How to Crack CLAT 2026 in First Attempt?

How to Crack CLAT 2026 in First Attempt?

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 04 Aug 2025, 08:16 AM IST

Want To Crack CLAT 2026 In Your First Attempt? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re just starting or feeling overwhelmed by the vast CLAT 2026 syllabus, this beginner-friendly article will simplify your CLAT 2026 Preparation. From understanding the CLAT Exam pattern to crafting a smart study plan, we’ve got everything you need to stay ahead — Right from day 1. Let's turn our CLAT 2026 first attempt into our final attempt.

This Story also Contains

  1. CLAT 2026: Exam overview
  2. Month-wise Study Plan for CLAT 2026 (June - December 2026)
  3. How to Crack CLAT 2026 in the First Attempt: Subject-Wise Tips
  4. Mock Test Strategy for CLAT 2026
  5. Recommended Books for CLAT 2026 Preparation
How to Crack CLAT 2026 in First Attempt?
How to crack CLAT in first attempt

Every year, over 50,000 candidates appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), but only around 3,000 candidates can secure NLU seats. Even though it is difficult to clear CLAT first attempt, it is not impossible, as many students do it. Clearing CLAT 2026 in the first attempt will require consistency and hard work in the right direction with the right strategy. This article deals with How to Crack CLAT in first attempt and discusses the strategy and preparation tips to pass the CLAT 2026 Exam.

CLAT 2026: Exam overview

Full Form

Common Law Admission Test

Exam-taking body

Consortium of NLUs

For undergraduate

UG CLAT

For post-graduation

PG CLAT

Mode of application

Online

Frequency of exam

Once a year

No. of attempts

No limit

Month-wise Study Plan for CLAT 2026 (June - December 2026)

Given below is the CLAT 2026 Month-wise Study Plan for June to December 2026.

Month

Month-wise Study Plan

June

  • Understand the CLAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam pattern thoroughly.

  • Start reading newspapers like The Hindu/ Indian Express daily.

  • Begin with English and Logical Reasoning basics.

  • Practice RCs & Vocabulary daily.

July

  • Add Current Affairs + Logical Reasoning to Study Plan.

  • Start revising Constitutional Law topics.

  • Practice 5 Quant Questions daily.

  • Take one mini mock test daily.

August

  • Focus on improving speed in RC and Logical questions.

  • Start solving CLAT PYQs.

  • Attempt one CLAT full-length mock test weekly.

September

  • Focus on logical and legal reasoning based on applications.

  • Practice Graph-based DI sets to practise quantitative techniques.

  • Review the most significant Current Affairs from June to August.

  • Attempt 2 CLAT full-length mock test weekly.

October

  • Complete the syllabus by mid-month.

  • Start revision + topic-wise mini mocks.

  • Strengthen the weak areas identified through mocks.

November

  • Concentrate on full-length mocks (3 per week minimum).

  • Revision of important key notes, legal principles, and formulas.

  • Revision of Current Affairs (past six months).

December

  • Phase of final revision. Focus on high-weightage topics.

  • Take 3-4 mocks per week with an in-depth review

  • Sleep well and stay stress-free before the exam.

How to Crack CLAT 2026 in the First Attempt: Subject-Wise Tips

CLAT preparation generally requires seven to eight months to prepare and clear the examination. The examination date of CLAT 2026 will be in December, which gives students approximately 6 months to prepare. The question that arises in a students mind is how to clear CLAT in first Attempt. Below are subject-wise preparation tips for CLAT 2026

English Language Preparation Tips

The CLAT 2026 English section will have 5-6 passages to check candidates’ English communication, comprehension, and vocabulary skills. Here are a few tips for the section’s preparation

  • Improve your vocabulary by reading novels and newspaper editorials

  • For reading speed, make a slot for reading novels every day. Reading regularly improves speed, which will eventually help in time management on the D-Day.

  • After reading a book or newspaper article, try to write down the summary or conclusion. This will help candidates in improving their summarising skills.

  • Candidates can also make a separate vocabulary diary, where they keep adding all the new words they read along with their meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.

  • Do reading comprehension practice regularly.

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How to Score 20+ Marks in English Language

To score 20+ marks in English for CLAT, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Practice Comprehension: Read paragraphs attentively. Practice recognising primary ideas, tones, and topics rapidly.

  • Improve your vocabulary by regularly learning new terms and their meanings. Learn contextual use from texts.

  • Grammar Rules: Review important grammar concepts such as subject-verb agreement, tenses, and modifiers.

  • Practice Past Papers: Solve CLAT English problems from previous years to become acquainted with the format.

  • Time Management: Use your time effectively by focussing on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary issues.

  • Consistent practice and reviewing mock tests can help you improve your score.

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Current Affairs and General Knowledge Preparation Tips

In the CLAT 2026 current affairs and general knowledge section, passages will be given that will be derived from news, articles, and other non-fictional books. From those passages, questions will be given to the candidates. This is to assess if the aspirant has general knowledge or not. Here are a few things that a candidate can do to prepare for this section

  • Read newspaper articles and editorials daily. Stay up to date with news and world

  • Candidates can also refer to the current affairs booklets provided by various coaching centers. Some examples are Drishti IAS, Vision IAS, Insights on India, etc.

