Anupama
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Jan 3, 2025 17:05 IST

Beginning with foundational concepts and gradually increasing the intensity of your preparation helps establish a strong base while practicing under timed conditions enhances your speed and accuracy. Staying informed on current affairs and regularly working through previous years' papers will further boost your readiness. Here's a detailed guide to help you optimize your preparation time:

How to prepare for CLAT 2025 in one year?

How to prepare for CLAT 2026 in one year?

Preparing for the CLAT exam 2025 within a year requires a well-structured approach, discipline, and consistent effort. To begin with, understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial, as it allows you to identify key areas of focus, such as English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. Developing a comprehensive study plan that allocates time to each subject, while also incorporating regular revision and mock tests, is essential.

Explore colleges based on CLAT

Bangalore
₹13.45 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.A. LL.B. (Hons) Colleges
Hyderabad
₹7.75 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.A. LL.B. (Hons) Colleges
Gandhinagar
₹6 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.A. LL.B. (Hons) Colleges
Bhubaneswar
₹7.5 L
Also preferred by students

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Delhi
₹3.5 L
Positive review ratings provided by students
Lucknow
₹6.07 L
Trending amongst B.A. LL.B. (Hons) colleges in the last 1 month
Bhopal
₹7.3 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of B.A. LL.B. (Hons) Colleges
Patiala
₹7.25 L
Positive review ratings provided by students
Guwahati
₹4 L
Also preferred by students
Nagpur
₹10.07 L
Also preferred by students
View allCollections

Also Read: Idioms and Proverbs for CLAT 2026 With Meaning

Starting with foundational concepts and gradually intensifying preparation helps build a strong base, while practice under timed conditions sharpens your speed and accuracy. Staying updated with current affairs and practicing previous years' papers further enhances your readiness. With dedication and a clear strategy, you can effectively prepare for CLAT and maximise your chances of success. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your preparation time:

Q:   Which is the most difficult section of the CLAT 2025?

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:   Is CLAT a tough exam?

A:
Dear Student, A competitive entrance exam tests your aptitude for the subject. Be it law or fashion or design, be it CLAT NIFT, or NID. With so many aspirants vying for limited seats in the premier institutes of the country, you have to display a very high level of aptitude for the chosen field. If you are good in your basics then CLAT exam is not a tough journey to cross. It depends on your level of knowledge, dedication and your preparation. In the initial level it is not easy but a regular practice can make it easy for you to pass the CLAT Exam. If you are going to sit for CLAT exam then it is very much important to know about the CLAT Exam pattern, syllabus, questions type. There are five important Topics which you need to focus on CLAT exams. These five topics are English comprehension, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, General Knowledge and Current Affairs. Depth knowledge and good practice can only give you the success. You can get in touch with any good law entrance coaching, they will help you to clear your CLAT exam. If you want to kick start a successful career in law, it is important to get admission into a good law college. There are a number of top law colleges in India that you can apply for, but you should know the admission process. Most of the colleges or universities that offer courses in law have their own entrance examinations. One of the most recognised examinations is CLAT which stands for the Common Law Entrance Test. The test score of CLAT is accepted by major universities as well as law colleges in India. There are multiple universities from where you can do 5-year LL.B. Like IILM University Gurugram offers BBA LL.B. & B.A. LL.B. & LL. M. with Moot Court Internship, Seminar, Workshops, Experiential Learning along with Inter-Disciplinary Curriculum. For more details check their website https://iilm.edu.in.

Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

It is very important to understand the CLAT exam pattern and CLAT 2026 syllabus for effective preparation. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

CLAT Exam Pattern

The CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is conducted for admissions into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law programs at various National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. The exam pattern varies slightly between the UG and PG programs.

Explore more Law exams with upcoming dates

AILET Second Provisional Merit...

10 Jan '25

LSAT India 2025 January Sessio...

5 Jan '25 - 12 Jan '25

NMIMS LAT 2025 Exam (Phase 1)

1 Jan '25 - 14 Jan '25

SLS AIAT 2025 First Merit List

25 Jan '25

GLAT 2025 application

15 Jan '25 - 20 Feb '25

SAT Registration Deadline for ...

