How to Prepare for CLAT in Class 12?
Preparing for CLAT in class 12 can become cumbersome due to lengthy CLAT Syllabus coverage alongside 12th board preparation. It’s wise to begin preparation right after class 11 and start by knowing the full syllabus and developing conceptual understanding. Read on to know more!
How to Prepare for CLAT in Class 12: When you are in your Class 12, getting ready for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) needs a methodical and comprehensive strategy. Start by knowing the exam pattern, study plan, and how much each part is worth. Build up a good base in subjects such as Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and English Language because they make up the main subjects of CLAT examination.
Take practice tests and mock exams on a usual basis to discover your strong and weak areas. Use internet tools, study materials, and the help of skilled mentors for better results. Keep in mind that besides academic readiness, it is important to also develop your ability to analyze and solve problems as this will greatly assist you in doing well on the CLAT 2025.
Keep yourself informed about recent events and legal happenings to enhance your overall awareness. Get into the routine of reading a lot, as it will not only better your language abilities but also widen your comprehension of law ideas. If you keep trying and make a good plan, you can achieve your best performance in the CLAT exam right after your 12th.
Also Read: CLAT Toppers Preparation Tips
Tips to Prepare for CLAT in Class 12
Here are some of the important tips that you can follow if you preparing for CLAT in class 12 to help you achieve good scores in CLAT without compromising on your 12th board exams:
Have a Balanced Studying Schedule
The best technique for preparing for CLAT and facing class 12 board exams at the same time is to plan effectively. You should devote 3-4 hours each day to CLAT prep in addition to your board preparation. Balance your time between the two – do not spend most of your time solving tough CLAT problems while neglecting school work.
Identify Common Topics of CLAT and Class 12
Study the syllabus of class 12 and find areas that are relevant to the CLAT exam. Courses such as English, General Knowledge, and Quantitative Techniques have a lot of similarities. It is advised to focus on these common areas of study to achieve efficiency in task completion.
Utilize Vacation Time Effectively
Summer and winter vacations provide extra time off from school and homework. Make the best use of such vacations to focus on the CLAT preparation without neglecting your board examinations. This is the right time to solve sample papers, practice tests, and revise ideas.
Practice with Sample Papers and Mock Tests
To prepare for the Common Law Admission Test, practice with sample papers and CLAT 2025 mock tests in the remaining days before the exam. This is especially important as it provides an understanding of the exam format, working on time management, and gaining confidence. Find out the areas that are not strong and proceed to practice them to make them strong.
Be Well Informed about Current Events
The Current Affairs and General Knowledge section of the CLAT 2025 exam pattern focuses on your awareness of the most recent national and international events. Start the habit of reading newspapers, magazines and online news as much as possible. This will put you in a vantage position in this particular segment of the exam.
Prioritise High Weightage Topics
The CLAT 2025 syllabus is quite broad, but not all areas of knowledge are given the same emphasis. Discover what areas should be given more attention and devote more time and resources to improve and become proficient in. This helps one to fine-tune one’s performance in areas that are most beneficial to the overall score.How to Manage Time and Syllabus for Class 12 & CLAT Preparation?
To manage time effectively and cover the syllabus efficiently for both class 12 board and CLAT, you must prepare a robust study schedule that should look like the one mentioned below:Time Slot | Activity |
5:00 AM - 6:00 AM | Wake up early, meditate, and plan your day. Allocate 30 minutes for CLAT preparation focusing on current affairs, reasoning, and legal aptitude. Spend the remaining time reviewing key concepts for 12th board exams. |
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Engage in focused study for 12th board exams. Prioritize subjects and chapters based on weightage and difficulty level. Utilize techniques like mind mapping and flashcards to enhance understanding and retention. |
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Take a break, have a healthy breakfast, and refresh yourself. |
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Attend school and participate actively in classes. Use this time to clarify doubts with teachers. |
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Dedicate this time slot to CLAT preparation. Focus on practicing previous year question papers, analyzing patterns, and improving speed and accuracy. Revise important legal concepts and terminologies. |
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Break for lunch and some light physical activity to rejuvenate. |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Resume 12th board exam preparation. Engage in subject-specific practice, such as solving numerical problems in Accountancy, Maths, Chemistry, Physics or writing essays in English. Ensure a balanced approach across all subjects. |
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Engage in extracurricular activities or pursue hobbies to maintain a healthy work-life balance. |
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Allocate this time slot for CLAT preparation. Focus on improving your language skills, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Practice mock tests and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement. |
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Dinner and family time. |
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Revise the day's learnings and prepare for the next day. Allocate 30 minutes for CLAT study, focusing on legal reasoning and analytical skills. Ensure you get enough sleep for optimal performance. |
Week-wise CLAT & Class 12 Study Schedule
In order to study for both CLAT and the board examinations simultaneously, it would be advisable to have a systematic weekly timetable. This is how your weekly timetable should look like:Day | CLAT Preparation | Class 12th Board Preparation |
Monday | 1.5 hours - English (Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary) | 2 hours - Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology (as per your stream) |
Tuesday | 1.5 hours - Logical Reasoning | 2 hours - Mathematics (as per your stream) |
Wednesday | 1.5 hours - Current Affairs and General Knowledge | 2 hours - History/ Geography/ Political Science (as per your stream) |
Thursday | 1.5 hours - Legal Aptitude | 2 hours - English (Literature, Writing Skills) |
Friday | 1.5 hours - Quantitative Techniques | 2 hours - Revision of subjects covered earlier in the week |
Saturday | 2 hours - Comprehensive CLAT mock test and analysis | 2 hours - Revision of Class 12th subjects |
Sunday | 2 hours - Revision of all CLAT subjects | 2 hours - Relaxation and self-care |
This weekly time table allows equal preparation for both CLAT as well as the Class 12th board exams. Do not strictly adhere to the given schedule since the requirements and priorities of individuals differ. Punctuality, proper organisation, and revisions are the major factors that will determine success in both exams.
