How To Prepare For CLAT from Class 12?
- Kritika Daryani
- Oct 11, 2024
- 7 min read

Preparing for the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) from Class 12 requires a strategic approach that balances your school studies with the demands of CLAT preparation. The process can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, consistent practice, and a well-structured plan, it is entirely possible to manage both Class 12 board exams and CLAT preparation efficiently. Starting your CLAT preparation early will give you a competitive edge over others and help you succeed without sacrificing your academic performance.
This comprehensive guide will outline key strategies to help you prepare for CLAT while in Class 12, covering topics such as time management, study materials, exam patterns, and the role of coaching institutes, which provides expert mentorship and resources to excel in the CLAT exam.
1. Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before diving into preparation, it is crucial to understand the exam format and syllabus for CLAT. The exam consists of five sections, and each requires a specific approach for effective preparation.
English Language: Focuses on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
Current Affairs including General Knowledge: Covers recent events, general knowledge, and static GK.
Legal Reasoning: Includes legal principles and their application to given facts.
Logical Reasoning: Focuses on analytical reasoning and critical thinking.
Quantitative Techniques: Tests mathematical skills, usually up to Class 10 level.
The CLAT exam consists of 150 questions, and you have two hours to complete it. Each question carries one mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. This makes time management and accuracy critical components of the preparation process.
2. Start Early to Balance Class 12 Studies with CLAT Preparation
Class 12 is a pivotal year in a student’s life, as it involves both board exams and preparing for various competitive entrance exams. Starting your CLAT preparation early is essential to ensure you can balance both aspects effectively.
Create a Timetable: Divide your day into different time blocks for Class 12 studies and CLAT preparation. For instance, you can dedicate a couple of hours each day after school to CLAT practice. Over the weekends, when you have more time, you can focus on solving mock tests and revising important topics.
Set Clear Priorities: Class 12 board exams are important for your academic career, but it is also essential to allocate enough time for CLAT preparation. Create a timetable that allows you to focus on both and ensures that you stay on track without neglecting either. When it comes to exam periods, prioritize your board exams, but ensure you keep practicing for CLAT consistently.
Break it Down: Rather than attempting to study everything at once, break down your CLAT syllabus into smaller sections and assign specific goals for each week. For example, you can focus on English vocabulary and comprehension for one week and shift to legal reasoning in the next.
3. Set Achievable Goals and Targets
Setting achievable and realistic goals is crucial for staying motivated and on track. When starting CLAT preparation in Class 12, it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses and set targets that align with your daily schedule.
Weekly and Monthly Targets: Set small goals for each week and month. For instance, you can set a target of completing 50 vocabulary words, reading five legal reasoning passages, and solving three math quizzes every week. These short-term goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and help track your progress over time.
Long-Term Goals: Alongside your weekly and monthly targets, create a long-term plan that covers the entire CLAT syllabus over a few months. Ensure you complete the syllabus in time for revision and practice mock tests before the exam.
Evaluate Your Progress: After every study session or week, evaluate your progress. Did you meet your target? If not, analyze why and adjust your study plan accordingly.
4. Time Management: A Key to Success
Time management is one of the most critical aspects of CLAT preparation, especially when juggling board exams and CLAT studies. Here are some strategies to manage your time effectively:
Make a Daily Schedule: Plan your day and allocate time for both your Class 12 subjects and CLAT topics. Make sure to include breaks in your schedule to avoid burnout.
Use Short Study Sessions: The Pomodoro technique, where you study for 25-30 minutes followed by a short break, is an effective method to maintain focus. Short, focused study sessions help in retaining information better than long, continuous hours of studying.
Use Weekends Wisely: Weekends are crucial for revisiting topics that you may not have had time for during the weekdays. Use the weekends to take full-length mock tests, which will help you gauge your preparation and identify areas where you need improvement.
Read: CLAT kya hota hai
5. Focus on Mock Tests and Practice Papers
Mock tests are an integral part of CLAT preparation. Since CLAT is a time-bound exam with tricky questions, taking regular mock tests helps you become familiar with the exam pattern, builds your stamina, and improves your time management skills.
