates must select questions to solve very carefully in the CLAT exam. They should solve only those questions which they know they can solve accurately.
For every correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark
For every wrong attempt, 0.25 marks are deducted from their total score
No marks are awarded or deducted for questions not left un-attempted
CLAT Marking Parameters | Marks Awarded |
---|---|
Correct answer | +1 marks |
Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks |
Un-attempted question | 0 marks |
The CLAT question paper for UG courses had objective-type questions from subjects such as Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning Quantitative Techniques, English and Current Affairs including General Knowledge. The CLAT paper for the LLM. course had both objective questions from law subjects such as Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Torts, Family Law, etc. Generally, the questions are designed as passage followed by series of questions of one mark each. Candidates had to attempt the questions by reading and interpreting the passages only.
As per the CLAT exam pattern released by the NLU Consortium, Legal Reasoning remained a part of the question paper along with Quantitative Techniques, English Current Affairs including General Knowledge and Logical Reasoning. If the exam authority decides to remove any of the sections of CLAT UG question paper in 2026, then it will inform the candidates in admission notification itself, so that candidates can prepare for the exam accordingly.However, no such announcement has been made so far. The Legal Reasoning section has been removed from AILET question paper only.
The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode. Candidates are required to mark their answers on an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet using a black or blue ballpoint pen. This format allows students to read questions on paper and fill in the corresponding bubbles for the correct answers.
Key features of the CLAT exam mode:
Offline Mode: Conducted at designated test centers across the country.
Duration: 2 hours for both UG and PG exams.
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Marking: Each question carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers.
Candidates should regularly check updates from the CLAT Consortium for any changes in the exam pattern or mode.
CLAT Exam Day Tips - Dos & Don'ts
Commonly asked questions
No, the candidates were not allowed to take breaks or exit the exam centre while they are attempting CLAT exam. Candidates were allowed to drink water, eat or use the washroom only before or after the exam timings. Therefore, on the day of examination candidates should prepare themselves to sit for two hours straight without any breaks. They should use washroom right before entering the examination hall. They were allowed to carry a transparent water bottle for themselves. However, they should limit the amount of water intake to avoid taking break in between. No request to leave examination hall will be allowed by the centre officials to avoid cheating or any other activities. If you have any medical condition that requires you to take a break, it will be allowed only at prior notification and permission by the exam authority.
In the revised CLAT exam pattern implemented since 2020, the CLAT UG exam no longer includes sections on Elementary Mathematics as a separate section. Instead, it has been replaced by Quantitative Techniques, which integrates math-based reasoning questions, primarily focused on data interpretation, graphs, and simple arithmetic concepts.
Additionally, static legal knowledge questions have been removed from the Legal Aptitude section. The emphasis has shifted from prior legal knowledge to legal reasoning, where candidates must analyze provided passages to answer legal questions without requiring pre-existing legal knowledge.
These changes were introduced to focus more on comprehension, reasoning, and analytical thinking.
Important FAQs related to CLAT Preparation 2026
Commonly asked questions
Among all the books of CLAT 2026 in the world, first, go for the NCERT books. You must complete all the NCERT books first before moving to other reference books available in the market. After completing the NCERT books, you can go for the following books to boost up your practice and concepts: Universal’s LLB Entrance Guide, Lexis Nexis, Objective Arithmetic, GK Today, India Year Book and Analytical, Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal, Word Power Made Easy, Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal, Manorama Year Book and Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey.
No, in order to secure admission in any one of the NLUs, you must crack the CLAT exam with high scores. Only for those who are seeking admission in NLU Delhi, they have to appear for AILET 2025. The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is a national-level law entrance exam that is held by NLUD every year to enroll candidates at National Law University (NLU), Delhi. As per the official AILET notification, the AILET Exam 2025 will be held in a pen-paper test mode.
English sections of CLAT will test the reading, comprehension and basic grammar skills of the aspirants. Aspirants must focus on improving their reading skills while preparing for CLAT English section. Candidates should concentrate on grammar and vocabulary too. Candidates can check CLAT 2026 best books for English Language including comprehension here: English is Easy by Chetananand Singh, Barron’s Pocket Guide to Vocabulary, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, Objective General English by RS Aggarwal, High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin.
