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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Jan 3, 2025 15:39 IST

CLAT 2026 Exam Date has not been announced yet. To prepare for the CLAT Exam it is crucial to have a well-structured study plan to finish the syllabus on time. Candidates can read further to get a complete guidance on month-wise and week-wise study plan to help you succeed in CLAT.

CLAT 2025: Week-by-Week and Month-by-Month Guide

CLAT 2026: Week-by-Week and Month-by-Month Guide

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level entrance examination in India conducted for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at 24 National Law Universities (NLUs). It is also used by several private law colleges and universities for law admissions. CLAT is conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities (CNLU).

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Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning

Preparing for CLAT requires a well-structured study plan that covers all essential topics systematically. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare efficiently:

Q:   What is the new CLAT 2025 Exam pattern?

A:

The consortium of NLUs has not come up with changes in the exam pattern of CLAT 2025 as of now. However, the consortium brought changes in the exam pattern for CLAT 2024. The total number of questions was reduced from 150 to 120. However, no changes were made to CLAT 2025 syllabus or the number of sections in the CLAT 2025 exam. The 120 questions were divided into the existing five sections; English Language, Current Affairs Including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. 

Q:   How many questions will be asked in CLAT 2026?

A:

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

Q:   What is the Exam Pattern of CLAT 2026?

A:

The CLAT exam pattern for UG courses will include key features like type of questions, marking scheme, subjects, Section-wise weightage and other details. CLAT 2026 exam will be held in an offline I. e. Pen-Paper based test mode. The question paper of CLAT 2026 will be of 120 marks for a total of 120 multiple choices based question. Candidates will get two hours to attempt CLAT 2026 question paper. The subjects from which questions will be asked in the exam are English Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques. The question paper language will be English only. The subject-wise weightage for each section of CLAT UG paper will be as under:

English Language - 28-32 questions

Current Affairs including General Knowledge - 35-39 questions

Logical Reasoning - 28-32 questions

Legal Reasoning - 35-39 question

Quantitative Techniques - 13-17 questions

When is CLAT 2026?

CLAT is usually conducted once a year. CLAT 2026 is expected to be held on December 7, 2025. The exam will be held offline, using pen-and-paper.

CLAT 2026 Application Process

The CLAT Application Process 2026 is likely to begin in July. The CLAT Application Form will be made available online on the official website, consortiumofnlus.ac.in. Candidates can apply for the CLAT 2026 Exam on or before the last date.

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Also Read: How to fill CLAT application form 2026?

Key Points for CLAT 2026 Application Form

Candidates must check and keep the following things handy before filling CLAT Application Form:

  • Keep signature and photograph ready as per the specifications
  • Keep payment details ready (Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net Banking)
  • Keep education documents ready
  • Check CLAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

How to fill CLAT Application Form 2026?

Candidates can follow the simple steps given below to fill up the application form for CLAT 2026:

  • Go to the official website; i.e. consortiumofnlus.ac.in
  • On the homepage, click on the ‘Register’ button at the bottom of the log-in window.
  • Register using the required details and then log in.
  • Fill the registration form with the required information, upload images and submit the form.
  • Submit the form and save it for future reference.

CLAT Exam Pattern 2026

The CLAT exam pattern for UG courses includes key features like the type of questions, marking scheme, subjects, Section-wise weightage and other details. The question paper of CLAT 2026 will be of 120 marks for a total of 120 multiple choices based question.

Q:   What changes have been made in CLAT exam pattern?

A:

CLAT Consortium made few changes in CLAT 2024 exam pattern. Hence, the consortium did not bring any changes in exam pattern of CLAT 2025. As per the revised pattern, there were 120 questions for CLAT UG question paper. This means, 30 questions were reduced from CLAT UG 2025 question paper. Earlier, there were 150 questions in CLAT UG question paper. Moreover, the question paper were on similar lines as previous series i.e. passage-based objective-types questions of 1 mark each, and 0.25 marks to be deducted for incorrect attempts.

