CLAT 2026 Study Plan: Month-by-Month Strategy for Top NLU Admission

Do you know how a single date can change your entire preparation plan?

You need a clear roadmap that maps school work, mock tests, and revision to the official exam date: December 7, 2025. The Consortium of NLUs set the test for a Sunday, 2 PM–4 PM, and that timing shapes your pacing and daily routine.

CLAT 2026

The paper has 120 multiple-choice questions across five sections, with +1 for right answers and −0.25 for wrong ones. You get 120 minutes, so accuracy matters as much as speed.

This section gives you a month-by-month roadmap to align study blocks, section-wise drills, and a mock cycle that peaks in the final weeks. You’ll learn when to register, how to sequence previous-year papers, and how to build a reading-first syllabus for comprehension-heavy sections.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a compact test-day checklist and a practice calendar that cuts burnout and boosts chances of admission to top national law universities.

Key Takeaways

• Anchor your plan to the December 7, 2025 exam date and build backward from test day.
• Practice 120 questions in 120 minutes to hone pacing and accuracy targets.
• Sequence mocks, topic drills, and revision sprints to avoid last-minute rush.
• Focus on comprehension and timed reading for syllabus-driven sections.
• Finalize registration and preferences early so paperwork never halts momentum.

CLAT 2026 at a Glance: Dates, Mode, and Why Timing Matters

Mark your calendar: the national law entrance is fixed for December 7, 2025 (2–4 PM). Build your study peaks and mock schedule backwards from this date so you reach your best form on test day.

Official Exam Window and Key Milestones

The notification went live on July 20, 2025. Applications run from August 1 to October 31, 2025. Expect admit cards in mid to third week of November 2025.

The offline, pen-and-paper mode means practice with OMR sheets, and bubbling speed is essential. Provisional answers appear on December 8–9, with objections accepted December 9–11. Final results and counseling follow in the third and last weeks of December.

The AILET Reschedule and How it Affects Your Prep

AILET now falls on December 14, 2025. Use the one-week gap to switch focus quickly—fine-tune CLAT section priorities first, then run a concise revision block for AILET.

Consortium Timeline: Registration, Application Form, and Fee Details

Registration opens on August 1 and closes on October 31, 2025. You must apply only via the official website and complete the online process early to avoid last‑minute traffic.

Where to Apply and What You’ll Need on Hand

Go to consortiumofnlus.ac.in to start your registration. Register with your mobile and email, verify the OTP, and then complete the application form.

Upload a passport photo, signature, and any category certificate in the required format. Choose test centers and rank NLU preferences carefully; these choices matter in counseling.

Category-wise Fee and Payment Modes for CLAT 2026

The fee is non‑refundable and payable online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

• General / OBC / NRI: Rs 4,000
• SC / ST / BPL / PWD: Rs 3,500

Use the limited edit window to fix center choices. After payment, program, category, or BPL status may not be changed. Save the confirmation and fee receipt for future verification.

CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus Breakdown

Understanding the test layout helps you allocate study time to each area and set realistic score targets.

Question Count, Duration, and Negative Marking

You face 120 multiple-choice questions in a 120‑minute, offline test. Each correct answer gives +1; each wrong answer costs −0.25, so selective guessing matters for protecting marks.

Section-wise Weightage and Passage Style

Most questions come from ~450‑word passages that test comprehension and reasoning under time pressure. Practice with passage-style sets to improve speed and accuracy.

• Pacing: Target one minute per question as a baseline and adjust by strength.
• Strategy: Skim for the main idea, mark facts, and answer in batches to reduce context switches.
• Revision: Keep an error log by section to fix recurring traps like inference or calculation slips.

“Train with full-length papers to match question density, and rehearse OMR bubbling so answers don’t get lost at the end.”

Eligibility Criteria for UG and PG: Marks, Attempts, and Age

Before you apply, confirm you meet the academic cut-offs for undergraduate and postgraduate law seats.

You can sit for the undergraduate entrance exam if you have passed 10+2 or will appear in March or April 2026. For UG, aim for at least 45% if you are General / OBC / NRI / PIO / OCI and 40% if you are SC / ST / PwD.

For postgraduate admission, you need an LLB or equivalent. The minimum marks are 50% for General / OBC / NRI / PIO / OCI and 45% for SC / ST / PwD.

