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

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

Ongoing Event

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

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 08 Jul 2025, 11:19 AM IST

Ever wondered if a whole year is enough to crack one of India’s toughest CLAT 2026? Pitch this with a focused 12-month study plan, and you can turn your CLAT 2026 dream into reality, even if you’re starting from scratch today!

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

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is not just another entrance exam; it's your golden ticket to the top National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. But with thousands of aspirants and limited seats, a smart, well-planned strategy becomes your ultimate weapon.

In this article, we break down a comprehensive month-by-month preparation plan for CLAT 2026. From building strong fundamentals to mastering advanced CLAT 2026 Mock Test strategies, you’ll discover how to pace your CLAT 2026 preparation, stay motivated, and boost your chances of getting into your dream NLU - all within one year!

Why a 12-Month Preparation Strategy is Essential?

Cracking CLAT needs more than just hard work; it necessitates a purposeful, systematic strategy. A 12-month preparation Strategy ensures:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Allocates enough time to comprehensively cover the whole CLAT 2026 Syllabus, leaving no topic uncovered.

  • Strong Fundamentals: Allows enough time to understand fundamental concepts, particularly in difficult areas such as legal reasoning and quantitative procedures.

  • Effective time management: It entails doing regular CLAT Mock Tests and analyses to increase speed, accuracy, and exam-day efficiency.

  • Consistent revision: It ensures retention by focusing on work and revisiting weaker areas.

  • Motivation and Discipline: Keeps preparation reasonable by setting clear goals and preventing burnout.

CLAT 2026 12 Months Preparation Strategy

Given below is a breakdown of the 12-month preparation Strategy to maximise your preparation:

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.

Books To Follow For CLAT 2026

The Common Law Admission Test consists of five sections: English language, general knowledge (including current events), legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques. The CLAT books listed below are subject-specific recommendations from legal experts for CLAT preparation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the pattern for CLAT 2026?
A:

The CLAT 2026 consists of 5 sections, and the total number of questions will be 120 questions and 120 minutes is the time allotted for the exam.

Q: When will the registration process for CLAT 2026 begin?
A:

The tentative registration dates for CLAT 2026 will start from july 2025.

Q: What was the difficulty level for CLAT 2025?
A:

The difficulty level for CLAT 2025 was easy to moderate.

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

The Consortium of NLUs conducts the CLAT exam in the december month of the preceding year.

Q: Will CLAT 2026 be easy?
A:

After analysisg the previous year question papers and the types of questions asked in the CLAT exam it is expected that CLAT 2026 will be moderate to difficult.

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Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?

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.

Hello,

Here is the link where you will get CLAT Question Paper solution : CLAT 2024 Question Paper with solutions

Hope it helps !