How to Prepare for AIR 1 in CLAT

Securing AIR 1 in CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the dream of many law aspirants, but it requires a focused, strategic, and consistent effort.

CLAT is not just an exam of knowledge but also of skill, speed, and accuracy. With proper planning and discipline, you can achieve this ambitious goal.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare for AIR 1 in CLAT.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

To excel in CLAT, start by gaining a comprehensive understanding of its structure and syllabus:

• Total Marks: 120 (reduced from 150 in 2024).

• Duration: 2 hours.

• Negative Marking: Yes (-0.25 for every wrong answer).

• Sections:

  1. English Language: Comprehension passages, vocabulary, and grammar.

  2. Current Affairs, including General Knowledge: Current events and static GK.

  3. Legal Reasoning: Passage-based questions on legal principles.

  4. Logical Reasoning: Critical reasoning and analytical skills.

  5. Quantitative Techniques: Elementary math with data interpretation.

2. Build a Strong Foundation

English Language

• Key Topics:

  • Comprehension passages.

  • Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, word usage).

  • Grammar (sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks).

• Preparation Tips:

  • Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, The Indian Express).

  • Practice 1-2 comprehension passages daily.

  • Use books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary.

Current Affairs and General Knowledge

• Key Topics:

  • Last 12 months of current events.

  • Static GK (history, geography, polity).

• Preparation Tips:

  • Follow monthly GK compendiums from reliable sources like GKToday or Drishti IAS.

  • Maintain a notes journal to jot down important events, awards, legal developments, etc.

  • Revise regularly to retain information.

Legal Reasoning

• Key Topics:

  • Legal principles and their application.

  • Facts and situations requiring legal interpretation.

  • Basic understanding of the Constitution, torts, contracts, and criminal law.

    
    

• Preparation Tips:

  
  

  • Focus on understanding principles rather than memorization.

  • Practice legal reasoning questions from past papers and mock tests.

  • Use Legal Aptitude for CLAT and Other Law Entrance Examinations by AP Bhardwaj.

Logical Reasoning

• Key Topics:

  • Critical reasoning (assumptions, conclusions, inferences).

  • Analytical reasoning (puzzles, arrangements, syllogisms).

• Preparation Tips:

  
  

  • Practice critical reasoning questions from Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal.

  • Solve at least 5 CLAT Previous year papers daily.

    
    

Quantitative Techniques

• Key Topics:

  • Percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss.

  • Graphs, pie charts, and data interpretation.

    
    

• Preparation Tips:

  • Strengthen basics with NCERT books (Class 6-10).

  • Solve 10-15 math questions daily.

  • Focus on accuracy, as the section carries significant weight despite fewer questions.

    
    

3. Create a Study Plan

Daily Schedule

• Morning:

  • 1 hour: Current Affairs (newspaper reading + note-making).

  • 1 hour: English (reading comprehension and vocabulary).

    
    

• Afternoon:

  • 1.5 hours: Legal Reasoning (principle-fact questions + concepts).

  • 1 hour: Logical Reasoning (critical and analytical reasoning).

    
    

• Evening:

  • 1 hour: Quantitative Techniques (practice and revision).

  • 1 hour: Revision (GK and weak topics).

    
    

Weekly Goals

• Take one full-length mock test and analyze it thoroughly.

• Revise previously covered topics.

• Practice sectional tests for individual improvement.

  
  

Monthly Goals

• Complete 3-4 full-length mock tests.

• Revise GK from the past months.

• Track progress and adjust the study plan as needed.

  
  

4. Take Regular Mock Tests and Analyze Them

Mock tests are the most crucial part of CLAT preparation. They simulate the actual exam environment and help you improve speed, accuracy, and time management.

How to Approach Mock Tests

• Start with one mock per week and gradually increase to 2-3 per week closer to the exam.

• Review every test thoroughly:

  • Identify strengths and weaknesses.

  • Analyze time spent per section.

  • Focus on accuracy in weaker areas.

    
    

Benefits of Mock Tests

• Familiarity with exam pressure.

• Understanding question patterns.

• Building endurance for a 2-hour test.

  
  

5. Develop Strong Reading Skills

CLAT’s passage-based format demands excellent reading speed and comprehension.

• Daily Reading:

  • Editorials and opinion pieces from newspapers.

  • Legal news and case summaries.

    
    

• Tips to Improve Reading:

  • Summarize articles in your own words.

  • Practice skimming for main ideas while focusing on key details.

Check The CLAT Counselling 2025

6. Focus on Revision

Revision is key to retaining concepts and staying confident. Allocate 1-2 hours daily for revising:

• Legal concepts and principles.

• Current Affairs notes.

• Vocabulary and grammar rules.

• Mistakes from mock tests.

  
  

7. Stay Motivated and Consistent

Strategies to Stay Focused

• Set small, achievable goals to maintain momentum.

• Reward yourself for meeting targets.

• Avoid distractions like excessive social media use.

  
  

Time Management Tips

• Use the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break.

• Prioritize difficult topics early in the day.

  
  

8. Maintain Physical and Mental Health

• Physical Health:

  • Eat nutritious meals.

  • Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.

  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep.

    
    

• Mental Health:

  • Practice meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress.

  • Take short breaks to avoid burnout.

    
    

    Read About: CLAT English Language

    
    

9. CLAT Counselling Process 2025

Once you achieve a top rank, understanding the counselling process is crucial. Here’s an overview:

1. Registration

• After the results are announced, register for counselling on the official CLAT website.

• Pay the counselling fee (approximately ₹30,000 for General/OBC and ₹20,000 for SC/ST).

  
  

2. Choice Filling

• List NLUs in order of preference. If aiming for AIR 1, prioritize NLSIU Bangalore, followed by NALSAR Hyderabad and NLUD (if applicable).

  
  

3. Seat Allocation

• Seats are allocated based on rank, preference, and category.

• After allocation, you can:

  • Accept the seat.

  • Upgrade to a higher preference.

  • Withdraw from counselling.

    
    

4. Document Verification

• Submit required documents like:

  • CLAT Admit Card and Scorecard.

  • Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets.

  • Category/Domicile Certificates (if applicable).

    
    

5. Final Admission

• Pay the first-semester fee to confirm admission to the allotted NLU.

  
  

Conclusion

Securing AIR 1 in CLAT is not just about studying hard but also about studying smart. By building a strong foundation, practicing consistently, and taking regular mock tests, you can achieve your goal. Balancing preparation with physical and mental well-being is equally important. Once the results are out, understanding the counselling process will ensure you secure admission to your dream NLU. With discipline, determination, and the right strategy, AIR 1 is well within your reach.