How to Read a Newspaper for CLAT 2027: A Complete Strategy

Preparing for CLAT 2027 is not just about solving mock tests or memorising facts. It is about building a habit. One habit that separates serious aspirants from casual ones is newspaper reading. If done correctly, a newspaper becomes your most powerful tool for current affairs, English, legal reasoning, and critical reasoning.

Many students read newspapers daily, but still feel confused. They don’t know what to read, what to skip, or how to make notes. Here, we will help you build a clear, effective, and realistic newspaper reading strategy for CLAT 2027.

Why Newspaper Reading Is Important for CLAT 2027?

Newspaper reading is not only about current affairs. It supports almost every section of the CLAT exam except maths and analytical reasoning. For CLAT 2027 aspirants, newspapers help in four key sections:

1. Current Affairs

Reading newspapers helps you stay updated on new facts about important topics, like Supreme Court cases, landmark laws, or significant appointments. Minor topics may not always be asked, but major topics will be. 

Newspapers not only provide new facts but also update you on upcoming developments in important areas.

2. English Section

In English, you need to solve reading comprehension (RC) within a time limit. Daily newspaper reading helps with:

• Vocabulary: You’ll encounter new words and phrases.

• Comprehension: Reading editorials and articles improves your understanding of passages.

• Tone & Perspective: Editorials help you understand the author’s perspective, which is crucial for comprehension and critical reasoning questions.

3. Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning often requires interpreting text from the author’s perspective, not your own. Reading editorials helps you practice this skill effectively.

4. Legal Section

Legal studies are divided into:

• Static Law: Constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, etc.

• Current Legal Knowledge: Current affairs in the legal world.

Newspapers are the primary source for current legal knowledge, while static legal knowledge comes from your study material.

Many toppers say one thing clearly. If you read the newspaper daily and properly, half of your CLAT preparation becomes easier. The key is not reading more, but reading right.

Which Newspaper Should You Read for CLAT 2027?

Choosing the right newspaper is the first step. Not all newspapers are suitable for CLAT preparation. The two most recommended newspapers for CLAT 2027 are:

• The Hindu

• The Indian Express

Both papers provide quality content. They focus on facts, analysis, and national importance.

If you live in a metro city, prefer the hard copy. It helps reduce distractions and improves focus. If a hard copy is not available, a digital or e-paper version also works well.

Do not switch newspapers frequently. Pick one, start your reading from January 1, 2027, and stick to it consistently. Consistency matters more than variety.

Tips & Tricks for Newspaper Reading for CLAT 2027

Smart newspaper reading is not about reading more pages. It is about using the right tricks to save time and improve understanding. Here are some useful tips for Newspaper Reading for CLAT 2027:

• Start by reading headlines first to identify CLAT-relevant news.

• Skip articles that are local, political gossip-based, or entertainment-focused.

• Use a pencil or highlighter carefully. Underline only keywords, dates, judgments, and key arguments.

• Apply the three-question rule for every important article:

• What happened?

• Why is it important?

• How can it be asked in CLAT?

• Read editorials slowly to understand tone, argument structure, and perspective.

• Connect current news with static topics like constitutional articles, legal principles, or economic concepts.

• Make short notes in bullet form, not paragraphs.

• Revise notes weekly and monthly to retain information.

Do's and Dont's of Newspaper Reading for CLAT 2027 

Newspaper reading can be overwhelming if you don’t have a proper plan. Here are the Do's and Dont's that will help you make the most of your reading time:

Do's:

1. Set a Routine:
   Start reading daily at a fixed time, preferably 7 AM. Consistency is more important than speed.

2. Focus on Relevant Sections:
   Concentrate on topics like polity, economy, national and international news, science & technology, and major sports events.

3. Diversify Your Reading:
   Read editorials, opinion pieces, and features. This improves your comprehension skills and gives you different perspectives on issues.

4. Make Notes:
   Always make precise notes. Include current context + static information. Organize notes in sheets under relevant headings like polity, economy, international, national, science & tech, and legal updates.

Dont's:

1. Skip City-Specific News:
   Focus on national and international news only. City-level news is rarely asked in CLAT.

2. Avoid Advertisements and Lifestyle Sections:
   These sections are not relevant to CLAT preparation.

3. Don’t Overload Yourself:
   Avoid reading everything. Stick to major news, editorials, and analysis.

4. Skip Minor Sports News:
   Only major national or international sports events are relevant for CLAT.

5. Don’t Rely on Summaries Alone:
   While summaries are helpful, reading the original article improves comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning skills.

Notes Making Strategy for Newspaper Reading

Effective note-making is key to revising newspaper content. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use Sheets or Digital Tools: Keep separate sheets for different topics: polity, economy, international news, national news, science & tech, and legal updates.

2. Be Precise: Write only important facts, verdicts, and updates. Avoid unnecessary details.

3. Include Static + Current Context: For example, when noting a law, mention the related constitutional provision and recent amendments or cases.

4. Highlight Major Developments: Use colors or bold headings to mark very important news.

Following this system ensures your notes are useful for quick revision before the exam.

Newspaper reading is a powerful tool for CLAT 2027 preparation if done correctly. Read smart, stay consistent, and focus on relevance. Over time, it will strengthen multiple sections of the exam.