CLAT at a Glance
The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is the national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate law programs at 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India.
Here are the key details:
- Exam Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer, -0.25 for every wrong answer
- Effective Time: Roughly 1 minute per question
CLAT tests your abilities in five areas:
- English Language
- Current Affairs including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
CLAT 2024 Cut-Off Trends
To help you set realistic goals, here’s a look at the general category closing ranks for top NLUs in CLAT 2024:
| NLU | General Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| NLSIU Bengaluru | 102 |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | 167 |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | 279 |
| NLU Jodhpur | 379 |
| NLIU Bhopal | 452 |
For CLAT 2026, a score of 90+ is considered safe to aim for a top-tier NLU.
Top Strategies That Actually Work
1. Start with a Clear Plan
Your prep should begin with understanding the exam pattern, cut-offs, and syllabus. Plan your schedule to give time to all five sections based on your strengths and weaknesses.
For beginners, “[CLAT Made Easy: A Beginner’s Roadmap]” from the EBC Webstore is a useful resource that outlines how to start preparation from scratch and stay consistent. It offers an easy-to-follow structure for building conceptual clarity early on.
2. Break Down Your Time Section-Wise
Here’s a suggested time strategy per section during mock tests and practice:
| Section | Target Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| English Language | 25–30 |
| Current Affairs / GK | 5–10 |
| Legal Reasoning | 35–40 |
| Logical Reasoning | 25–30 |
| Quantitative Techniques | 10–15 |
This helps you manage time effectively and boosts your confidence during the actual exam.
3. Start Mock Tests Early
Do not wait until you finish the syllabus. Start with 1–2 mock tests every week after 1–2 months of basic prep. As you progress, increase the frequency to 3–4 per week.
Most importantly, analyze each mock test thoroughly. Find out where you lose time, which questions you get wrong, and why.
4. Read Every Day
Newspapers, editorials, and quality reading material will improve three sections at once: English, Legal Reasoning, and GK. Regular reading improves vocabulary, comprehension, and awareness of recent events—crucial for CLAT success.
5. Revise Regularly and Stay Consistent
Set a weekly revision schedule. It helps you retain what you’ve learned and stay on top of your weaker areas. Combine it with regular timed practice for accuracy and speed.
Why These Strategies Work
- A structured plan removes overwhelm
- Timed practice builds real exam stamina
- Mocks give you constant feedback
- Daily reading improves comprehension and awareness
- Revision reduces forgetfulness and builds confidence
CLAT is not just about hard work—it’s about working smart. With a goal of 90+ marks, a clear strategy, early mock tests, strong reading habits, and solid legal basics, you’ll be ahead of most aspirants. Start early, stay consistent, and most importantly, believe in your prep journey.
To learn more about the law journey after CLAT, you may click here.
