When I started preparing for CLAT, the biggest question was — should I go for a one-year crash prep, or commit to a two-year plan? Like most students, I had doubts. I wanted the best results but wasn’t sure what timeline would work best.
Looking back, here’s my honest breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and how you can choose your ideal path.
Two-Year CLAT Prep: What I Gained
I began serious CLAT preparation in Class 11. Here’s what that early start gave me:
✅ More Time to Build Basics
I didn’t rush concepts. I could take my time with logical reasoning, legal terms, and vocabulary — which helped me gain clarity, not just speed.
✅ Deep Reading Habit
With two years, I got into reading editorials, legal articles, and case briefs regularly. This helped massively in RC, Legal, and GK.
✅ Less Stress, More Confidence
I never felt overwhelmed. My study hours were lighter, spread out, and more consistent. I also had time for mocks, revisions, and self-analysis.
✅ Stronger Retention
I revised the same topics multiple times. This made my recall sharper and helped me perform well under pressure during mocks.
Challenges in the Two-Year Plan
While the timeline gave me comfort, it also had some downsides:
- I got complacent in the beginning, thinking I had a lot of time
- I sometimes forgot earlier topics due to long gaps
- I needed constant motivation to avoid burnout by mid-Class 12
If you choose a two-year prep, stay consistent. Otherwise, time slips away quickly.
One-Year Prep: What My Friends Shared
Some of my batchmates started in Class 12 or after boards. Here’s what I observed from their journey:
✅ They Had Strong Focus
With limited time, they made quick decisions. Their schedules were tight but effective.
✅ High Motivation
The urgency pushed them to stay alert. Most of them took weekly mocks, focused on current affairs, and revised regularly.
✅ Smart Planning Was Key
They didn’t waste time reading too many sources. Instead, they used one book per subject, solved question banks, and focused on quality over quantity.
But It Wasn’t Easy…
One-year aspirants had their own struggles:
- Constant pressure from school + coaching
- Some couldn’t finish the full syllabus
- Many didn’t get enough time for mock analysis or deep revision
- A few got demotivated when mock scores dipped early on
It worked best for those who already had strong English, logical reasoning, or reading habits.
So, What Worked Best for Me?
Starting early helped me the most. I had time to:
- Develop legal thinking gradually
- Build reading and comprehension speed
- Solve 50+ mocks with full analysis
- Stay calm and exam-ready well before CLAT
But the key wasn’t the duration — it was consistency. Even if you study for 2 years but don’t revise or take mocks, it won’t help. On the other hand, even 10 months of focused prep can take you to a top NLU.
How to Choose Between One Year vs Two Year Prep?
Ask yourself:
- Are you in Class 11 and sure about law? → Start early.
- Are you a strong reader with good basics? → One year may be enough.
- Do you handle pressure well? → You can survive a shorter prep cycle.
- Do you want time to balance school, boards, and hobbies? → Two years gives you room.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Choose what suits your mindset, not someone else’s story.
Conclusion: Timeline Doesn’t Matter — Strategy Does
Whether you take one year or two, the real success in CLAT comes from smart preparation, regular practice, and honest self-review. Choose a plan that fits your lifestyle and stick to it with full commitment.
📞 Want help building your ideal CLAT prep schedule? Call 8750581505 and speak to a mentor at Law Prep Delhi.