Take Full-Length Mock Tests: Start with a few full-length mock tests every month and increase the frequency as the exam date approaches. Mock tests help you simulate the actual exam environment and provide insight into how well you can handle the pressure within the limited time.
Analyze Your Performance: After every mock test, carefully analyze your performance. Identify your mistakes, figure out where you spent too much time, and work on improving those areas. Look for patterns in your errors and revise those sections more thoroughly.
Use Sectional Tests: In addition to full-length mock tests, take sectional tests to strengthen specific areas like legal reasoning, logical reasoning, or quantitative techniques.
6. Leverage the Right Study Material
Choosing the right study material is crucial for CLAT preparation. Opt for materials that are comprehensive and focus on the updated syllabus. Here's what you should include in your preparation resources:
Books: Some of the best books for CLAT preparation include:
"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis for English vocabulary
"Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning" by A.P. Bhardwaj
"Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey
"Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Aggarwal for basic math
Current Affairs and GK: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Economic Times. Also, refer to monthly magazines and online portals for general knowledge updates.
Online Resources: You can also find a plethora of online resources, including YouTube channels, podcasts, and websites, that offer free study materials, tutorials, and practice questions for CLAT.
7. Join a Coaching Program for Expert Guidance
Self-study can get you far, but enrolling in a coaching institute can significantly improve your preparation. A good coaching program provides structured courses, expert guidance, mock tests, and comprehensive study materials. Law Prep Tutorial (LPT), the best CLAT coaching in Jodhpur is one of the leading coaching institutes that offers CLAT coaching and has a proven track record of success.
Structured Study Plan: LPT offers a well-structured study plan that aligns with your Class 12 schedule. Their study materials are updated according to the latest exam pattern and provide in-depth coverage of each subject.
Expert Mentors: LPT’s experienced mentors offer personalized guidance to students based on their strengths and weaknesses. They help in clearing doubts, developing time management skills, and offering valuable tips for excelling in the exam.
Regular Mock Tests: LPT offers frequent mock tests, both online and offline, which help students get a real-time experience of the exam and identify areas of improvement.
Study Material: LPT provides exhaustive study material that covers all sections of the CLAT exam, along with regular current affairs updates and legal reasoning practice questions.
Flexible Classes: For students balancing board exams and CLAT preparation, LPT offers flexible schedules that allow you to attend classes at your convenience.
8. Make Use of Technology
In today’s digital age, there are countless apps and websites designed to help students prepare for competitive exams like CLAT. Use technology to your advantage:
Online Classes: If you cannot attend physical coaching classes due to your school schedule, online classes can be a great alternative. Platforms like Law Prep Tutorial offer online coaching sessions with recorded lectures, live classes, and doubt-clearing sessions.
Quiz Apps: Use quiz apps like GKToday, BYJU's, or Oliveboard to practice current affairs and general knowledge on the go.
Time Management Apps: Use apps like Forest, Todoist, or Google Keep to manage your time efficiently and stay on top of your study goals.
Checkout: NLU in India
9. Stay Healthy and Avoid Burnout
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the dual pressure of board exams and CLAT preparation. However, your mental and physical health should always be a priority.
Take Regular Breaks: Study breaks are essential to avoid burnout. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as listening to music, going for a walk, or practicing yoga.
Get Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep is necessary for memory retention and concentration. Avoid late-night study sessions, especially close to exam dates, as sleep deprivation can affect your performance.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity boosts energy levels and helps reduce stress. Incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine, such as yoga, walking, or playing a sport.
Conclusion
Preparing for CLAT from Class 12 requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and a balanced approach to ensure success in both board exams and CLAT. By starting early, setting achievable goals, and managing your time wisely, you can stay on track and excel in both areas. Coaching institutes like Law Prep Tutorial (LPT) provide the necessary guidance, study materials, and mentorship to help students succeed in CLAT without overwhelming their Class 12 studies. With dedication, proper guidance, and a structured approach, cracking CLAT while managing your board exams is not only possible but achievable.
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