If you’re preparing for CLAT 2025, you’ve probably heard people say, “CLAT is tough.” But is it really as difficult as everyone makes it out to be? While the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is certainly challenging, understanding what makes it tough—and how to tackle those challenges—can help you prepare more effectively.
Understanding CLAT: What Makes It Tough?
- Students Find Challenging:
Lengthy Passages: The CLAT exam consists of comprehension-based questions, meaning there are multiple long passages to read across subjects, especially in English and Legal Reasoning.
Time Management: With around 120 questions to solve in just two hours, managing your time effectively is a big challenge.
Dynamic General Knowledge: It tests your awareness of current events and how you interpret them. Keeping up with the news and revising past events can feel overwhelming.
Diverse Skillset: CLAT demands a well-rounded skillset. You need to be good at English comprehension, logical reasoning, math, and even legal aptitude. Balancing these different areas can be difficult.
2. Expert Analysis: What Do the Numbers Say?
Looking at past trends can provide insights into the difficulty level of CLAT.
Cut-off Trends: The cut-off for top NLUs like NLSIU Bengaluru and NALSAR Hyderabad has remained high. However, the cut-off for lower-ranked NLUs has been relatively more accessible, indicating that the toughest part is securing a seat in the top institutions.
Number of Applicants: Over 60,000 students appear for CLAT each year, vying for around 2,800 seats. The competition is fierce, especially for top NLUs, which adds to the perception of the exam being tough.
Difficulty of Sections: In most cases, the Logical Reasoning and Legal Reasoning sections tend to be more challenging due to the analytical skills required. Meanwhile, General Knowledge can be a hit or miss depending on how well-prepared you are with current affairs.
3. Is CLAT Tougher Than Other Competitive Exams?
If you’re comparing CLAT to other competitive exams like JEE, NEET, or CAT, you may wonder how it stacks up in terms of difficulty. While the subjects tested are different, here are some comparisons:
JEE/NEET: These exams test deep technical knowledge in science subjects, while CLAT focuses more on reasoning and comprehension. The difficulty here lies in the depth of conceptual understanding for JEE/NEET versus the breadth of subjects in CLAT.
CAT: Like CLAT, the CAT exam tests reasoning and verbal abilities, but it’s for MBA aspirants. In CLAT, the challenge lies in the legal reasoning and current affairs sections, while CAT puts more focus on quantitative ability.
In short, CLAT has its own unique challenges, but it may be more approachable than exams like JEE or NEET, depending on your skillset.
4. What Makes CLAT Manageable?
Syllabus is Limited: While CLAT covers various subjects, the syllabus itself is not vast. Once you’ve mastered core topics in English, Legal Reasoning, General Knowledge, and Math, you can focus on revising and practicing mock tests.
Comprehension-Based Questions: The exam is designed to test your understanding rather than rote memorization. If you’re good at reading, understanding, and analyzing passages, this plays to your advantage, especially in the English and Legal sections.
Structured Preparation: With a strategic study plan, it’s possible to crack CLAT. Breaking down your preparation into daily and weekly targets, focusing on mock tests, and analyzing your mistakes can go a long way.
Time Management Skills: The real challenge is time management, but this can be improved with practice. The more familiar you are with the exam pattern and timing, the better you’ll be at solving questions efficiently.
5. Expert Tips to Tackle CLAT Challenges
Here are some tips from experts and toppers to make the CLAT journey easier:
Start Early: Begin your preparation at least 6-8 months before the exam to ensure you have enough time to cover the syllabus, revise, and solve sample papers.
Mock Tests are Key: Mock tests are invaluable in understanding the exam pattern and helping with time management. Analyze your mock test results thoroughly and identify weak areas to improve.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Make it a habit to read newspapers daily and follow reliable sources for current affairs. Keep a separate notebook for important events and revise regularly.
Focus on Comprehension: Since a significant portion of the exam is comprehension-based, practice reading passages from newspapers, editorials, and legal journals. This will improve your reading speed and analytical skills.
Don’t Ignore Math: While Quantitative Techniques carry fewer marks compared to other sections, they can be a scoring area if you prepare well. Brush up on basic concepts and practice regularly.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: The toughest part of CLAT can be staying calm during the two-hour exam. Practice meditation or mindfulness techniques to manage exam stress and keep a clear head during the test.
The truth is, CLAT is tough—but not impossible. Like any competitive exam, it requires focus, dedication, and a well-thought-out preparation strategy. The difficulty comes from the diverse subjects, time constraints, and the competition level. However, with consistent practice, smart time management, and the right resources, you can overcome these challenges.
Good luck with your CLAT 2025 preparation!
