Every CLAT aspirant asks the same thing at some point.How many attempts will give a safe rank?The answer depends on accuracy, section difficulty, and your personal strengths.This guide explains how many questions to attempt in CLAT with a practical and realistic approach.
Why Attempts Alone Do Not Decide Your Rank?
Attempts look impressive, but accuracy creates scores.One wrong answer costs marks.Negative marking punishes random guessing.A smart attempt strategy protects your score and your confidence.
Start with the Score Formula in Mind
CLAT rewards correct answers and penalises wrong ones.This makes accuracy the real game.When you attempt more with low accuracy, your net score drops.When you attempt fewer with high accuracy, your net score often rises.
Define “Safe Rank” in a Practical Way
A safe rank depends on your target NLUs.Top NLUs demand stronger net scores and higher accuracy.Mid-tier NLUs allow more flexibility.Newer NLUs often have wider ranges.A clear target helps you decide the right attempt range.
The Most Reliable Rule: Attempt Based on Accuracy Bands
Use your mock data to choose the right attempt count.Follow these ranges as a working rule.
If Your Accuracy Stays Around 90 Percent
Attempt 95 to 105 questions.This range works because wrong answers remain low.You can push attempts without losing net marks.
If Your Accuracy Stays Around 85 Percent
Attempt 90 to 100 questions.This range gives balance.You keep attempts high while controlling risk.
If Your Accuracy Stays Around 80 Percent
Attempt 85 to 95 questions.This range protects your score.It prevents negative marking from eating your gains.
If Your Accuracy Stays Below 75 Percent
Attempt 75 to 85 questions.This range reduces damage.You should prioritise accuracy improvement immediately.
Section-Wise Attempt Strategy Helps More Than a Fixed Number
A single number won’t suit every paper.A better approach uses section-wise planning.
English
Attempt most questions because comprehension can be stable when you read well.Skip confusing inference questions quickly.
GK and Current Affairs
Attempt what you know confidently.Avoid blind guessing here because options can mislead easily.
Legal Reasoning
Attempt heavily if you understand principles well.This section rewards careful application.Spend time wisely and avoid assumptions.
Logical Reasoning
Attempt with caution in tricky argument questions.Use elimination and move fast when options look close.
Quantitative Techniques
Attempt only the sets you can solve cleanly.Skip long calculations and time traps.
Use a Three-Pass Method to Decide Attempts
Start with easy questions first.Build marks quickly and reduce stress.Then attempt medium questions with full focus.Finally revisit tough questions only if time remains.This method improves both attempts and accuracy.
Know When to Skip Without Guilt
Skip when you face unclear passages.Skip when two options look equally correct.Skip when you feel time pressure rising.Skip when the question demands heavy calculation.Skipping protects your net score.
Build Your Personal Attempt Range from Mocks
Mock tests give you the real answer.Track attempts and accuracy across 10 mocks.Calculate your best net score pattern.Repeat the same approach in the actual exam.This is the safest way to decide how many questions to attempt in CLAT.
Conclusion
Attempts matter, but smart attempts matter more.A safe rank comes from strong accuracy, good selection, and calm execution.Use mock data to decide your attempt range.Control negative marking and avoid ego attempts.Once you follow this approach, you will know exactly how many questions to attempt in CLAT for your target NLU.
