How to Prepare for CLAT After 12th?

How to Prepare for CLAT After 12th?

Ongoing Event

CLAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 31 Oct' 25

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 16 Jul 2025, 07:32 AM IST

Are you ready to kickstart your journey towards a career in law? Preparing for the CLAT after the 12th can be your first step towards unlocking a world of opportunities in the legal field. Preparing for success in the tough CLAT 2026 Exam is possible by focusing and using the appropriate Preparation strategy. To help you ace the CLAT 2026 and embark on your dream career, we'll lead you through effective tips and resources in this article. This article can assist students in how to prepare for CLAT after 12th. Discover the best ways to prepare for CLAT here!

This Story also Contains

  1. Understanding the CLAT 2026 Exam: A Brief Overview
  2. How To Prepare For CLAT after 12th: Full Study Plan
  3. How To Prepare For CLAT after 12th: Section-wise Preparation Tips
  4. Recommended Books for the CLAT 2026 Exam
  5. Conclusion
How to Prepare for CLAT After 12th?
How to Prepare for CLAT in Class 12

Understanding the CLAT 2026 Exam: A Brief Overview

Let's first take a quick look at the CLAT 2026 exam before learning how to prepare for CLAT after 12th:

What is CLAT 2026 Exam?

One of the most demanding legal entrance tests in India is the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which opens admission to 24 esteemed National Law Universities (NLUs) for undergraduate and graduate legal studies. The exam evaluates a candidate's proficiency in a number of areas necessary for a prosperous legal profession. To do well and gain admission to a prestigious NLU, strategic CLAT preparation is essential.

Sections in CLAT Exam?

The CLAT 2026 usually consists of five sections for the undergraduate level (CLAT UG): Quantitative Techniques, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, and English Language. With an emphasis on thinking ability, legal knowledge, language proficiency, and general awareness, the exam is intended to evaluate a candidate's potential for law studies.

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CLAT Cut-offs

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CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The CLAT UG 2026 Exam has a set format and consists of 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) that must be answered in two hours. Developing a successful study strategy and performing well on the exam requires an understanding of the CLAT 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern.

CLAT 2026 Section-wise weightage

There are five sections of the CLAT UG exam, each with a different distribution and weighting of questions. 20% of the overall score is made up of the 22–26 questions in the English language section. There are 28–32 questions in current affairs, including general knowledge, and they are worth 25% of the total. Each of the 28–32 questions in the Legal Reasoning and Logical Reasoning sections adds 25% to the final score. 10-14 questions make up the Quantitative Techniques part, which accounts for 10% of the final score. Prioritising portions during exam preparation is made easier by being aware of these weights. Understanding this section-wise weightage, along with practising from the CLAT previous year question paper, helps aspirants prioritise their preparation and improve their chances of scoring well.

How To Prepare For CLAT after 12th: Full Study Plan

Preparing for CLAT after completing 12th calls for dedication, strategic planning, and a structured study approach. This thorough study schedule will help you navigate through the preparation process:

Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

  • Time Frame: 1 week

  • Action: Before diving into preparation, familiarise yourself with the syllabus, sections, and CLAT Exam pattern. Recognise the questions, the marking scheme, and the time constraints. Pay close attention to the following five areas: Quantitative Techniques, Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs, English Language, and Logical Reasoning.

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Create a Realistic Study Schedule

  • Time Frame: Ongoing

  • Action: Create a study plan that balances all subjects. Allocate more time to weaker areas while constantly going over your strong areas. To prevent burnout, schedule breaks and dedicate time for weekly Mock tests and daily revision.

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Mock Test and Previous Year Papers

  • Time Frame: Starting after 2 months of studying and ongoing till the exam.

  • Action: To gain a sense of the real exam, start working through CLAT Sample Papers and the CLAT Mock Test. To increase your speed and accuracy, time yourself while you practise.

  • Tips: After every practice exam, evaluate your performance to pinpoint your areas of weakness. In the upcoming practice session, concentrate on strengthening these areas.

Weekly Revision and Conceptual Clarity

  • Time Frame: Ongoing

  • Action: Set aside one day each week to go over what you have learnt. Make sure your ideas are understandable, particularly when it comes to logical and legal reasoning.

  • Tips: Take brief notes for every area; this will help you review them more closely before the exam.

Stay Updated with Legal News and Landmark judgements

  • Time Frame: Ongoing

  • Action: CLAT needs to read about significant court rulings and legal advancements. Develop the habit of keeping up with legal news and watching debates on current legal issues.

  • Tips: Watch debates or discussions on legal subjects and subscribe to websites such as LiveLaw and Bar & Bench.

Final Month Preparation

  • Time Frame: Last 30 days

  • Action: Take action by concentrating on practice papers, timed mock exams, and review. Go over your weakest areas and focus on increasing your accuracy and quickness.

  • Tips: Avoid tackling new subjects in the past month. Instead, concentrate on increasing your confidence and improving your current expertise.

How To Prepare For CLAT after 12th: Section-wise Preparation Tips

Below are the section-wise preparation tips in tabular format:

Section

Weightage

Action

Study resources

English Language

20% weightage

Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and understanding. To increase reading comprehension and speed, read novels, newspapers, and legal articles.

Wren and Martin for grammar, Daily Newspaper (The Hindu or The Indian Express) for current affairs.

Current Affairs & General Knowledge

25% weightage

Stay updated with legal changes, sports, and national and international news. Practice answering current events questions on a regular basis and review monthly GK compendiums.

Monthly magazines like Manorama Yearbook and online platforms like GKToday.

Legal Reasoning

25% weightage

Focus on comprehending legal concepts and how they are applied. Practice questions about recent court cases and significant rulings.

"Universal’s CLAT Guide", Practice previous year’s questions.

