When it comes to cracking CLAT UG 2026, most aspirants focus heavily on Logical Reasoning and Legal Aptitude. But brilliant aspirants know the game-changing potential of the General Knowledge & Current Affairs section.
In recent years, the GK section has evolved from a static fact-recall format to a passage-based comprehension and analysis section, making it both scoring and tricky.
- A single passage—if well-prepared—can fetch you 5 marks in under 3 minutes. Multiply that across 4–6 passages, and you’re staring at 30+ marks that could decide whether you make it to NLSIU Bangalore or not.
Here’s why this section deserves your focused attention:
| Why GK & Current Affairs Matter in CLAT UG 2026 | Impact |
| Covers ~25% of the paper | 28–32 marks |
| Requires least amount of calculation/logical work | Time-saving section |
| Tests reading + awareness instead of rote memory | Skill-based scoring |
| Comes from a wide range of real-world contexts | Hard to predict, so prep is key |
| Helps in Legal Aptitude, Interviews, Law School | Long-term value |
In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step through:
- What’s included in the GK & Current Affairs syllabus
- The most important topics to focus on
- Best sources and books for preparation
- Proven strategies to remember and retain
- A practical daily/weekly/monthly plan
- And the common mistakes to avoid
Whether you’re just starting your CLAT journey or revising for the second time, this guide is designed to give you clarity, direction, and a strategy that works.
Let’s get started with understanding what the section actually looks like.
CLAT UG 2026 – GK & Current Affairs Section Overview
The General Knowledge and Current Affairs section in CLAT UG 2026 is no longer about one-liner factual questions. Instead, it now tests your ability to read, comprehend, and critically analyse information related to current events and general awareness, all through passage-based MCQs.
This means, unlike traditional GK exams, CLAT wants to know:
- “Can you understand the context behind a news event?”
- “Can you make logical connections within the passage?”
- “Are you aware of how current events impact law, governance, or society?”
What You Can Expect:
- Passages of 300–450 words, usually derived from newspapers, editorials, or magazines.
- Each passage will be followed by 4–6 multiple-choice questions.
- Questions will focus on facts, inferences, legal context, and implications.
Nature of Passages
These passages are generally taken or inspired from:
- National & International News
- Government schemes & reports
- Legal developments & landmark judgments
- Important political or social changes
- Economic updates or summits
Skills Tested
| Skill | Description |
| Reading Comprehension | Can you understand the gist of the passage? |
| Fact Identification | Can you pick the correct factual detail from the passage? |
| Current Affairs Awareness | Are you aware of the topic being discussed? |
| Legal/Contextual Understanding | Can you link the topic to real-world legal or civic implications? |
| Analytical Thinking | Are you able to interpret trends, events, and consequences from the passage? |
Section Format: At a Glance
| Component | Details |
| Section Type | Passage-Based MCQs |
| Word Limit per Passage | 300–450 words |
| No. of Passages | 4 to 6 |
| Questions per Passage | 4 to 6 |
| Total Questions | ~28 to 32 |
| Marks | ~28 to 32 (1 mark each, no negative marking) |
This section demands a mix of reading skills + daily awareness. You don’t just need to know that a summit happened—you must understand why it matters and how it could be questioned in a passage.
Next, let’s break down what exactly falls under the syllabus of this section.
CLAT UG GK & Current Affairs 2026 – Syllabus Breakdown
The CLAT Consortium doesn’t release a fixed syllabus for the GK & Current Affairs section. However, based on trends from the past 3–4 years, we can safely say that the section tests your awareness of significant national and international events, along with your understanding of basic static GK themes that provide context to these events.
The syllabus can be broadly categorized into two main areas:
Static General Knowledge (Foundational Topics)
These are timeless, concept-based topics that don’t change year to year. While static GK makes up a smaller part of the paper, it helps build your conceptual base and is occasionally seen in passage-based form.
| Static GK Topics | Key Areas to Cover |
| History | Modern Indian History, Freedom Struggle, World Wars |
| Geography | Physical geography, Indian states, rivers, important locations |
| Polity | Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament structure |
| Economy | Budget basics, GDP, RBI, economic terminology |
| Science & Tech | Recent innovations, ISRO/DRDO updates, Nobel winners |
| Environment | Climate change reports, UN summits, Indian policies |
| International Affairs | Global organizations (UN, WTO, IMF), international summits |
| Awards & Books | Major national/international awards, books & authors |
Pro Tip: Static GK can show up within current affairs passages. For example, a passage on the G20 might ask about India’s G20 presidency or the year it was founded.
