The CLAT syllabus is carefully designed to adjudge the potential and aptitude of a candidate in various areas of reasoning and analysis. Based on passages, the examination consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and consists of five major sections including English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Mathematics. Here is a section wise analysis on how to prepare for CLAT:
1. English (22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper):
- Comprehension: The main make and break element to remember while you prepare for CLAT is the ability to comprehend lengthy passages by chalking out the important parts thereof. This not only tests how you grab information but also how quickly you do it.
- Vocabulary: The passages are mostly followed by questions that also check your vocabulary. Learn new words by improving your reading habit. No resource is a bad resource. You can read novels, newspapers, blog pages, and anything that helps you build a strong word bank.
- Grammar: Understand English grammar rules, including sentence structure, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation.
- Idioms and Phrases: Familiarise yourself with common idiomatic expressions and phrases used in the English language.
2. General Knowledge and Current Affairs (28-32 questions, or roughly 25% of the paper):
- Current Events: Stay updated with national and international news, politics, sports, and major developments. While there may be a hesitation to read the newspaper, once you get into the habit, you will be able to gather relevant and concise information on a daily basis. Remember to maintain a register of all the important events as you prepare for CLAT.
- Indian History: Focus on significant historical events and personalities in India.
- Geography: Learn about important geographical features, both in India and globally. The superlatives (tallest mountain, longest river etc.) are some of the most asked questions.
- Economics: Understand basic economic concepts and major economic events. Don’t forget to gather information on current affairs relevant to the economics domain.
- Legal News: Pay attention to legal developments, landmark judgments, and legal affairs.
- Practice Quizzes: Engage in regular quizzes and practice tests related to current affairs and general knowledge topics. Law Prep Tutorial Delhi NCR helps with such quizzes as well as full length sectional papers.
3. Legal Aptitude (28-32 questions, or roughly 25% of the paper):
- Legal Principles and Terminology: Develop a strong understanding of legal concepts, including contracts, torts, criminal law, and constitutional law. Learn legal terminology and jargon to navigate the legal reasoning section effectively.
- Legal Reasoning: Practise applying legal principles to factual situations. Work on analysing cases and determining the correctness of legal propositions. Do not limit yourselves only to the option based questions but try to gauge how you would approach and reason a legal proposition.
- Legal News: Stay updated with recent legal developments and landmark judgments to be prepared for current legal affairs questions. As you prepare for CLAT, don’t forget to maintain regular entries for legal news in your notebook.
4. Logical Reasoning (22-26 questions, or roughly 20% of the paper):
While CLAT focuses largely on critical reasoning based on passaged, always be prepared for surprises in analytical questions as well. The general pattern of logical reasoning is based on questions from sequencing, coding-decoding, blood relations, number series in analytical reasoning and syllogisms, assertion-reasoning, statement analysis etc. in critical reasoning.
5. Elementary Mathematics (10-14 questions, or roughly 10% of the paper):
- Arithmetic: Focus on topics like fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, time and work, and profit and loss.
- Algebra: Study concepts of quadratic equations, linear equations, and inequalities.
- Maths Practice: Regularly practise solving maths problems and exercises to improve your mathematical abilities.
- Formulas and Equations: Familiarise yourself with key mathematical formulas and equations for quick problem-solving.
Preparing for CLAT typically requires rigorous study, comprehensive knowledge of the subjects, and regular practice with mock tests. It’s advisable to consult relevant study materials, coaching centres, and previous years’ question papers to prepare effectively for the CLAT exam.