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CLAT 2026 Time Management Tips: How to Attempt 120 Questions in 120 Minutes

  • Writer: Neha Manglani
    Neha Manglani
  • Feb 3
  • 3 min read

The CLAT 2026 exam is one of the most competitive law entrance tests in India, requiring aspirants to solve 120 questions within 120 minutes. This translates to one minute per question, making time management a crucial skill. Many students struggle with completing the exam within the allotted time, which is why learning effective strategies can make all the difference.


Time management tips for CLAT

If you're aiming for a top NLU, enrolling in the Best CLAT coaching in India and practicing with CLAT sample papers can significantly enhance your preparation. In this article, we'll provide expert tips to maximize your time efficiency and attempt all questions effectively.


Understanding the CLAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Before diving into time management strategies, let’s quickly go over the CLAT 2026 exam pattern:

  • Total Questions: 120

  • Duration: 120 minutes

  • Sections:

    • English Language (22-26 questions)

    • Current Affairs, including General Knowledge (28-32 questions)

    • Legal Reasoning (28-32 questions)

    • Logical Reasoning (22-26 questions)

    • Quantitative Techniques (10-14 questions)

  • Negative Marking: -0.25 for each incorrect answer

Given this format, speed and accuracy are key to acing CLAT 2026.


Why Time Management Matters in CLAT

Many aspirants make the mistake of spending too much time on difficult questions, leaving little time for easier ones. Effective time management helps in:

  • Ensuring all questions are attempted.

  • Avoiding panic situations in the last few minutes.

  • Maximizing accuracy and efficiency.

  • Improving overall exam performance.



Time Management Strategies to Ace CLAT 2026

1. Allocate Time Per Section

Since CLAT 2026 has different sections with varying difficulty levels, an efficient time allocation strategy is essential:

  • English Language (22-26 questions) – 18-20 minutes

  • Current Affairs & GK (28-32 questions) – 12-15 minutes

  • Legal Reasoning (28-32 questions) – 30-35 minutes

  • Logical Reasoning (22-26 questions) – 25-28 minutes

  • Quantitative Techniques (10-14 questions) – 12-15 minutes

  • Final Review & Marking Answers – 5-10 minutes

The goal is to maintain speed without compromising accuracy.


2. Practice with CLAT Sample Papers

Practicing CLAT sample papers can help you:

  • Understand the question pattern.

  • Identify your strong and weak areas.

  • Develop a consistent solving speed.

  • Improve your accuracy by avoiding guesswork.

Experts recommend solving one full-length CLAT sample paper daily in a timed environment.


3. Follow the Two-Pass Strategy

The Two-Pass Approach helps in prioritizing easy questions first, leaving the difficult ones for later.

  • First Pass: Solve easy and moderate questions quickly.

  • Second Pass: Revisit difficult and time-consuming questions.

  • This prevents getting stuck on one question and running out of time for others.


4. Use the Elimination Method for Logical and Legal Reasoning

  • When unsure of an answer, eliminate clearly wrong options.

  • Narrow it down to two possible choices.

  • This improves your chances of choosing the right answer while maintaining speed.


5. Develop a Reading Strategy for Long Passages

Sections like Legal Reasoning and Logical Reasoning have long passages. To read them faster:

  • Skim the passage first, identifying key points.

  • Focus on keywords and main ideas.

  • Avoid re-reading unless absolutely necessary.


6. Set a Time Limit Per Question

With 120 questions in 120 minutes, you must aim for:

  • Easy questions: 30-40 seconds

  • Moderate questions: 45-60 seconds

  • Difficult questions: Leave for the second pass


7. Avoid Spending Too Much Time on One Question

If a question is taking too long, move on and return later. Spending excessive time on one question can cost you marks from easier questions left unattempted.


8. Use Mock Tests to Simulate Real Exam Conditions

Enrolling in Best CLAT Coaching in India provides access to full-length mock tests. Taking these under exam conditions can help you:

  • Develop exam stamina.

  • Train your brain for speed.

  • Familiarize yourself with actual CLAT difficulty levels.


9. Keep an Eye on the Clock

While solving questions, check the timer every 20-25 minutes to ensure you're on track.

  • If running behind, speed up but don't compromise accuracy.

  • If ahead of schedule, take extra time to review answers.


10. Stay Calm and Avoid Panic

Panic leads to poor decision-making and errors. Stay calm and confident by:

  • Practicing meditation or breathing exercises.

  • Repeating positive affirmations before the exam.

  • Focusing on strategy, not fear.


11. Revise and Mark Answers Carefully

Use the last 5-10 minutes to:

  • Review flagged questions.

  • Ensure you haven't left any question unanswered.

  • Check for silly mistakes in the answer sheet.


Final Thoughts

Cracking CLAT 2026 within 120 minutes requires discipline, practice, and smart strategies. By following these time management techniques and solving CLAT sample papers regularly, you can improve your speed and accuracy. Enrolling in the Best CLAT coaching in India can also provide expert guidance and structured preparation.

With the right approach, you can confidently tackle 120 questions in 120 minutes and secure your dream seat at a top NLU!

 
 
 

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