Anupama
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Dec 17, 2024 16:04 IST

The CLAT 2026 exam date is likely to be December 7, 2025. As candidates must prepare for CLAT 2026 alongside their board exams, they require effective preparation strategies. This article provides comprehensive strategies to help candidates crack the CLAT exam on their first attempt. Future aspirants can also use these strategies for a successful preparation journey.

How to clear CLAT 2024 in first attempt?

How to clear CLAT 2026 in first attempt?

Every year the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) conducts the national-level law entrance exam; i.e. CLAT. The CLAT full form is the Common Law Admission Test. Candidates need to use effective preparation tips to crack CLAT in the first attempt. In this article, we aim to provide you with the best tricks and tips to crack CLAT. While it is important to score high in CLAT Exam, it is also crucial to understand how to achieve that goal.

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CLAT 2026: When is the exam?

The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will conduct the CLAT UG exam in pen-and-paper mode, for admission to various allotted National Law Universities in the country. The CLAT 2026 will be conducted for admission to 24 NLUs for UG courses and 21 NLUs for PG courses. CLAT Exam 2026 Date is likely to be December 7, 2025. 

Q:   Which is the most difficult section of the CLAT 2026?

A:
As per the exam analysis of CLAT exam held in previous years, the difficulty level of all the sections are as under: English Language - Generally the questions asked in this section are considered easy. However, candidates can find them lengthy and time-taking as the questions are based on passages only. Current Affairs including General Knowledge - The questions in this section are of Easy to Moderate difficulty level depending on the events and technicality. Logical Reasoning - The questions asked in this section of CLAR paper are of easy to moderately difficult level due to facts and data interpretation. Legal Reasoning This section of CLAT paper is of easy to moderate difficult level as the questions are mostly asked from Legal domain, trending events, lex maxims, and current landmark judgements. Quantitative Techniques - Although the weightage of this section is lesser than the rest, the questions asked around Mathematics subject can be tricky/ twisted, which makes it moderate to difficult level. Know all about CLAT question paper analysis here - https://www.shiksha.com/law/clat-exam-analysis.

Q:   What is a good rank for CLAT?

A:

Students who wish to be admitted to this university should strive for a score of roughly 70% (80-84 marks) or above under the revised pattern. Because the CLAT cut-off marks are lower for reserved categories, a rank of about 4000 would be suitable for admission. According to CLAT 2024 analysis, candidates from the general category should aim for a score of 90 or more in order to be admitted to one of the top three NLUs. In CLAT 2024, 60–70 points are considered a decent score for SC/ST categories. The Consortium of NLUs will release the closing rank of candidates for each round at the time of CLAT counselling.

Q:   What is a good CLAT score?

A:

Aspirants who appeared for the CLAT 2025 Exam should have a clear idea about a good CLAT score. CLAT is a very competitive exam and candidates need to score high to clear the cutoff. All those candidates who appeared for the CLAT 2025 are advised to check out the previous year's CLAT cutoff scores and get a fair idea of the trends that are being followed by the NLUs in the country.  A score above 100 is definitely considered as a good score for CLAT 2025. Candidates must note that the expected CLAT cutoff score for NLUSIU Bangalore is 100 plus, whereas, for NLU Kolkata, NLU Jodhpur and NLU Bhopal, the expected score is between 94 to 98. Candidates who wish to take admission into NALSAR Hyderabad they need to score between 98 to 100. 

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Based on CLAT scores, admissions are offered by National Law Universities (NLUs). Additionally, 61 private affiliate colleges in India accept CLAT exam scores. Furthermore, some PSUs, including ONGC and BHEL, use CLAT PG scores for recruitment purposes. Check the complete list of affiliated colleges and details on how these organizations utilize CLAT scores for their recruitment processes.

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

CLAT 2026: Timetable to crack CLAT 2026 in the first attempt?

