How to Prepare for CLAT | Tips & Tricks from LAW Experts
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a highly competitive examination that opens the gateway to some of the most prestigious law schools in India. Successfully cracking CLAT requires a strategic and well-rounded preparation approach. This comprehensive guide aims to provide prospective candidates with valuable insights and a step-by-step roadmap on how to prepare effectively for CLAT.
So, the first step is to know the CLAT exam pattern before preparation.
Based on the previous year’s exam pattern, the CLAT exam syllabus and paper pattern are split up in the following manner:
CLAT EXAM PATTERN
| COMPONENTS | DETAILS |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Medium of Examination | English |
| Time allotted | 2 hours |
| Total number of Questions | 120 |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Test Sections | English Language Current Affairs, including General Knowledge Legal Reasoning Logical Reasoning Quantitative Techniques |
| Marking Scheme | 120 Marks (1 for every Question & 0.25 Negative) |
TIPS TO CRACK CLAT EXAM
- Familiarize Yourself with the CLAT Syllabus: Begin your preparation by acquiring a deep understanding of the CLAT syllabus. Divide the syllabus into sections and prioritize them based on your strengths and weaknesses. The key sections include English Language, Current Affairs and General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
- Develop a Study Plan: Create a realistic and structured study plan that covers all subjects. Allocate specific time slots for each section, focusing on weaker areas while maintaining a balance. Consistency is crucial, so ensure your study plan is sustainable over an extended period.
- Right Study Materials: Choose the right study materials and resources to aid your preparation. Utilize official CLAT study materials, reference books, and online resources to get a comprehensive understanding of each subject. Regularly update your study material to stay in sync with any changes in the exam pattern.
- Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Practice is key to success in CLAT. Take regular mock tests to improve time management and identify weak areas. Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and get acquainted with the types of questions asked.
- Legal Aptitude: Given the significance of legal reasoning in CLAT, focus on developing a strong foundation in legal aptitude. Understand legal principles, precedents, and case laws. Regularly solve legal reasoning questions to enhance your analytical skills.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online sources. Create a habit of noting down important events and developments. This will not only aid in the General Knowledge section but also improve your performance in the interview round.
- Time Management: CLAT is a time-bound test, so effective time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to enhance your speed and accuracy. This skill is particularly important in the Logical Reasoning and Mathematics sections.
- Proper Revision: Regularly revise your study material to reinforce concepts and ensure retention. Create concise notes summarizing important points for quick revision closer to the exam date.
BOOKS FOR CLAT PREPARATION
To prepare for the CLAT exam, it’s important to study a variety of subjects, including English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning. Here are some recommended books for CLAT preparation:
- English Language:
- Wren and Martin for Grammar
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs:
- Manorama Yearbook
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, or any other national daily
- Monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan
- Mathematics:
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- NCERT Class 10th and 12th Mathematics textbooks
- Legal Aptitude:
- Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by A.P. Bhardwaj
- Universal’s Guide to CLAT & LL.B. Entrance Examination by Manish Arora
- Analytical Reasoning (M. K. Pandey)
- Logical Reasoning:
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- Previous Year Question Papers and Mock Tests:
- Solve previous year CLAT question papers
- Take mock tests regularly to practice time management and improve speed
FAQs
Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Devise a study plan, allocate time for each section, and set realistic goals. Familiarize yourself with previous years’ question papers.
CLAT typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering areas like English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Mathematics (for UG). There may also be a section on legal reasoning for PG courses.
Time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time for each section. It’s better to move on to the next question if you find one particularly challenging and come back to it later if time permits.
Use official CLAT preparation materials, previous year question papers, and standard reference books for each section. Regularly update yourself on current affairs and legal developments.
Coaching is not mandatory, but it can be helpful for some candidates. Self-study is equally effective if you have a disciplined study routine. Choose the method that suits you best.