  • Aspirants can also refer to the Indian Yearbook as it covers news from 10-12 months.

  • In question papers, generally, basic law knowledge is asked in a passage, for that student can refer to the Bare Act of India and study things like Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, DPSP, Schedules, etc.

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How to Score 20+ Marks in Current Affairs and General Knowledge

To score 20+ marks in Current Affairs and General Knowledge for CLAT, use these proven strategies:

  • Daily News Updates: Stay informed on key national and international events, government policies, awards, and sports.

  • Monthly Current Affairs Compilations: To keep up with key news events, use monthly compilations from reliable sources.

  • Focus on legal developments: Pay close attention to current legal and constitutional developments, including historic decisions and amendments.

  • Revise Important Topics: Make notes on government programs, international organisations, significant treaties, and historical events.

  • Practice Previous Year Questions: To comprehend the pattern and crucial themes, practise answering GK and current affairs questions from past CLAT examinations on a regular basis.

  • Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your progress and become accustomed to time limits.

Legal Reasoning Preparation Tips

Questions asked in CLAT legal reasoning will be related to various scenarios involving legal or moral-ethical questions. No prior legal knowledge is necessary to attempt this part; however, having basic knowledge of articles will benefit the students. This section is to assess the critical thinking of the aspirants. Below are a few preparation tips that can help candidates in this section

  • In this section, having a general knowledge of contemporary laws and modern issues helps. To grasp such knowledge, candidates should read the newspaper daily.

  • Apart from having general knowledge, attempting lots of questions and mocks can also help. Attempting questions helps in building critical thinking.

  • Analyse various case studies, practice applying relevant laws, and draw logical conclusions.

  • Stay up to date with current legal developments and amendments in the constitution.

How to Score 20+ Marks in Legal Reasoning

To score 20+ marks in Legal Reasoning for CLAT, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Understand Legal Principles: Concentrate on learning fundamental legal ideas such torts, contracts, criminal law, and constitutional law.

  • Practice Law Application: Use legal concepts to solve case-based problems in hypothetical settings.

  • Focus on Reading sections: Practice reading long sections quickly and effectively to extract crucial information about legal concerns.

  • Develop logical thinking: Train yourself to think like a judge, focussing on the meaning behind the rules rather than memorising them.

  • Analyse past papers: Regularly answer previous year's questions to have an understanding of the pattern and sorts of legal circumstances.

  • Time Management: Allocate precise time to each question to prevent getting stuck on difficult parts.

Logical Reasoning Preparation Tips

In the CLAT logical reasoning section, questions will be asked from a series of short passages of about 450 words each. It evaluates the problem-solving skills of the students.

  • Candidates can master puzzle practice, seating arrangement, and logical sequencing to improve their analytical skills.

  • Practicing mock papers can help build problem-solving skills

  • Read the questions carefully and understand what has been asked, identify the conclusions and premises.

  • Strengthen your deductive reasoning skills.

How to Score 20+ Marks in Logical Reasoning

To score 20+ marks in Logical Reasoning for CLAT, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Understand the Different Types of Questions: Concentrate on topics such as assumptions, conclusions, arguments, cause-effect, and inference. Practice recognising logical patterns.

  • Develop the habit of critically analysing arguments. Concentrate on identifying logical errors and contradictions.

  • Practise puzzles and arrangements. Solve puzzles like seating arrangements, blood relations, and directions, which are frequently posed in logical thinking.

  • Passages are frequently used in logical reasoning in CLAT. Read carefully and discover the essence of arguments immediately.

  • Work on Time Management: Set aside time for each question and avoid concentrating too much on one subject.

  • Mock Tests and old Papers: Solve old papers on a regular basis and take mock tests to better grasp question patterns and speed.

Quantitative Techniques Preparation Tips

The CLAT 2026 quantitative section in the paper will be at the 10th standard level. This section aims to judge the mathematical skills of the candidate. Even though the weightage of this section is a mere 10% but for students with a maths background, this can be a scoring section. Below are the tips that students can keep in mind while preparing

  • Candidates should maintain a formula diary which they can revise regularly.

  • The most important key in studying quantitative is to practice daily and attempt lots of questions and mocks. Solve a wide range of questions and sets

  • Aspirants should learn tricks, shortcuts, and speed maths which will help them save time in the main examination.

How to Score 20+ Marks in Quantitative Techniques

To score 20+ marks in Quantitative Techniques for CLAT, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Master Basic Concepts: Concentrate on fundamental concepts such as percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss, time and labour, time-speed-distance, and simple and compound interest.

  • Data Interpretation: Work on solving bar graphs, pie charts, and tables fast and precisely.

  • Shortcut Methods: To save time, learn calculating shortcuts like mental math and Vedic math procedures.

  • Solve Previous Years' Papers: To become familiar with the pattern, practise CLAT-specific Quantitative Techniques problems from previous examinations on a regular basis.

  • Time Management: To improve speed and accuracy, practise answering questions within a set time constraint.