Month-wise CLAT Plus Class 12th Board Preparation Plan
Here’s a robust month-wise study plan that will ensure you cover not only your CLAT preparation but also your class 12 board is fully covered:Month | Focus Area (CLAT) | Time Allocation (CLAT) | Focus Area (Class 12 Boards) | Time Allocation (Class 12 Boards) |
April | Foundation Building: Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Legal Awareness + Read newspapers like The Hindu, Pratiyogita Darpan, and The Indian Express to strengthen Current Affairs + Understanding all the crucial topics from each subject and listing them all together to make notes. | 4-5 hours/ week | Get to know the syllabus of each and every subject. Start preparing additional subjects first so that later on you can focus on core subjects i.e. PCM or PCB | 2-3 hours/ week |
May | Logical Reasoning & Analytical Reasoning: Introduction to concepts, practice questions + | 5-6 hours/ week | Rigorously cover the syllabus for additional subjects like Hindi/ Computer Applications and English | 4-5 hours/ week |
June | Quantitative Techniques: Basic concepts, Speed & Accuracy drills + Continue studying for GK and Current Affairs | 3-4 hours/ week | Gather all important topics from main subjects like PCM or PCB and start studying them thoroughly. Try to cover at least 30% syllabus. | 6-7 hours/ week |
July | CLAT Mock Tests & Analysis: Start taking mock tests regularly, identify strengths & weaknesses + Consistent study of Current Affairs and GK | 4-5 hours /week | Solve doubts and ask queries from all the important topics that you studied for PCM/ PCB. Practise previous year’s question papers for more clarity and understanding of topics along with understanding the exam pattern. | 5-6 hours/ week |
August | CLAT Section-wise Focus: Target specific sections based on mock test results + Keep studying GK and Current Affairs | 4-5 hours/ week | Focus on practical papers (if applicable) | 3-4 hours/ week |
September | CLAT Current Affairs & Legal Reasoning: Focus on recent legal developments & case studies + ongoing study of GK and Current Affairs | 3-4 hours /week | Complete 50% of the syllabus for each subject and focus on NCERT questions and exercises | 4 hours/ week |
October | Intensified Practice & Revision: Increase mock test frequency, revise concepts & strategies + Continue preparing Current Affairs + GK | 5-6 hours/ week | Start revising all the important topics from PCM/ PCB + other subjects like Hindi/ Computer Applications and English. Prepare notes on all such important topics to revise quickly and effectively later. | 4-5 hours/ week |
November (Pre-Exam) | Stress Management & Final Touches: Practise relaxation techniques, review key points | 2-3 hours/ week | Focus on revision, solving mock papers, practice answer writing | 1-2 hours/ week |
This is a proposed timetable. Adjust it according to your individual strengths and weaknesses. You can add more time for the exam (CLAT or Boards) that requires extra attention in a specific month. In this way, you can control your preparation for CLAT and 12th Board exams in a planned manner.
