2 Weeks to CLAT: Strategies for Every Level of Preparation by Expert Mentor Rajneesh Singh

The last two weeks before any entrance examination is important and this urgency is even more crucial for exams like CLAT, where students often have to juggle between school studies alongside competitive exam preparation. This period can be mentally and physically exhausting for the students. Yet, it is precisely in these last two weeks that a focused and strategic approach can make a substantial difference in the students' performance on the day of the exam.

It is important to recognize that strategies must be made based on the level of prior preparation. For those who have been consistently studying, the emphasis should be on consolidating their knowledge, fine-tuning their skills, and avoiding burnout. On the other hand, students who started preparing later will need to adopt a more intensive, high-impact approach to cover key topics efficiently.

This article draws from my over two decades of experience in guiding students through high-stakes exams like CLAT and other national level competitive exams. It aims to provide practical, level-specific strategies to ensure that students make the most of these final days and perform at their best.

Even for students who have prepared thoroughly, it’s natural to feel anxious about current affairs in the final stretch. The best approach at this stage is to consolidate your preparation by revising and focusing on high-impact topics. Use insights from past paper analysis to understand the types and levels of questions likely to appear. One challenge many face is distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant GK. Remember, your priority should be to cover topics that have been in the news and are of high importance, while also being prepared for a few surprises—these will be unexpected for everyone, not just you.

Key areas to emphasise include:

● Major National and International Events: Recap significant national and international developments.

● Government Policies: Focus on recent and noteworthy policy changes.

● Legal Updates: Since this is a law entrance exam, ensure you are up-to-date with major legal developments, especially those that have created public discourse or controversy. These could appear as GK questions or form the basis of legal, logical reasoning, or English passages.

For well-prepared students, mock tests remain crucial but should be approached with caution to avoid burnout. I recommend taking 1-2 mock tests in the second-to-last week to keep your skills sharp. However, refrain from taking any mocks in the last week to preserve your mental energy and avoid unnecessary stress.

Focus on:

● Detailed Analysis: Go over previously given mock tests thoroughly, identifying and understanding your mistakes. The goal is to ensure you do not repeat the same errors during the actual exam.

● Speed and Accuracy: Continue timed practice sectionals to maintain a balance between quick responses and precision. This will boost your confidence and efficiency under exam conditions.

In the final weeks, your mental and physical well-being are as important as your preparation. Make sure to:

● Take Breaks: Use short, effective breaks between study sessions to recharge.

● Practice Relaxation Techniques: Simple activities like deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise can be helpful in managing stress.

● Stay Calm: On the day before the exam, avoid any last-minute cramming. Remind yourself that you have prepared well and that anxiety will only cloud your performance.

Above all, stay composed. Trust in your preparation and give your best without letting anxiety take control. You've put in the work, and now it’s time to give the exam with confidence.

For students who have recently begun their CLAT preparation, it’s crucial to adopt a high-intensity study plan. Your focus should be on:

Intensive Mock Test Practice: The first thing I highly recommend is taking 3-4 mock tests per week. This will help you become familiar with the exam pattern and improve your problem-solving speed under timed conditions. However, just taking the mocks isn’t enough—you must analyse your performance after each test. Identify your mistakes, understand why they happened, and work on those weak areas. This approach will enable you to improve rapidly. Effective time management during mock tests is also critical. Practice allocating the right amount of time to each section, so you can complete the paper efficiently without getting overwhelmed.

Dedicated GK Preparation: Since GK forms a significant part of the exam and often feels overwhelming, you should commit 4-6 hours daily to it, covering both static and current affairs topics. Use efficient resources like monthly compendiums, quizzes, and concise news summaries to gather key information quickly. Structuring your GK study is important: break down your time into manageable slots, dedicating time specifically to recent domestic and global events, major policy changes at national level, and important legal updates. Additionally, while reading through resources, highlight or annotate directly on PDFs or printouts. This method will make quick revisions easier, as you’ll have all essential points organised in one place.

Time Management and Smart Study: Given the limited preparation time, focus on your areas of strength to maximise your scoring potential. Don't try to master every topic; instead, aim to score highly in sections where you’re naturally stronger. It’s also crucial to set realistic daily goals. Remember, you are not competing with those who have been preparing for years; your objective is to consistently improve your performance with each mock test. And believe me, success is achievable even in a short time frame—CLAT is a skill-based exam, not one that requires you to memorise endless stuff in every section.

In the end, I would like to conclude by saying that it doesn’t matter when and how you started your preparation. What truly matters is how much progress you’ve made and what skills you have learned during this journey. Success in exams like CLAT is built on consistent effort and steady growth, not on how early you began.

Throughout this preparation, you’ve likely sharpened valuable skills for a future lawyer—your reading speed, comprehension abilities, and analytical thinking. Trust in that progress. Remember, the final days are not for many experiments. Stick to the strategies you are most comfortable with and focus on refining them. Prioritise stability in your approach, especially in these last two weeks.

Above all, take care of both your physical and mental health. A well-rested mind is far more effective than an overworked one. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and have faith in your hard work. You’ve put in the effort, and that effort will pay off. I am confident that you all have the potential to perform exceptionally well. Best of luck to each one of you—give it your best shot!

Rajneesh Singh, Founder & chief mentor of a premier law entrance mentoring institute, has over two decades of experience. He is the Founder of CLAT Essentials and the former Product Head (National) for the Undergraduate and Jobs Divisions at a top educational institute. His passion for teaching and commitment to student success make him a respected and sought-after mentor in law entrance exam coaching. He can be reached at rajneeshsingh@outlook.com. Website: clatrajneeshsingh.com