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!
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!
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.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Join a reliable batch or coaching program to get expert guidance and peer support. |
7th Month- 9th Month |
| Take guidance from seniors or teachers who have prior experience or have appeared in the CLAT exam. |
10th Month- 11th Month |
| Take regular pauses to prevent burnout and retain mental clarity. |
12th Month |
| To handle pre-exam anxiety, practise mindfulness or relaxation techniques. |
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 |
|
General knowledge (including current events) |
|
Legal Reasoning |
|
Logical reasoning |
|
Quantitative techniques |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The difficulty level for CLAT 2025 was easy to moderate.
The Consortium of NLUs conducts the CLAT exam in the december month of the preceding year.
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.
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.
The tentative registration dates for CLAT 2026 will start from july 2025.
On Question asked by student community
With an AIR of 34724 and OBC category rank of 7153, chances of getting a seat in DSNLU Visakhapatnam are low in early rounds. However, since you are already invited for counselling, there may be some chance in later rounds depending on seat vacancy and cut-off movement. You should participate
With a CLAT LLM rank of 13656, getting a top NLU is difficult. You may have chances in lower-ranked NLUs or private law universities, depending on seat availability and category.
You can check CLAT LLM counselling details here:
https://law.careers360.com/articles/clat-llm-cut-off
Hello there,
Having a 15000 general rank and 1740 as your SC category rank, your chances of securing a seat are very low. As per the previous trends, it is a direct no for you to get into the top-tier NLUs since the closing general rank is around 1500-3000. If
With a CLAT PG rank of 1257 in the SC category and being a woman candidate with Rajasthan domicile, you do have a realistic chance of securing admission to several National Law Universities, though the top NLUs may be difficult at this rank. Admission chances depend heavily on category-wise cut-offs,
With a CLAT PG rank of around 11,000, getting admission into the top National Law Universities (NLUs) is not likely, as their general category cut-offs usually close much earlier. However, you still have realistic chances in lower-ranked and newer NLUs, especially in the later rounds of CLAT counselling or through
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Excellent curriculum; an impressive range of electives, besides core law courses. Up to 100% merit scholarship on a first-come, first-served basis
Ranked #18 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16 LPA Highest CTC
AICTE & UGC Approved | NAAC A+ Accredited
NAAC A++ Approved | Curriculum Aligned with BCI & UGC
India's Largest University | BCI approved | Meritorious Scholarships up to 5 lacs |