There is no upper or lower age limit for either UG or PG. If you are appearing this academic year, keep your provisional certificate or school letter ready; failing to submit proof at counselling may cost you your seat.

• UG tie-breaker: Higher Legal Aptitude and GK marks, then higher age, then draw of lots.
• PG tie-breaker: higher age, then draw of lots.
• Double-check category documents and keep scanned copies for the application and later verification.

Tip: If you plan to apply for both UG and PG, maintain separate, accurate files—ID, mark sheets, category certificates, and proof of current enrollment—to speed up counselling and admission steps.

Month-by-month CLAT 2026 Study Plan from July to December 2025

Begin by diagnosing strengths and weaknesses so each month has a clear goal tied to the exam timeline. Use July to take a diagnostic test and set weekly reading blocks for editorials, long-form non‑fiction, and legal articles.

August — Core Concepts and Registration

Build fundamentals in English and logical reasoning. Start a daily vocabulary-in-context drill and open your current affairs notebook. Complete registration between August 1 and October 31 to lock test choices early.

September—Deepen Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs

Focus on principle‑fact drills and theme-based current affairs (economy, polity, international). Track weak topics in an error log for targeted revision.

October to November—Mocks, Revision, and Admit card

October: Ramp up to 2–3 full-length mock tests per week and finish your application by October 31.

First half of November: Run section sprints and refine your ideal section order. Second half: cut volume, boost accuracy, and download the admit card when available in mid/third week of November.

December (Pre-Exam)—Taper and test-day readiness

Early December: Taper with light drills, sleep routines, and quick formula flashes. Final 3–4 days: only short strategy drills and bubbling practice so you arrive calm and focused for the CLAT 2026 exam on December 7, 2025.

Use a weekly review to adjust targets; aim for rising accuracy and stable timing as the test nears.

Section-wise Tactics: How You’ll Master Each Part

Your section strategy should mirror the paper’s cluster-based passages and timed demands. Work on full passage sets rather than lone items so you build context-switch stamina and realistic pacing.

English Language

Train on 450-word passages with skimming drills and main-idea capture. Use editorials to learn vocabulary in context, not rote lists.

Do short inference drills and mark recurring trap types in your error log.

Current Affairs, including General Knowledge

Read a daily compact source like The Hindu or Indian Express and compile monthly notes by theme. Focus on understanding events and timelines rather than memorizing dates.

Legal Reasoning

Extract rules from passages and apply them to new fact patterns. Test rule changes to see how outcomes shift and log principle misapplication errors to fix later.

Logical Reasoning

Map premises, conclusions, and assumptions. Practice strengthening/weakening and inference questions under a 20–30 minute sprint to simulate exam pressure.

Quantitative Techniques

Prioritize data-interpretation caselets, ratios, percentages, and speed arithmetic. Build a compact formula deck and use estimation to improve accuracy without slowing down.

“Solve sets as clusters, review errors immediately, and keep per-section timing metrics to shape your ideal test-day order.”

• Create an error taxonomy for each section and design focused drills to repair weak spots.
• Use 20–30-minute section sprints and always finish with a quick review.
• Track accuracy and time per question to refine your pacing and section sequence for the exam.

Daily and weekly routines that keep you on track

Anchor each study day with a short reading block and a timed drill to reinforce skills fast. A steady routine reduces stress and turns small wins into steady gains for the exam.

Reading Block, Drills, and Spaced Repetition

Set a daily 60–90 minute reading block focused on editorials, long-form analysis, and legal essays to boost comprehension speed.

Use spaced repetition for vocabulary, formulas, and key legal concepts with one or two short review loops each day.

Alternate concept drills with timed mini-sets to strengthen English, reasoning, and Quant skills. Warm up with 10–15 minutes of easy questions before heavy sets.

Weekly Retrospection and Metric-driven Tweaks

• Run One Weekly Retrospective: review error logs, per-section accuracy, and time splits to pick three fixes for the next cycle.
• Calibrate Workloads: 2 heavy days, 3 moderate days, 1 light day, 1 recovery day to avoid burnout.
• Keep a Rolling Dashboard: daily must-do (reading + one timed set), weekly must-do (one full mock tests), monthly must-do (pattern review).

