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Last-Minute CLAT Prep: How to Catch Up Quickly

  • Writer: himanshilawprep
    himanshilawprep
  • Feb 5
  • 6 min read

Alright, let’s face it. You’ve realized that you haven’t even started preparing for CLAT yet. The exam is approaching faster than you anticipated, and the overwhelming feeling of being “behind” is creeping in. But here’s the deal- you’re not alone, and it’s not too late. The fact that you’re here means you’re ready to take action, and that’s the first step towards turning things around


I know what you’re thinking: “How am I going to catch up?” or “I’ve wasted so much time, I’ll never be ready!” But let’s be real: the pressure and panic are all in your head. With the right mindset and a solid plan, you can absolutely ace the exam. CLAT is a big deal, but it’s also a test of your ability to adapt, learn, and perform under pressure. And you’ve got this.


In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what you need to do to make the most of the time you have left. So, take a deep breath, stop stressing, and let’s get started!


 

Step 1: Acceptance - Embrace the Situation and Let Go of Guilt


  • Before you start feeling sorry for yourself about the lack of preparation, let me remind you of something very important: It’s okay to be where you are. The first step is to accept your current situation and stop worrying about the time you’ve lost.

  • ​Let’s be honest here, procrastination is a universal phenomenon. Whether it’s CLAT exam or your school exams, we’ve all done it. We tell ourselves, “I’ll start tomorrow,” and that becomes next week, and before you know it, the exam is just around the corner. It happens to the best of us.

  • But here’s the most important thing: What matters now is how you move forward. Instead of wallowing in guilt, focus on the steps you can take right now to make up for the lost time. This isn’t the end of the road; it’s just the beginning of your plan to tackle CLAT head-on. You’re not too late, you still have time to perform well.


Tip: Don’t dwell on what you haven’t done. Focus on what you can do now, and make every minute count.


 

Step 2: Set Realistic Goals (Because Perfection is a Myth)


You’ve got to be realistic. You’re not going to master the entire CLAT syllabus in a few weeks, and you don’t need to. If you try to cover every single topic, you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. Instead, focus on smart, realistic goals that will give you the maximum return on your effort.


How to Set Achievable Goals

  1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Do you absolutely ace Logical Reasoning but stumble on General Knowledge? Maybe you breeze through English but struggle with Legal Reasoning. Knowing where you’re strongest and weakest will help you direct your attention where it’s needed most. Don’t waste time on areas that are your strengths. Focus on the sections that need more work.

  2. Focus on high-weightage areas: Some topics carry more weight in CLAT than others. For example, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge are some of the heaviest sections. Prioritize these while still keeping an eye on English and Quantitative Aptitude. This way, you’ll maximize your chances of scoring high.

  3. Set daily and weekly goals: Don’t aim to finish the entire syllabus in a day. Break your study material into smaller chunks, and tackle one or two topics each day. Consistency is key. When you break your study sessions into manageable tasks, you’ll avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed. By the end of the week, you’ll have a clear sense of accomplishment and progress.

  4. Review regularly: It’s not just about what you learn today; it’s also about retaining that information. Set aside time to regularly revise and reinforce what you’ve already studied. This helps keep the concepts fresh in your mind.


Tip: Progress, not perfection. Your goal isn’t to finish everything, it’s to cover the most important areas well. Stick to your goals and revise regularly.


 

Step 3: Time Management - Your Secret Weapon


Let’s talk about time management, because that’s what’s going to separate you from the crowd. If you’ve left things late, then it’s crucial to use every minute efficiently. You must know all details about CLAT 2026, and there’s no way around it, you have to manage your time wisely if you want to do well in CLAT.


How to Master Time Management

  1. Create a time-blocked schedule: Instead of stressing over how much you have to study, focus on the time you’ve got left. Break your day into chunks and allocate specific hours for each subject. For example, 2 hours for Legal Reasoning, 1 hour for English, 1 hour for General Knowledge, and so on. A time-blocked schedule will help you stay organized and disciplined.

