What to Do If You’re Preparing for CLAT a Second Time
- himanshilawprep
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
Many students give the CLAT exam more than once, and that’s completely normal. Sometimes the first attempt doesn’t go as expected. Maybe your preparation wasn’t complete, maybe nerves took over during the exam, or maybe it just wasn’t your day. Whatever the reason, preparing for CLAT again means you’ve already taken the first brave step - you’re not giving up.
This second chance is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it can become your biggest strength. You already know the exam pattern, you’ve seen the pressure, and you know what mistakes to avoid. That experience can now help you build a smarter, sharper, and more effective plan.
Let’s understand what you should do differently this time to make sure your second attempt is your best one.
1. Reflect Without Feeling Guilty
Before restarting your preparation, take a moment to reflect. Think about what didn’t go well in the first attempt. Did you struggle with time management? Were you weak in GK or Logical Reasoning? Did you skip mock tests?
Be honest with yourself, but don’t blame yourself. Self-reflection helps you make better decisions, while self-blame only makes you feel stuck. Write down what went wrong and what could have been done better. This will give you clarity on what exactly needs improvement now.
Even if your score was low last time, it doesn’t mean you can’t do well now. One attempt cannot define your entire journey. Many top rankers also took more than one try to succeed. Stay updated on all important details about the CLAT exam to prepare better this time and avoid any confusion or last-minute surprises.
2. Don’t Repeat the Same Strategy
Your new preparation should not be a copy of the old one. Something in the earlier plan didn’t work, and now you have the chance to fix it.
Create a new study plan based on your previous mistakes. If you ignored mocks last time, this time make them a regular part of your routine. If you gave too much time to strong subjects and ignored the weak ones, now switch your focus.
For example, if you were strong in English but weak in Legal Reasoning, don’t spend equal time on both. Give more hours to your weak sections and maintain your strong areas with regular revision.
Changing your approach means giving yourself a fair shot at better results.
3. Use the Base You Already Have
You don’t need to start from zero. You’ve already studied the syllabus once. You know the basics of Legal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and other sections. Now you can use that base and work on improving speed, accuracy, and confidence.
This time, revise what you already know and focus only on the gaps. You don’t need to reread every book. Pick out the topics that confused you last time and revise them deeply.
Also, try to solve the previous year’s CLAT paper again. Notice where you made errors earlier and see if you can fix them now. This will show you how much you’ve grown and where you still need work.
4. Update Your Current Affairs Smartly
General Knowledge, especially current affairs, is a section where many second-attempt students get confused. You may wonder whether to start again from scratch or continue where you left off.
Here’s a better way - revise the GK you studied earlier and focus more on the months after your last attempt. For example, if you appeared in CLAT 2024, then from January 2024 onward, start collecting monthly GK. Use good sources like Exam Charcha, GK Today, or any platform that gives you short, simple, and relevant updates.
Keep your focus on topics related to the Constitution, Supreme Court cases, international news, and government schemes. Legal awareness in current affairs is very important.
Making short notes daily or weekly will help you revise faster before the exam.
5. Join a Good Coaching Platform
Some students prefer to self-study, and that’s okay. But if you feel stuck or confused about what to do next, it’s okay to take support.
There are many online CLAT coaching platforms that offer crash courses, mock test series, revision classes, and doubt-solving sessions. You don’t have to join a full-year program again. Just choose what suits your current need.
Even joining a small revision batch can help you stay consistent. It also keeps you updated and gives you a sense of community - which can be very helpful during second attempts when you might feel alone in your journey.
Make sure you pick coaching that is structured and experienced in CLAT-specific guidance.
6. Make Mock Tests Your Best Friend
Mocks are not just for practice; they are for measuring your growth. In your first attempt, maybe you gave 10–15 mocks. This time, aim to double that number - but with deep analysis.
After every mock, sit down and check:
Which section did you score low in?
How much time did each section take?
Where did you make silly mistakes?
The goal is not just to take the test but to learn from every one of them. Keep a notebook where you write your mock scores and note down frequent errors.
If you’re struggling with pressure or panic during mocks, practice calming techniques like deep breathing before starting the paper. Staying calm helps you think clearly during the real exam too.
7. Study with Focus, Not for Long Hours
Many students believe that in the second attempt, they must study for 10 hours a day to make up for the past. But that’s not true. It’s not about how long you study - it’s about how well you study.
Instead of sitting for long hours and getting distracted, try to study in focused blocks. Even 5–6 hours of serious study daily is enough if it is done with full attention.
Divide your time for reading, revision, mock practice, and current affairs. Keep your goals realistic. For example, aim to complete one Legal topic and one RC passage daily, instead of trying to finish 10 chapters in one go.
Consistency will take you further than overworking yourself.
8. Don’t Let Comparison Demotivate You
It’s very common to see your friends or classmates already in NLUs or celebrating their law school life while you’re preparing again. This can create pressure or even self-doubt.
But remember, your journey is unique. Taking one more year to reach your dream college is not a failure - it’s a step in the right direction.
Many CLAT toppers are second-attempt candidates. They succeeded not because they were lucky, but because they learned from their mistakes and didn’t give up.
So don’t waste energy comparing yourself with others. Use that energy to work on yourself. Your goal is not just to clear CLAT, but to come out as a better and more confident version of yourself.
9. Track Your Progress Weekly
In your second attempt, time can feel both fast and slow. Some days may feel productive, and others may feel like nothing is working. That’s why tracking progress is important.
At the end of every week, ask yourself:
Did I complete what I planned?
Am I improving in mocks?
Am I revising regularly?
Even small progress is progress. Don’t expect magic in one week. But if you keep moving forward consistently, you’ll see big results in 2–3 months.
Having a small checklist on your wall or in a notebook can help you stay motivated.
Also checkout Mistakes to Avoid During CLAT Mock Test Analysis
10. Believe That It’s Still Possible
The most important thing in your second attempt is belief. If you keep thinking, “Maybe I’m not meant for this,” or “What if I fail again?” - then your fear will control your performance.
Instead, shift your mindset to: “I’ve already learned once. Now I will perform better.”
This belief will reflect in your study, your mocks, and your confidence during the actual paper.
Success in CLAT is not just about being a genius. It’s about being consistent, focused, and mentally strong. You already have the experience. Now you just need to add the effort again - but this time with smarter planning.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for CLAT a second time is not a setback, it’s a setup for a stronger comeback. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting from experience. That gives you a clear edge.
Use what you’ve learned. Avoid what didn’t work. Stay focused. Give mocks. Revise regularly. Keep faith in your ability. You don’t have to study like a machine, you just need to stay committed to your goal.
This year could be your year. All you have to do is keep showing up, every single day, with the intention to improve. Step by step, day by day, that’s how toppers are made.
Your NLU seat is waiting. This time, go claim it.
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