How to Prepare for CLAT 2026
Smart, section-wise strategy and study plans for Class 11–12 students aiming for CLAT 2026.
Live + recorded classes • mocks • notes
Introduction
CLAT is the gateway to India’s top NLUs. With ~60,000 aspirants each year, focused preparation matters. Whether you have 12 months or 6 months, this guide will give you a clear plan.
📖 CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Quick)
Sections
- English Language (RC, vocab, grammar)
- Current Affairs & GK
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques (Class 10 level)
Format
- 120 MCQs in 120 minutes
- +1 for correct, −0.25 for wrong
- OMR / pen-and-paper (confirm with that year’s brochure)
🎯 Section-wise Preparation Strategy
1. English Language
- Daily RC practice (editorials + passages).
- Learn vocabulary by usage, not rote lists.
- Grammar in applied context (edit sentences & cloze tests).
2. Current Affairs & GK
- Read The Hindu / Indian Express daily.
- Make short monthly GK notes & revise weekly.
- Connect static GK with recent events (laws, judgments).
3. Legal Reasoning
- Practice passage-based legal questions daily.
- Study landmark judgments & basic legal principles.
- Solve past-year CLAT legal reasoning sets.
4. Logical Reasoning
- Practice puzzles, seating, assumptions, conclusions.
- Time-bound drills to build speed + accuracy.
- Use short daily sets (15–20 Qs) + timed mocks.
5. Quantitative Techniques
- Revise NCERT Class 9–10 basics.
- Practice percentage, ratio, averages, DI.
- Short daily practice is more effective than long sessions.
⏰ Study Plan Options
12-Month Plan (Early Start)
- Months 1–3: Build reading & maths foundation
- Months 4–6: Sectional practice + tests
- Months 7–9: Start mocks, fix weak areas
- Months 10–12: Full mocks + GK polishing
6-Month Crash Plan
- Daily: newspaper + 2–3 hrs sectional practice
- Mocks: 2/week → increase to 4–5 in final month
- Focus on high-ROI topics and error analysis
📚 Best Books & Resources
English
Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), CLAT RC practice.
GK
Manorama Yearbook, DLA Monthly GK notes, The Hindu / Indian Express
Legal Reasoning
Universal’s CLAT Guide, DLA modules
Logical Reasoning
RS Aggarwal (Verbal & Non-Verbal), sectional sets
Quant
NCERT Maths (Class 9 & 10), DI practice
📌 Tip: use DLA’s course if you want structured lessons, mocks and doubt support: DLA CLAT Online Course
📝 Mock Tests & Analysis
- Start with 1 mock every 2 weeks → progress to 3–4/week in final 3 months.
- After each mock, do a post-mortem: identify recurring mistakes and fix them.
- Keep an error log to track question-types you miss most.
🌱 Tips for Beginners
- Read newspapers daily – it helps English, GK & legal sense.
- Practice short quant sets; don’t ignore maths.
- Make weekly timetables to balance school + CLAT prep.
- Revise notes instead of hoarding new material in the last months.
⏳ Exam Time Management & Common Mistakes
Time Management
- Attempt your strongest section first.
- Skip and return to difficult passages.
- Keep time checkpoints (every 30 minutes).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Postponing GK until the last months.
- Taking mocks without analysis.
- Over-reliance on coaching without self-study.
❓ Quick FAQs
📅 How many hours should I study daily for CLAT 2026?
If you have 12 months, aim for 4–5 hours/day. For 6 months, you may need 6–8 hours/day, focusing on mocks and revision.
📖 What is the best way to prepare GK & current affairs?
Read newspapers daily, maintain monthly GK notes, and revise weekly. Use DLA’s GK compendiums for quick revision.
📚 Which books are essential for CLAT prep?
Key picks: Word Power Made Easy (English), Manorama Yearbook (GK), Universal’s CLAT Guide (Legal), RS Aggarwal (Reasoning), NCERT 9–10 (Quant).
📝 How many mocks should I attempt before CLAT?
Aim for 40–50 full-length mocks across your prep cycle. Increase mock frequency in the last 3 months and analyze every test.
🎓 Is coaching necessary to clear CLAT?
Coaching helps with structure and mocks but is not mandatory. Many students crack CLAT through disciplined self-study. Coaching + self-study often works best.
⌛ How do I balance boards and CLAT prep?
Make a weekly timetable splitting board topics & CLAT practice. In board months, reduce mock frequency but keep daily reading & short practice sets.
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