Preparing for CLAT 2026 can be really challenging as the exam is divided into various sections but with the right approach and strategy, students can easily ace the paper. Whether you are a fresher or trying to redefine your CLAT preparation strategy, this article is very useful for maximising your CLAT preparation. The CLAT 2026 syllabus covers sections like Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning.
Candidates have numerous methods of preparing for CLAT and most students choose the option of online CLAT coaching to prepare because of its flexibility and knowledge from the experts. The top CLAT 2026 coaching provided by many online platforms is affordable for all the aspirants. Thus, each student irrespective of their financial status, can access top CLAT preparation resources.
If you are wondering about the CLAT preparation plan, not only this article breaks down the goals to be achieved daily but also references the best books for CLAT preparation 2026, in both print and CLAT books pdf. To learn more about how much time is required for CLAT preparation, where to start, how to start the same, kindly refer to the following.
Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern
Analyzing and understanding the exam pattern of CLAT is one of the primary steps to start preparing for CLAT. Once the student know how is a question paper designed, he/she will have a more defined idea of what to move forward with. To check out the CLAT examination pattern, students may check out the following table.
Particulars | CLAT Exam Pattern Highlights |
Exam mode | Pen-and-paper exam |
Exam duration | Two hours |
Test language | English |
Type of questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Exam subjects | Five (English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques) |
Total questions | 120 MCQs |
Maximum marks | 120 marks |
Marking scheme | +1 for correct answer -0.25 for incorrect answer |
How to Prepare for CLAT?
To check out the answer for the same, students may go through the tips listed below:
Create a study plan
The initial step towards the CLAT preparation is to make an effective study plan. This study plan should include the fundamentals in regards to the subject matters you have to cover, how much time you will spend per subject and section, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and the overall time that you will need in order to cover everything.
You must ensure that this study plan is developed at the very start of the preparation, and also according to your school. If you are a school student and preparing for CLAT, you should make sure that this study plan is well synchronized with your school timings, study syllabus, and school exams.
Maintain a task based approach
A key here is to identify that the candidates should maintain a task based approach instead of a general approach. This means that rather than putting emphasis on how many hours you work, put emphasis on the tasks and divide the larger topics into smaller sections.
This can be rewriting a subject, viewing a video to learn the subject, or even just learning the subjects that you will cover. This will aid you in moving forward gradually and staying focused.
Be specific
Avoid generalization when scheduling your study sessions. Be specific and concise regarding what you would like to achieve on that particular day. Divide the section into subtopics for the day that you can accomplish. For instance, if you wish to study CLAT English Section, instead of just writing English in the calendar, write the type of question that you wish to do on a given day like blood relations, sequences, or passages.
Refer good study material
The trick to cracking any competitive exam is getting the finest study material and familiarizing yourself with it. Candidates should make sure to use the books and all the available study material online in the best possible manner.
You can take advantage of resources such as LegalEdge. highlight the assignment numbers that are pertinent to you as well as the material you consider to be relevant and make sure you cover them in an effective manner. But do not try to use too many sources as you will remain confused.
Solve Mocks and Sample Papers
The best method to prepare and to clear your preparation is to solve maximum mock tests, then score and time yourself. You will gain a thorough understanding of the exam pattern, the questions having maximum weightage, and the general level of difficulty of the exam. Solving sample papers will also make you gain and enhance your speed and accuracy in solving the questions.
Monitor the daily progress
It is recommended that the students monitor their daily progress so they can get an idea of how much they have progressed in preparation. Not only does it encourage you to improve, but it also encourages you to continue and prepare with increased dedication on a daily basis.
Besides tis, it can assist you in assessing how much time is needed for a specific topic and how much time you are spending solving each question. Because CLAT is a time-bound exam, it is extremely important to cultivate the quick solving skills and acquire the speedy calculation method.
Read Daily
To ace the CLAT exam it is a must to have a good command on your vocabulary, and be updated with the latest knowledge in the world of law and business. Therefore, it is advised to develop a reading habit from the very beginning by reading newspapers, journals, magazines, and novels. This will assist you in the English Language part wherein you have to solve passages, and will greatly assist you in comprehending the General Knowledge part.
How to Clear CLAT Exam | Subject Wise Strategy
Subject | Topics/Focus Areas | Preparation Tips | Recommended Sources |
English Language | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar | Practice passages, maintain vocabulary notes, work on sentence correction | Newspapers (The Hindu), grammar books, quizzes |
General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Indian polity, history, geography, awards, events | Follow daily news, create notes, revise regularly, focus on recent and relevant topics | Newspapers, magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan, GK compilations |
Legal Aptitude | Legal principles, case studies, reasoning | Understand concepts, apply laws to real-life cases, practice with past questions | Law guides, CLAT practice papers |
Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, coding-decoding, syllogisms, inequalities | Practice timed drills, analyze patterns, review mistakes for improvement | Logical reasoning books, quizzes |
Quantitative Techniques | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation | Learn formulas, practice shortcuts, focus on accuracy, take speed drills | Math workbooks, online quizzes |
Best Book for CLAT Exam
Aspirants are advised to use commonly used and toppers recommended books to prepare for CLAT. To know what are these books, students may refer to the following.
