This Article was originally published on CLATGyan.com

As you all know, CLAT’s paper is divided into 5 sections. However, no one can ever be sure of what kind of questions one will have to face. In CLAT 2008, the system of differential marking was used by NLSIU, where each Legal Reasoning question carried 3 marks while each General Knowledge question was given half a mark. In CLAT 2009, on the other hand, every question had one mark and surprisingly, there was no sign of Legal Reasoning. Further, in 2010, the Legal Reasoning questions were put up in the Logical Reasoning section and the Maths section was unhinged.

This is what we “think” it is, based on reliable sources and the statements that are coming from NUJS and the CLAT Organizing committee. While the sources are reliable, you shouldn’t take this as the basis of how you intend to prepare.

General Knowledge

Unlike CLAT 2010, the paper will have almost all the questions based on the Current Affairs. Static GK might be asked if it is in the news nowadays. For example, something about Babri Masjid’s history might come as it’s pretty much talked about in the news. So, make sure you stay updated with what’s happening around and do follow the Current Affairs Compendiums which are put up weekly on CLATGyan.com

A note for those who have been frantically roaming around, tensed and worried that they’ve been concentrating only on Static and not on Current: No worries. You’ve done a good thing, static CAN NOT be completely absent, and it is necessary that you do have your basics with you. In my opinion, the important Current Affairs comes from August onwards. We will try and bring you compendiums of current affairs starting January 2010 if possible, but don’t worry much about the “older” months. One yearbook or a few good Pratiyogita Darpan year-roundup issues should be help you out.

GK requires you to stay calm and determined. Nothing that you study is unimportant, everything shall be put to use, if not in your test papers, then at least in Law School.

Logical Reasoning

This, without any incertitude, will be the make or break section. In 2011, the whole section will emphasize on Critical Reasoning rather than Analytical Reasoning. It can also be said that this will be the section where you will have to use your mind the most. Also, this section will contain the lengthiest questions of the paper.

Legal Aptitude

NUJS, who is conducting CLAT 2011, wants people who can THINK and have great reasoning abilities. Hence, we do not expect any Legal GK question in this edition of CLAT. It will be like NLU Delhi’s 2010 Paper, in which the whole Legal Aptitude section had Legal Reasoning Questions. However, there might be some reasoning questions with one word answers like : In Ram v. Shyam, Ram can never be what? … The options were defendant, plaintiff, prosecutor and complainant. (Defendant was the correct answer and this question was asked in CLAT 2010).

So, do as many Reasoning Questions as you can and beat the greatest enemy of yours… the time! (same applies with Logic section)

English

Getting the same “test of reasoning” thingy, this section will focus on Reading Comprehension/Passages and Grammar. There will be no vocabulary at all. You need not worry about mugging up words and scratching your head when you forget them. Even here, the same rule applies… the more you practice, the much better.

Maths

First of all, do not expect Factors, Square roots or Prime numbers. CLAT 2010 is a very bad example of CLAT’s maths. NUJS has a reputation of having a good standard of maths and you shall see, they will keep it up. However, Solving a question will not be a huge task. But, solving it without taking much time will be the key.

And Finally, I would like to end this with three advices. Firstly, Practice as much as you can and never ever even think of stopping it. Secondly, this is CLATGyan’s theory of CLAT 2011 and not an official one. So, dont blame us if something we said will not come, comes. Thirdly, this does not apply to any other entrance exams like SET, NLU O or NLU D.

All the very best,
Mohammad Asadulla Shareef (Asad),
Batch of 2015,
NALSAR University of Law.