Cracking CLAT in 30 days: Knowing the pattern

Candidates who intend to take the CLAT in 30 days must devise a complete preparation strategy for all test components. CLAT Question Paper MCQs contain a total of 120 multiple-choice questions.

Each question carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 points for each incorrect response. The exam lasts for 120 minutes, which gives candidates a minute to answer each question. Below is a table that lists the number of questions for each section and their weightage.

Subject/Section

Number of questions (weightage)

English Language

22-26 (20% of the paper)

Quantitative Techniques

10-14 (10% of the paper)

Logical Reasoning

22-26 (20% of the paper)

Current Affairs, including General Knowledge

28-32 (25% of the paper)

Legal Reasoning

28-32 (25% of the paper)

Cracking CLAT in 30 days: Preparing a section-wise plan

Below given are section-wise tips on how to crack CLAT in 30 days.

English Language

Work on improving your reading skills for the CLAT English section. To improve your vocabulary, read the editorial section of the newspaper every day and check the definitions of new phrases. Reading the newspaper and books is usually a good habit.

The majority of questions are based only on newspaper editorials, articles, comments, or legal news/judgments. To maximize CLAT preparation, a solid English newspaper must be read every day, and it is critical to prepare for CLAT in just a month.

Read our English Language Reading Comprehension guide to get a better idea of important topics and tips and tricks.

Quantitative Techniques

The Quantitative Techniques section of CLAT is designed to assess the candidate's understanding of elementary mathematics (math taught up to 10th Class/standard). This section bears 10% weightage and is focused mainly on math questions.

This is one of the hardest sections of the exam. Follow the points below to prepare for it.

  • Practice daily Make it a daily aim to answer at least 20 relevant questions. Practice specialized topics for the first two weeks and mixed topics for the last two.
  • Analysis of weak areas Don't only practice; assess yourself as well. As you progress through the themes, you will begin to recognize your strong and weak points. Candidates sometimes make the mistake of exaggerating their faults while ignoring their strengths. You must make constant attempts to improve on both and maintain your grip.
  • Make a formula sheet Every topic has its own formula and methods that might help you save time. Make a formula sheet and keep it somewhere you can see it every day. While answering the questions, keep the techniques in mind.

If you’re still having problems preparing for this section then check out our CLAT Quantitative Techniques guide to get a better understanding.

Logical Reasoning

Candidates with high thinking abilities will be able to excel in this segment. Because it is comparable to the quantitative portion, rigorous practice and thinking exercises are the key to this section.

Here are some CLAT logical reasoning tips to help you with your preparation:

  • Questions related to puzzles, diagrams, arguments, statements, age, etc., are asked often, so focus on them.
  • Try to solve past year's question papers to obtain a sense of the types of problems that will be asked.
  • Mock exams can help you improve your preparation.
  • The key to answering questions in this part is to thoroughly examine the supplied question.

Current Affairs including General Knowledge

Typically, the passages in this portion do not require much articulation. The texts are provided to assist you in recognizing the events and subjects from which the questions will be posed.

The answers will not be provided in the passage; instead, you must recollect all necessary knowledge connected to the passage.

It is advised that you skim the passage and scan the questions before deciding whether or not to answer them. If you want to skip the questions, don't spend too much time reading; instead, read them once and remember all you've learned about the passage before tackling the questions. It is sufficient to read the paragraph only once.

Read our CLAT General Knowledge guide to get a better understanding of this section.

Legal Reasoning

It is the most important section of CLAT, with the biggest weightage. With enough practice, you'll discover that all of the questions in this section are of the same type, and you'll be able to master them in a month. To do well in this part, applicants should practice the previous year's question papers and test their problem-solving ability in legal issues.

Here are some tips to prepare for the legal reasoning section:

  • Gain as much knowledge as you can about Legal Issues, as they’ll come in handy.
  • Make sure you understand the fundamentals and apply your knowledge to solve challenges.
  • Take as many mock examinations and question papers as feasible.

Check out our CLAT Legal Reasoning preparation guide for a better understanding.

Cracking CLAT in 30 days: Preparing a week-wise plan

Now that you have a decent understanding of the section-wise plan, it’s time to form a weekly plan that includes all the sections and is maximized for efficiency.

Week 1:

  • Learn and practice a high-frequency list of words (100-120).
  • Work on the fundamentals of each topic. Clear the Basics.
  • Daily, read one newspaper, including the editorials.
  • Read GK supplements that are aimed at helping you understand the questions.
  • Write two CLAT Mock Tests and do a drill-down analysis.

Week 2:

  • Begin the week by composing a CLAT Mock. Spend a day or two analyzing. Perform a drill-down examination of your performance, identify your deficiencies, and concentrate your efforts in those areas.
  • Devote a day to do English grammar practice. Concentrate on business idioms, legal terminology, proverbs, and root words.
  • Pay more attention to a section that you’re weaker in, figure out your weaknesses, and work on strengthening them.
  • Write another CLAT Mock on the weekend.

Week 3:

  • This is the time when you should start wrapping things up. Focus on areas where you think there is still room for improvement.
  • Write 2 CLAT Mocks and do a drill-down analysis.
  • Start reviewing the notes you have previously prepared. This is the moment to concentrate on the principles you prepared before.
  • Continue to build your GK knowledge base. No matter how tight your schedule is, never skip reading the newspaper. It is quite useful for the CLAT exam.

Week 4:

  • Work on basic arithmetic problems that involve key principles.
  • With just a week remaining till the exam, your focus should go to revising what you’ve already learned.
  • Devote yourself to solving CLAT sample exam papers and improving your time management abilities.

Tips and Key Takeaways

  • Be realistic in your expectations. Over-expectation may dampen your excitement for practice and place more strain on your shoulders.
  • Do not overthink the implications. Aspirants have a propensity to worry about what will happen if they do not pass. It is always essential to have a good attitude and to keep working hard.
  • Do not deviate from the timetable. You cannot afford to violate your schedule since you only have 30 days. At the same time, do not impose a strict deadline on yourself.
  • Keep some spare time for recreation. This can help you relax and concentrate better on your academics.
  • Memorizing ideas will not assist you in passing the CLAT. Instead, concentrate on developing practical concepts and solving previous year's papers.
  • Keep up with the latest news. Every year, many students miss out on important exam changes. So, avoid this potentially dangerous practice.

Suggested Readings

Frequently Asked Questions

A minimum of one month of constant preparation is required to score minimum qualifying marks in CLAT. If you have thoroughly prepared for all areas, it is quite feasible to pass the exam with a good score.

One hour before the test is quite valuable since you must be cool and comfortable in order to answer the question paper. Simply relax and begin answering the questions on the question paper.

By completing as many mock tests as possible, you can quickly increase your speed and accuracy in the CLAT Exam. Taking practice examinations will undoubtedly enhance your time management and problem-solving abilities.

Yes. Solving sample exams during your last-minute preparation will undoubtedly help you do well in the CLAT Exam.