No change in the question paper of CLAT PG was made, and it was held as per the previous exam pattern i.e. 120 Objective Type Questions based on core law subjects.

In 2021, the Consortium had removed the descriptive section from the CLAT LL. M. exam pattern. All LL. M. candidates had to attempt 120 multiple-choice questions of 120 marks in a duration of two hours.

Q:   Is there negative marking in CLAT Exam?

A:

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 ParametersMarks Awarded
Correct answer+1 marks
Incorrect answer-0.25 marks
Un-attempted question0 marks

Q:   Is CLAT exam pattern 2026 revised?

A:

The CLAT Exam Pattern 2026 has not been officially revised as of now. The exam structure typically remains consistent, but changes are announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) if required. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates regarding any modifications. Traditionally, the CLAT exam includes:

For Undergraduate (UG) Program:

Total Questions: 120
Sections: English Language, Current Affairs (including General Knowledge), Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques
Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
For Postgraduate (PG) Program:

Total Questions: 120
Focus Areas: Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and other legal subjects
Any changes for CLAT 2026 will be notified in the official notification or brochure released by the consortium.

Q:   Which is the toughest section in CLAT Exam?

A:

The toughest section in the CLAT exam often varies depending on individual strengths and weaknesses, but many candidates find the following sections challenging:

Legal Reasoning: This section requires a deep understanding of legal principles, logical application, and critical thinking. Candidates need to grasp complex legal concepts and apply them to hypothetical situations, which can be time-consuming and tricky.

Logical Reasoning: This section tests analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, with puzzles and complex reasoning tasks. Many candidates find it challenging to solve quickly and accurately within the time limit.

With consistent practice, these sections become more manageable.

 

Q:   Has the CLAT 2025 seat intake changed?

A:

The CLAT 2025 Seat Intake has not been changed, however, CLAT 2025 reservation criteria has been revised for Gandhinagar National Law University (GNLU), Silvassa. CLAT has 2522 seats for undergraduate courses. These seats have been divided as per the candidate's category.

As per the revised GNLU reservation criteria, the Domicile Reservation Category has been included for candidates residing in the Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Union territories. All those candidates who are looking forward to appearing for UG and PG courses must go to official website of CLAT 2025 portal and update the reservation category accordingly.

Candidates will get two hours to attempt CLAT question paper. The subjects from which questions will be asked in the exam are English, Current Affairs including GK, Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques. The question paper language will be English only. The subject-wise weightage for each section of the CLAT UG paper will be as under:

Subjects

Weightage

English

28-32 questions (20%)

Current Affairs including General Knowledge

35-39 questions (25%)

Logical Reasoning

28-32 questions (25%)

Legal Reasoning

35-29 questions (20%)

Quantitative Techniques

13-17 questions (10%)

CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme

Candidates must note that it is very important to understand the CLAT Marking Scheme 2026 before appearing for the CLAT Exam. Check the CLAT Marking scheme below:

  • +1 mark for each correct answer
  • -0.25 for each incorrect answer (negative marking)

CLAT Syllabus 2026

The CLAT UG Syllabus for the 5-year integrated LLB program covers five main sections. Each section assesses a candidate’s abilities in different areas, such as language skills, legal knowledge, logical reasoning, and mathematics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:

  • English Language

Reading Comprehension: Passages of around 450 words based on contemporary or historically significant topics. The questions will assess comprehension, inferences, and vocabulary.

Key Focus Areas

Main idea of the passage

Meanings of words and phrases in context

Inference-based questions

Summary and tone of the passage

Also Read: CLAT English Language Preparation Strategy: Tips to Attempt Questions, Important Topics

  • Current Affairs, including General Knowledge

Passage-based questions: Each passage will be around 450 words related to current events, important historical events, and developments.

