How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 without Coaching - Important Books, Strategy & Tips
Common Law Admission Test 2025 ( CLAT )
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Preparing for CLAT 2026 without coaching? Check out important books, strategies and tips to ace the CLAT exam without coaching here.
Everybody who is appearing for the CLAT exam feels that joining a coaching institute is only a way out to crack the CLAT entrance exam. 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 2026 with flying colors. However, for the same, candidates need 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 2026.
Also Read: How to prepare for CLAT in 6 months: Tips, Tricks & Study Plan for CLAT 2026
In this article, we have provided all the tips and tricks required to prepare for CLAT 2026 without coaching along with important books, previous year question papers, past years’ topper tips and more.
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Q: Which books are there for CLAT exam?
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
Q: Which are the CLAT best books for Legal aptitude?
Candidates must note that it is most important sections in CLAT 2026 as it carries 25% weightage. The legal aptitude sections carries questions that are mostly concepts bases on topics such as Law of Tort, Law of Contract, Constitutional law, Indian Constitution, Polity, preposition and facts etc. Candidates can follow the study material and reference given here to prepare for CLAT legal aptitude section: Bare Acts of Indian Constitution, LexisNexis Butterworths, Legal Awareness and Legal Aptitude by Andhra Pradesh Bhardwaj, Universal’s CLAT Guide.
How to prepare for CLAT 2026 without coaching?
Check out some important CLAT preparation tips 2026 to ace the law entrance exam without joining coaching below:
- Start early: The first and foremost step towards effective CLAT preparation is starting early with the studies. Starting early with preparation helps finish the CLAT syllabus in time, which further gives ample time to practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests. Therefore, do not wait for the last two-three months, start with CLAT preparation now.
- Make a study plan: To ace CLAT 2026, it is important to plan your studies well. For the same, candidates are advised to make weekly and monthly time-tables, containing details on which subjects and topics to study and how much to study. Candidates should focus on studying seven to eight hours a day with breaks of one hour after every two hours of study. The breaks should be utilized for rejuvenation by listening to songs, watching videos, taking rest, etc. Remember, to score well in CLAT, it is important to keep calm for which constant breaks in between studies are important.
- Revise: Revision is important to retain the already studied topics in mind for a longer duration of time. For the same, candidates are advised to keep five days for study and two days for revision in the weekly timetable.
- Practice: Practicing previous years’ CLAT question papers and mock tests is the key to cracking the national-level law entrance exam. While candidates should keep practicing questions for different sections during their regular course of study, past year question papers, CLAT 2025 Sample papers and CLAT mock tests should be attempted after they are over with the CLAT syllabus.
- Strengthen weaker areas: During CLAT preparation, there are times when candidates realise in which topics and subjects they are weak. In such cases, extra effort should be laid on strengthening the weak areas for the exam by going through the basics again and discussing the topic(s) with fellow aspirants and mentors, if any. Candidates can also find online videos to clear their basics for topics in which they need more clarity.
Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning
Section-wise preparation tips & best books to crack CLAT 2026 without coaching
Check out some of the section-wise preparation tips and important books to ace the law entrance exam without coaching below:
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Important Books |
Preparation Tips |
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Also Read: Important topics to study from CLAT 2026 syllabus
How to prepare for CLAT without coaching – Topper Tips
One of the best ways to prepare for CLAT 2026 without coaching is by looking up to the past years’ exam toppers and their preparation strategies. Check out CLAT preparation tips from past year toppers below to know how to clear CLAT in first attempt:
- Plan your preparation in two parts – first six months should be focused on the preparation of weaker sections and the next six months for the preparation of all sections
- Prepare a subject-wise time-table for everyday
- Stick to the time table and stretch yourself to cover a wide range of topics
- Study at least three subjects a day including the subjects you are weak in
- To attain speed in the exam, practice as many CLAT question papers as possible
- Take as many CLAT mock tests as you can
- Analyse your mocks and work on your weaknesses
- Don't let a bad mock exam demoralise you
Read More:
Q: Which are the best books for English to crack CLAT 2026?
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.
