The Insider's Guide to CLAT 2023

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is a national-level admissions test for applicants applying to undergraduate (UG) law programs at 22 NLUs and other colleges and universities that recognize CLAT test results. The CLAT is said to be a tremendously difficult entrance exam. So, using the finest preparation method and a well-planned schedule, you will surely succeed in this exam.

The Common Law Admission Test for the academic year of 2023 will take place on December 18, 2022. Candidates could use some advice and a study guide for CLAT to prepare for the exam and to strategically organize their CLAT 2023 preparation. Hence, here is an insider’s guide to CLAT 2023 to help you crack the exam with flying colors.

Overview

Acceptance to a prestigious NLU like NLSIU Bangalore or NALSAR with a high CLAT score is the goal of every CLAT aspirant. However, as it is the nation's standard for law school entrance exams, the competition is so fierce that, barring exceptional preparation, you shouldn't expect to perform well enough to get admission to the best NLUs.

The CLAT 2023 examination will be administered offline using pen and paper by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs). Candidates can gain admission to top law schools in India and NLUs based on their test results. In order to do well on the national-level law entrance test, students need to be aware of how to prepare well for CLAT 2023.

Around 50,000 students from all over India took the test in 2021 in order to get admitted to the National Law Universities and other law schools that accept the CLAT result for admissions. Consequently, in order to pass the CLAT test this time, we at PhysicsWallah have come up with this insider’s guide to CLAT 2023!

CLAT Exam Preparation 2023

The first step in staying one step ahead of the competition is to properly understand the CLAT exam format and to develop an effective study schedule. The test format was changed back in 2020, and hence the exam's level of difficulty has gone up. As a result, before beginning the study, it is crucial to have a comprehensive preparation strategy in mind. The following should be the CLAT 2023 preparation schedule:

• Understand the syllabus as well as the test format and scoring system.
• Get the greatest books for CLAT preparation, as well as additional reading material like sample or old test questions.
• Examine your strong and weak areas from the curriculum.
• Create a strategy for studying for the exam and make sure to follow it.
• Examine the previous year's CLAT question papers.
• Revise, revise and keep revising as many times as you can

1. CLAT Exam format

One of the most crucial things for applicants taking any entrance test is understanding the exam format. So here is the exam format of CLAT.

2. Books for CLAT

Referring to the right books for the CLAT preparation is extremely crucial. The following are some CLAT books that can aid candidates in passing the CLAT and provide a clear route for candidates to follow in achieving their goals. These books are also highly significant and important.

• Self Study Guide for CLAT: First and foremost, CLAT preparation books will  improve your investigative skills. You can plan properly to evaluate and avoid teaching that is cost-friendly. You must avoid falling for any deceptive traps set up by websites that promise you the highest CLAT score.
• Target new pattern of CLAT: The key features of the preparation procedure are now highlighted by the CLAT test book. This book will help you to know the CLAT prospectus inside and well. You should have a good overview of Indian topography and history in your general knowledge. You should also be familiar with the important UN organizations and the categories of true honors in literature, science, sports, and expressions.
• CLAT New Pattern Passage Based Question Papers: Choose a few reliable sources for current events and rigorously adhere to them. Before the real test, you should write six to eight CLAT previous year papers. There are five key character traits you may utilize to improve on your personality and help you sustain from the inside. Self-management planning aids in the development of strong verbal, mathematical, logical, and scientific writing skills. (Openness, Stability, Extraversion, Suitability, and Neuroticism)

Some Points to Keep in Mind

1. Writing mock tests

You should definitely make time to compose a few practice examinations for CLAT. Prior to beginning the CLAT mock exams, try to finish at least 70% to 80% of the curriculum. You will only get anything from taking the test if you do it in that way. Prior to the exam, try to complete at least 6–8 previous year papers from a solid mock test series.