CLAT English Books
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Proficiency in Reading Comprehension by Arihant Publications
- English for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal
- Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh
- English Vocabulary for Competitive Exams by Pearson
GK Books for CLAT
- Manorama Yearbook by Mammen Mathew
- Lucent’s General Knowledge by Dr. Binay Karna
- Pratiyogita Darpan by Upkar Prakashan
- General Knowledge 2026 by Arihant Experts
- Competition Success Review (CSR) by Upkar Prakashan
- India Year Book by Publications Division
- General Knowledge for CLAT by Disha Experts
Legal Aptitude Books for CLAT Preparation
- Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by A.P. Bhardwaj
- Universal’s CLAT Guide
- LexisNexis Legal Aptitude for CLAT and Other Law Entrance Exams
- Important Judgments That Transformed India by Alex Andrews George
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu
- Legal Aptitude for CLAT by R.K. Gupta
- Objective Law by Dr. Avtar Singh
CLAT Logical Reasoning Books
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
- Logical Reasoning by Pearson
- Analytical Reasoning by J.P. Singh
Quantitative Techniques Books for CLAT
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- 30 Days Wonder for Maths by K.J.S. Khurana
- Class 10 NCERT Mathematics Textbook
- Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma
- Modern Approach to Arithmetic for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal
Resources for CLAT Preparation
Students are advised to use resources like CLAT previous year question paper, sample papers, mock test papers and more to enhance their overall preparation level. By doing so students will also get a realistic idea of how the exam flows and what are their strengths & weaknesses. To download the resources for CLAT preparation, students may check out the following.
CLAT Preparation Resources |
How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CLAT
Candidates might wonder that when should they start preparing and how much time is required for CLAT preparation, well the answer varies based on student's academic background. If a students who does not have any law background, he or she must start preparing at least 8 to 12 months before the exam. This will help candidates dive deeply into each crucial concept and they will have enough time to revise as well. Students who come with a slight experience in Law field, should begin to prepare for CLAT 2026 at least 6 to 8 months before exam day so that they'll be able to catch up with latest exam pattern and updated syllabus as well.
If someone is a working professional and has a wide knowledge over law stream, they must at least start preparing before 3 to 5 months of exam day. Such candidates can even enhance their performance just with daily practice with mock tests. The answer to the question “How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CLAT?” completely depends on how much a candidate is already prepared or connected with the field.
How to Manage Time While CLAT Preparation & Exam?
To know effective time management tips for your exam and preparation procedure, refer to the following.
1. Familiarize Yourself With the Exam
Research all aspects, including sections being assessed, number of marks per section, time constraints and so on. This is an important step in preparing for the exam, as it allows you to make more informed plans.
2. Use a Modular Study Plan
Study in modules - no longer than 1 to 2 hours per topic. Modules are more manageable to focus on.
3. Address Your Weaknesses First
Study your toughest topics first, so you are improving in areas of weakness that are consequential.
4. Explore in Layers
Study the Topic in layers. As an example, understand the topic, then move into the practice questions, and finally move to revise. Studying in layers tends to keep topics easier to learn.
5. Time Yourself per Question
Report how long each type of question took in practice. This will be useful in keeping track of time in the actual exam.
6. Answer the Questions You Know First
Answer the questions you know first. This will secure you more immediate marks.
7. If Possible, Simulate Full-Length Mocks
Take as many timed Mock Tests as is possible so you can get used to the pressure.
8. The 3-Pass Method
When solving, complete the 3-passes: first the easy questions, then the medium questions, and finally the tough questions.
9. Don’t Spend Too Long on One Question
If you find a question too difficult, skip it to come back later.
10. Leave Time at the End for Checking
Set aside some time to review your skipped questions or any questions you were doubtful about.
11. Understanding Homework Mock-Tests
If you are recording how much time each section takes for you, and recording the marks, use this information to formulate a study plan.
12. Take Care of Yourself
Learn how to take breaks when you are tired, when thinking or reading becomes ineffective, eat nutritious foods, sleep properly.
Stress Management During Preparation for CLAT 2026
It is very important that students take care of their physical and mental well being while CLAT 2026 preparation. To know how to manage stress during preparation, students may check out the following tips.
