Strategies for Attempting CLAT Questions You’re Unsure About
- himanshilawprep
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
During the CLAT exam, it is common to face questions that do not immediately seem clear or where you feel unsure about the correct answer. These moments of doubt can create stress or confusion, but handling such questions with a clear strategy can boost your score significantly. Successfully attempting unsure questions is not about guessing randomly but about applying logical methods and smart thinking to increase your chances of answering correctly.
This blog explains ten effective strategies to help you confidently approach and attempt CLAT questions you are unsure about. These strategies will help you manage time, reduce mistakes, and maintain calmness throughout the exam.
1. Read the Question Slowly and Carefully More Than Once
Many students lose marks because they misunderstand the question at first. The CLAT exam uses carefully worded questions where small words like except, not, only, or always change the meaning drastically. Misreading these can lead you to choose the wrong option.
To avoid this:
Read the question slowly the first time, focusing on understanding exactly what it asks.
Read the question again, this time along with the answer options, to clarify any confusing parts.
Pay special attention to words that limit or specify the condition.
By reading twice, you give yourself a better chance to understand the question fully before choosing an answer. Along with this, stay updated on all details about the Common Law Admission Test for better preparation and confidence on exam day.
2. Eliminate Options That Are Clearly Wrong
Even if you don’t know the correct answer immediately, some options can be ruled out easily. Eliminating incorrect options improves your chances of guessing the right answer and helps focus your thinking.
How to do this:
Go through each option and cross out those that are obviously wrong based on the passage or your general knowledge.
Look for options that contradict facts or don’t relate to the question properly.
Ignore options that contain information unrelated to the context.
This process increases your probability of choosing the correct answer from 25% (if guessing blindly) to 50% or more if you eliminate two options confidently.
3. Look for Clues Within the Passage or Question Context
Many CLAT questions are linked directly to the passage or situation described. Even if you are not familiar with the topic, the passage itself provides hints or clues toward the answer.
Focus on:
Keywords or phrases that repeat in both the question and passage.
The tone of the passage-whether it shows agreement, disagreement, or neutrality.
Logical connections between sentences that suggest conclusions or facts.
Reading the passage carefully helps uncover answers hidden in plain sight and guides you toward the right choice.
4. Use Your Existing Knowledge to Connect With the Question
Often, you may know some facts or principles related to the question even if you do not remember the exact details. Using this knowledge can help you decide between options.
For example:
If the question relates to fundamental rights, even a basic understanding of their importance or scope can help you eliminate options that are unlikely.
If a question is based on current affairs, recall related news or recent events you studied to guide your choice.
This connection turns partial knowledge into a valuable tool rather than a source of confusion.
5. Trust Your First Logical Answer
Your initial choice often comes from your subconscious analysis and tends to be correct when based on reasoning. Changing answers frequently can sometimes lead to mistakes.
Keep this in mind:
Stick to your first answer if it makes sense logically and fits what you know.
Change an answer only if you find clear evidence that contradicts your first choice.
Trusting your initial reasonable choice saves time and reduces second-guessing under exam pressure.
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6. Make Educated Guesses Instead of Random Ones
When you are not sure of the exact answer, guessing intelligently is better than guessing randomly. Educated guesses combine elimination and logic, increasing your chances of success.
How to make an educated guess:
Eliminate all clearly wrong answers first.
Select the option that fits best with the passage, question, or your knowledge.
Avoid choices that seem extreme or unrelated.
Educated guessing improves your scoring potential and minimizes the risk of negative marking.
7. Mark Tough Questions and Move Forward
Spending too much time on a single difficult question wastes valuable time and can increase stress, which affects your performance on other questions.
Follow this strategy:
If a question confuses you for more than 30-40 seconds, mark it and move on to easier questions.
Return to marked questions later with a fresh mind and calmer state.
This method helps maintain your speed and focus throughout the exam.
8. Observe Patterns When Choosing Between Two Options
When down to two answer choices that both seem plausible, subtle clues in their wording can help you decide.
Look for:
Options containing absolute words such as always, never, or all, which are often less likely to be correct.
Balanced or moderate statements that sound more reasonable.
More detailed or carefully worded options which may indicate correctness.
Use these patterns only when no other logic helps you decide.
9. Keep Calm to Think Clearly and Recall Better
Stress and anxiety hinder your ability to think clearly and recall information. Staying calm allows you to focus better and apply your knowledge effectively.
Ways to stay calm:
Take deep breaths before starting a difficult question.
Remind yourself that it is okay not to know every answer perfectly.
Concentrate on one question at a time without worrying about the rest of the paper.
A calm mind leads to better decision-making and faster thinking.
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10. Practice These Strategies with Mock Tests Regularly
Knowing these strategies is helpful only if you apply them during practice. Mock tests are essential to train your mind to use these methods naturally.
How to practice effectively:
Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
Use the elimination process, educated guessing, and time management while attempting the paper.
Review your performance after each mock test, focusing on questions you were unsure about.
Keep practising consistently to build confidence and speed.
Regular practice turns these strategies into habits that work for you during the actual exam.
Conclusion
Uncertain questions in CLAT do not have to lower your score. With smart strategies such as careful reading, elimination of wrong options, logical guessing, and calm thinking, you can turn these questions into opportunities to gain marks.
The best students are not those who know every answer perfectly but those who handle uncertainty wisely. Following these ten strategies during your preparation and exam will help you approach every question with confidence and increase your chances of success.
Focus on maximizing your score by applying these methods consistently. Keep practicing, stay calm, and make the most of every question in the CLAT exam.
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