Mimic the test settings as much as you can. Such as setting a time limit and turning off your phone to reduce distractions. Without using previous year question papers, practice papers, and mock exams, exam preparation would fall short. The following are some reasons why it's crucial to solve CLAT test questions: 

• Creates a setting that is exam-like. 
• Enhances time management abilities by providing information about the paper's level of difficulty.
• Helps in analyzing the exam's strong and weak points. 
• Boosts your confidence

2. How to attempt the Questions?  

It's important to keep in mind that the CLAT exam has no sectional cut offs and that each question is worth the same amount of points. So feel free to begin with any part you are familiar with, and feel free to move on if a question is taking too long.

A paragraph typically starts with one point and then presents supporting evidence. Identify the passage's major argument as best as you can. Try to glean information about Who, What, Why, When, and Where from the section after you're through. 

3. Negative marking 

CLAT has a negative marking of +1/-0.25. Therefore, you receive one point for each accurate response and negative points for each incorrect one. Any questions you don't attempt receive a score of 0. This implies that making knowledgeable guesses carries a cost. 

You should guess, but our advice is to be very careful. Only when you can rule out at least two of the possible answers to the question, will it make sense to guess. So process with caution while taking any guesses.

4. English skills 

To crack the CLAT, having good reading skills and being strong in basic grammar is very important in the English segment. Simple grammar and comprehension will take you a long way. The CLAT generally favors para jumbles, so don't forget to practice those as well.

You can develop a habit of reading the best English newspapers in the nation, or you can read any random novels that catch your attention. Another advantage of daily newspaper reading is that it not only helps you with your language skills but also with the Current Affairs that is a part of the CLAT 2023.

Do’s and Don'ts for the CLAT

• On the day of the exam, avoid attempting to learn any new subjects. 
• Arrive at the designated exam location at least one hour before the test. 
• Before beginning the test, thoroughly read the CLAT question paper 2023 guidelines. 
• Verify that the question paper's instructions and the number of pages and questions match each other. 
• Before tackling the questions, thoroughly read the texts, the questions, and all of the possible answers. 
• If you don't know the solution to a question, don't spend too much time on it; just move on to the next one.

The Takeaway

Examine the CLAT 2023 curriculum and CLAT exam pattern once again to make sure you did not overlook any key points. Make a thorough study plan to review every subject you have previously studied. Use as many sample papers, test questions, and mock exams as you can. After attempting, analyze the paper to determine your exam-related strengths and weaknesses. 

Try to find a strategy to strengthen your foundation. Examine the papers and practice from the previous year to separate the most important themes. Don't study subjects that are entirely new to you. Be committed to completing the task at hand. Take good care of both your physical and mental wellness. Keep your thoughts calm and make sure to always eat and sleep properly. 

Now that you have jumped into the insider’s guide for CLAT 2023 and have learnt more about the Exam Pattern and scheme, are you ready to start studying for the exam and succeed with flying colors? Well, good luck and we hope you ace the exam!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the criteria to apply for the CLAT exam?

Ans. Students must have received at least a 45 percent grade in their 10+2 or comparable test from a recognized board or institution to be eligible for CLAT for undergraduate legal studies. Students who take the Class 10+2 qualifying exam in April or May 2023 are also eligible to take CLAT 2023.

Q2. Is there any attempt limit for appearing in the CLAT exam?

Ans. There are no restrictions on how many times students can take the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). According to the Common Law Admission Test Eligibility, applicants who are NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals in addition to Indian Nationals are also eligible.

Q3. What are the new changes this year in CLAT?

Ans. The descriptive component of the LL. M. PG (Latin Legum Magister Postgraduate) question paper had been eliminated by the Common Law Admission Test syndicate. The CLAT test format remains unchanged as for 2023.

Q4. Can an average student clear CLAT?

Ans. Since CLAT is a nationwide exam, it is a very rigorous test in terms of both difficulty and competition. However, anyone who puts in the necessary effort and preparation may still crack it easily. If you feel you need further help, you can enroll in a coaching program or prepare for it on your own.

Q5. Which is the best learning platform for CLAT?

Ans. PhysicsWallah is the best learning platform for the preparation of CLAT.