If you’ve just decided to appear for CLAT 2026 and have no idea where to begin, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students start their CLAT preparation from zero and still make it to the top National Law Universities (NLUs).

The secret? A structured plan, consistent practice, and for many, the right CLAT coaching. At NPLC, known for offering the best CLAT coaching in Delhi, we’ve guided beginners to All India ranks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to start from scratch.

Step 1 – Understand the CLAT Exam Format

Know the Sections and Weightage

Before starting your CLAT preparation, you must know what the test covers. CLAT has five sections:

  • English Language – Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar.
  • Current Affairs & General Knowledge – Static and current events.
  • Legal Reasoning – Principles, scenarios, and application.
  • Logical Reasoning – Puzzles, arguments, analytical reasoning.
  • Quantitative Techniques – Basic maths, data interpretation.

Each section demands a different skill set, and without clarity, you risk wasting time on low-priority topics.

Step 2 – Build a Realistic Study Plan

Start Small and Build Momentum

If you’re starting CLAT preparation from zero, don’t aim for 6–8 hours daily from day one. Begin with 2–3 focused hours, then increase gradually.

A sample plan:

  • Morning: 30 mins current affairs, 1 hour English practice.
  • Afternoon: 1 hour Legal Reasoning.
  • Evening: 30 mins maths or logical puzzles.

Month-by-Month Targets

  • Month 1–2: Learn the basics of all subjects.
  • Month 3–4: Complete the syllabus once.
  • Month 5 onwards: Full revision + mock tests.

In CLAT coaching programs like NPLC’s, this structure is provided for you, keeping you on track.

Step 3 – Focus on Accuracy Before Speed

When you’re new, your first goal is to solve questions correctly; speed comes later.

  • English: Read editorials daily to improve comprehension.
  • Legal Reasoning: Focus on understanding legal principles, not memorizing case names.
  • GK: Start building a daily habit. Even 15 minutes a day adds up.
  • Maths: Revise Class 10 basics like percentages, ratios, averages.

The No.1 CLAT Coaching in Delhi trains students to master fundamentals before jumping into time-pressured tests.

Step 4 – Choose the Right Study Material

Avoid Overloading Yourself

Beginners often collect too many books and end up confused. Limit yourself to:

At NPLC, our law coaching faculty filters the most relevant content so students don’t waste effort on unnecessary topics.

Step 5 – Start Mock Tests Early

Even if you know little, take your first mock test within a month. It’s not about the score, it’s about:

  • Understanding the exam pattern.
  • Experiencing time pressure.
  • Identifying weak areas early.

NPLC’s CLAT coaching includes CLAT and AILET mock tests right from the start, so students can measure their progress every few weeks.

Step 6 – Build Consistency Over Perfection

Perfection is overrated; CLAT rewards regular, sustained practice.

  • Track your study hours and topics covered, not just scores.
  • Make small improvements daily.
  • Don’t skip revision days.

This mindset is what turns an average beginner into a confident CLAT candidate.

Step 7 – Create a Supportive Study Environment

Why Your Surroundings Matter

Studying alone at home can work, but a structured classroom environment offers discipline, competition, and mentorship.

At NPLC, we keep our CLAT coaching batches small (max 60 students per year) so each student gets personal attention, doubt clearing, and performance tracking.

Step 8 – Revise, Revise, Revise

Without revision, your knowledge will fade. Follow this routine:

  • Weekly: Review all topics studied that week.
  • Monthly: Revise the entire syllabus.
  • Before Exam: Focus on high-weightage and weak areas.

Regular revision is one of the biggest differentiators between students who “almost” make it and those who secure a top NLU seat.

Bonus Tips for CLAT Beginners

    1. Start reading legal and current affairs magazines
      If you’re serious about CLAT preparation, make legal and current affairs reading a daily habit. The exam often tests your ability to connect recent events with legal reasoning, so reading quality magazines and newspapers will sharpen both your knowledge and comprehension. Focus on important judgments, government policies, and international developments that could appear in CLAT GK questions.
    2. Join a peer study group for CLAT motivation
      Preparing for CLAT can feel overwhelming at times, but studying with like-minded aspirants keeps your motivation high. A CLAT study group lets you discuss legal reasoning problems, solve CLAT mock questions together, and share shortcuts for logical reasoning. The right group can turn preparation into a healthy competition that pushes you to score higher.
    3. Analyse every CLAT mock test to fix weaknesses
      Taking CLAT mock tests regularly is essential, but analysing them is where the real improvement happens. Review each wrong answer, understand the concept you missed, and note patterns in your mistakes. This habit ensures steady progress and prepares you for CLAT’s time pressure and tricky question framing.
    4. Keep your phone away during CLAT study sessions
      One of the biggest challenges in CLAT preparation is maintaining focus. Even brief distractions can disrupt your concentration during a study session. Keep your phone in another room or switch it off when studying. Deep, focused sessions are the key to mastering CLAT legal reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
    5. Revise CLAT concepts in short daily bursts
      Instead of leaving revision for the last few weeks, build a habit of quick daily recaps. Spend 15–20 minutes each day reviewing legal principles, important GK facts, or vocabulary you’ve learned. This “little but often” method keeps CLAT concepts fresh in your mind, making final-stage preparation far less stressful.

    Final Word

    Starting CLAT preparation from zero is not a disadvantage; it’s a fresh start. With a clear plan, focused practice, and the right guidance, you can catch up and even surpass early starters.

    If you want structured learning, regular mocks, and mentors who know what works, join the best CLAT coaching in Delhi at NPLC. Our law coaching programs are designed to take you from beginner to confident exam-taker.

    Your first step matters more than your starting point, so start today.