How to prepare for CLAT 2026 in 1 Year? Check Month-wise preparation Strategy

Months

Month-wise Strategy

Short Tips

1st Month- 2nd Month

• Focus on the foundation more in the first two months of preparation.

• Start by learning in depth about the syllabus and the types of questions asked in the exam.

• Analyse the previous year's question paper.

• Knowing that the CLAT exam consists of five sections, allot time equally to all the sections.

Even if you don't comprehend everything right away, start by answering a few questions from prior papers. The purpose is to become acquainted with the examination style.

3rd Month- 4th Month

• For the 3rd and the 4th month of preparation, it is advised to divide the sections and start subject-specific preparation.

• For example- focus on comprehension and grammar, for the General Knowledge sections take up current affairs and law-related changes, followed by the legal sections where you can focus on basic law, new judgements and amendments, next comes the Logical Reasoning sections emphasize repeating questions topics in the previous year exams and lastly the Quantitative Aptitude Section practice as much as possible.

If you find difficulty in managing time with all the sections in the CLAT exam. Start by creating a road map for preparation by ensuring that you don't miss out on any of the sections.

5th Month- 6th Month

• As in the first 4 months of preparation, the strategy and road map are ready.

• Now, in the 5th and 6th months of preparation, allocate more time for preparation, increase your study hours, and try allocating more time to the weaker sections.

• It is advised to appear for a mock test now and try to appear for one test per week, as it will help you to keep up with the pace of the preparation.

Join a reliable batch or coaching program to get expert guidance and peer support.

7th Month- 9th Month

• It's time to increase the intensity of practice in the 7th and 9th months. Attempt 2-3 mock tests a week.

• After appearing for the mock test, review the answers and try spotting the errors and weak points.

• It is also advised to solve past years' question papers to improve time management.

Take guidance from seniors or teachers who have prior experience or have appeared in the CLAT exam.

10th Month- 11th Month

• In the 10th- 11th Month of preparation, focus on polishing what you have learnt earlier.

• Keep handwritten notes ready, as they will help in quick revision.

• Focus on the weak areas and try to revise them again and again for better results.

Take regular pauses to prevent burnout and retain mental clarity.

12th Month

• In the final months of preparation, it is advised to appear for mocks 4-5 times a week.

• Prioritise accuracy above attempting every question.

• Maintain a positive mindset and avoid studying new things at this time.

To handle pre-exam anxiety, practise mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

Subjects

Books to Follow

English language

• English is Easy by Chetananand Singh

• General English by SP Bakshi

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

• 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Norman Lewis

• Barron's Pocket Guide to Vocabulary Objective

General knowledge (including current events)

• General Knowledge by Lucent Publication

• Competition Success Review

• Pratiyogita Darpan

• Manorama Yearbook by Manorama

• General Knowledge 2023, 2022, and 2021 by Arihant Publications

Legal Reasoning

• Objective Legal Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

• Important Judgment That Transformed India by Alex Andrews George

• The Pearson Guide to the CLAT by Harsh Gagrani

• LST’s Legal Reasoning Module

• Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by Pearson

Logical reasoning

• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

• Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma

• Analytical Reasoning by M. K. Pandey

• Analytical and Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

• A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

Quantitative techniques

• Data interpretation by R.S Aggarwal

• Elementary Mathematics with Numerical Ability by Prateek Jain

• Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M Tyra

• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

• Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant Publications