CLAT Important Topics to Study in Class 12
CLAT Syllabus is huge so it can be quite overwhelming to figure out from where to begin preparation in class 12th. We understand that and that’s why we have come up with all the important topics based on level of importance i.e. High, Medium, Low — this will allow you to figure out a best study plan to cover all the crucial topics instead of focusing on less important topics.Subject | Topic | Importance |
English Comprehension | Reading Comprehension | High - Tests ability to understand and analyse written passages |
- | Vocabulary | High - Assesses knowledge of words, meanings, and usage |
- | Grammar | High - Covers parts of speech, sentence structure, and error correction |
- | Verbal Reasoning | High - Evaluates logical thinking and language skills |
- | Idioms and Phrases | Medium - Measures familiarity with common English expressions |
Legal Reasoning | Indian Constitution and Amendments | High - Fundamental for understanding legal principles |
- | Important Laws (IPC, CrPC, Torts, etc.) | High - Core legal knowledge required |
- | Legal Terminology | High - Assesses familiarity with legal terms and concepts |
- | International Treaties and Conventions | Medium - Provides context for national legal framework |
- | Case Law and Landmark Judgments | Medium - Demonstrates legal analysis and reasoning skills |
Logical Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | High - Evaluates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities |
- | Logical Puzzles | High - Tests logical deduction and pattern recognition |
- | Syllogisms | High - Assesses skill in drawing logical conclusions |
- | Analogies | Medium - Measures ability to identify relationships |
- | Seating Arrangements | Medium - Evaluates spatial reasoning and problem-solving |
Current Affairs and General Knowledge | National and International Current Events | High - Assesses awareness of recent developments |
- | Indian Polity and Governance | High - Fundamental knowledge of legal studies |
- | History, Geography, and Culture | Medium - Provides broader context for legal understanding |
- | Science, Technology, and Environment | Medium - Evaluates general awareness |
- | Sports and Awards | Low - Supplementary knowledge for well-rounded candidates |
Quantitative Aptitude | Number System | High - Foundational for mathematical reasoning |
- | Algebra | High - Evaluates problem-solving skills |
- | Mensuration | High - Assesses knowledge of geometric concepts |
- | Probability and Statistics | Medium - Tests analytical and quantitative skills |
- | Time, Speed, and Distance | Medium - Measures logical and numerical abilities |
"Don'ts" for Preparing for CLAT in Class 12th
It’s not an easy feat to cover CLAT syllabus while studying for class 12th, and a lot of students get overwhelmed and confused about what to do and what not to do. We believe that if you know what shouldn’t be done while preparing for both CLAT and class 12 boards, you will automatically figure out what should be done and how. Therefore, we have mentioned below some important “Don’ts” that are a strict no and should be avoided at all costs:
- Don't neglect your Class 12th subjects: While you prepare for CLAT, make sure that you do not neglect your board exams. Common Law Admission Test preparation can be eased by a good grounding in Class 12 English and Logical Reasoning.
- Don't rely solely on mock tests: Mock tests are important, but should not be relied heavily on. Do not merely focus on getting high scores but take time to evaluate your performance and improve on areas that you feel you have less strength in.
- Don't follow a one-size-fits-all approach: The first step in the process of performing a self-assessment is the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. Instead, try to coordinate your study plan around these gaps, not some other person’s study schedule.
- Start Timely: Studying both Class 12th and CLAT at the same time calls for an early start. Determine a set practice schedule and adhere to it.
- Don't multitask while studying: Make sure you are in an area with little traffic. Pay attention to the material you are learning to enhance memory retention on the specific topic.
- Don't sacrifice sleep: It should be noted that lack of sleep significantly affects concentration and memory. Ensure you have a regular sleeping pattern that is effective for productivity.
- Don't ignore breaks: One should take short breaks in order to prevent them from getting burnt out. Take a walk for 5-10 minutes, stretch your legs, or play relaxing music to clear your brain.
- Don't rely solely on free resources: One should not rely on free material but rather opt for good quality study material like mock tests, topic wise question papers and standard textbooks.
- Don't ignore current affairs: Monitor current events both nationally and globally; from newspapers, news podcasts, or following reputable news channels and websites.
- Don't just memorise Legal concepts: Learn the rationale of the exercises of legal logic and use them to solve problems rather than memorising the whole definition of the concept.
How to Prepare for CLAT in Class 12: Best Section-Wise CLAT Books
There is nothing more important for the preparation of CLAT examination than the quality of the books you read. These books cover all portions of the syllabus and disciplines and emphasise a good understanding of concepts for which examples and illustrations are used to aid the aspirants understand the concepts properly. They also provide section-wise practice questions and mock tests according to the examination format so that candidates can find out where they are lacking. Through best books for CLAT 2025 preparation, time management is more systematic and potential is used effectively and strategically. Furthermore, these books are readily available and may be used for self-study, making CLAT preparation more flexible.
