Preparing for CLAT is not just about solving questions. It’s about avoiding the traps that waste your time and pull you off track. When I started my preparation, I made some common mistakes. Luckily, I realised them early and fixed my approach. In this blog, I’ll share those mistakes — so you don’t repeat them.
1. I Ignored the Syllabus in the Beginning
I started solving random questions from books and online sources. But I didn’t even check what the actual CLAT syllabus looked like.
What to do instead:
Start with the official syllabus. Know which subjects are tested, how many questions come from each, and which areas carry more weight.
2. I Delayed Reading Newspapers
Everyone told me to start reading editorials and legal news. I didn’t take it seriously for the first few months. Later, I struggled with current affairs and legal reasoning passages.
What to do instead:
Start reading The Hindu or Indian Express from day one. Focus on editorials, legal news, and major events. It improves GK and comprehension at the same time.
3. I Focused Too Much on Theory, Too Little on Practice
I spent weeks making notes, reading books, and attending classes — but I didn’t practice enough questions or mocks. This backfired during timed tests.
What to do instead:
Study theory, but combine it with daily practice. After reading a concept, solve at least 20 related questions. Practice builds retention and speed.
4. I Didn’t Review My Mock Tests Properly
After each mock, I looked only at my score. I didn’t check why I made mistakes or what patterns were emerging. My scores didn’t improve much because I didn’t analyse.
What to do instead:
After every mock, spend time reviewing. Ask:
- Which questions did I waste time on?
- Where did I guess wrongly?
- Why did I misunderstand this passage?
Then fix those issues before the next test.
5. I Ignored Math for Too Long
I thought the quantitative section wouldn’t matter much. I skipped math for weeks. When I finally came back to it, I had to start from scratch.
What to do instead:
Even if math isn’t your strength, don’t avoid it. Just focus on CLAT-level basics — percentages, ratios, averages, time-work. Practice small sets regularly.
6. I Followed Too Many Sources
I used too many GK apps, legal books, and test platforms. It left me overwhelmed and scattered. I couldn’t revise properly either.
What to do instead:
Stick to one good source per subject. Use one current affairs platform, one legal reasoning book, and one mock test provider. Consistency > quantity.
7. I Didn’t Make Time for Revision
I kept learning new things and skipped revision. Before I knew it, I had forgotten what I studied weeks ago.
What to do instead:
Set aside weekly revision slots. Revise vocabulary, formulas, and news from earlier weeks. Revision boosts retention and builds exam confidence.
8. I Compared My Progress With Others
I often felt demotivated when I saw others scoring higher in mocks. I started doubting myself even when I was improving slowly.
What to do instead:
Track your own progress. Compare this week’s performance with last week’s. Everyone peaks at different times — focus on steady growth, not competition.
Conclusion: Learn From My Mistakes, Don’t Repeat Them
CLAT prep isn’t perfect. You’ll mess up, adjust, and grow. What matters is whether you learn from your mistakes and move forward. I did — and you can too.
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