21 Feb '25

AIL LET 2025 Application Process

4 Apr '25

IILET Registrations / Applicat...

1 Dec '24 - 22 Jan '25

MH CET Law 2025 Application (f...

27 Dec '24 - 27 Jan '25

PU UGLAW 2025 online registrations

13 Mar '25 - 8 Apr '25

CLAT UG 2026 Exam Pattern:

Mode of Exam: Offline, pen-and-paper-based.

Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).

Total Marks: 120 marks.

Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

CLAT Question Paper 2026 Sections:

The question paper of CLAT is divided into five sections:

  • English Language: Focuses on comprehension passages, grammar, vocabulary, and contextual usage.
  • Current Affairs including General Knowledge: Includes questions on recent events, national and international news, and static GK.
  • Legal Reasoning: Tests your understanding of legal principles and their application to various situations.
  • Logical Reasoning: Involves puzzles, critical thinking, and analysis of arguments.
  • Quantitative Techniques: Includes basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

CLAT Marking Scheme 2026

Candidates can check the CLAT 2025 Marking Scheme below:

  - +1 mark for each correct answer.

  - -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer (negative marking).

Q:   Is 4000 a good rank in CLAT?

A:

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?

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. 

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 2025?

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. 

CLAT PG 2026 Exam Pattern:

Mode of Exam: Offline, pen-and-paper-based.

Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).

Total Marks: 120 marks.

Total Questions: 120 MCQs

CLAT PG Question Paper 2026 Sections

Candidates can check the CLAT PG Question Paper section below:

Constitutional Law: Questions related to the Indian Constitution.

Other Law Subjects: Includes questions from various law subjects like Jurisprudence, Contract Law, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR, etc.

CLAT PG 2026 Marking Scheme

Candidates can check the CLAT PG Marking Scheme below:

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

CLAT Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for CLAT is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude in various areas relevant to law education. Here’s a section-wise breakdown:

CLAT UG 2026 Syllabus:

English Language:

  • Comprehension passages.
  • Grammar and sentence correction
  • Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, etc.).
  • Fill in the blanks, idioms, and phrases.

Also Read: CLAT 2026 English Language: Questions, Syllabus, Preparation Tips & Tricks

Current Affairs including General Knowledge:

  • Recent events and developments (national and international).
  • Awards and honors.
  • Sports, science, and technology.
  • Important dates and historical events.

Also Read: CLAT 2026 GK questions: Preparation for current affairs including gk section

 Legal Reasoning:

  • Principles and facts of law.
  • Application of legal principles to factual situations.
  • Understanding of legal propositions and reasoning.

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

Logical Reasoning:

  • Critical reasoning, analogies.
  • Logical sequences and arguments.
  • Blood relations, syllogisms.
  • Puzzles and pattern recognition.

Also Read: How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 Logical Reasoning

Quantitative Techniques

  • Basic arithmetic (number systems, averages, percentages, profit and loss).
  • Algebra (equations, ratios, proportions).
  • Geometry (basic properties of shapes).
  • Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables).

Also Read: Quantitative Techniques for CLAT 2026: Syllabus, Topics, Marking Scheme, Books, Important Questions

CLAT PG 2026 Syllabus

Candidates must ensure that they check the CLAT LLM Syllabus 2025 before beginning their preparation. Candidates can check the same below:

Constitutional Law: In-depth knowledge of the Constitution of India, key amendments, and landmark judgments.

Other Law Subjects: Jurisprudence, Criminal Law, Contract Law, International Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law, and other significant legal disciplines.

Create a Study Plan for CLAT Exam

Creating a well-structured study plan for CLAT is essential to ensure you cover all topics effectively and have enough time for revision and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for CLAT over the course of one year:

Monthly Study Plan

Divide the syllabus into monthly goals. Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Read complete monthly study-plan below:

Months 1-3: Foundation Building

  • English Language: Work on vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Read newspapers daily.
  • Current Affairs & GK: Start reading newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan. Focus on last year's events and major topics.
  • Legal Reasoning: Familiarise yourself with basic legal terms and principles. Read about the Constitution, landmark judgments, and important laws.
  • Logical Reasoning: Practice basic puzzles, series, and logical deductions.
  • Quantitative Techniques: Revise basic math concepts and practice problems daily.