Mistakes to Avoid During CLAT Preparation
Considering the students' benefit, we have gathered some points and tips that should be avoided while preparing for the CLAT exam. Check the detailed points below.
Lack of Practice: You must avoid poor practice, as it is crucial for developing knowledge and time management skills that you need for the CLAT. Make it a habit to solve as many problems as you can in a set amount of time.
Ignoring Negative Marking: Don't guess to keep your grades up for the right replies. Think about the fact that you lose 0.25 points for every wrong answer on practice tests, which has a big effect on your overall grade.
Spending Excessive Time on Single Questions: Using time effectively is very important. Do not spend too long on any one question. Maintain control of yourself and answer as quickly and as effectively as possible given a manageable number of time management principles.
Starting with Difficult Questions: Prioritize simpler questions first to save time for tougher ones. Reading through questions initially helps you distinguish between difficult and simple ones.
Overusing Study Sources: Spend time practicing and learning from a limited, but efficient study source. Do not burden yourself with many study sources and live in confusion. This saves time, and once again reduces confusion.
Not Using a Study Schedule: It is important to study consistently. You will study more effectively using a proper study schedule. Once again regularly practicing according to an established timetable makes studying effective.
Lacking In-depth Understanding of Concepts: Avoid the mistake of not developing a deep understanding of each topic before practicing related questions. Thoroughly read and comprehend each topic to avoid negative markings due to incorrect answers.
Neglecting Current Affairs: Make sure to regularly read newspapers and periodicals as the Current Affairs section has no fixed syllabus. Incorporating daily newspaper reading helps in effectively answering current affairs-based questions, contributing as bonus marks in the exam.
How To Prepare for CLAT as a Beginner?
The preparation of CLAT may be difficult for the ones attempting for the first time and such students must put some extra efforts into preparation. Beginners must follow a dedicated and defined study plan to ace the exam. The CLAT preparation plan for beginners is given below, students may follow this routine to obtain good marks in CLAT 2026.
Day | Morning Focus | Afternoon Practice | Evening Review |
Monday | Current affairs + GK | English comprehension | Legal Aptitude problems |
Tuesday | Vocabulary drills | Logical reasoning puzzles | Math speed practice |
Wednesday | Case studies in law | English grammar practice | GK quick facts revision |
Thursday | Mock test questions | Logical reasoning timed sets | Review weak topics |
Friday | Newspaper reading | Legal reasoning drills | Math formulas revision |
Saturday | Full practice session | Analysis and corrections | Relax or light study |
Sunday | Full mock test | Review notes | Plan next week’s study |
Preparation Strategy of CLAT Toppers
Many students participated and aced the previously conducted CLAT and here we provide you their preparation tips. Students may read the same and adapt their ways to ace the examination.
Jai Kumar Bohara, CLAT 2024 AIR 1, explained that if one shines in Board exams, it does not guarantee admission to a good college. He had two priorities while preparing for CLAT. One, he was preparing for CLAT since it was happening in December and it was much more important than the Board exams. He stated that he would now prepare for the Board exam but said that simply getting good marks won't get you into a good college - it is the entrance exam that matters.
Abhinav Somani, CLAT 2023 AIR 1 explained that his strategy was to read the newspaper consistently and practice mocks. He read newspapers on a daily basis and made notes from the newspapers which helped him improve his vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension. As an addition, he frequently attempted mocks on a weekly basis. When Abhinav was studying, he used to study with four friends and they would solve mocks together.
CLAT 2023 AIR 4, Arnav Maheshwari stated that in his opinion, the most significant aspect of his preparation was regularly giving and analyzing mock tests. Mock tests provided him in-depth knowledge of the pattern of the examination and helped him raise his score. In addition to a regular mock test routine, Arnav also kept regularly updated regarding current affairs, and developed a routine of reading various mediums, including newspapers and novels, which would help him develop better CLAT preparation.
CLAT 2023, AIR 13, Priyam Mitra said that reading speed was very important to finish the exam in the given time, and suggested that regularly reading novels, and newspapers, helps with this. He further stated that he worked on his comprehension skills, as comprehension skills are essential to solve passage based questions, and to do well in the exam.
CLAT 2023 AIR 11, Sana Singh said that she treated the exam as a way to strengthen her skills " for example, I used the General Knowledge and Quantitative Aptitude sections to better my score. Law was always something she wanted to pursue, so she took mocks once a week and worked on her weak areas in her preparation. From 11th grade, she kept track of current news and once in a while to understand the examination pattern; she practiced exam style questions.
Shubh Mittal, CLAT 2019 AIR 8, said that during one year of preparation, he mainly worked on improving his reading skills and speed. He took a lot of CLAT mock tests, which enabled him to develop these skills, to great effect in the actual examination.