Q: Are NCERT books enough to complete the CLAT syllabus?
Yes, NCERT books are sufficient to complete the CLAT syllabus. A number of past years' CLAT toppers have claimed that they referred only to NCERT books for preparation. NCERT text books act as the base to complete the syllabus and develop conceptual clarity and understanding of the topics and chapters. However, for practice purposes, students may refer to other books and resources as well. It is advised that while starting the CLAT preparation, candidates refer to the NCERT books and move towards other books and advance resources after that.
Q: Which are the best books for CLAT 2026 General Knowledge and Current Affairs?
CLAT 2026 general knowledge section is very important and questions are asked from history, geography, economy and environment. Candidates can easily prepare for CLAT GK section by reading the standard books. But for the current affairs, they are advised to religiously read the newspapers and monthly magazines. Apart from this, the CLAT Books for General Knowledge and Current Affairs that candidates can refer are: Pearson General Knowledge Manual, Lucent’s General Knowledge, Manorama Year Book, India Year Book, Competition Success Review, Pratiyogita Darpan and Newspapers like: The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Telegraph.
Q: How many CLAT preparation books are required to crack the test?
There isn't a set amount of CLAT prep books that students need to read in order to pass the test. They should concentrate on the quality of preparation rather than the quantity. CLAT applicants should consult NCERT books in addition to at least one section-specific CLAT study book for each section, followed by a comprehensive preparation guide, in terms of numbers. You should solve old question papers and take lots of practise tests in addition to consulting the well-known literature.
Q: Which books I should refer to prepare for CLAT 2026?
Among all the books of CLAT 2026 in the world, candidates were advised to first go for the NCERT books. Candidates must complete all the NCERT books first before moving to other reference books available in the market. After completing the NCERT books, they could refer to the following books to boost up their 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.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
CLAT is not manadatoey for every law college. The score is accepted by NLU and other top law colleges for admissions.
You can explore about -
- AILET
- LSAT
- CUET
- MHCET
- Other states law entrance exams
Scholar-Level 16
Answered 4 days ago
You will know your CLAT exam center by downloading your admit card, which is released a few weeks before the exam. The admit card contains all the important details, including the exam center's name, address, and instructions for the exam day. To download the admit card, visit the official CLAT webs
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
If you forget to carry your CLAT admit card 2026 on the exam day, you may not be allowed to sit for the exam. However, you should immediately contact the exam center authorities and inform them about the situation. In some cases, they may provide you with a temporary solution if you have other valid
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
No, you cannot edit your CLAT exam center after submitting the CLAT application form. Once the application form is submitted, the exam center preferences are considered final. However, if you realize a mistake or need to make changes, you should immediately contact the CLAT helpdesk for assistance.
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
To download your CLAT admit card, you need the following details:
Registered Email ID: The email address used during the CLAT registration process.
Password: The unique password you created during registration.
Visit the official CLAT website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in), log in using your email ID and pas
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
If you have forgotten your CLAT roll number, you can retrieve it by following these steps:
- Visit the official CLAT website: consortiumofnlus.ac.in.
- Log in to your account using your registered email ID and password.
- Once logged in, go to the admit card or application form section. Your roll number will
D
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
The CLAT exam centers list is released along with the official notification for the exam, which is typically published several months before the exam date. The notification provides the complete list of cities where the exam will be conducted, allowing candidates to select their preferred centers du
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
You can check your CLAT exam center details on your admit card, which is released by the CLAT Consortium a few weeks before the exam. To access it, visit the official website (consortiumofnlus.ac.in) and log in using your registered credentials. Once logged in, download the admit card, which contain
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The CLAT exam center is allocated based on the preferences provided by the candidate during the application process. While filling out the form, candidates can select up to three preferred cities for their exam center. The allocation is done on a first-come, first-serve basis, considering availabili
P
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
Choosing the CLAT exam center requires careful consideration to ensure convenience and a stress-free exam day. Select a center close to your residence to minimize travel time and avoid last-minute delays. While filling out the application form, review the list of available centers and choose based o
C
Beginner-Level 4
CLAT Notifications
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.