Key Focus Areas

Contemporary events of significance (national and international)

Arts and culture

Historical events of continuing importance

International affairs

 General knowledge topics such as awards, sports, politics, etc.

  • Legal Reasoning

Passage-based questions: Each passage will discuss scenarios involving legal matters, public policy questions, or moral philosophical inquiries, with a length of around 450 words.

Key Focus Areas

Legal propositions and principles in the passage

Applying the principle to the given facts

Understanding how changes in the principle can alter the application to the facts

General awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues

Also Read: CLAT Legal Reasoning 2026: Legal Aptitude Questions, Preparation Tips & Tricks

  • Logical Reasoning

Passage-based questions: Around 300 words in each passage that test logical reasoning and analytical skills.

Key Focus Areas

Identifying arguments and conclusions

Logical links between arguments

Inference and assumption-based questions

 Identifying contradictions, equivalence, and relationships between statements

Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 Logical Reasoning: Important Tips, Books, Topics & More

  • Quantitative Techniques

Mathematical questions: Questions based on graphs, charts, or other numerical data, testing basic mathematical knowledge.

Key Focus Areas

Simplification

Percentage

Ratio and Proportion

Average

Profit and Loss

Time and Work

Algebra and Arithmetic-based problems

Elementary statistics

Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT PG 2026: Strategies, Tips and Study Plan to crack CLAT PG

Month-wise preparation strategy for CLAT

Applicants can review the CLAT preparation plan broken down into weeks and months below. The following hints and techniques can assist applicants in passing the CLAT exam in the first attempt. The CLAT study calendar has been developed to assist experts and beginners in organising their weeks effectively. To learn more, continue reading below:

Month 1: Understanding the Syllabus and Building a Foundation

Week 1:

  • Familiarise yourself with the CLAT syllabus and exam pattern
  • Start reading English comprehension passages daily
  • Revise basic legal terms and principles
  • Start practicing basic reasoning and logic problems.

Week 2:

  • Focus on Quantitative Aptitude: Study key topics like percentages, ratios, and averages.
  • Continue reading editorials for better vocabulary and current affairs knowledge.
  • Work on logical puzzles, synonyms and syllogisms.

Week 3:

  • Begin your preparation for Legal Reasoning: Study important case laws and principles.
  • Work on analytical reasoning: Practice questions on patterns and series.
  • Continue with daily current affairs updates.

Week 4:

  • Start solving previous year CLAT papers
  • Focus on improving reading speed and comprehension skills.
  • Revise key legal concepts from the past weeks.

Month 2: Strengthening Key Areas

Week 5:

  • Dive deeper into legal reasoning: Focus on constitutional law and contract law
  • Work on current legal knowledge and make notes
  • Practice math questions: Time, speed, distance, and profit & loss.

Week 6:

  • Focus on logical reasoning: Strengthen critical reasoning, assumptions, and conclusions.
  • Continue reading and summarising editorials
  • Mock test: Take your first timed mock test to gauge your preparation.

Week 7:

  • Begin revising general knowledge and static GK: Focus on history, geography, and economics.
  • Continue working on quantitative reasoning with complex problems.
  • Analyse and review the CLAT mock test results

Week 8:

  • Focus on essay writing for the English section.
  • Work on difficult reasoning puzzles and improve accuracy
  • Take a second mock test and analyse weak areas.

Month 3: Practice and Time Management

Week 9:

  • Dedicate time to current affairs: Revise past six months' updates.
  • Practice reading comprehension daily for speed improvement.
  • Work on legal reasoning with a focus on criminal law and torts.

Week 10:

  • Strengthen your approach to logical deductions.
  • Solve previous year question papers.
  • Attempt a third mock test and evaluate time management.

Week 11:

  • Focus on revision of legal principles: Contracts, torts, and constitutional law.
  • Practice data interpretation and graph analysis.
  • Take a full-length mock test, solve CLAT sample papers and analyse your performance.

