CLAT Syllabus 2025 PDF (Soon), Download Section-wise Syllabus, Topic-wise Weightage, Golden Rules for Preparation

What is CLAT Subject-wise Weightage and Marks Distribution?

There will be a single paper with 120 multiple choice questions in the exam. For every correct answering, candidates will be marked with +3 and -1 for incorrect answers. The questions distribution along with weightage for all 5 subjects are as follows:

How to Prepare for CLAT 2025 Examination?

CLAT exam is one of the prestigious yet toughest entrance exams for students aspiring to study and pursue their careers in Law. However, with effective preparation strategies, students can obtain good marks in the examination:

• Whenever 40-50% of the syllabus is completed, start attempting mock tests, especially before 1-2 months of the exam. The mock tests help tremendously in determining the capabilities of students. Candidates will get a deep analysis of the subjects by giving mocks. Our free CLAT mock tests provide full-length, subject-wise, chapter-wise tests and live quizzes also.
• CLAT itself is more skill-based rather than syllabus-based. So, students start following insights about the subjects from multiple sources. This should be avoided as it creates confusion regarding the topics. From the multiple sources, only one person or mentor must be chosen, with whom the synergy matches.
• Attempt section-wise tests through previous year questions whenever a particular topic of a subject is being completed. Use a timer and see how much time it is taking you to solve those questions. By this, you will identify your strong and weak points along with building the accuracy of the subjects. For example, there are 30 questions, try to attempt all in 15-20 minutes. Remember that self-assessment is always important for skill-based exams like CLAT
• The most demanding thing for the exam is to make a strong command of vocabulary and make reading habits. How we can do that? By reading various types of journals, editorials, articles, newspapers, novels, and magazines. For newspapers, follow the Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, Telegraph, etc. The exam as said above is passage-based, so it will be helpful for students who have a strong command of the English language.
• Check YouTube or connect with your teachers at respective coaching centers for doubt-clearing one-to-one mentorship sessions. Check recommended books for all 5 subjects
• If students are making a study plan, it should be long-term. Changing study plans every 2 weeks or months will not be effective by any means.

How Can I Get 90-100 Attempts in CLAT?

Many toppers or students who cleared CLAT have advised that you should attempt at least 90-100 questions. In CLAT 2024 average number of students who attempted questions was 105-110. Attempting 90-100 questions in an exam like CLAT requires strategic preparation and effective test-taking techniques. Here are some key strategies:

Preparation Strategies

1. Clear Fundamentals: Strengthen your basics in all subjects. This includes grammar for English, legal principles for Legal Aptitude, and foundational concepts in Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning.
2. Practice Regularly: Regular practice with previous years' mock tests and question papers is essential. This helps familiarize you with the exam pattern and question types.
3. Time Management: Allocate specific time slots to each section during your practice sessions to build speed and accuracy. For instance, you can allot 30 mins for English, 30 Minutes for CR, 10-12 Minutes for CA, 10-12 minutes for DI, and another 35-38 minutes for DI. Practicing under timed conditions can help in actual tests.
4. Analyze Performance: After each mock test, thoroughly analyze your performance. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving the areas where you are lagging.

Test-Taking Strategies

1. Prioritize Sections: Start with sections you are most confident in to secure easy marks quickly. This can boost your confidence and save time for tougher sections later.
2. Skim and Scan: For lengthy passages, such as in the English and Legal Reasoning sections, skim through the text to get the gist before diving into the questions. This saves time and improves comprehension.
3. Intelligent Guessing: If you are unsure about an answer, use elimination methods to narrow down your choices. Intelligent guessing can help maximize your score while minimizing negative marking risks.
4. Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain a calm demeanor throughout the test. Stress can impair judgment and slow you down, so practice relaxation techniques to stay focused under pressure.

When implemented effectively, these strategies can help you manage time more effectively and increase your chances of attempting more questions accurately in mock tests and actual exams.

How should a Beginner start Preparing for CLAT?

Before studying for any exam, you need to prepare yourself mentally. If you are a beginner and have no idea how to start preparing for the CLAT exam, check the points below to understand how to start your CLAT preparation.

• Recognize Your Current Level: Start preparing in 11th or 12th grade. Before beginning, take a diagnostic test to understand your current aptitude. CLAT tests aptitude, mental ability, and comprehension, not just knowledge.
• Set a Target College and Score: Decide which law school you want to attend based on your current level, location, affordability, and interest in law. Determine the score you need for your chosen college and focus on achieving that.
• Gather Resources: List all available study materials, including books, videos, previous years’ papers, practice questions, and topper notes. Supplement coaching institute materials with self-study books.
• Create a Timetable: Allocate 3-4 hours daily for CLAT preparation, including ample breaks. Keep weekends free for extracurricular activities. Study and revise at the same time each day to build a routine.
• Join a Coaching Institute: Many students benefit from structured coaching programs that offer curated content, access to teachers, practice sessions, and mock tests. Coaching provides discipline and a structured approach to preparation.
• Maximize Preparation:​
  1. Preview content before class.
  2. Participate actively in class.
  3. Solve and review in-class exercises and practice questions.
  4. Take topic-wise tests after completing a topic and analyze your performance.
• Mock Tests: Take at least 50 mock tests in real exam conditions. Analyze your results to identify weaknesses and improve. Discuss your mistakes with mentors to enhance your understanding.
• Read Newspapers: Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu, The Telegraph, Indian Express, and Times of India to improve current affairs knowledge and reading comprehension.