Current Affairs (CLAT-Relevant News)
This is the most crucial part of the section. Current Affairs questions are passage-based and focus on events from the last 10–12 months before the exam. The consortium prefers issues that have social, political, economic, or legal relevance.
| Current Affairs Areas | Examples |
| National & International News | G20 Presidency, Election Commission updates, COP summits |
| Government Schemes & Reports | PM Vishwakarma Yojana, National Education Policy, NITI Aayog report |
| Legal & Judicial Updates | Major Supreme Court judgments, new legal bills or acts |
| Sports News | Asian Games, Olympics, World Cups, athletes in news |
| Books, Authors & Awards | Sahitya Akademi winners, Man Booker Prize, new releases |
| New Appointments | Governors, Chief Justices, Presidents, Cabinet Ministers |
| Summits & Conferences | BRICS, SCO, UNGA, World Economic Forum |
| Important Days & Themes | International Women’s Day, Earth Day, World Press Freedom Day |
How Far Back Should You Prepare?
Focus on Current Affairs from March 2025 to January 2026. However, 1–2 landmark events from early 2024 (e.g., laws passed or major global crises) can also be important.
Legal & Constitutional Angle in GK
CLAT loves news with legal implications. For example:
- Supreme Court judgment on same-sex marriage
- Data Protection Bill passed by Parliament
- UCC (Uniform Civil Code) debates
- Women’s Reservation Bill discussions
Understanding these events from a legal perspective is key.
Now that we’ve laid down the syllabus, let’s explore the most critical and high-weightage topics for CLAT UG 2026.
CLAT GK 2026 – Weightage & Question Pattern
Understanding the weightage and structure of the GK & Current Affairs section is crucial for any CLAT UG 2026 aspirant. This section is highly scoring, yet often underestimated because of its unpredictable nature. However, if you understand the recurring structure and question types, you can train your brain to extract the maximum from minimal input.
CLAT GK: Section Format
The CLAT UG 2026 GK & Current Affairs section follows a passage-based comprehension model, as per the official notification by the Consortium.
| Parameter | Details |
| Section Name | General Knowledge & Current Affairs |
| No. of Passages | 4 to 6 |
| Passage Length | 300–450 words |
| Questions per Passage | 4 to 6 |
| Total No. of Questions | 28 to 32 |
| Total Marks | 28 to 32 (1 mark per question) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (–0.25 per incorrect answer) |
| Question Type | Passage-based MCQs |
Key Features of the Pattern
- All questions are passage-based, not direct one-liners.
- The context of the passage is crucial—you may need to read carefully to answer correctly.
- Questions test both fact recall and inferential skills.
- Static GK is rarely asked standalone but often blended into passages about current events.
Trend Snapshot: Previous Years’ Analysis
| Year | No. of GK Passages | Total GK Questions | Major Focus Areas |
| 2025 | 5 | 30 | Budget, Legal Policies, ISRO, Sports |
| 2024 | 6 | 32 | International Summits, Books, Supreme Court |
| 2023 | 5 | 30 | Environment, G20, Government Schemes |
| 2022 | 4 | 28 | COVID-related Laws, Women in News, Awards |
What This Means for You
- Prepare for depth over breadth: fewer topics, but with thorough understanding.
- Your focus should be on comprehension, not mugging up facts.
- Be comfortable reading editorial-style language from newspapers.
- Expect questions that combine legal and social perspectives.
In short, this is no longer the section where you can “just guess and move on.” The passage format demands effort, but rewards thoughtful preparation.
Most Important Topics to Prepare for CLAT 2026 GK
Not all current affairs are created equal. And definitely not all static GK topics are worth your time. To prepare efficiently, it’s essential to prioritize high-impact areas that have consistently shown up in CLAT over the past few years.
