The dos and don'ts for CLAT 2026 include knowing the exam pattern, practicing from previous questions, attempting mock tests, and revision. The don't focus on not neglecting the weak areas, mugging up answers, or guessing answers.
Being aware of the do's and don'ts of the CLAT 2026 exam is important for a candidate preparing for the exam. Candidates are advised to know the paper pattern, revise, practice from the previous year's questions, make study plans, and appear for mock tests.
Further, candidates must not try to mug up the answers, neglect weak areas, or guess the answers in the exam. CLAT is a national-level Law Entrance Exam conducted by the NLUs Consortium, offered for law aspirants to study law.
Do's for CLAT Exam 2026
By following certain guidelines and tips on the do’s for the CLAT exam, a candidate can prepare for the exam in a better way. So here is a comprehensive list for CLAT 2026 preparation for what they must follow and should avoid.
- Understand the Paper Pattern
- Practice the Previous Year Paper
- Make a Proper Study Plan
- Analyse Mock Tests
- Practice Regularly
Understand the Paper Pattern
The first thing to do while preparing for the exam is to understand the paper pattern. So knowing the CLAT exam pattern 2026 and the CLAT syllabus 2026 will help you to solve the questions easily. Thereby, the candidate can have clarity on the approximate number of questions that can be asked.
- The Current Affairs Section and Legal Reasoning Section for CLAT carry the maximum weightage in the CLAT exam.
- Try to spend more time preparing for the section and attend to the number of questions from this part.
- There will be 150 questions, and the time to attempt those will be 120 minutes.
- Further, each section of the exam must be paid attention to qualifyfor the cutoff.
| Exam Mode | Offline (as per the Official Notification) |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and Comprehensions |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Medium of Question Paper | English |
| Sections |
English Language |
| Current Affairs and General Knowledge | |
| Legal Reasoning and Logical Reasoning | |
| Quantitative Techniques |
Practice the Previous Year's Paper
Practice with the previous year's exams can help candidates tackle questions with ease. It is observed that questions are repeated occasionally in the CLAT Exam.
- Examine CLAT's previous year's papers to get a sense of the exam format and the number of questions
- The CLAT Question Paper practice will give you a good sign of the level of difficulty.
Make a Proper Study Plan
The most significant thing to do for the CLAT Exam is to create a schedule. Candidates need to create a solid study strategy. A key factor in this situation is the study plan.
The applicants will be aware of what and how much to study each day from each topic. Set attainable goals for each day and attempt to meet them.
- Give each portion the time and follow your schedule.
- Follow the CLAT registration process closely.
Analyse Mock Tests
The more CLAT mock tests you practise, the better it will be for you. After taking the practice exams, analyse the CLAT practice exams. In the upcoming practice test, avoid making the same error. You must realise your areas of strength and weakness. Try to take as many CLAT Online Mock Exams as you can.
Practice Regularly
There is a general saying that "Practice makes a man perfect." So practising is one of the very important do’s of CLAT. Try to find answers to as many questions as you can.
Moreover, following publications like "The Hindu" or "The Indian Express" will benefit you in improving your English, general awareness, legal aptitude, and logical reasoning. Get a list of CLAT Books in PDF that experts recommend.
Don’ts for CLAT Exam 2026
Like, there are don’ts too for the CLAT exam. Here are some don’ts you should avoid during the exam and the preparation for the exam.
Don't Memorise the Answers
- Don't mug up and by heart the answers in your mind. It is the most vital thing for the CLAT Exam.
- Memorising the answer to a particular question can end up messing up your answer if there is a slight change in that question.
- So it is not recommended for the candidates because that can often lead to negative marking.
Don't Neglect Weak Areas
Candidates often underestimate their areas of weakness. Knowing your strengths and flaws will help you focus more on improving your weak points. If a candidate is weak in one or two CLAT Exam sections, he or she should practise more questions from these parts to perform well.
Don't Guess the Answers
Keep in mind that there is a 0.25 deduction from your score for each incorrect answer on the CLAT, so don't guess. Therefore, it is best to omit the answer if you are doubtful of it.
Things Allowed to Carry to the CLAT Examination Hall
Candidates are allowed to carry only the following things to the examination hall:. So make sure to keep all the listed things handy and not to carry anything other than these things.
- Blue/Black Ball-Point Pen
- CLAT Admit Card
- Any clear Original Photo ID Card issued by the Government
- Transparent Water Bottle
- Face Mask, Sanitiser, face shield, and hand gloves
CLAT 2026 Tips for Exam Day
The following are some tips that will be helpful for the candidates on the day of the exam.
- The candidates should show up at least 30 minutes at the exam location before the commencement of the exam.
- Being late for the CLAT exam can create chaos in the candidate’s mind just before the exam.
- Candidates must ensure they don't carry mobile phones, digital watches or any electronic devices to the exam hall. It will later lead to a waste of time and unnecessary stress.
- You should bring all the items mentioned in the CLAT admit card.
- Candidates must not read any new topics on the day of the exam or just before entering the exam hall. It will only make you doubtful of your preparation.
- Once candidates have entered the hall, they will not be permitted to leave the hall before the end time.