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. You must try to include topics from all CLAT subjects as per the CLAT syllabus 2026. By doing so, you will be reading various topics without being bored. As per the experts, you should follow the timetable given below:

Topic

Preferred Time Allotment
Reading Newspaper 1.5 hours
Topics from Error Log 1 hour
Vocabulary (High-frequency words, Regular Newspaper reading) 45 mins
Current Legal Knowledge 45 mins
Mathematics 1.5 hours
GMAT Official Guide 1.5 hour
Revising today's topics and preparing for tomorrow's topics 2 hours
Puzzles/Analytical Reasoning 30 mins
Passages & Grammar 1.5 hours
Revision for the day and planning for the next day 1.5 hours
Practice Mock Tests Twice a Week
CLAT Mock Tests Once in a week

Also Read: 110+ Important Vocabulary Words for CLAT Exam 2025

CLAT Preparation 2026 for English Language: Syllabus Highlights

The English Section holds 25-28 marks weightage in the CLAT exam. Let us first check out important highlights on CLAT syllabus for English Language section

  • This section will include passages of about 450 words each
  • There will be about six passages in the section
  • Passages will be derived from contemporary or historically significant sources of both fictional and non-fictional writing
  • The topics of the passages may cover different technical and scientific matters, however, you do not need any prior knowledge of the topics in order to understand the passage
  • The difficulty level of questions in this section will be of Class 12

Also, let us check the type of questions that will be asked in the law entrance exam:

  • Comprehension and fact-based questions derived from the passage
  • Summarization questions in which you will be expected to identify the main point of the passage
  • Compare and contrast questions
  • Basic grammar and vocabulary-based questions

Know How to Score 25+ Marks in English:

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 English Preparation Tips 2026

Q:   Which is the No. 1 university in CLAT?

A:

Since 2018, the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru has maintained its position as the top-ranked law college in India according to the NIRF rankings. 

Q:   When should I start preparing for CLAT 2026?

A:

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.

Q:   Is CLAT LLM exam tough or easy?

A:

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 BA LLB books and a habit to read newspaper daily to crack the CLAT PG 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. 

Q:   How do I start preparing for CLAT 2026?

A:

To start preparing for CLAT 2026 there is no right time. However, as per experts, one should have began their CLAT preparation at least five or six months before the exam. If they began CLAT preparation early, then they will have sufficient bandwidth to complete the CLAT syllabus and also to attempt the previous year’s CLAT Question Paper. This will help them to know their strengths and weaknesses and also where they are committing the mistakes. Given below are some steps to help you start your preparation:

  • Make a monthly and weekly timetable
  • Keep your syllabus handy
  • Ensure you cover all topics and concepts
  • Revise it at regular intervals
  • Attempt mock tests and previous years’ sample papers frequently
  • Follow the proper marking scheme as there are negative marks for each incorrect answer in the actual CLAT 2025 Exam. This practice will help you to know your actual score and your weak points

Q:   Can a person clear CLAT without coaching?

A:

Joining a coaching institute for CLAT has become a trend. Apparently, coaching institutes are good at selling the idea that coaching is necessary to crack law entrance exams. However, that is far from the truth. Candidates without any professional coaching can also crack the CLAT exam with flying colours. However, for the same, it is important for candidates to adopt a well-planned and well-thought-out CLAT preparation strategy . Apart from this, it is also extremely important for candidates to be completely dedicated and consistent with their CLAT preparation.

CLAT Preparation 2026 for Legal Reasoning: Syllabus Highlights

Check out some of the major highlights for CLAT syllabus for Legal Reasoning section 2026 below:

  • Passages in the section will be of about 450 words each
  • There will be around eight passages in the Legal Reasoning section
  • The passages may relate to fact situations or scenarios involving legal matterspublic policy questions or moral philosophical enquiries, however, you would not require any prior knowledge of law to answer the questions but only general awareness of contemporary legal and moral issues
  • The questions in the section will be majorly based on material drawn from news articles and books associated with topics of law
  • Certain passages will also be created specifically for the CLAT exam

The types of questions that will be asked in the section will require candidates to:

  • Identify the principle(s) from the passage and apply it (or them) to the facts presented
  • Understand the impact of a change to the principle or the facts on how the altered principle may apply to such altered facts
  • Identify potential outcomes of the principle on various fact situations that may or may not be covered in the passage, with or without alterations to the principle  

CLAT 2025: How to score 30+ marks in legal reasoning to crack CLAT 2026 in the first attempt?

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

CLAT Preparation 2025 for Current Affairs including GK: Syllabus Highlights

To start with, let us first check out the CLAT 2025 syllabus highlights for Current Affairs including GK section:

  • There will be passages of about 450 words
  • There will be around seven passages in the section
  • The passages will be derived from newsjournalistic sources and other non-fiction writing
  • The passages will test not only fact-based knowledge but also your depth of understanding of issues and events of significance

Types of questions that will be asked in the section include:

  • Fill in the blanks for missing information
  • Identification of causes and consequences of events described in the passages
  • Questions about personalities and events associated with the events in the passage
  • Questions about awardsrecognitions and other events of significance associated with persons mentioned in the passage
  • Questions about laws and other events of legal significance (such as judgements) associated with the events in the passage
  • Some questions may also test you on historical information and significance of the recent and current events
  • Questions may also relate to matters associated with events mentioned in the passage. For example, for a passage about natural calamity, questions will not only be around that calamity but similar events around the world.