We’ll break this into two categories:
- Must-Do Static Topics
- Must-Follow Current Topics (2025–2026)
A. Must-Do Static Topics for CLAT UG 2026
Even though static GK has a reduced standalone presence, questions are often embedded in passage-based contexts. For example, a passage on “75 Years of Indian Constitution” may ask about Directive Principles or the Constituent Assembly.
| Topic | Why It’s Important |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Amendments |
| History (Modern India) | Freedom struggle, 1857, Gandhi Era, Constitutional making |
| Geography | Indian rivers, climate zones, states, neighbouring countries |
| Economy (Basics) | Budget, Banking, GDP, RBI roles |
| Awards & Honours | National awards, Nobel, Sports awards |
| Books & Authors | Literary awards, government-published books |
| Environment & Ecology | Global summits (COP), Indian acts (EIA, Forest Rights) |
| Science & Tech | Space missions (ISRO), Nobel winners, tech innovations |
B. Must-Follow Current Topics (March 2025 – Jan 2026)
The bulk of the GK paper will be based on current affairs from the last 10–12 months before CLAT 2026. But it’s not just “headlines”—you’ll need the context and legal implications behind those events.
| Current Affairs Area | Topics Likely to Appear in CLAT 2026 |
| National Affairs | New bills, cabinet decisions, G20 developments |
| International News | BRICS, Israel-Palestine, Ukraine war, UNGA resolutions |
| Legal News & Judiciary | Supreme Court judgments, new acts/bills, legal controversies |
| Sports | Olympics qualifiers, World Cups, athlete awards |
| Government Schemes | PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Digital India Act, Women Schemes |
| Budget & Economy | Union Budget 2025 highlights, RBI reports, Inflation |
| New Appointments | Governors, Chief Justices, Ambassadors |
| Important Days/Themes | UN Days with global themes (Human Rights, Women’s Day, etc.) |
| Books & Awards | Sahitya Akademi, Man Booker, JCB Prize, Padma Awards |
| Science, Tech & Environment | ISRO launches, COP summits, AI policies, Energy initiatives |
High-Probability Topics Based on Past Trends
| Theme | Why It’s a Hot Pick |
| Supreme Court Verdicts | CLAT often frames passages on landmark legal rulings |
| G20 / International Relations | India’s active global participation is exam-relevant |
| Indian Budget Highlights | Expect a passage on economic policy or fiscal priorities |
| Global Summits & Agreements | COP, SCO, BRICS, WEF always make headlines |
| Legal Reforms & Bills | UCC, Women’s Bill, Data Protection Act |
| Book Releases with Legal Themes | Frequently used in passage framing |
Tarkashastra Tip: Don’t chase every news item. Instead, master the relevant legal, economic, or political implications behind the top 50–70 headlines between March 2025 and exam day.
Next up: Let’s look at the best sources and books to study these topics smartly.
Best Books & Sources for CLAT 2026 GK Section
Preparing for the CLAT UG GK section isn’t about reading everything—it’s about reading the right things consistently. With a vast ocean of news, updates, and data, CLAT aspirants often struggle to choose effective sources.
Below is a carefully filtered list of books, newspapers, monthly capsules, and digital tools that will cover everything you need, without overwhelming you.
A. Best Books for Static GK
These books help you build a foundational understanding of history, polity, economy, and geography. You don’t need to read them cover to cover—only the CLAT-relevant sections.
| Book | Usage |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Best for quick revision of static topics |
| Pearson GK Manual | Covers history, polity, science in brief |
| Manorama Yearbook (Selective) | Good for awards, Indian geography, schemes |
| NCERTs (Class 6–10 History/Polity) | For conceptual clarity, optional reading |
Note: Don’t spend more than 1–2 hours/week on Static GK unless you are very weak in this area.
B. Best Sources for Current Affairs
This is where 70–80% of your marks will come from. The focus here should be on:
- Monthly compilations
- Daily newspaper analysis
- Legal and policy news capsules
| Source | What It Offers |
| The Hindu / Indian Express | Editorials, legal news, policy announcements |
| GK Today (Website & App) | Daily quizzes + monthly PDFs |
| xyz Monthly | Monthly capsules in PDF form |
| xyz | CLAT-focused legal + current events summaries |
| xyz Tutorial Monthly Digest | Concise notes with legal angle |
| xyz Monthly Magazine | Optional – for deep policy/eco background |
| PIB (Press Info Bureau) | Government press releases – useful for schemes & bills |
C. Digital Tools for Revision & Practice
For fast recall and daily engagement, mobile apps and platforms help keep you on track.
| App/Platform | Purpose |
| Inshorts | Quick news updates in 60 words |
| Quora + Reddit (CLAT) | Doubt discussion & resource sharing |
| GKToday App | Daily MCQs and test series |
| Telegram Channels | Use trusted CLAT GK channels |
| Anki / Quizlet | Create flashcards for weekly revision |
How to Use These Resources Smartly?
| Activity | Frequency | Tool/Source |
| Newspaper Reading | Daily (30–40 mins) | The Hindu / Indian Express |
| Monthly Compilation Review | End of every month | LegalEdge PDFs |
| Legal Judgments Reading | Weekly (1–2) | Bar & Bench, LiveLaw |
| Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | Weekly | GKToday |
| Flashcard Revision | 15 mins daily | Anki / Quizlet |
Tarkashastra Tip: Don’t jump from source to source. Stick to 1 newspaper + 1 capsule + 1 quiz source, and revise regularly.