For general knowledge, one can refer to the Lucent GK. The Current Affairs for CLAT 2026 can be prepared by reading daily newspapers and monthly magazines. The CLAT legal aptitude will have questions on topics such as Constitutional law, Law of Torts, Personal laws, Law of Contract, Jurisprudence, legal Current Affairs etc. There are various study materials available in online mode, including online coaching. The e-paper, articles, journals, and YouTube videos on CLAT preparation are important resources. Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey Bare Acts of Indian Constitution LexisNexis Butterworths Legal Awareness and Legal Aptitude by Andhra Pradesh Bhardwaj Universals CLAT Guide
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
CLAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, Listed below are the top ranked private Law colleges in India accepting CLAT score along with their tuition fees and NIRF rankings 2024:
Private Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | NIRF Ranking 2024 |
---|---|---|
SOA Admission | INR 3.40 lakh | 9 |
Alliance School of Law Admission | INR 15 lakh | 18 |
LPU Admission | INR 12 lakh | 19 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, joining the top CLAT accepting Law colleges in India is expensive as most colleges have tuition fees of more than INR 5 lakh. Listed below is the fee range of top colleges:
Fee Range | No. of Colleges |
---|---|
INR 1-2 lakh | 1 (Guru Gobund Singh Indraprastha University) |
INR 3-5 lakh | 4 (NLU Kolkata, NLU Assam, SOA University, etc.) |
> INR 5 lakh | 14 (NLSIU Bangalore, LPU, Nalsar University of Law, etc.) |
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, there are many top government Law colleges in India accepting CLAT score. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees and NIRF ranking 2024:
Public/Govt. Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | NIRF Ranking 2024 |
---|---|---|
NLSIU Bangalore Admission | INR 13.45 lakh | 1 |
Nalsar University of Law Admission | INR 7.75 lakh | 3 |
NLU Kolkata Admission | INR 3.66 lakh | 4 |
GNLU Gandhinagar Admission | INR 6 lakh | 8 |
GGSIPU Admission | INR 1.32 lakh | 17 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Joining the top ranked Law colleges in India accepting CLAT score can be worthwhile for you. Listed below are the colleges along with their tuition fees and average placement package:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee | Average Salary Package |
---|---|---|
NLSIU Bangalore Courses | INR 13.45 lakh | INR 16 LPA |
Nalsar University of Law Courses | INR 7.75 lakh | INR 16 LPA |
NLU Kolkata Courses | INR 3.66 lakh | INR 20 LPA |
GNLU Gandhinagar Courses | INR 6 lakh | INR 16 LPA |
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Courses | INR 1.32 lakh | INR 5.15 LPA |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website/ media reports/ NIRF website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
As per NIRF ranking 2024, NLSIU Bangalore emerged as the top ranked CLAT accepting Law college in India. Listed below are the colleges along with their NIRF rankings over the past three years:
College Name | NIRF 2022 | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 1 | |
4 | 3 | 3 | |
5 | 4 | 4 | |
8 | 7 | 8 | |
9 | 8 | 9 | |
23 | 19 | 17 | |
13 | 16 | 19 | |
17 | 21 | 20 | |
15 | 18 | 21 | |
22 | 24 | 22 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
According to NIRF ranking 2024, NLSIU Bangalore emerged as the No. 1 CLAT accepting Law college in India followed by Nalsar University of Law and NLU Kolkata.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
There are about 15+ top Law colleges in India accepting CLAT. Of these, 16 colleges are owned by the government organisations and the rest 3 colleges are owned by the private sector. CLAT is the most accepting entrance exam in the best Law colleges in India. NLSIU Bangalore, Nalsar University of La
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
No, you have to give CLAT exam to get admission in NLU.
G
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
No, candidate cannot apply for BA LLB course without CLAT exam. CLAT exam is required for admission to BA LLB at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) Lucknow. To apply for the BA LLB course for 2025, you must have successfully qualified for CLAT 2025. The cutoff marks for CLAT 202
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
CLAT 2025 Second Merit List is now out. The Consortium released the CLAT Merit List 2025 on June 4, 2025. Candidates can download the CLAT Second Merit List 2025 from the official website; i.e. consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Are there any private top ranked Law colleges in India accepting CLAT score?