Anupama
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
Updated on Jan 3, 2025 15:27 IST

CLAT PG 2026 is likely to be held in December 2025. Preparing for CLAT PG (Common Law Admission Test for Postgraduate programs) requires a well-structured approach and focused study strategy. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to prepare effectively for CLAT PG 2026, month-by-month study plan and other important tips and tricks. 

How to prepare for CLAT PG Exam 2026?

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for Postgraduate (PG) programs is a gateway for aspiring law students to secure admission in prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and other affiliated institutions. Preparing for CLAT PG 2026 requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. This article provides detailed strategies, tips, and a study plan to help you excel in the exam.

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Understanding CLAT PG 2026 Exam Pattern

Before diving into preparation, it’s essential to understand the CLAT PG exam pattern. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test your comprehension abilities. The sections typically include:

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. 

Each question carries one mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

Also Read: Legal Reasoning for CLAT 2026

Strategies for CLAT PG 2026 Preparation

Candidates need to have a proper CLAT PG preparation tricks and tips to excel it in first attempt. CLAT PG Exam Date has not been announced yet. However, it is expected to be held in December 2025.  Candidates must gear up for the exam with the tips mentioned below:

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  1. Start Early

Begin your preparation well in advance. This gives you ample time to cover the entire syllabus, revise multiple times, and take practice tests.

  1. Understand the Syllabus

Thoroughly go through the CLAT PG syllabus. Knowing what topics to focus on will streamline your study process. Prioritise subjects that carry more weight

  1. Create a Study Plan

Draft a realistic and structured study plan. Allocate specific time slots for each subject and adhere to your schedule. Make sure your plan also includes time for revision and practice tests.

  1. Focus on Core Subjects

Give more attention to constitutional law and jurisprudence, as these are core subjects that are heavily weighted. Ensure you deeply understand key concepts, landmark cases, and recent developments in these areas.

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:   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:   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.

  1. Use Quality Study Material

Choose the right study material is very important. Candidates must include textbooks, reference books, and online resources to prepare for CLAT Exam. Some recommended CLAT books include:

- "Constitution of India" by V.N. Shukla

- "Jurisprudence" by Dr. B.N. Mani Tripathi

- "Contract Law" by Avtar Singh

  1. Regular Revision

Regularly revise the topics you have studied. This will help you retain information better and make your preparation more effective.

  1. Practice Previous Years’ Papers

Solving CLAT previous years' question papers will give you a clear idea of the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the difficulty level. This will help you to improve your time management skills.

  1. Take Mock Tests

Enroll in a test series to take regular CLAT mock tests. Mock tests will not only help you to assess your preparation level but also to identify your strengths and weaknesses. It will also help you to improve your speed and accuracy.

  1. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Stay updated with the latest legal developments, landmark judgments, and amendments. Reading newspapers, legal journals, and online legal news portals can help.

  1. Focus on Time Management

Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to develop speed and accuracy.

Also Read: How to prepare for CLAT in 6 months

Month-by-Month Detailed Study Plan for CLAT PG 2026

Preparing for the CLAT PG 2025 requires a well-structured and disciplined approach. A 12-month study plan will help you cover the entire syllabus thoroughly and give you ample time for revision and practice. Here is a detailed month-by-month study plan to help you prepare effectively.

Month 1: January: Foundation and Familiarisation

Week 1-2:

Constitutional Law:

  • Read and understand the basics of the Constitution of India.
  • Focus on Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties.
  • Make notes on important articles and landmark judgments.

Week 3-4:

Jurisprudence:

  • Study the theories of law, including Natural Law, Positivism, Realism, and Sociological Jurisprudence.
  • Focus on important jurists and their contributions.
  • Make notes on key concepts and definitions.

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

Month 2: February: Deep Dive into Core Subjects

Week 1-2:

Constitutional Law:

  • Study the structure and functioning of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
  • Focus on Judicial Review, Judicial Activism, and Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
  • Understand important amendments and their implications.

Week 3-4:

Jurisprudence:

  • Continue with in-depth study of different schools of jurisprudence.
  • Focus on important concepts such as rights, duties, ownership, possession, and legal personality.
  • Revise and consolidate notes.

Month 3: March: Expanding Knowledge Base

Week 1-2:

Contract Law:

  • Study the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
  • Focus on essential elements of a valid contract, offer, acceptance, consideration, and capacity to contract.
  • Understand breach of contract and remedies.

Week 3-4:

Torts Law:

  • Study the law of torts, including negligence, defamation, nuisance, and strict liability.
  • Focus on important cases and their implications.
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

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

Month 4: April: In-depth Study

Week 1-2:

Criminal Law:

  • Study the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
  • Focus on general principles of criminal law, offenses against the human body, property, and state.
  • Understand important cases and their judgments.

Week 3-4:

International Law:

  • Study the sources and subjects of international law.
  • Focus on important treaties, conventions, and principles of international law.
  • Make notes on key concepts and cases.