CLAT 2026: How to Score 30+ Marks in General Knowledge to crack CLAT 2026 in the first attempt?

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

Also Read: CLAT Current Affairs & GK Preparation Tips

CLAT Preparation 2026 for Logical Reasoning: Syllabus Highlights

The CLAT Logical Reasoning section 2025 holds 20 per cent weightage in the exam. Before talking about the techniques of attempting the questions, you must understand the major highlights of the Logical Reasoning syllabus for CLAT exam 2025:

  • The section will include short passages of about 300 words each
  • Questions will be based on material sourced from opinion and editorial sections of newspapers and magazines such as ‘The Reverse Gear’ in The Economist, ‘History of Health’ by The Telegraph and ‘Where I Am’ by The Indian Express
  • Questions will also be based on material sourced from essays on moral philosophy available online and in different books. For instance, ‘Ethics in the Real World’ by Peter Singer
  • Some passages will also be created specifically for the exam
  • Some of the important topics from the older format from which the questions would still be based include Blood Relations, Family Trees, Number Series, Alphabet Series, Logic Games, Syllogisms, etc.

CLAT 2026: How to score 25+ marks in Logical Reasoning to crack CLAT 2026 in First Attempt?

As per the new CLAT exam pattern, there will be around 28-30 questions asked in the logical reasoning section:

  • Your time to answer the logical reasoning question plays an important part to crack this section
  • Topics like blood relations, directions, number series, deriving conclusions, etc are more important so play more attention
  • Go through several statements, arguments, and solutions
  • Solve CLAT Mock Tests as many as possible
  • Do sit with a timer every time you solve a mock test and try to finish all the questions in the given time
  • GMAT guides play the most valuable resource
  • Try not to spend more than 25 minutes solving this section
  • Try to spend your free time in solving puzzles and games that demand logic

Also Read: CLAT Logical Reasoning Preparation Tips

CLAT Preparation 2026 for Quantitative Techniques: Syllabus Highlights

The CLAT syllabus for Quantitative Techniques includes the following important highlights:

  • The section includes 13-17 questions in the exam
  • Unlike other sections, the Quantitative Techniques section includes short sets of facts, propositions, graphs or other textual, pictorial, diagrammatic representations of numerical information
  • Majority of the questions in the section are created specifically for the exam, however, few graphs and histograms are also derived from public sources such as the official website of Reserve Bank of India
  • The difficulty level of questions in the exam is of Class 10 level, however, the questions are more logic-based rather than formulae-based
  • Important topics on which Maths questions are based in the exam include:

CLAT Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques

Number Theory & Basic Arithmetic

Averages & Percentages

Ratio & Proportion

Mixtures & Allegations

Time & Work

Time, Distance & Speed

Fractions & Equations

Monetary Evaluations

Probability

Permutations & Combinations

Data Interpretation to analyse Charts, Tables, Histograms & other Graphical Information

CLAT 2026: How to Score Good Marks in Maths to crack CLAT 2026 in first attempt?

The quantitative or maths sections hold a total weightage of 20 marks and generally, the questions asked are of an elementary standard. 

  • Get your fundamentals clear
  • Check all relevant topics and try and have a clear understanding of each concept
  • Memorize tables up to 20 and squares up to 30 regularly
  • Practice important formulas daily
  • Try an attempt as many question from the CLAT previous year's papers to enhance your speed
  • There is a time limit on the exam. Therefore, time management is of extreme importance

Also Read: CLAT Maths Preparation Tips 2024

Divide the syllabus of CLAT 2026

In the remaining time, candidates should prepare themselves with the topics they have some idea about. Now is the time to make these topics into the scoring strengths. Moreover, candidates can list down the topics that will help them score well with proper revision. The weightage of CLAT subjects is as under: 

Sections

MCQs per section

Marks per section

English Language

28 - 32 

28 - 32 

Current Affairs including General Knowledge

35 - 39 

35 - 39 

Logical Reasoning

28 - 32 

28 - 32 

Legal Reasoning

35 - 39 

35 - 39 

Quantitative Techniques

13 - 17 

13 - 17 

Total

120

120

Also Read: 

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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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