Here are some of the top notch CLAT books that will immensely help you in preparing for CLAT from class 12:
Section | Book Name | Author/ Publisher |
English Language | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
- | 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Norman Lewis |
- | High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
- | English is Easy | Chetan Anand Singh |
General Knowledge | Pratiyogita Darpan | Pratiyogita Darpan |
- | Manorama Year Book | Malayala Manorama |
- | Pearson's Concise GK Manual | Pearson |
- | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
- | Competition Review Yearbook | Competition Review |
- | CLAT Express | Law Prep Tutorial |
Legal Reasoning | Guide To LLM Entrance Examination, including Previous Year's Solved Papers | Singhal's Law Publications |
- | S S Handbook for LLM Entrance Exam | Singhal's Law Publications |
- | Universal's LLB Entrance Guide | Universal |
- | Lexis Nexis CLAT Study Kit | Lexis Nexis |
- | Butterworths | Butterworths |
Logical Reasoning | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
- | How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
- | Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
- | Logical and Analytical Reasoning (For CLAT and Law Entrance Examinations) | Pearson |
Quantitative Techniques | S S Handbook for LLM Entrance Exam | Singhal's Law Publications |
- | Guide To LLM Entrance Examination, including Previous Year's Solved Papers | Singhal's Law Publications |
- | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
- | Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Also Read: Best Books for CLAT Preparation 2025
To write the Common Law Admission Test while in class 12, proper planning and focus are required as you have to prepare for both board exams and CLAT at the same time. The difficulty here is to discover these overlaps between the Class 12 curriculum and the CLAT examination and then work them to one’s advantage.
Candidates should make a timetable which involves equal time for the preparation of both, and should not mix both papers. It is also vital to evaluate and enhance CLAT preparation by solving previous year question papers, attempting regular mock tests, and analysing mistakes.
Punctuality, awareness of current events, and a large stock of words are also necessary for success. The combined motivation, adequate time, and effective preparation techniques make it quite easy for the Class 12 students to perform well in both their board examination and CLAT.
For more latest updates on CLAT Preparation 2025, stay tuned to CollegeDekho. Also, for any query head to our Q&A Zone or fill out our Common Application Form.
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FAQs
Which subject is best for CLAT in class 12?
Out of all the streams in Class 12, humanities is the best stream for CLAT preparation because it largely involves reading. But, the science and commerce streams do have their advantages and the right choice depends on what you are good at and your career plans. Choose a stream that brings out your strengths and gives you a sound knowledge base in the areas of law you want to practise.
Can a student who is poor in Maths crack CLAT?
Yes, a student who is weak in mathematics can still make it to CLAT. The quantitative techniques section has 10-20% weightage, the rest sections such as legal aptitude, logical reasoning and English language are more crucial in getting good scores in the CLAT. If a student applies himself/ herself and makes the right study plan, he/she can definitely eliminate his/her mathematical weakness and excel in the exam.
Is CLAT worth a drop?
It is beneficial to take a drop year in CLAT if one is sure about his or her strategy and is confident enough. Thus, even if a candidate has a very short time left before the examination, it is possible to score high on CLAT if adequate preparation has been done. However, a drop year should only be contemplated if one is serious with the exam and has tried all options available. Finally, the choice is made based on certain circumstances and aims.
Does class 12 marks matter in CLAT?
Marks in 12th class do not affect your CLAT ranking in any way. CLAT is an entrance exam; the result of the CLAT examination forms the basis of ranking. But for being eligible for CLAT you must secure at least 50-60% marks in your 12th class examination.
Can class 12 students give CLAT?
Yes, it is possible for class 12 students to take the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). CLAT is a national level entrance examination that is held for admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate law courses in different NLUs and some other law colleges in the country. The examination is conducted for the students who have passed or appeared for their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
How can I create separate and effective study plans for CLAT and 12th boards?
There should be a way to determine which subjects relevant for both exams are and learn them concurrently. Spend 3-4 hours a day on CLAT preparation along with your board examinations preparation. There should be weekly and monthly targets on each exam and a record should be kept of the students’ progress. Follow CLAT preparation during your vacation without neglecting your board exams that are also important.
What are some tips to utilise school vacations for CLAT preparation without neglecting 12th boards?
In order to prepare for CLAT during school vacations without compromising on the 12th boards, plan and divide the vacation period into segments for specific subjects or topics. Choose subjects that are important for both exams and designate certain hours of the day for each subject. Spend time solving CLAT-style questions and practise mock tests, while also studying for the 12th board examinations. Ensure that you maintain a good work-life balance during the vacation period.
How do I identify and prioritise the common topics between the CLAT syllabus and 12th board syllabus?
To match the topics of competition with those of the board exam, go through both CLAT and 12th board syllabus and make a list of topics that are covered in both. These are some of the areas that should be given emphasis and more time should be spent on them in studying.
What are the key strategies to balance CLAT and 12th board exam studies simultaneously?
When studying for both CLAT and the board exams, first determine which subjects are covered in both syllabi and concentrate on those subjects. Spend more time on topics that are important for both examinations. Solve as many CLAT-style questions and mock tests as possible in addition to preparing for the 12th board exams. It is also important to keep a good posture and motivation throughout preparation.
How can I effectively manage my time between CLAT preparation and 12th board exam preparation?
Divide the time available with a schedule of how much time should be devoted to CLAT preparation and the remaining time to 12th board examination preparation. Sort your activities according to their priority and use a schedule or an app for this. Compare your schedule with the set goals and modify the schedule frequently as required.