“End each study session with a five-minute reflection: one concept learned, one recurring error, one action for tomorrow.”

Track micro-metrics—words-per-minute reading, average time per question, and section accuracy—to steer small, steady process improvements. These details make preparation measurable and focused.

Mock Tests, PYQs, and Analytics for a Competitive Edge

Start your mock cycle early so you learn from mistakes, not just tally scores. Begin with one full mock every 10–14 days in August, move to weekly in September, and ramp to 2–3 per week in October based on recovery.

How Many Mocks, When to Start, and What to Analyze

Top performers aim for 80–100 full simulations; if you start late, aim for 50–70 quality mocks and deeper analysis.

• Use PYQs (last 5–7 years) in timed blocks to learn passage styles and traps.
• After each mock, log section order impact, time per passage, and accuracy by question type.
• Compare mock scores with PYQ performance to spot pattern or coaching bias.

Error Logs, Timing Splits, and Accuracy Benchmarks

Maintain an error log with categories: conceptual, careless, misread, and time pressure. Create drills within 48 hours to fix issues.

“Fix one high-impact issue per week and retest it in the next mock to build reliability.”

Study Resources and Books Aligned with the Latest Pattern

A compact resource stack saves time and keeps your preparation focused on high-yield material.

Books and Materials by Section

Choose one core title per area and one practice source.

• English: Word Power Made Easy, Wren & Martin, plus daily editorials for context.
• Current Affairs including General Knowledge: one yearbook (Manorama or Lucent) and monthly compilations.
• Quantitative Techniques: R.S. Aggarwal for basics, BSC DI sets, and M. Tyra for speed tips.
• Logical Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal plus GMAT-style practice for inference and argument work.
• Legal Reasoning: Pearson’s Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning, The Pearson Guide, and Landmark Judgments Collection.

Smart Use of Sample Papers and Official Updates

Practice with official sample papers and past papers to mirror real exam timing.

Bookmark the official website and check weekly for procedural updates, admit card notes, and answer-key details for CLAT 2026.

Tip: Keep a “must-revise” notebook by section and resist resource-hopping; commit to the stack and analyse each mock for targeted fixes.

Registration to Admit Card: Operational Checklist

Start your application early to avoid portal congestion and costly last-minute edits. Register between August 1 and October 31 on the Consortium of NLUs portal at the official website. Upload clear photos and documents, then review every field before you pay.

Save a PDF copy of your application form, fee receipt, and confirmation page. Back these files up to cloud storage so you can access them on demand.

Expect the admit card in the mid to third week of November. When it appears, log in, click “Download Admit Card”, save a PDF, and print 2–3 copies immediately.

Check card details—name, roll number, test center, reporting time, and special instructions. If something is wrong, use the correction window or contact support quickly; some fields cannot be changed after payment.

“Keep SMS and email alerts turned on and set a personal deadline one week before October 31 to avoid last‑minute portal issues.”

• Plan your commute and a backup route.
• Pack an exam kit: admit card, photo ID, passport photos, allowed stationery, and a simple watch if permitted.
• Log in to the official website periodically for updates from the consortium of national law universities.

Answer Key, Result, and Counseling: What to do After the Exam

After the test, focus first on the provisional answer release and your immediate score estimate. Download the provisional answer sheet quickly and compute a tentative score to decide if you need to file objections.

Provisional vs Final Answer Key: Objections and Timelines

The provisional answers appear on Dec 8–9, 2025; objections open Dec 9–11. Use clear reasoning and cite paragraph or line numbers when you challenge an answer.

Tip: contest only high‑confidence discrepancies to save time and increase the chance of a successful review.

Scorecards, Ranks, and NLU Preference Strategy

Final answers and results are expected in the third week of December, with counseling starting in the last week. Download your scorecard the moment it posts.

• Check your All India and category rank and compare cutoffs to shortlist national law universities.
• Prepare documents and funds ahead of time to complete the counseling process without delay.
• Update preferences by weighing location, academics, and placement records; keep a backup plan like the AILET or other law options.

“Act fast after results: the process moves quickly, and dates are binding on the official website.”

