9 Mistakes A CLAT Aspirant Make

Every year, the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) holds for admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate law programs offered by India's 22 National Law Universities. To choose law students, several private universities also accept CLAT scores. Additionally, it is not unusual to see public sector units like Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). These companies hire deserving candidates based on their CLAT scores to handle their legal concerns.

Given the exam's importance, you should carefully plan to pass the CLAT exam with good marks. We'll discuss nine mistakes CLAT aspirants make when preparing for this exam.

9 Mistakes CLAT Aspirants Make While Preparing for the Exam

The candidates must show high aptitude and reasoning skills because the CLAT exam holds to admit students into some of India's most well-known law colleges. Hence, this makes it essential to prepare for the examination in the most effective way possible while reducing errors.

But since making mistakes is part of being human, the best most of us can hope for is to observe at most minor and gain insight from others. Learn from other people's mistakes, as the famous Eleanor Roosevelt proverb advises. So let's talk about nine mistakes CLAT aspirants make and how to avoid them.

1. Not Taking Enough Practice Tests.

Students frequently need to recognize how much it detracts from their overall performance. One needs good time management abilities, speed, and accuracy to ace the CLAT paper. Practice is the only thing that can assist a pupil in improving their speed and accuracy. And taking a few mock exams is the best way to get practice.

Mock exams assist one in gaining the necessary knowledge to know which questions to skip or return to and when to switch topics. It also aids in learning coping mechanisms for the stress and anxiety that come with time-sensitive exams like the CLAT. 

Take weekly full-length mock examinations and section- and topic-specific tests. They will assist you in determining the themes that are strong and weak, so you can focus more on them and have the confidence necessary to finish the report. 

As soon as they are covered, which is a good idea, it is crucial to concentrate on the topics, particularly in the last few months.

2. Answering Questions Before Fully Grasping The Concepts

Some students attempt to save time by going right to the questions and skipping over the theory entirely. Although it might have seemed advantageous at the time, this is one of the biggest blunders a student taking the CLAT could make. These students may become confused and uncomfortable when questions are slightly altered.

Students must realize that the theory must be comprehended and that the questions are intended to help them deepen their understanding of the theory rather than the other way around. 

Therefore, it is strongly encouraged to thoroughly understand the theory before moving on to the questions. Do this by clearing up any confusion with the help of your friends and teachers.

3. Taking The Test Without Thoroughly Reading The Question

Students may skip reading some portions of the questions and solve the problem using only a part of the information. The worst thing is that the question's author is already aware of this tactic and has planned the options accordingly to trap the students easily.

On the other hand, the student confidently marks the incorrect response, losing points in the process. Therefore, it is advisable that before starting to solve any questions, students thoroughly read all of them.

4. You Are Not Addressing The Problem Strategically.

There is a good chance that the paper will either start with highly challenging questions or have several difficult ones. This is done to see if the student can handle the situation under pressure.

Therefore, it is likely that the student will become disheartened and unable to approach subsequent questions with the same vigor. And they simply solve the CLAT paper in the sequence of the questions without skipping the challenging ones or moving the sections as necessary. Therefore, the students should identify their most vital area through sample exams and determine the optimal order to tackle the sections.

When solving the paper, keep the following things in mind:

• Anytime it's necessary, switch between sections.
• Solve the simple questions first, then move on to the challenging ones as you go through the paper in rounds.
• Start the exam with your favorite and simplest subject so you can answer the most questions in the early going. You'll gain the confidence necessary to complete the entire paper if you answer many questions in the beginning.
• Choose the ones that best answer the questions.
• Whenever you feel anxious when writing the paper, take a deep breath. Before moving on to another question or area, take a break.

5. Using Too Many Sources As References.

Never prioritize quantity above quality when studying for the CLAT. Keeping a collection of books and publications will do you no good and make you more confused. Choose a few trustworthy sources, and wait to acquire new books until you've finished the old ones or the ones it lacks the topics you want to learn about.

6. Failing To Prepare In The Month Before The Exam.

Plan your upcoming month and establish goals at frequent intervals, such as every week or day. Making a list of topics ensures that you keep organized and pay attention to all crucial subjects.

Having everything planned out beforehand relieves mental clutter. Because everything is visible to you and appears to be well-organized, thus removing the need for you to keep track of everything in your thoughts. 

To relax during the final few days before the CLAT exam, prepare and choose the topics each day. You will only need to subject your brain to excessive information in a bit of time.

7. Not Regularly Reading the General and Current Affairs.

You must frequently read the newspapers and magazines because there is no set or defined syllabus for this part of the CLAT exam. Establish a daily routine of reading the newspaper at set times, whether early morning, late at night or any other time.

All of the questions from the current affairs section you are familiar with count as bonus questions because they require very little time to answer. In addition to newspapers, there are many other internet materials you can use to increase your understanding of historical and contemporary legal topics.

8. Not Investing Enough Time in Reading.

Reading is a crucial element of preparing for the CLAT exam. Making reading a regular part of your day is the only way to increase your reading speed, analytical skills, and breadth of knowledge. Students must read passages for the English Language, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning portions in addition to the English Language section.

Read whatever you choose, whether fiction or a book with knowledge. You will gradually but surely see progress in your reading speed, vocabulary, and overall command of the English language. Practice some comprehension questions to determine the types of questions that are asked and focus more on your areas of weakness.

9. Missing Out On Necessary Health Precautions.

To take the CLAT exam as effectively as possible and to fully concentrate on the paper, a student must maintain excellent health. Maintain a healthy diet by including milk, dry fruits, and fruits in your daily meals. As a result, you should adhere to a regular sleep pattern and receive at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Going to bed and waking up early are always advantageous for students.

Practicing yoga and exercise is best to keep your body active. Yoga not only improves your overall health but also sharpens your focus. Avoid spending long hours studying nonstop. To prevent tension and fatigue, we urge you to take little rest every few intervals and give your mind a rest.

Conclusion

These simple mistakes can be avoided to boost CLAT exam results. We encourage you to keep the points mentioned above in mind to avoid mistakes as much as possible because we know that the preparations for such exams are highly demanding. So prepare accordingly.

Best of luck with your exams!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can you pass the CLAT with self-study?

Ans: Yes, if applicants self-study with the right amount of consistency and determination, they can achieve good CLAT scores without coaching.

Q2. How many hours should a CLAT aspirant study?

Ans: To be fully prepared for the CLAT exam, you must study for at least 7-8 hours daily.

Q3. When should you start getting ready for the CLAT exam?

Ans: The best time to prepare should be about a year to answer the question. Start when you have completed the 11th grade. Maintain a routine, write every day, and maintain your focus.