Also Read: How to clear CLAT 2026 in first attempt?

Months 4-6: Intensifying Preparation

  • English Language: Start practicing comprehension passages and work on sentence rearrangement.
  • Current Affairs & GK: Continue with daily updates. Start revising older topics and focus on static GK.
  • Legal Reasoning: Begin solving previous year’s questions. Understand the application of legal principles in various scenarios.
  • Logical Reasoning: Move on to more complex puzzles and logical sequences.
  • Quantitative Techniques: Focus on data interpretation, percentage, profit & loss, and time & work problems.

Also Read: How to prepare for CLAT in 6 months: Tips, Tricks & Study Plan

Months 7-9: Practice and Application

  • English Language: Take mock tests and work on weak areas. Focus on time management during comprehension passages.
  • Current Affairs & GK: Regular revision of current affairs and static GK. Practice quizzes and flashcards.
  • Legal Reasoning: Take topic-wise tests and analyze your mistakes. Work on speed and accuracy.
  • Logical Reasoning: Practice a variety of logical reasoning questions from mock tests and previous papers.
  • Quantitative Techniques: Solve more complex problems and practice under timed conditions.

Also Read: How to attempt Current Affairs & GK questions in CLAT 2026?

Months 10-12: Revision and Mock Tests

  • Full-Length Mock Tests: Start taking full-length mock tests every week. Analyse your performance and work on weak areas.
  • Sectional Revision: Dedicate each week to revising one section thoroughly. Focus on your weak spots.
  • Time Management: Practice solving questions within the time limits. Develop strategies to maximize your score.
  • Final Revision: In the last month, focus on quick revisions of important topics, formulas, and concepts. Take at least 2-3 mock tests per week.

Daily Study Routine for CLAT Exam 2026

Create a daily study schedule, dedicating specific hours to different sections. Include time for revision and practice tests.

  • Morning (2-3 hours): Focus on Quantitative Techniques or Legal Reasoning.
  • Afternoon (2 hours): Study Current Affairs and General Knowledge.
  • Evening (2 hours): English Language and Logical Reasoning practice.
  • Night (1 hour): Revise the day’s work and read through notes.

Best Books for CLAT 2026

Candidates can some of the best books to prepare for CLAT below:

Subject

CLAT 2025 Book Recommendation

CLAT Logical Reasoning

·       A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

·       Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

·       Analytical Reasoning (English) by MK Pandey

·       A New Approach to Verbal and Analytical Reasoning by Arihant

CLAT Legal Reasoning

·       Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by Pearson

·       Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning by AP Bhardwaj

·       Objective Legal Aptitude by RS Aggarwal 

CLAT Quantitative Techniques

·       Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant Publications 

·       30 days wonder for Maths by S Chand

·       Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Pearson's

·       Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal

CLAT GK & Current Affairs

·       General Knowledge 2023, 2022, and 2021 by Arihant Publications

·       Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant Publications

·       Manorama Year Book by Manorama Publications

·       General Knowledge 2022-2023 by Lucent’s

·       General Knowledge 2021-2022 by Tarun Goyal

CLAT English 

·       Objective General English 2023 by SP Bakshi

·       Objective General English 2024 by RS Aggarwal

·       The Pearson Guide to the CLAT by Pearson's

·       Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

·       CLAT Guide by Tata McGraw-Hill

Also Read: 110+ Important Vocabulary Words for CLAT Exam 2026

Section-wise Preparation Tips for CLAT 2026

Candidates can check the sectional-wise preparation tips below

How to Prepare for CLAT in one year - Focus on English Language

  • Reading Comprehension: Practice reading long passages quickly and efficiently. Work on your vocabulary and grammar.
  • Regular Reading: Read newspapers, journals, and books to enhance your comprehension skills and improve your vocabulary.

How to Prepare for CLAT in one year -  Stay Updated with Current Affairs

  • Daily News: Make it a habit to read newspapers daily and follow credible news sources.
  • Monthly Compilations: Use monthly current affairs compilations to stay updated on important events and issues.

