If you’re preparing for CLAT, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I focus more on Static GK or Current Affairs? Both are part of the GK section, yet they demand different strategies. Let’s break down what each includes, how CLAT tests them, and which one you should prioritize.
What Is Static GK?
Static GK includes facts that don’t change over time. These topics stay the same regardless of when you read them. For example, you study Indian Polity, historical events, geography, national symbols, and famous books or awards. You can revise Static GK multiple times and expect it to remain relevant for years.
What Are Current Affairs?
Current Affairs relate to recent developments in India and around the world. They involve national and international news, government policies, legal updates, sports, and economic events. Unlike Static GK, this content evolves constantly and requires regular reading.
To stay updated, you need a consistent daily or weekly plan.
How Does CLAT Test GK?
CLAT has shifted towards comprehension-based questions. Most passages now draw from recent events, including legal and political developments. These questions often test not only your awareness but also your understanding of the background. You might read a paragraph on a Supreme Court ruling and face questions that require both recent knowledge and static concepts like constitutional provisions.
Which One Matters More for CLAT?
CLAT clearly gives more weight to Current Affairs. Passages come directly from news events, and the framing revolves around recent developments. However, many questions rely on your Static GK to grasp the full context. A smart approach involves focusing heavily on current events while revising essential static topics that frequently appear in CLAT passages.
How to Balance Both?
Start your day with Current Affairs.
Read quality sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, or curated CLAT GK platforms.
When you cover a news story, take a moment to revise related static topics — for example, if you’re reading about a law passed in Parliament, brush up on how a bill becomes law in India.
At the end of each week, revise one Static GK topic and take a short quiz to test both areas together.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many students try to memorize random Static GK lists without context.
Others rely only on monthly compilations and skip daily news, which weakens retention.
A few even treat both areas separately, missing out on the benefits of linking one with the other.
You can avoid these errors by integrating your preparation and making your revision more strategic.
Conclusion
CLAT expects you to know what’s happening — but it also tests how well you understand it.
For that, you need both recent updates and the foundational knowledge that Static GK provides.
Spend 70% of your time on Current Affairs and 30% revising Static GK.
This mix helps you stay sharp, score high, and understand every passage with confidence.
