The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 exam will take place on December 7, 2025 . This national-level entrance exam is for students who want to join undergraduate (LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) law programs in 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. The Consortium of National Law Universities conducts the CLAT exam every year. For CLAT 2026, students will take the test using a pen-and-paper method, making it an offline exam held at various centers.
A significant part of the CLAT 2026 exam is the Current Affairs and General Knowledge (CA & GK) section. This section tests a student's general awareness and knowledge of recent events, both within India and around the world. Understanding government schemes is a crucial aspect of preparing for this section. These schemes reflect the government's plans and efforts for development in various sectors. To do well, students need to stay updated with national news and developments, especially those related to important schemes, for the past 6 to 8 months leading up to the exam.
Important Government Schemes for CLAT 2026
Students preparing for CLAT 2026 must study a range of government schemes that cover different sectors of the country. These schemes aim to bring about changes in health, finance, housing, agriculture, and more. Knowing about these schemes helps students understand the socio-economic and political landscape of India, which is vital for a career in law. The table below lists some of the key government schemes that candidates should focus on for their exam preparation:
| Scheme Name | Sector |
| Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana | Health |
| Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana | Finance |
| Food Safety Mitra Scheme (FSMS) | Food |
| Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme | Automotive and Heavy Industries |
| Ayushman Bharat Yojana | Health |
| Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana | Finance |
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) | Housing |
| Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM SYM) | Government Pension Scheme |
| Nyaya Mitra Scheme | Law |
| Jal Jeevan Mission | Water |
| Swachh Bharat Abhiyan | Sanitation |
| PM KISAN Samman Nidhi | Agriculture |
| PM Mudra Yojana | MSMEs (Small Businesses) |
| PM Vishwakarma Scheme | Art and Craft |
| Swachh Bharat Mission | Sanitation |
| Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana | Finance |
| NABH Nirman Scheme | Air Transport |
| Kisan Rail Scheme | Agriculture |
| Agnipath Scheme | Defence |
| PM KUSUM | Energy |
| One Station One Product (OSOP) | Commerce |
| Viksit Bharat by 2047 | National Development |
| Bharatmala Pariyojana Scheme | Transport |
| PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana | Energy / Environment |
How to Prepare for Government Schemes in CLAT
To prepare effectively for the Current Affairs and General Knowledge section of CLAT 2026, students must look beyond just the names of these government schemes. A deeper understanding is necessary. Candidates should pay close attention to three main aspects for each scheme:
- Scheme Objectives: Understand the primary goal or purpose of the scheme. What problem does it aim to solve, or what benefit does it provide? For example, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to provide affordable housing for all.
- Implementing Ministries: Identify which central government ministry or department is responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring the scheme. Knowing this helps to connect the scheme to its administrative body. For instance, the Ministry of Rural Development or the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs implements different parts of PMAY.
- Recent Developments: Keep track of any new updates, major achievements, challenges faced, or changes in policies related to the scheme. This includes recent launch dates, significant targets met, new phases announced, or any related news that occurred in the last 6 to 8 months .
Staying informed about current events is crucial for this preparation. Regularly reading national newspapers, watching credible news channels, and following official government announcements will help students gather the necessary information. This approach not only helps with the CLAT exam but also builds a strong foundation for understanding public policy and governance, which is essential for future law professionals.
The CLAT 2026 exam demands a thorough understanding of current affairs and general knowledge. By focusing on the objectives, implementing ministries, and recent developments of government schemes, students can significantly improve their scores in the CA & GK section. It is important to begin this preparation early and manage study time effectively to cover all relevant topics well before the exam on December 7, 2025 .