How to Prepare for CLAT in one year - Strengthen Legal Reasoning

  • Legal Principles: Study legal principles and how they apply to various situations.
  • Case Laws: Familiarise yourself with landmark case laws and judgments that have shaped Indian legal jurisprudence.
  • Practice: Solve past years’ papers and mock tests focusing on legal reasoning.

How to Prepare for CLAT in one year - Master Logical Reasoning

  • Practice Puzzles: Regularly practice puzzles and logical reasoning questions.
  • Critical Thinking: Work on your critical thinking skills by analyzing arguments and identifying flaws in reasoning.

How to Prepare for CLAT in one year - Improve Quantitative Techniques

  • Basic Math: Brush up on basic mathematics, including topics like percentages, ratios, algebra, and data interpretation.
  • Practice Regularly: Solve mathematical problems daily to improve speed and accuracy.

Also Read: CLAT Questions for Practice with Solutions: Free PDF Download

Why appearing for CLAT Mock Tests is important?

  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam.
  • Analyze Performance: After each test, analyze your performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Work on Weak Areas: Focus on improving weak areas by revising concepts and practicing more.

Also Read: CLAT 2026 Important Topics: Check GK, Mathematics, English, Legal & Logical Reasoning

Most Important Aspects of CLAT 2026 Preparation

  • Set aside time each week for revision. Review notes, important concepts, and formulas regularly.
  • Use flashcards for quick revisions, especially for vocabulary, legal terms, and current affairs.
  • Maintain a balanced routine that includes time for relaxation, exercise, and adequate sleep.
  • Stay Motivated: Keep your motivation high by setting short-term goals and rewarding yourself upon achieving them.
  • Join study groups where you can discuss difficult topics and learn from others.
  • If needed, consider joining a coaching center that specialises in CLAT preparation for expert guidance and structured learning.

Consistency is key. Stick to your study plan and ensure you progress steadily toward your goals. By following this comprehensive approach, you can effectively prepare for CLAT 2026 within a year and maximise your chances of success.

Read More:

About the Author
author-image
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

Download Important Dates for Law Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

10 Jan '25

AILET Second Provisional Merit...

23 Jan '25

AILET Third Provisional Merit ...

Jan '25

LSAT India 2025 January Sessio...

Aug '24

LSAT India 2025 May Session Re...

15 Jan '25 -

15 Mar '25

ULSAT 2025 Application for LLM

15 Jan '25 -

15 Mar '25

ULSAT 2025 Applications (3-yea...

3 Dec '25

SLAT 2025 admit card for Test ...

3 Dec '25

SLAT 2025 Admit Card for Test ...

21 May '25 -

10 Jun '25

RULET 2025 application process

12 Jun '25

RULET 2025 correction window

May '22

Exam date

27 Dec '24 -

27 Jan '25

MH CET Law 2025 Application (f...

18 Jan '25 -

10 Apr '25

MH CET Law 2025 Application (f...

Jul '23

LFAT 2023 Declaration of Resul...

1 Jun '23 -

7 Jun '23

LFAT 2023 Reserved Exam Dates

2 Jul '24

ACLAT Exam 2024

1 Jul '24

ACLAT Admit Card 2024

Mar '25

PU UGLAW 2025 online registrat...

Apr '25

PU UGLAW 2025 last date of fee...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

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

Rubi

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)
  • -

...more

78542734
Sankalp Anand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 6 days ago

The CLAT ranks below 1000 are enough for getting INLU of Nirma University.

54114609
pradeep kumar

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

...more

M

Mani Shukla

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

...more

S

Saakshi Kumari

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

...more

R

Ravi Babu

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Chances of getting RGNLU Patiala can be made.

80048332
pradeep kumar

Scholar-Level 18

Answered a week ago

Chances of getting the following NLUs CA be made.

  1. NLU Kochi
  2. NLU Assam
  3. NLU Tripura 

75674277
pradeep kumar

Scholar-Level 18

Answered a week ago

NLUs are not possible on this rank. Please try some private colleges.

79909880
pradeep kumar

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

...more

R

Rayamkula Harish

Contributor-Level 10