Month 5: May - Consolidation and Practice

Week 1-2:

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):

  • Study the basics of IPR, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs.
  • Focus on important acts and cases related to IPR.
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

Week 3-4:

Environmental Law:

  • Study the important environmental laws and policies in India.
  • Focus on landmark judgments related to environmental protection.
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

Month 6: June: Revisiting Core Subjects

Week 1-2:

Labour and Industrial Law:

  • Study key legislations such as the Industrial Disputes Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Factories Act.
  • Focus on important cases and their implications.
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

Week 3-4:

Family Law:

  • Study the basics of family law, including marriage, divorce, maintenance, and custody.
  • Focus on important cases over the years and their implications.
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

Also Read: CLAT Sample Papers 2026 PDF- Free UG/PG Sample Paper Download Link

Month 7: July: Specialised Subjects

Week 1-2:

Company Law:

  • Study the Companies Act, 2013.
  • Focus on the formation of companies, corporate governance, and winding up.
  • Understand important cases and their judgments.

Week 3-4:

Law of Property:

  • Study the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
  • Focus on the transfer of property, sale, mortgage, lease, and gift
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

Month 8: August: Intensive Revision

Week 1-2:

Revision:

  • Revise Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence thoroughly.
  • Focus on important articles, amendments, and landmark cases.
  • Practice MCQs related to these subjects.

Week 3-4:

Mock Tests:

  • Take full-length mock tests to get the exam day enviornment
  • Analyse your performance and identify weak areas.
  • Focus on improving speed and accuracy.

Month 9: September: Advanced Topics

Week 1-2:

Law of Evidence:

  • Study the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
  • Focus on the types of evidence, burden of proof, and witness examination.
  • Make notes on key concepts, laws and principles.

Week 3-4:

Administrative Law:

  • Study the principles and concepts of administrative law.
  • Focus on judicial review, administrative discretion, and delegated legislation.
  • Make notes on key concepts and cases.

Month 10: October - Consolidation and Practice

Week 1-2:

Consumer Protection Law:

  • Study the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
  • Focus on the rights of consumers, redressal mechanisms, and important cases.
  • Make notes on key concepts and principles.

Week 3-4:

Mock Tests:

  • Appear for full-length CLAT mock tests every alternate day.
  • Analyse your performance on basis of marks you secured in the mock test and work on your weak areas.
  • Focus on time management and accuracy.

Month 11: November - Final Preparations

Week 1-2:

Final Revision:

  • Do quick revision of CLAT Syllabus
  • Revise Contract Law, Torts Law, and Criminal Law again.
  • Focus on key concepts, important cases, and principles.
  • Practice MCQs related to these subjects.

Week 3-4:

Mock Tests:

  • Take full-length mock tests
  • Analyse your performance and work on weak areas.
  • Focus on time management and accuracy.
  • Stay calm and focused.

Also Read: CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG

Tips for the CLAT Exam Day

Preparing for the CLAT exam is a long-term process, but the exam day itself plays a crucial role in determining your success. Here are some tips to ensure you perform at your best on the day of the CLAT exam:

  • Get a Good Night's Sleep

Ensure you get a good sleep the night before the exam. A well-rested mind performs better and helps in maintaining concentration and focus during the test.

  • Have a Light and Healthy Breakfast

Eat a balanced breakfast that includes fruits, whole grains, and protein. Avoid eating heavy, greasy foods that might make you feel sluggish. 

  • Arrive Early at the Exam Center

Reach the CLAT exam center at least an hour before the actual reporting time. This will give you ample time to find your room, settle in, and deal with any unexpected delays.

  • Carry All Necessary Documents

Double-check that you have all the required documents, such as your CLAT admit card, a valid photo ID, and any other items specified by the exam authorities.

  • Dress Comfortably

Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather. Avoid tight or restrictive clothes that might distract you during the exam.

  • Bring Essential Items

Carry a transparent water bottle, a few pens, and any other permitted stationery items. Ensure that you follow the guidelines about what can be brought into the exam hall.

  • Stay Calm and Positive

Maintain a calm and positive mindset. Avoid discussing last-minute doubts or getting involved in stressful conversations with other candidates.

  • Read Instructions Carefully

Once you receive the question paper, take a few minutes to read the instructions thoroughly. Ensure you understand the marking scheme and any specific guidelines for the exam.

  • Manage Your Time Wisely

Allocate your time wisely across sections. Don’t waste too much time on one question. In case you don’t know the answer, move on and come back to it later if you have time.

  • Keep an Eye on the Clock

Keep track of the time throughout the exam. Set mini-deadlines for yourself to complete certain sections within a specific timeframe.

  • Stay Hydrated and Relaxed

Take small sips of water to stay hydrated. If you feel anxious, take a few deep breaths and calm yourself down.

  • Review Your Answers

If time permits, review your answers. Look out for any questions you might have skipped or marked incorrectly.

  • Avoid Discussing Answers Post-Exam

After the exam, avoid discussing your answers with other candidates. This can create unnecessary anxiety and stress.

Preparing for CLAT PG 2025 requires dedication, consistency, and a strategic approach. By following these strategies, tips, and study plans, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success. Good luck!

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Anupama Mehra
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"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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