Week 12:

  • Concentrate on time-bound practice: Set timers for individual sections.
  • Revise important general knowledge facts.
  • Continue solving daily quizzes on reasoning and legal knowledge.

Month 4: Final Revision and Mock Tests

Week 13:

  • Revise English comprehension: Focus on vocabulary and grammar.
  • Go through all legal maxims and important case laws.
  • Take a mock test every alternate day.

Week 14:

  • Revise current affairs: Focus on the last six months.
  • Work on improving your weak sections based on mock test analysis.
  • Continue with timed practice.

Week 15:

  • Focus on speed and accuracy.
  • Revise short notes on legal principles, GK, and logical reasoning.
  • Take a full-length mock test every day.

Week 16:

  • Final revision: Concentrate on difficult concepts.
  • Rest and prepare mentally for the exam.
  • Do not overburden yourself; relax and stay confident.

Also Read: What is a good score in CLAT 2026? How to get a high rank?

CLAT Preparation Tips 2026

By following these tips and maintaining a disciplined study plan, you can effectively prepare for CLAT and enhance your chances of success. Here are some key tips to craft an  effective study plan for CLAT:

  • Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. Knowing the distribution of questions across sections (English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques) will help you prioritise your preparation.

  • Create a Realistic Study Schedule

Develop a balanced schedule that allocates enough time to each subject. Avoid cramming and spread out your preparation over the months, ensuring you have time for revision and practice.

  • Daily Schedule

Dedicate 6-8 hours per day, covering at least two subjects and ensuring one is a lighter topic to avoid burnout. Have a specific focus for each week, such as "Legal Reasoning Week" or "Current Affairs Week."

  • Focus on Weak Areas

 Assess your strengths and weaknesses early on. Focus on your weak areas from the beginning and strengthen your conceptual understanding. For example, if you struggle with Quantitative Techniques, dedicate extra time to it.

  • Practice Reading Comprehension

 Since CLAT has a strong emphasis on reading-based questions, build your reading habits. Read newspapers, editorials, and legal articles daily to improve your comprehension, vocabulary, and general knowledge.

  • Stay Updated with Current Affairs

General Knowledge and Current Affairs are key sections in CLAT. Keep up with current events by reading the daily news, following monthly current affairs magazines, or apps, and maintaining notes for revision.

  • Solve Mock Tests & Previous Papers

Regularly solve mock tests under timed conditions to get used to the exam format and pressure. Analyse your performance after each test to identify areas of improvement. Review previous year’s papers to understand the types of questions and the difficulty level.

  • Work on Time Management

 Since CLAT is a timed exam, practice solving questions under time pressure. Prioritise sections based on your comfort level and the number of questions.

  • Master Legal Reasoning

Legal Reasoning is one of the most scoring sections. Read up on basic legal principles, such as tort law, contract law, and constitutional law. Practice solving legal reasoning problems regularly.

  • Strengthen Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning can be tricky, so practice various types of reasoning questions, such as puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and syllogisms. Focus on developing quick-solving techniques.

  • Focus on Quantitative Techniques

For the Quantitative Techniques section, concentrate on basic math topics such as percentages, ratios, time, speed, and data interpretation. Solve problems regularly to build accuracy and speed.

  • Daily Revision

Make time for daily revision. Review the concepts you’ve covered, practice problem-solving, and revise current affairs on a daily basis.

  • Stay Consistent and Motivated

 Consistency is key to effective preparation. Stick to your study plan and keep track of your progress to stay motivated. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

  • Focus on Conceptual Clarity

Rather than just memorizing information, aim for deep understanding. This will help you in sections like Legal Reasoning and Logical Reasoning, where applying concepts is crucial.

  • Join a Study Group or Coaching

Joining a study group can help you stay on track, and coaching can offer expert guidance and study materials tailored for CLAT.

  • Stay Healthy

 Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Mental and physical well-being directly influence your preparation quality.

Read More: 

About the Author
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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio

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