Golden Rules Followed by AIR-1: Jai Kumar Bohara

This year, Jai Kumar Bohara became the AIR-1 with the 100 percentile marks. He decided to pursue his career in Law as his parents and grandfather are also from a lawyer background. Let’s see what he said to upcoming CLAT 2025 aspirants about his journey of becoming the CLAT AIR-1 student of 2024:

• For him, the GK section was tough in comparison to the other 4 subjects. He followed the notes and materials of CLAT Express and LawPrep. GK itself is a vast section and one cannot cover everything in GK. Whatever topics students are covering in GK, should be revised daily. If there are 30 topics, study 5 from it on the first day and the next day do another 5 along with revision of previous topics. He said that many students study 1000 topics in GK, but it will be worth it whenever we revise those daily.
• Even after choosing CLAT, many students remain confused regarding the career aspects of it. Here Jai stated that students can take 1-1.5 months to decide but after that, there should be no looking back. Whenever you are ready, you should focus on delivering your 100 percent, or else do not appear for the exam.
• When students asked Jai about any particular reference books, he said that they should make a habit of reading current affairs, newspapers, journals, etc. For books also, vary from person to person, so it will be better to stick with the books with which a student’s vibe and mindset match. He personally followed Wiley’s textbooks.
• To ace the exams, giving mocks should be treated as reading the Bible. He stated that many students along with him, left the hall while giving mock tests. However, it must be noted that mock tests are just for self-practice and improvement. No one, except you, is going to assess your performance and skills based on your mock tests performances. You can also increase the gut feeling by practicing.
• Jai solved previous years’ question papers to identify which are his strong and weak points. According to him, it is also important for students appearing for the exam in 2025.
• As it is already the month of July, students should study for the exam for 6-7 hours, and reduce it in the last month. It is essential to make moderation between studies and other things you love to do for the sake of your mental state, which is very important on exam day. Also, he stated to avoid opening the books and study materials on the day before the examination.
• Take 1-2 breaks while studying. However, according to him, during the breaks a student should do some mind-refreshing activities which is beneficial. He told students during the candid talk, to avoid mobile phones, as it is such a thing if you have thought to use it for 5 minutes, it will be extended into 10 minutes and further.
• Make long-term strategies divide them into phases and continue it till the day of the examination. In the first phase, do not pressure yourself and start building your momentum, increase study timing in the later months.
• Whatever subject a student is feeling confident with should be started initially to boost the confidence level and it will be helpful for other subjects also.
• To enhance Legal Reasoning, students should practice and keep their content limited during the exam, as it is a personalized subject. Read articles and learn theories to frame your answers interactively in limited words.
• Read newspapers, and case files and try to draw arguments for Logical Reasoning. For Quantitative Techniques, get your concepts cleared by the teachers and practice passages regularly, as it is an approachable subject.
• Do not compare your marks with other students, as it will demotivate and will build unnecessary stress. If you are a beginner, you should avoid it at any cost.
• Make limited friends and make friendship with the ones who are understanding and bring a positive impact in your life. Do not make friends by seeing their friends. Take breaks on Sundays and go for refreshments like going for an outing, or eating with a limited company of friends. Make a proper balance between friends and being isolated.
• Talk with parents and teachers not only about studies but also about some other things. By doing this, your mind will get refreshed and it will give you extra energy for the next day's preparation.

What are the Mistakes One Should Avoid?

After the students’ reviews, we have gathered some points and tips that you should avoid while preparing for the CLAT exam. Check the detailed points below.

• Insufficient Practice: You should avoid neglecting practice as it's vital for improving both your knowledge and time management skills essential for CLAT. Make it a priority to solve as many problems as possible within a specific time frame.
• Ignoring Negative Marking: Avoid guesswork to prevent losing marks for correct answers. Consider the 0.25 mark deduction for each incorrect answer during mock tests, as it significantly impacts your ranking.
• Spending Excessive Time on Single Questions: Efficient time management is crucial. Avoid spending too much time on a single question. Stay composed and aim to answer quickly using effective time management techniques.
• Starting with Difficult Questions: Prioritize simpler questions first to save time for tougher ones. Reading through questions initially helps you distinguish between difficult and simple ones.
• Overloading with Study Sources: Focus on practicing from limited but useful study sources rather than overwhelming yourself with numerous sources. It saves time and prevents confusion.
• Not Following Study Schedule: Maintain consistency by adhering to a proper study schedule. Regular practice according to a set timetable improves study efficiency.
• Lacking In-depth Understanding of Concepts: Avoid the mistake of not developing a deep understanding of each topic before practicing related questions. Thoroughly read and comprehend each topic to avoid negative marking due to incorrect answers.
• Neglecting Current Affairs: Make sure to regularly read newspapers and periodicals as the Current Affairs section has no fixed syllabus. Incorporating daily newspaper reading helps in effectively answering current affairs-based questions, contributing as bonus marks in the exam.