Time Management and Scoring Strategy for a 120-minute Test

A clear minute-by-minute plan turns a 120-minute paper from chaos into controlled scoring. You will use section order, time caps, and a calm two-pass method to protect marks and finish all questions.

Ideal Section Order and Fallback Plans

Start with your strongest section to bank quick marks, then move to medium areas and keep the toughest for later. Pilot 2–3 orders in mocks and lock the one that raises your accuracy.

Guessing Policy with Negative Marking

Use elimination before guessing. If you can remove two options, attempt the question; otherwise skip to avoid a −0.25 penalty. This disciplined approach protects your net score.

• Set Micro-caps: Current Affairs 12–15, English 22–24, Legal 30–32, Logical 24–26, Quant 15–18; keep a 3–5 minute buffer.
• Work in Two Passes: answer sure-shot items first, then return to hard ones.
• Bubble regularly (after each page/section) to avoid end-of-test rush.

“Track per-section net (attempts × accuracy − penalties) in mocks and adapt your live order if one section underperforms.”

CLAT 2026 vs AILET 2026: Planning Your Final Two Weeks

Plan your last two weeks so each exam day becomes a controlled summit rather than a sprint. Treat the fortnight as two peaks: first the clat exam on December 7, 2025, then AILET on December 14.

In the week between exams, avoid heavy overhauls. Do a calm post-mortem of your CLAT performance, rest, and run short, targeted AILET refreshers that focus only on differences.

Keep a small delta list of AILET-specific points to avoid diluting your clat prep before the exam date. Use what worked in the first test—section order, bubbling routine, and eliminations—then make only data-backed tweaks.

“Protect sleep and routine; recovery is your highest-yield activity in a tight schedule.”

• Plan logistics and carry separate folders for both admit cards and IDs.
• If the first exam felt hard, avoid radical changes—make small, evidence-based edits only.

Coaching vs Self-Preparation: Choosing the Right Path for You

Your daily rhythm depends on whether you pick guided coaching or independent preparation. Choose coaching if you need structure, curated materials, and regular deadlines.

If you self-prep, set non-negotiable weekly targets and use official past papers and high-quality mocks to benchmark progress. Hybrid plans combine the best of both: live classes for basics and solo work for weak spots.

How to evaluate programs: ask about mock quality, analytics depth, faculty experience, and alignment with the Consortium’s passage-based pattern. Verify key updates on the official website before buying pricey packs.

• Run a 2–3 week trial to test rhythm; switch if consistency lags.
• Demand alumni outcomes and transparent mock-to-exam correlation when assessing claims.
• Keep an error log, revision decks, and micro-metrics regardless of path.

“If your scores plateau, change materials, schedule intensity, or practice formats—don’t wait.”

Also, budget time for counseling research and document prep so operations for admission to top law universities don’t derail study. Check program details and past performance before you commit to any option for CLAT 2026.

Common Mistakes that Derail CLAT Prep—and How to Avoid Them

A few avoidable errors—late forms, missed corrections, poor bubbling—often determine the final rank.

Submit your application and finish registration early. Portal slowdowns and center availability become real problems late in the window.

Watch correction windows closely. If personal details or centre choices are wrong, fix them as soon as the system allows.

• Practice under Time: do full mocks weekly so you build exam stamina and handle passage-based questions smoothly.
• Use an Error Log: categorize reasoning errors and drill the fix within 48 hours to stop repeating the same mistakes.
• Bubble Routinely: rehearse OMR filling in every mock to avoid trivial losses on test day.
• Balance Current Affairs: learn context, not just dates, so facts transfer into passage-based answers.
• Don’t Overhaul Late: make only small, evidence-based tweaks in the final days to preserve muscle memory.

Prepare a test-day kit a week ahead: admit card, valid ID, printed backups, and simple stationery.

Test-day Game Plan: Documents, Center Etiquette, and Mindset

Arrange your documents and timing plan the night before so nothing distracts you at the center. Pack the admit card, a valid photo ID, and spare passport-size photos in a clear folder. Keep a printed copy and a digital backup on your phone.

Reach the center early on the exam date (December 7, 2025, 2–4 PM) to complete verification without stress. Follow seating protocols and listen to invigilators for any last-minute instructions.

