I want to prepare for clat2020. I am not understanding from where to start. So can you please help me with it?

Hello Rajasri

For any entrance examination, one needs to follow a step by step methodology to complete the preparation. Do not rely on short cuts or summarized books for preparation. To score well it is important that your basics and hold is strong in all the sections. Prepare a time table where you devote equal time for all subjects daily. Study all subjects simultaneously because it is important that you  keep pace in all areas and ensure that you don't forget the previous preparation.By looking at the syllabus, one can analyse easily the areas where you are familiar with the concepts and areas where you need to start everything afresh. Take your time to  clear your concepts and then its all about practising as many questions as you can.

1. Verbal Ability : Here, the questions will be from Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Understanding of Grammar. You can expect short passages, based on which some  questions will be asked, which may also include some questions related to Antonyms and Synonyms. Grammer is also an important area to be taken care of. Below are some recommendations..

• Read journals, articles from the editorial columns of newspapers. Online Reading is a must and you should prefer readings from The Gazette, Economic Times, NY times.
• A book by Norman Lewis titled "Word Power made Easy" is an outstanding book to improve vocabulary.
• Wren n Martin, Butterworths, Lexis Nexis are other books that will help you bring a good hold in english.

2. Quantitative Aptitude : Maths in competitive exams takes you back to school. Basic elementary maths that you have studied till class X focussing much on number system, mensuration, algebra, simple and compound interest. You need to develop atleast the basic problem solving ability. Formulas and short tricks should be quick in your hand. Practice as many questions from maths  books :

• Quantitative Aptitude by R S Aggarwal
• Magical Book On Quicker Maths
• Arihant’s Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

3.General Awareness and current Affairs: As it is self explanatory, this section emphasizes on improving your genral knowledge and becoming aware of the latest updates across all the fields including politics, sports, entertainment, governance etc. Internet sources as well as newspapers and magazines act as  a helpful resource in this respect. Manorama Yearbook is the best recommended book for the same.

4. Reasoning: This section is all about practice and your mental ability to solve questions, which obviously sharpens as you keep practising. Questions relating to patterns, blood relations, coding-decoding, alphabet and numerical series cover this area. Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning by R S Aggarwal is probably the best book that can be recommended.

5. Legal Aptitude : This section aims to judge your legal interest and problem solving abilities with respect to law. Answer according to your analysis about the situation or set of facts . Legal reasoning and legal knowledge about some basic laws such as contract law, constitutional law and family law is of utmost important. Again, practice is the key.

All the best !

Though every student has its own unique way of studying for various entrances but some of the tips which are basic yet impactful are:

Know the CLAT paper pattern, marking scheme, changes in previous year, latest trends and participating colleges.

It is not the quantity of books but the quality of books which matters. So make sure you have a selective yet good books with you.

Start with previous year CLAT question papers and previous year papers.

Be updated with General awareness, current affairs updates and even legal updates.

Work on your vocabulary. Read newspapers and relevant novels. This will also help you in increasing your speed.

Areas of Law to be understood in basic form includes: Law of Torts, Law of Contract, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and some understanding of Family law.

Attempt online and offline mocks test. There are sectional and full length mocks available as well. Material you can refer to are: -Previous year question papers -Norman Lewis- Word Power Made easy -Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning- By RS Agarwal -Universal guide to LLB Exam -Pearson GK Module -Monthly magazines on GK, Current Affair, Books and Novel.

Good Luck!