How to score like a topper or at least get a good rank in CLAT 2026? This article shares some tips to prepare like a top ranker for the upcoming law entrance exam.
The Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) will be conducting the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2025 in December 2025. Now, the candidates (including the law aspirants who could not secure a seat in CLAT 2025) can apply for the upcoming CLAT exam before deadline. However, the CLAT 2026 application process is the first step towards admissions to NLUs, to be able to secure a seat in these law colleges, candidates need to qualify and secure a good rank in the CLAT exam. Moreover, a good rank in the CLAT exam ensures good scholarships from private law colleges offering admissions on the basis of CLAT scores.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.When we discuss preparation tips with CLAT toppers, it is observed that they all follow a strategy, which is similar to the strategy followed by all other aspirants. However, below-mentioned preparation methods helped them stand out and score a top rank in CLAT exam:
Self-study plan
Q: Which is the most difficult section of the CLAT 2025?
Q: What is a good rank for CLAT?
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: Is CLAT a tough exam?
You may be enrolled with a coaching institute for CLAT 2026 preparation, however, you will succeed with 90 per cent efforts from your end. Yes, all the candidates who secured top 10 ranks in CLAT exam in the past, shared that they put extra hours in self-studies along with coaching classes. Moreover, all the subjects of CLAT exam can only be prepared thoroughly with self-preparation. The coaching will help you in learning tricks and tips to attempt different types of questions in each section. If you decide to prepare for CLAT by yourself, then you can learn these tricks with online study material or preparation videos available on various platforms. Apart from this, you can make an effective self-study plan for CLAT 2026 as under:
- Scheduling - Subject-wise time table for conceptualisation, practice and evaluation.
- Performance and goal setting - Set monthly, weekly, as well as, daily goals for CLAT 2026 preparation with respect to time remaining till the exam day.
- Prioritization - Along with CLAT 2026, you must be planning to appear in upcoming exams like class 12 board exams, or entrance exams. Therefore, if your exclusive goal is to secure a good rank in CLAT 2026, and secure a seat in top NLUs then, you will have to prioritize your preparation goals accordingly. Many toppers applied for other entrance exams, as well as, appeared for Class 12 board examinations, but their priority was always to secure top rank in CLAT exam. They were able to achieve their goal favourably.
Effective methods of note making
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Preparation for CLAT begins with planning and note making, so when a candidate starts taking classes, he/she should devise/ learn note-taking methods, which will be helpful during revision. Some of the highly effective methods for note taking that you can explore are:
- Mapping method
- Charting method
- Outlining method
- Cornell method
- Boxing method
You can either pick one method that you are most comfortable with or pick multiple to prepare different subjects for the CLAT question paper. The final goal is to score well in the CLAT exam, whichever (Fair) way. It is helpful to learn these methods even before you begin conceptualisation, as note-taking will begin thereafter.
Performance/ Preparation Evaluation
Q: Is 4000 a good rank in CLAT?
A CLAT rank of 4000 is not considered as a good rank to get admission to one of the top NLUs. However, candidates who belong the reserved category still have chance to secure admission to NLUs with a CLAT Rank of AIR 4000.With the exam pattern for CLAT changing, candidates must aim to score above 100 to secure admission to one of the best NLUs in the country. Before starting the CLAT Preparation 2025 candidates need to understand how the marks are divided in each section.
Q: What is a good CLAT score?
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.
Q: Which is the No. 1 university in CLAT?
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 2025?
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?
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.
Without knowing where you stand, you cannot aim for a higher rank in CLAT 2026. It would be helpful to know the actual picture well in advance, as the exam is only a couple of months away. Many toppers shared that they did not expect a top rank in CLAT exam, rather they aimed for a certain score, which was accepted by their preferred NLU. This provided them with an additional boost and they leveled-up their preparation for the exam. Setting a high benchmark may not ensure you a good rank, rather knowing what you want and your preparation level will. Therefore, it is essential to know the CLAT cutoff for each institute, and aim for a rank accepted by your preferred NLU. Thereafter, prepare and regularly evaluate your performance as per the real-time exam.
Mock-test practice
CLAT consortium will be sharing mock-test practice papers in the next three months so that candidates can prepare for the exam day. You can include mock test practice papers as well as, analyse previous years' question papers into your self-study plan. Also, refer to the preparation books for CLAT that are exam pattern specific only.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
If you want to go through flat exam in university so you had to wait for 1 year but if you want to do your course you can take admission in private and better colleges
R
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 5 days ago
To apply for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), follow these steps:
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for CLAT, which typically includes:
- - For UG Programmes: Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST candidates)
- -
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
The CLAT ranks below 1000 are enough for getting INLU of Nirma University.
Scholar-Level 18
Answered a week ago
No, its not at all mandatory to give CLAT to become a lawyer. Candidates can enroll in Law courses offered by various universities and colleges to pursue UG and PG law courses. However, those who wish to take admission in one of NLUs except NLU Delhi will have to appear for Common National Admission
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
Yes, Gujarat National Law University, accepts CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) scores for admission to its various undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, including the BA LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB and LLM courses. CLAT is a common entrance test used by many of the top law schools in Indi
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Your prospects of getting into a National Law University (NLU) with an All India Rank of 37,778 and a SC category rank of 2452 in the CLAT rely on a number of variables including seat availability, cutoff trends and reservation rules
elite NLUs: Because of higher cutoffs admission to elite NLUs such
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Chances of getting RGNLU Patiala can be made.
Scholar-Level 18
Answered a week ago
Chances of getting the following NLUs CA be made.
- NLU Kochi
- NLU Assam
- NLU Tripura
Scholar-Level 18
Answered a week ago
NLUs are not possible on this rank. Please try some private colleges.
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 2 weeks ago
The National Law University (NLU) admission prospects are slim in view of a CLAT rank of 7616 and an EWS rank of 640. Most of the NLU cut-off ranks tend to be exceptionally lower as compared to general category and EWS candidates, even in some of the most sought-after courses like BA LLB.
Factors inf
R
Contributor-Level 10
I am currently pursuing B.Sc Medical 1st semester. Now I want to do B.A LL.B but have missed CLAT 2025 exam. What should I do now?