• Pack ahead: admit card, ID, allowed stationery, and water bottle. Keep duplicates where possible.
• Center etiquette: no phones, calculators, or prohibited items; keep quiet and raise questions only when asked.
• Warm-up: review your section order and time caps briefly; avoid heavy study right before the test.
• Nutrition & rest: eat a light meal and hydrate; avoid anything that may upset you during the 120-minute exam.
• During the test: start calmly, mark tough passages and move on, and bubble regularly to prevent omissions.

Use steady breathing between sections to reset focus. After you finish, jot a quick note of what worked and what felt off, but wait for the provisional answer release before diving into deep analysis.

“A clean checklist and calm routine on test day protect your scores more than last-minute cramming.”

Conclusion

Turn weekly mock insights into small, testable adjustments so your pace and accuracy improve steadily before the exam.

Anchor your plan to the official dates—registration (Aug 1–Oct 31), admit card in mid/third week November, and the test on December 7, 2025—so logistics never interrupt study.

Keep routines simple and repeatable: daily reading, short timed drills, weekly retrospectives, and periodic full-length simulations. Close high‑impact weaknesses and protect marks with disciplined guessing and regular bubbling practice.

Prepare documents and preferences early, use the one‑week AILET gap for light recalibration, and rest well in the final days. Trust your process: focused preparation turns into admission to top National Law Universities when you execute with calm and clarity.

What is the month-by-month study plan and how will it help your NLU admission goals?

Follow a structured monthly plan from July to December that builds skills progressively. Start with baseline tests and reading habits, move to core concepts and registration, deepen legal and current affairs work, ramp up full-length mocks in October, and taper in December with strategy drills and mental preparation.

When is the official exam window and which milestones should you track?

The exam window typically falls in December, with registration opening earlier in the academic year. Track registration start, application deadlines, admit card release, mock-test schedules, and the result and counseling timelines on the official consortium website.

How does another national law entrance like AILET affect your preparation timeline?

If AILET reschedules close to your main exam, adjust mock-test cadence and revision windows. Use staggered peak weeks so you can prioritize one test’s final revision while maintaining a light maintenance routine for the other.

Where do you submit the application and what documents should you keep ready?

Apply via the consortium’s official portal. Keep scanned copies of your photo, signature, category certificates, degree or class 12 marksheet, identity proof, and payment method details ready to avoid last-minute issues.

What are the usual category-wise fees and accepted payment modes?

Fees vary by candidate category and are listed on the consortium site. You can usually pay via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. Check the portal for exact rates and any transaction charge policies.

What is the exam pattern: question count, duration, and negative marking?

Expect a 120-minute online exam with multiple sections covering English, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques. Questions are passage-based with a small negative mark for wrong answers; verify exact numbers on the official exam notification.

How is section-wise weight distributed and what is the passage style?

Sections feature short passages followed by 4–5 objective questions testing comprehension, reasoning, or application. Weightage varies slightly each year; allocate study time proportional to the historical weight and your personal weakness areas.

What are the eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate programs?

Eligibility includes specified minimum marks in qualifying exams and category-based relaxations. For postgraduate entry, you’ll need a law degree with minimum marks. Confirm age, attempt limits, and percentage cut-offs from the consortium’s eligibility notice.

What should you focus on in July to build a strong foundation?

In July, establish reading habits, take a baseline diagnostic, and identify weak areas. Create a daily reading block for newspapers and start vocabulary in context. Plan a realistic weekly schedule that includes concept drills.

What are the priorities for August when registration usually opens?

Concentrate on core English comprehension, critical reasoning basics, and registration formalities. Begin sectional topic lists and short timed drills. Register early to avoid last-minute portal issues and payment failures.

How should you use September to deepen legal reasoning and current affairs?

Work on applying principles to facts and refining argument analysis. Consolidate current affairs with a weekly dossier and daily MCQ practice. Increase passage-based practice and begin integrating multi-section timed sets.

What’s the focus in October as mocks ramp up and application deadlines near?

Shift to full-length mocks twice a week, detailed post-test analytics, and filling any remaining application steps. Use mock feedback to tweak time allocation and section order. Ensure your application is submitted before the final date.

How do you use November for high-yield revision and admit card preparation?