Next, let’s look at how to structure your GK prep over days, weeks, and months for maximum retention.
Daily/Weekly/Monthly Strategy for GK Preparation
If you treat GK like a subject you’ll “do later,” you’ll end up cramming and forgetting. The real trick to mastering the GK & Current Affairs section in CLAT UG 2026 is consistency—a little bit, every day, in an innovative and structured way.
This section gives you a time-efficient preparation strategy that breaks your effort down into daily, weekly, and monthly goals, so you don’t feel overwhelmed or lost.
A. Daily Strategy (30–45 minutes/day)
| Task | Time | Tool/Source |
| Read one national newspaper | 20–25 mins | The Hindu / Indian Express |
| Note 4–5 major news events | 5–10 mins | Notebook or Notion/Google Docs |
| Read 1 editorial + highlight vocab | 5 mins | Same newspaper |
| Attempt 5–10 daily MCQs | 5 mins | GKToday / LegalEdge / Telegram |
Goal: Stay updated in real-time. Avoid news backlog. Write short, exam-oriented notes.
B. Weekly Strategy (2.5–3 hours/week)
| Task | Time | Tool/Source |
| Revise daily notes | 30 mins | Your own GK log |
| Watch 1 legal news analysis (YouTube) | 20–30 mins | LegalEdge, LiveLaw, Bar & Bench |
| Attempt 1 full-length GK quiz | 45–60 mins | CLAT mock portal |
| Update your flashcards/mind maps | 15–20 mins | Anki / Notebook visuals |
| Review 1 Supreme Court case/news | 15–20 mins | LiveLaw, Print, Scroll.in |
Goal: Consolidate your learning and correct mistakes via analysis.
C. Monthly Strategy (4–6 hours/month)
| Task | Time | Tool/Source |
| Read monthly CA magazine or capsule | 1–2 hours | LegalEdge / LawPrep |
| Create 2–3 mind maps of key themes | 30–45 mins | Law + Politics + Economics |
| Revise your static GK notes | 1 hour | Lucent / Handwritten summary |
| Attempt monthly GK full test | 1 hour | Any CLAT test series |
🔄 Goal: Monthly consolidation = less stress before the exam.
Sample Weekly Plan
| Day | Focus Area |
| Monday | Editorial reading + Static GK quiz |
| Tuesday | Legal news case + 5 MCQs |
| Wednesday | Economy/Government schemes update |
| Thursday | Appointments + Awards recap |
| Friday | Sports + Science/Tech + 1 passage test |
| Saturday | Weekly GK revision + Flashcards |
| Sunday | Monthly capsule + Full test |
🔔 Tarkashastra Tip: Don’t rely on “binge studying” GK on weekends. Daily light reading is much more effective—and less stressful.
Now let’s dive into some powerful techniques to actually retain what you study in the GK section.
How to Retain GK Better for CLAT UG
Let’s be honest—most CLAT aspirants read current affairs, make notes, and still forget 70% of it by exam day. That’s not your fault.
GK retention isn’t about how much you study. It’s about how smartly you revise and how well you link facts to context.
In this section, we’ll explore practical retention strategies used by toppers, including active recall, visual mapping, spaced repetition, and more.
A. Use the “Active Recall” Technique
Instead of rereading your notes passively, test yourself:
| Passive Approach | Active Recall Alternative |
| Rereading your notes | Quiz yourself on yesterday’s news |
| Highlighting paragraphs | Cover and write down what you remember |
| Watching videos again | Pause & answer questions from memory |
Why it works: You train your brain to retrieve facts, exactly what happens in a real exam.