  • Take Mock Tests: Try mock tests on a regular basis to track your progress and correct your weaknesses.

Mock Test Strategy for CLAT 2026

  • Start Mock Tests: After 6 to 8 basic concept building (from August 2025).

  • Frequency: 1 mock per week initially, 3–4 per week from November.

  • Approach of Analysis: Give the mock analysis twice as much time as the test. To keep track of recurring errors, keep an error record.

  • Sectional Practice: Work on DI, Logic passages, and English RCs in discrete, time-bound portions.

  • Time Strategy: To replicate actual exam pressure, set a timer for every section.

Recommended Books for CLAT 2026 Preparation

The market is filled with books and materials for CLAT preparation, which is why aspirants must prepare and decide on a list of books they are going to use in their preparation. Students tend to get overwhelmed by the wide variety of books available or if their peer is using a different book, that’s when the booklist helps. Less is more when used wisely.

Recommended Books and Sources for CLAT 2026

Section

Books and Materials

English Language


  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

  • 30 Days to More Powerful Vocabulary by Norman Lewis

  • General English by RS Aggarwal

  • Novels

Current Affairs - general knowledge


  • Newspaper (The Hindu preferably)

  • General Knowledge by Lucent Publication

  • Pratiyogita Darpan

  • Indian Yearbook

  • Bare Act of India

Legal Reasoning


  • Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by Pearsons

  • Objective legal Aptitude by RS Aggarwal

  • LST’s Legal reasoning module

Logical Reasoning


  • Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma

  • Analytical and Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

  • Verbal and non-verbal reasoning by RS Aggarwal

  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

Quantitative Technique


  • Data interpretation by R.S Aggarwal

  • Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M Tyra

  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

  • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant Publications

  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Pearson

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many hours should I study daily for CLAT 2026?
A:

A 5-6 focused hour is sufficient with consistency for CLAT 2026.

Q: Can I crack CLAT in 6 months without coaching?
A:

Yes, Students can crack CLAT 2026 in 6 months with a strategic plan, consistent mock practice, and the right resources.

Q: Is CLAT difficult to crack in the first attempt?
A:

No, many aspirants crack CLAT in their first attempt by preparing smartly.

Q: Which section is the most scoring in CLAT?
A:

Legal Reasoning and English can be most with practice.

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

Hello,

Looking at your rank it can be said that you have a chance to get into NUALS.

The OBC cut offs are low compared to the Generals. You have a chance to get selected in the later counseling rounds. Your OBC rank falls within the range to get selected for the NUALS.

Check the official website of Careers360 for the information regarding cut off score. You can also check out the college predictor by Careers360.

https://law.careers360.com/clat-college-predictor

https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-2026-cutoff

https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-obc-cut-off

Thank you.

Hello,

With a CLAT AIR of 7410 and EWS 662, you have a strong chances in these institutes.

  • MNLU Mumbai
  • NLU Odisha
  • RMLNLU Lucknow
  • HNLU Raipur
  • NUALS Kochi
  • CNLU Patna
  • NUSRL Ranchi
  • DSNLU Visakhapatnam
  • NLU Sonepat
  • NLU Assam

Here in this link you can predict your college.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello

With a CLAT 2026 score, you can apply to several good private law colleges in South India apart from NLUs.
In Tamil Nadu, strong options include SASTRA University (Thanjavur) and Saveetha School of Law (Chennai).
In Karnataka, colleges like Christ University (Bangalore) and Alliance School of Law are well-reputed.
In Telangana, ICFAI Law School (Hyderabad) is a popular choice through CLAT scores. These colleges offer good academics, decent placements, and are among the best non-NLU law options in South India.

Hope it will help you

Hello,

Here are the Colleges Accepting CLAT (Law Admissions):

  • National Law School of India University (NLSIU)
  • NALSAR University of Law
  • National Law University (NLU Delhi)
  • West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)
  • Private Universities (e.g., GGSIPU Delhi, TNDALU Chennai, ICFAI Hyderabad)

Unlike CLAT, which is used by 24 NLUs, AILET is conducted exclusively for admission to National Law University, Delhi (NLU D).

For more details you can access given mentioned links below:

https://law.careers360.com/articles/top-colleges-other-nlus-accepting-clat-scores

https://university.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-degree-colleges-in-india-accepting-ailet

Hope it helps.

With an AIR around 7930 in CLAT and general women category, top NLUs may not be possible, but you still have chances in newer and lower-ranked NLUs, especially in later rounds or spot counselling. Based on previous trends, you can consider the following preference order:

  1. NLU Tripura (Agartala)

  2. NLU Manipur

  3. NLU Meghalaya (Shillong)

  4. NLU Sikkim

  5. HPNLU Shimla

  6. DSNLU Visakhapatnam (very limited chance, only if cut-offs drop)

Apart from NLUs, you should also apply to reputed private law colleges that accept CLAT scores, such as UPES Dehradun, Alliance University Bengaluru, Amity Law School, and NMIMS School of Law. Since you are from Lucknow, also explore state universities and private law colleges in Uttar Pradesh as backup options.