Logical Reasoning

20% weightage

Practice syllogisms, analogies, blood connections, riddles, and seating configurations. Accuracy and quickness are needed in this section.

RS Agarwal’s Logical Reasoning, daily puzzle-solving apps or books.

Quantitative Techniques

10% weightage

Concentrate on fundamental ideas in mathematics, such as rudimentary algebra, data interpretation, and arithmetic. To increase accuracy and speed, practice frequently.

NCERT Class 9-10 Maths, "CLAT Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Aggarwal.

Recommended Books for the CLAT 2026 Exam

To prepare for CLAT from class 12, students could refer to these books for effective preparation.

Section-wise

Recommended Books

English

Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, High School English Grammar and Composition Key by Wren & Martin, and General English by SP Bakshi

Current Affairs and General Knowledge

Newspapers, Magazines, Important and Latest Judgments, Manorama Yearbook by Manorama, and Current Affairs Yearly by Arihant.

Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal, Universal’s Logical Reasoning for CLAT, LSAT, and other Law Entrance Exams by Jain Prateek

Legal Reasoning

Books by AP Bhardwaj such as Legal Aptitude for the CLAT and other Law Entrance Examinations, Legal Awareness Legal Reasoning

QuantitativeTechniques

Data Interpretation by RS Agarwal

Conclusion

Consistent preparation, astute time management, and frequent self-evaluation are the keys to passing the CLAT after 12th grade. Maintain a good balance between your academics and your well-being, stay motivated, and follow your study schedule. The CLAT exam is difficult, but you may succeed if you work hard and strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the CLAT 2026 exams be conducted?
A:

The consortium of NLUs has declared that they will conduct the exams for CLAT 2026 on December 01, 2026.

Q: Can I start preparing for CLAT after 12th?
A:

Yes, you can begin preparing for the CLAT after the 12th. Many students opt to begin their preparation after passing their board examinations, and they still get high results.

Q: Can I crack CLAT 2026 without coaching?
A:

Yes, you can pass the CLAT with self-study, the correct materials, commitment, and consistent practice. However, systematic learning and practice exams can be obtained through coaching or online help.

Q: How important are current affairs and general knowledge?
A:

General knowledge and current events account for 25% of the CLAT score, making them essential for high scores. It's crucial to regularly read newspapers, publications, and keep up with legal advancements.

Q: When should I start studying for CLAT 2026 after 12th?
A:

In order to have enough time to explore every topic in detail, it is best to begin studying as soon as possible, following your 12th-grade examinations or during your last year of education.

Q: Which subject should I focus on for CLAT 2026 after 12th?
A:

According to the CLAT syllabus, concentrate on the English language, current events, including general knowledge, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques.

Q: What is the time duration for CLAT 2026 exams?
A:

The total time duration for CLAT 2026 exams is 120 minutes.

Q: Can I prepare for CLAT after 12th?
A:

Yes, students can prepare for CLAT after 12th by creating a good study, plan, referring to good CLAT 2026 books, and regularly practising and revising the CLAT 2026 syllabus. Lastly, regularly attempt the CLAT mock test and previous years' papers. 

Q: How to prepare for CLAT in Class 12?
A:

The most common question asked by candidates is how to prepare for the CLAT in class 12. Given the importance of both, if you are in class 12, you may be considering studying for the CLAT without sacrificing your board test preparation. Hence, through this article, we will provide some advice on how to prepare for CLAT in Class 12. 

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

It is always better to take the CLAT exam right after Class 12 if your goal is to build a career in law, because CLAT UG is specifically designed for admission into integrated five-year law programs like BA LLB, BCom LLB, or BBA LLB. Appearing after Class 12 saves you time, as you complete both graduation and law together in a single course. On the other hand, if you first complete graduation and then plan for law, you will not be eligible for CLAT UG but instead for CLAT PG, which is meant for admission into LLM programs. This path takes longer, because you first spend three or four years on graduation and then add another three years in an LLB program if you choose not to go for an integrated course. So, if you are already sure about pursuing law as your career, writing CLAT right after Class 12 is the smarter and time-saving option, while writing it after graduation makes sense only if you are considering higher studies in law or a shift in career later.

For CLAT, the most important topics are from  Legal Reasoning, Current Affairs & GK, the Indian Constitution, English Language, Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning. For a brief detail you can go through the following link: https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-important-topics

Thank You.

Hi dear candidate,

Both the colleges Maharaja Agrasen (MAIMS) or Gitarattan (GIBS) are affiliated to IP University and allows admission either by CLAT or IPU CET Law. Without either of these exams, your admission is NOT accepted there. You can try looking for management quota seats in these colleges if you have got good marks in 12th class.

BEST REGARDS

Hi dear candidate,

You can easily register yourself for CLAT exam by visiting the Consortium of NLUs official website and follow these steps:

  • Register yourself with your EMail ID, phone number and password.
  • Log in using OTP
  • Complete application form by entering details, selecting program (UG/PG) and uploading required documents mentioned there.
  • Then at last, review the application and pay the registration fees.
  • Download your confirmation slip.

Know the complete process at:

CLAT Registration 2026 (Started): Documents Required, Application Fee, Link, Steps to Apply

BEST REGARDS

Right now there is no official e-guide for CLAT 2026 released by the Consortium of NLUs. They usually provide sample questions and model papers closer to the exam, but not a complete guide at this stage.

You can still prepare using free study material available online. Many websites provide free downloadable PDFs, mock tests, and previous year papers that will help you understand the pattern and practice important topics.

If you want a structured book, there are two good options. The Oswaal CLAT & AILET guide has past year solved papers, topic-wise questions, and mock tests. The Arihant CLAT Conqueror book has more than 3000 practice questions with solutions. Both are helpful depending on whether you prefer solved papers or more practice questions.