CLAT 2020 preparation tips by Rajneesh Singh, CLAT Mentor – CLAT 2020 is around the corner and, with the changes in different modalities of CLAT this year, candidates may find it difficult to get going with CLAT preparation. The introduction of comprehension based questions in all sections came as a surprise to several CLAT aspirants.
Rajneesh Singh, the founder of CLAT essentials, in a conversation with Careers360, explained in-depth CLAT 2020 preparation strategy, how to handle different sections of CLAT 2020, how to adjust with the new changes to get the best out of the remaining time and other CLAT preparation tips.
CLAT 2020 preparation tips by Rajneesh Singh
Careers360 – In view of the current changes in the CLAT exam pattern, how should one adjust with the new changes to get a better result in CLAT 2020?
Rajneesh Singh – The first thing I would like to tell the CLAT aspirants is to remain calm. The fundamental preparation will remain the same, and if you are preparing for the other law entrances, it is imperative that you continue preparing all sections diligently.
As far as CLAT is considered, the weightage for Mathematics and Analytical Reasoning will reduce. There is a possibility that Analytical Reasoning will be replaced with exhaustive Verbal Reasoning, but we require further clarity for the same. Students must not panic as there is enough time to prepare.
For now, in Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning respectively – the topics of Data Interpretation and Verbal Reasoning must be in focus. For students solely focusing on CLAT – these two sections are very important, for the rest – you will have to do this in addition to your existing syllabus.
Careers360 – Comprehension based questions will be asked in current affairs in the test, how should candidates prepare for this section?
Rajneesh Singh – Comprehension skills are developed during the formative years of childhood – the best-prepared candidates will have the habit of reading books and newspapers. However, there is enough time for the other candidates to develop a reading habit that gives them a competitive advantage in such entrances.
3 to 4 hours of reading quality material that tests the core comprehension ability of the aspirants will be extremely helpful. Reading fact-based articles will help – newspaper reports will help in comprehension as well as Current Affairs preparation.
Yojana is a magazine that focuses on relevant, fact-based articles exclusively. Nonfiction essays based on economics or scientific advancements also help, for people who do not like to read complex topics like philosophy.
Although it is advised to read a wide variety of topics to cast a wide net with respect to passages. The most important thing is to have patience and concentration while being mindful of the time. Since CLAT is a time-bound test, there needs to be a certain element of aggressiveness while going through the passages, whilst maintaining their basic comprehension levels.
Increasing the level of vocabulary helps immensely when there are words in the passage that is not oft used in common parlance.
Careers360 – How to prepare for the Legal aptitude section which largely dominates the CLAT?
Rajneesh Singh – The Legal Aptitude section is now paragraph based instead of the old Principle-Fact type of questions. This requires the candidate to have the ability to comprehend complex text in a short span of time.
Increased legal awareness is essential – familiarity with the text in a passage will help students answer the questions faster. Regularly reading the articles on websites like Bar and Bench will help students get familiarized with legalistic text.
One good thing about the change in format is instead of going through 30-40 legal situations with different conditions, candidates will have to go through only 8 to 10 passages. Students must not worry about the new format, as comprehension was always a very important part of CLAT, giving mocks will also help students adjust to the new format.
Careers360 – How solving mock tests is going to help the candidates during CLAT preparation.
Rajneesh Singh – Giving mocks is one of the most important parts of preparing for law entrances. Mock tests in a similar environment to your CLAT centre, usually classroom centres, will be extremely beneficial.
Mock tests help us analyze the paper – to see which section needs improvement. Mock tests help us to compare our scores and to see what our strengths and weaknesses are.
But, giving mocks is not enough, quality analysis is imperative. Students must analyze for 2 to 3 hours minimum to figure out their strategies. Candidates can form groups and analyze together to maximize their utility. Mocks also help in improving time management.
Career Launcher and Legal Edge mock papers are helpful, and their portals allow for quality analysis. My website will also release a free mock test series very soon.
Careers360 – How many hours should one spend each day for CLAT 2020 preparation
Rajneesh Singh – This question will have no clear answer. There is a diversity in the pool of aspirants who are giving CLAT and other entrances, some of them are school students and some are in college, and some are taking drop years.
The students who are preparing along their board or semester exams need to frame a routine that enables them to balance out their priorities. At this stage of preparation, if a candidate has the luxury of time, then 7 to 8 hours daily will be suitable.
Careers360 – Please suggest some important tips for CLAT 2020?
Rajneesh Singh – Factors that will aid in success: –
Qualitative Logical Ability, especially in the Legal and Verbal Reasoning sections will be imperative. In a quality paper, these two sections will play a major role in increasing marks, perfect practice makes all the difference and gives you a competitive edge.
Comprehending Ability has always been an integral part of the CLAT exam, due to the change in pattern its importance has increased substantially. Practising Reading Comprehensions will help the students.
Analytical Ability is still as important as before, and a candidate’s performance in the Quantitative Techniques section will be based on their prowess in solving Data Interpretation questions. Practising DI questions will enable the students to do complex arithmetic calculations faster as well as help them approximate values. DI questions in a standard paper will be really significant for increasing your total marks and must not be neglected.
Knowledge Seeking Attitude is necessary – students must go beyond rote learning and options in a Multiple-Choice Question, they must take interest and go into the depth of national and international issues. Lawyers need to have a grasp on worldly affairs, and the foundation for that must be set in collecting as much data and becoming as aware as you can.
Careers360 – Several candidates find it difficult to get the right study material for CLAT. What books would you suggest that can help the candidates in doing the targeted preparation for CLAT.
Rajneesh Singh –
English – GMAT material online, Objective General English by RS Aggarwal, Objective English for Competitive Examinations by Edgar and Showick Thorpe.
Maths – RS Aggarwal including Data Interpretation (S Chand), Magical Book Series Data Interpretation by K Kundan for tougher questions.
GK – Static GK – CLAT Essentials for Static and Legal GK and Current Affairs from Clat Mock course, GKToday and Jagran Josh.
Legal studies – Career Launcher material is balanced, watching videos online can help in some concepts.
Logic – GMAT and LSAT material online for Verbal Reasoning, MK Pandey’s Analytical Reasoning for Verbal Reasoning and RS Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning for Analytical Reasoning.
Rajneesh Singh