  2. Prioritize mock tests: Practice is crucial when it comes to CLAT. Make sure to incorporate mock tests into your study schedule regularly. They simulate the real exam and will help you get used to the time constraints. It’s important to do at least one mock test every 3-4 days. Once you’re comfortable with the test format, you can focus more on revising and working on your weak areas.

  3. Avoid distractions: We all know how easy it is to fall into the trap of checking social media or watching YouTube videos. To get the most out of your study sessions, put your phone on airplane mode or leave it in another room. Use apps like Forest or Pomodoro to stay focused during your study blocks.

  4. Don’t forget to take breaks: Don’t think that the longer you study, the better. After every 2 hours of study, take a 15-20 minute break to clear your mind. Stretch, walk around, hydrate, anything that helps you recharge. It’s proven that taking breaks can improve focus and productivity.


​Tip: Study smarter, not longer. A solid, focused 2-hour session is better than 5 hours of distracted studying. Time-blocking is your best friend here.


 

Step 4: Study Smart, Not Hard


You’ve heard the phrase “study smart, not hard”, but it’s true! With limited time, you need to work efficiently. Instead of reading every page of every book, focus on active learning strategies that will help you retain information better.


How to Study Smart

  1. Active learning techniques: Instead of passively reading through books, engage with the material. Use flashcards, mind maps, and summaries to reinforce your learning. These methods will help you retain key concepts better than simply reading.

  2. Use CLAT-specific resources: Don’t get sidetracked by irrelevant study materials. Stick to CLAT-specific prep books and online resources that are designed specifically for this exam. If you're wondering what is CLAT, focusing on these resources will help you concentrate on the topics and question patterns most likely to appear.

  3. Watch online tutorials: There are tons of YouTube tutorials and online lessons available for free. These videos break down complex topics into easy-to-understand explanations. Find ones that suit your learning style, some students find visual content and explanations easier to follow than reading.

  4. Solve past year papers: These are a goldmine. By solving past year papers, you get a feel for the types of questions that frequently appear in CLAT. This gives you a clear advantage and helps you develop strategies for answering questions quickly and accurately.

  5. Group study (only if it helps): Group study can be a great way to clear doubts and reinforce learning, but it’s easy to get distracted. If you choose to study in a group, make sure you stay on track and avoid long breaks full of chit-chat.


Tip: Quality over quantity. You don’t need to study everything, just study efficiently and stay focused on your goals.


 

Step 5: Stay Consistent and Build Discipline


Let’s face it: motivation comes and goes. One day you’ll be pumped to study, and the next day you’ll find yourself binge-watching Netflix. But here’s where discipline comes in. Discipline is what gets you through the tough days. It’s what keeps you going even when you’re not feeling 100% motivated.


How to Build Consistency

  1. Create a routine: Even if you’ve started late, setting up a consistent routine is crucial. Even on days when you’re tired or unmotivated, commit to at least 1 hour of study. Momentum builds, and once you start, you’ll find it easier to keep going.

  2. Track your progress: Keep a simple journal of your daily achievements. Even small progress is progress. This will help you stay motivated and remind you that you’re moving forward.

  3. Limit distractions: We’ve all been there, checking your phone during a study session. The best way to avoid distractions is to put your phone on silent or use apps that block distracting websites. It’s all about maintaining focus.

  4. Don’t be too hard on yourself: There will be days when you’ll feel like giving up or procrastinating. On those days, remind yourself of your goal and why you’re working so hard. Stay focused on your long-term objective: cracking CLAT and getting into a top law school.


Tip: Small, consistent actions lead to big results. Don’t aim for perfection; just aim to keep showing up every day.


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Final Thoughts: It’s Go Time – You’ve Got This!


If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’ve already taken the first step towards acing CLAT, admitting that you need to take action. The road ahead won’t always be easy, but with consistent effort, smart strategies, and the right mindset, you can absolutely succeed.

Remember: you’re not too late. With the right planning, you can still do well on CLAT. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and stay focused. You’ve got this. Now go out there and make it happen!

Good luck!


 
 
 

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