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How to avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026?
Preparing for CLAT 2026 involves understanding the importance of avoiding negative marking. The CLAT exam’s marking scheme awards 1 mark for each correct answer but deducts 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. This marking method prevents students from random guessing. Students must be careful when attempting questions and must focus only on those answers they are confident about. Strategies like eliminating obviously wrong options, managing time well, and practising mock tests can help minimise errors. Students need to develop a disciplined approach, prioritising quality over quantity in their answers. By adopting these strategies, aspirants can protect their scores from unnecessary deductions and can boost their chances of achieving a high rank in CLAT 2026.
CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme
Answer type | Marking scheme |
Correct answer | +1 mark |
Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks |
Unanswered question | 0 marks deducted |
How to Calculate CLAT 2026 Marks
CLAT 2026 includes 120 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark. The formula to calculate the final score is:
CLAT score = (number of correct answers × 1) − (number of wrong answers × 0.25)
For example, if a student answers 85 questions correctly and 10 incorrectly, the score will be: (85×1) − (10×0.25) = 85−2.5 = 82.5
Prioritise Accuracy Over Quantity in CLAT 2026 Attempts.
In CLAT 2026, it is better to attempt fewer questions with high accuracy than to attempt many questions and risk negative marking. Students should focus on answering only those questions they are confident about. Top performers often attempt 90-95 questions with an accuracy rate of 85% or higher. Attempting more questions without confidence increases the risk of losing marks due to negative marking.
Section-wise Ways to Minimise Negative Marking
Section | Tips to avoid negative marking |
Focus on understanding the passage fully before answering, as these questions test comprehension rather than memorisation. | |
General knowledge | Attempt only well-known facts and skip questions based on guesswork. |
Use clear logic and avoid overthinking or complicating simple problems. | |
Stick to legal principles to avoid answers based on personal opinion. | |
Double-check calculations and skip unsure math questions. |
How to Avoid Negative Marking in CLAT 2026
Given below are some effective tips to help students avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026:
Eliminate wrong options: Before marking an answer, eliminate options that are clearly incorrect. This increases the chances of selecting the right answer.
Avoid blind guessing: Do not guess answers unless at least two options can be ruled out confidently.
Double-check calculations: In quantitative sections, verify calculations before marking the answer.
Manage time wisely: Allocate time to each section and avoid rushing, which can lead to careless mistakes.
Practice mock tests: Regular practice with mock tests helps students identify weak areas and improve accuracy.
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Hello Dear Student,
Yes, an OBC candidate scoring around 60 marks can get admission into specific National Law Universities (NLUs) like MNLU Aurangabad and MNLU Nagpur, as general closing trends place a score of 60 roughly around a rank of 14,000 to 18,000.
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Based on the information you have shared, you are eligible to appear for the CLAT exam if you have met the minimum percentage requirement prescribed by the Consortium of NLUs. However, for admission, you must have passed Class 12 without any pending compartment/RT (result to be declared or
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- https://law.careers360.com/articles/monthly-current-affairs-for-clat
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Hello Dear Student,
With a CLAT AIR of 19,688 as an OBC candidate, your chances of securing a seat in regular counselling rounds are extremely low. Your best prospects lie in participating in the vacant seats/spot rounds of universities that feature regional or state quotas, specifically the Tamil Nadu National
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