Enter a high-yield revision phase: revisit error logs, consolidate formulae and rules, and simulate test-day conditions. Download and verify your admit card as soon as it’s released and confirm center details and travel plans.

What’s the pre-exam routine for December to maximize performance?

Taper intensity, focus on short strategy drills, and preserve mental energy. Do a few light mocks, prioritize sleep, and rehearse test-day logistics and fallback plans. Avoid introducing new topics this month.

How should you approach English Language mastery for the test?

Build comprehension speed with daily passage practice, learn vocabulary in context rather than isolated lists, and practice inference-based questions. Time your sets to improve pace without sacrificing accuracy.

What are the best sources and cadence for current affairs and general knowledge?

Use one reliable daily newspaper, a monthly current-affairs digest, and reputable online sources for legal news. Maintain a concise daily note and revise weekly to convert news into fact-based MCQs.

How do you improve legal reasoning skills effectively?

Practice principle-to-fact mapping and argument evaluation. Solve previous-year question types and simulate fact-pattern questions. Create a short list of legal maxims and recurring argument structures for quick recall.

What tactics help build logical reasoning strength?

Master common argument types, assumption spotting, and inference questions through timed sets. Practice puzzles and syllogisms regularly and maintain an error log focused on reasoning pattern mistakes.

How can you boost speed and accuracy in quantitative techniques?

Focus on arithmetic fluency, shortcuts, and DI caselets. Practice mental calculations and set accuracy targets. Use timed mini-quizzes for weak topics like percentages, ratios, and basic algebra.

What daily and weekly routines keep your prep on track?

Implement a daily reading block, two focused practice sessions, and evening revision. Each week, conduct retrospection using performance metrics and adjust study blocks based on data from mocks and topic tests.

How many mock tests should you take and when to start?

Begin sectional mocks early and graduate to full-length tests three months before the exam, increasing frequency to 2–3 full tests weekly in peak months. Prioritize quality analysis over sheer test count.

What analytics should you track from mocks to improve fast?

Track timing splits by section, accuracy per question type, recurring mistakes from an error log, and score trends. Use these metrics to set weekly targets for improvement and to adjust time allocation.

Which books and materials align best with the latest pattern?

Choose sectional books focused on comprehension, reasoning, and quantitative practice, plus an updated current-affairs compilation. Supplement with official sample papers and reputable mock-test providers for realistic practice.

What operational checklist should you follow from registration to admit card?

Complete application with correct documents, pay the fee, save confirmation receipts, and monitor the portal for admit-card release. Verify personal details on the admit card immediately and raise discrepancies with the helpdesk.

How do provisional and final answer keys differ and what are the objection timelines?

The provisional key is released first and allows candidate objections within a short window. After review, the final key is published with results. Track dates on the official portal and file evidence-based challenges if needed.

How should you plan preferences and counseling after results and scorecards?

Use your score and rank to draft a realistic NLU preference list. Attend counseling rounds as scheduled, keep original documents ready, and follow institute-specific admission guidelines to confirm seats.

What is the ideal section order and fallback plan in a 120-minute test?

Start with your strongest section to build confidence, move to time-consuming sections next, and finish with short, high-accuracy sections. Have a fallback plan to skip a passage after a preset time limit to protect overall scoring.

What guessing policy should you use given negative marking?

Avoid blind guesses. If you can eliminate one or more options, make calculated guesses. Use your mock-test results to determine an empirical risk threshold for guessing.

How should you adjust your final two-week plan if you’re also taking AILET?

Stagger peak revision days, keep two short mock blocks weekly for the secondary test, and prioritize the exam with the nearer date. Maintain light refreshers for the other to prevent skill loss.

How do you decide between coaching and self-preparation?

Choose coaching if you need structured schedules, live feedback, and peer benchmarking. Opt for self-study if you’re disciplined, can curate quality materials, and track analytics rigorously.

What common mistakes derail preparation and how do you avoid them?

Common errors include poor time management, ignoring mocks, and inconsistent current-affairs revision. Avoid these by setting metrics, maintaining an error log, and scheduling daily short news revisions.

What should your test-day game plan include for documents and center etiquette?

Carry your admit card, valid photo ID, reserved travel time, water, and permitted stationery. Reach early, follow invigilator instructions, avoid discussing questions, and maintain calm focus throughout.