How to Crack the CLAT?
While engineering and medicine may be the most sought-after professions in the country, there are others as well. These too have an entrance exam if one wants to bag a seat in a leading institute for the programme. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one such exam. It is taken by those who have their sights set on getting into the legal profession. This national level exam is certainly a tough one. However, with proper planning and diligent studying, one can clear it with high marks. Thus, read on if you plan to appear for CLAT in 2023. Here, we tell you ways to crack the CLAT entrance exam and score high marks in it.
What is CLAT?
Now, if you are aiming to do your Law, you must be well informed about what the CLAT is. Remember, this exam is your gateway to a prestigious institute. It is conducted by the exam body, the CLAT Consortium, where each year, law aspirants are shortlisted for various law programmes. Therefore, you have to pass it with a high rank, which will ensure you a seat in one of the top National Law Universities (NLUs). This makes CLAT one of the most competitive exams in the country. It is the biggest law exam to secure admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes by 23 NLUs.
Know the syllabus and pattern
Now that you know the importance of CLAT, the first step is to know the CLAT syllabus and its pattern. This consists of five subjects:
- English language
- Current Affairs, including General Knowledge
- Legal Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
The English language paper has 28-32 questions and carries 20% weightage. The Current Affairs, including General Knowledge, has 35-39 questions and carries 25% weightage. The Legal Reasoning paper comprises 35-39 questions and carries 25% weightage, while the Logical Reasoning has 28-32 questions and 20% weightage. Finally, Quantitative Techniques has 13-17 questions and 10% weightage.
Understand the marking scheme
Now that you know the syllabus and the CLAT exam pattern get acquainted with the marking scheme. This two-hour, pen and paper-based test has 150 multiple choice questions. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Since it has negative marking, you must be very cautious while answering each question.
Have a schedule in place
Ideally, start preparing for the exam about 6-7 months in advance. This way, you will have a headstart and enough time to prepare comfortably. Now make a study schedule with around 6-7 hours each day dedicated to your CLAT studies. Your aim must be to try and complete the syllabus about 2-3 months before the actual test. The last two months should be dedicated to the revision of important topics, taking mock tests, and solving sample papers.
Make handwritten notes
After you draft a study plan, you must make handwritten notes when you read newspapers to up your general knowledge. Make notes while reading books as well. Underline important themes, draw diagrams and flowcharts, and jot down important points to aid your preparation. This will be very helpful when you reach the end of your preparation. This is when you will need to look at several books in a short period. This is when your handwritten notes will be helpful.
Use the right study material
It is important that you get the correct CLAT study material when you are studying at home. Get only those books that are appropriate for each subject. There are many books available, and you must pick only the ones that are based on the exam syllabus and pattern. You must choose books by only trusted authors and publishers to prepare for the exam.
Remember, CLAT is a really tough exam, so do take as many mock tests as possible. Solve as many sample papers, which will help you analyse your strengths and weaknesses. Also, focus on understanding concepts and revising them. Practicing what you have studied is the key to garnering high scores in the exam. Besides, get all your CLAT preparation FAQs clarified by your teachers or look them up online. If you have the above pointers in place, you are sure to ace the exam.
