top of page
Search

How to Use Previous Year Papers to Ace the AILET 2026 Exam

  • Writer: Neha Manglani
    Neha Manglani
  • Feb 6
  • 3 min read

The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is one of the most prestigious law entrance exams in India, conducted by the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) for admissions into its BA LLB, LLM, and PhD programs. As AILET 2026 approaches, aspirants must adopt a well-structured preparation strategy to maximize their chances of success. One of the most effective ways to prepare for AILET is by thoroughly analyzing and practicing previous year question papers. This blog will discuss the importance of using past papers, effective strategies to solve them, and the role of weekly current affairs in AILET preparation.


AILET previous year papers


Understanding the AILET 2026 Exam Pattern

Before diving into the benefits of solving previous year papers, it is essential to understand the exam pattern of AILET 2026:

  • Total Questions: 150 (BA LLB)

  • Subjects Covered: English, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge (including Current Affairs)

  • Total Marks: 150

  • Duration: 120 minutes

  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

For LLM and PhD aspirants, the exam consists of legal reasoning, comprehension-based questions, and research aptitude.


Why Solving Previous Year Papers is Crucial

Practicing previous year AILET papers offers several advantages:


1. Understanding the Exam Pattern and Question Types

Each year, the AILET exam follows a consistent pattern, with variations in question types. By analyzing past papers, you can:

  • Identify frequently asked topics

  • Understand the difficulty level of the exam

  • Familiarize yourself with the question format


2. Improving Time Management

AILET is a time-bound test, requiring you to answer 150 questions in 120 minutes. Solving past papers under exam-like conditions helps you:

  • Enhance your speed and accuracy

  • Allocate time effectively to different sections

  • Reduce the chances of panic during the actual exam


3. Recognizing Important Topics

By going through previous year questions, you can pinpoint topics that are consistently tested in AILET, such as:

  • English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar

  • Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, critical reasoning, and puzzles

  • General Knowledge: Static GK and current affairs


4. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Solving past papers helps aspirants assess their strong and weak areas. This allows you to:

  • Focus more on weak sections

  • Reinforce strengths through targeted practice

  • Modify study plans accordingly


5. Developing an Effective Exam Strategy

AILET has negative marking, which means you need a strategic approach to maximize your score while minimizing errors. Practicing past papers helps you:

  • Decide which questions to attempt first

  • Learn intelligent guessing techniques

  • Avoid unnecessary risks in negative marking


How to Effectively Solve Previous Year Papers

Step 1: Attempt a Full-Length Paper in a Timed Manner

  • Choose a previous year AILET paper and solve it in a 90-minute duration.

  • Maintain a real exam-like environment while attempting the paper.


Step 2: Analyze Your Performance

After solving the paper, evaluate your performance by:

  • Checking the correct and incorrect responses

  • Identifying common mistakes and weak areas


Step 3: Revise Incorrect Answers and Concepts

  • Revisit topics where mistakes were made.

  • Strengthen fundamental concepts related to weak areas.


Step 4: Maintain an Error Log

  • Keep a notebook to record incorrect questions and the reasons for mistakes.

  • Review this log regularly to avoid repeating similar errors.


Step 5: Repeat the Process with Multiple Papers

  • Solve at least 10-15 previous year AILET papers before the actual exam.

  • Gradually improve accuracy and time management skills.


The Role of Weekly Current Affairs in AILET Preparation

The General Knowledge and Current Affairs section plays a significant role in AILET. Many questions in the GK section are derived from recent events. Staying updated with weekly current affairs helps aspirants score well.


Sources for Weekly Current Affairs

  1. Newspapers: The Hindu, The Indian Express

  2. Online Portals: GK Today, AffairsCloud, Jagran Josh

  3. Monthly Magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan, Competition Success Review

  4. Government Websites: PIB, PRS India, Ministry of Law & Justice updates


How to Incorporate Current Affairs with Previous Year Papers

  • Identify current affairs topics in past papers and ensure you are well-versed with them.

  • Maintain a weekly current affairs notebook and revise important events regularly.

  • Practice current affairs-based MCQs to improve recall ability.


Additional Resources for AILET 2026 Preparation

Apart from previous year papers, aspirants can refer to the following study materials:

  • English Language: Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Objective General English (SP Bakshi)

  • Logical Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (RS Aggarwal)

  • General Knowledge: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook, daily newspapers

  • Mock Tests: Online platforms like Unacademy, Gradeup, and LawPrep Tutorials


Conclusion

Utilizing previous year AILET papers effectively can be a game-changer in your preparation strategy. It helps in understanding the exam pattern, improving accuracy, and mastering time management. Additionally, integrating weekly current affairs into your study plan ensures a well-rounded preparation for AILET 2026. By following these strategies, aspirants can boost their confidence and increase their chances of securing a high rank in the exam.

Start solving past papers today and take one step closer to securing admission into NLU Delhi!


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page