CLAT 2026 is one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India, offering admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs at 26 National Law Universities (NLUs). To secure a good rank, candidates need smart preparation, regular practice and effective time management.
The exam pattern includes 120 questions divided into five sections: English Language (28–32 questions), Current Affairs & GK (35–39), Logical Reasoning (28–32), Legal Reasoning (35–39), and Quantitative Techniques (13–17). Each question carries one mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers.
The syllabus covers grammar, vocabulary, current events, history, arts, logical puzzles, analogies, legal and moral issues, and mathematics topics like algebra, ratios, mensuration, and statistics.
Past CLAT toppers recommend consistent study, note-making, reading newspapers, and solving multiple mock tests. Revision and self-analysis are equally important for improving accuracy and speed.
With focused preparation, regular practice, and strategic planning, candidates can improve their chances of securing admission to top NLUs throughCLAT 2026.
CLAT 2026 Preparation Strategy from Toppers
To get a good rank in CLAT 2026, candidates must prepare with the same dedication as previous years’ toppers. The exam is competitive and success depends mainly on how well you are prepared. A smart preparation strategy can make a big difference. Here are some easy tips from CLAT toppers:
- Make a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Schedule: Plan your study time in small steps so you can cover the full syllabus on time.
- Prepare Methodical Notes: Write short and clear notes while studying. This will help you remember important points during revision.
- Focus on Subject-Wise Understanding: Build strong concepts in each subject—English, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Techniques.
- Practice with CLAT Mock Tests and Past Papers: Regularly solve CLAT previous years’ question papers, mock tests, and sample papers to improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise and Analyse Your Preparation: Revise regularly and check your performance. Identify weak areas and improve them.
With proper planning, practice, and revision, candidates can increase their chances of securing a high rank in CLAT 2026.
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CLAT Topper Tips (2025-2015)
To perform well in CLAT 2026, candidates can learn from the experiences of previous CLAT toppers. Over the years, toppers have shared their preparation journeys, study routines, and strategies that helped them secure top ranks in one of India’s most competitive law entrance exams.
CLAT 2025 Topper
Saksham Gautam (AIR 1) shared his journey and strategies that helped him crack the exam. He highlighted the importance of a disciplined study routine, consistent practice, and smart planning.
CLAT 2024 Topper
Jai Kumar Bohara (AIR 1) said that scoring well in board exams does not guarantee admission to a good law college. He did not rely on extra books and studied only the material provided by his coaching center. Regularly solving mock tests and practice papers helped him maintain consistent scores and handle both easy and difficult sections with confidence.
CLAT 2023 Topper
Abhinav Somani (AIR 1) focused on reading newspapers and taking mocks. Reading newspapers daily helped him improve vocabulary, reading speed and comprehension. He also maintained a study group of four friends to solve mocks together, starting with one mock per week in January 2022 and increasing it to 5–6 mocks per week by October 2022.
CLAT 2019 Toppers
- Saumya Singh (AIR 1, AILET Topper, 177.25/200 marks) advised candidates to be consistent, give time to each subject, make notes, revise regularly, and work on weaknesses while strengthening strong areas. She emphasized attempting as many mock tests as possible.
- Harsh Tomar (AIR 2, 176.75/200 marks) recommended preparing a daily schedule, focusing on both speed and accuracy, reading at least two English newspapers daily, working harder on weak subjects, and revising regularly. He attempted around 50 CLAT mock tests with detailed analysis.
CLAT 2018 Toppers
- Aman Garg (AIR 1, 159/200 marks) advised not to take CLAT lightly as competition rises every year. He suggested starting preparation early, diversifying GK sources, and taking mock tests from different institutes to identify weaknesses.
- Shikhar Aggarwal (AIR 6, 148/200 marks) stressed the importance of staying calm and focused. He said not to get discouraged by poor mock scores or be influenced by peers. He recommended prep books such as Arihant’s CLAT Books and Universal’s Guide to CLAT.
CLAT 2017 Toppers
- Rajat Maloo (AIR 1, 154.25/200 marks) highlighted the value of punctuality and honesty in studies. He used Static GK by Tarun Goyal, Critical Reasoning by MK Pandey, and online resources like GK Today.
- Radhika Sarda (AIR 3, 148.5/200 marks) advised focusing on concept clarity rather than rote learning. For GK, she used resources like Competition in Focus, Pratiyogita Darpan, GK Today, and Affairs Cloud.
- Sumit Kumar Gupta (AIR 4, 147.7/200 marks) recommended sticking to a timetable, taking multiple mocks, and using preparation material such as The Hindu for current affairs, Qualitative English by S. Chand, and Quantitative Mathematics by R.S. Aggarwal.
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CLAT 2016 Topper
Radhika Sarda (AIR 3, 148.5/200 marks) advised focusing on concept clarity rather than rote learning. For GK, she used resources like Competition in Focus, Pratiyogita Darpan, GK Today and Affairs Cloud.
CLAT 2015 Topper
Akash Jain (AIR 1, 143.75/200 marks) advised solving previous years’ papers, taking as many mocks as possible, and working on strengths and weaknesses. He recommended Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal for mathematics and logical reasoning books by the same author.
Key Takeaways from CLAT Toppers
- Be consistent with studies and follow a timetable.
- Focus on concept clarity instead of mugging up.
- Read newspapers daily for current affairs, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Take mock tests regularly, analyse mistakes, and work on weak areas.
- Choose the right study material and revise regularly.
- Stay calm, focused, and stress-free during preparation.
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern, Syllabus: An Overview
Candidates appearing for CLAT 2026 should be in sync with the CLAT Exam Pattern and CLAT Syllabus. The exam pattern of CLAT was modified for last year, and it is now as follows:
CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Also Check: Common Mistakes to Avoid for CLAT 2026
CLAT 2026 Syllabus
Key Takeaway
CLAT 2026 is a tough exam, but with smart preparation, discipline, and consistent practice, success is possible. Learning from past toppers shows the importance of planning, revision and regular mock tests. If candidates stay focused, work on their weak areas, and manage time well, they can secure a good rank and admission to top NLUs.