B. Link GK with Real-World Contexts
GK facts become sticky when connected to something meaningful.
| Fact | Contextual Anchor |
| “ISRO launched Aditya L1 in 2023” | India’s solar mission to study solar flares |
| “Women’s Reservation Bill passed” | Debate around representation in politics |
| “COP 29 to be held in Azerbaijan” | Climate diplomacy and global cooperation |
Why it works: Context = Memory hook. If you know why something matters, you won’t forget it.
C. Use Mind Maps and Visual Notes
For complex topics like Indian polity, legal judgments, and summits, create mind maps or visual charts.
Example:
- Draw a tree diagram of the Constitution (Parts, Schedules, Fundamental Rights)
- Chart out G20 Summits: Host country, key outcomes, India’s role
Apps to use:
- Notion
- Canva (for visual notes)
- XMind / MindMeister (for concept mapping)
D. Spaced Revision = Smart Memory
Don’t revise everything in one go and forget it a week later. Use Spaced Repetition:
| When to Revise? | How Long After First Reading? |
| 1st Revision | Within 24 hours |
| 2nd Revision | After 3 days |
| 3rd Revision | After 1 week |
| 4th Revision | After 15 days |
Use Anki Flashcards or just mark revision dates in your notebook.
E. Teach Others or Discuss in Study Groups
If you can explain a topic to someone else, you’ve mastered it.
Example: Summarize this week’s news to a peer on a call. Or host a 5-minute quiz on Telegram or WhatsApp groups.
Quick Checklist: How to Make GK Stick
| ✅ Strategy | ⏱️ Frequency |
| Daily active recall | 15 mins |
| Create visual summaries | Weekly |
| Use flashcards or apps | 5 mins/day |
| Group discussions/teaching | Weekly |
| Spaced revision system | Bi-weekly |
Tarkashastra Tip: The GK you forget in 3 days is not wasted—the second Revision will be faster, and the third will stick for good.
Ready to discover the most common mistakes CLAT aspirants make while preparing for GK?
CLAT GK Section – Common Mistakes to Avoid
You could be reading newspapers daily, solving quizzes, and still underperform in the GK section, because what you do wrong matters just as much as what you do right.
Below are the most frequent mistakes CLAT UG aspirants make while preparing for the Current Affairs & GK section—and how you can avoid falling into the same traps.
1. Relying Only on Static GK
- Mistake: Spending months mugging up on Lucent’s or Manorama Yearbook
- Fix: Static GK contributes to only a small portion of the paper. Prioritize current affairs with legal, political, or economic relevance. Use static GK to support contextual understanding of current events.
2. Reading Too Many Sources
- Mistake: Reading 3–4 newspapers, 5 YouTube channels, and endless Telegram PDFs
- Fix: Choose one trusted newspaper, one monthly capsule, and one quiz app. Stick to them. Consistency matters more than quantity.
3. Ignoring Legal News
- Mistake: Focusing only on sports, awards, and current headlines
- Fix: CLAT loves legal updates—SC judgments, new bills, and constitutional changes. Always track 1–2 key legal stories per week.
4. No Revision System
- Mistake: Making notes but never going back to them
- Fix: Use spaced repetition, mind maps, and weekly revision blocks. Don’t let your effort vanish with time.
5. Passive Reading Without Comprehension
- Mistake: Skimming editorials or headlines without understanding their implications
- Fix: Practice passage-based questions. Ask yourself:
- “Why is this news relevant?”
- “What’s the legal or constitutional angle?”
- “Could this be framed as a CLAT passage?”
6. Last-Moment Cramming
- Mistake: Starting GK prep 1 month before the exam
- Fix: Start at least 6–8 months before the exam and build it like a habit—10–15 minutes a day is all it takes to stay ahead.
Summary Table: What to Avoid & What to Do Instead
| Mistake | ❌ Don’t Do This | ✅ Do This Instead |
| Relying only on Lucent | Static-only focus | Prioritize current affairs + legal news |
| Using too many sources | Multiple newspapers/sites | Stick to 2–3 consistent, reliable sources |
| Ignoring legal updates | No legal context in prep | Track SC judgments, bills, constitutional changes |
| Passive reading | Just skimming headlines | Understand the why behind every major story |
| No revision | Never re-read notes | Use spaced revision, flashcards, quizzes |
| Cramming late | Last-month panic | Start early with 30 mins/day |
🎯 Tarkashastra Tip: Focus on quality, context, and consistency—not volume.
Coming up next is a goldmine section: Previous Year Trends and the Role of Mock Tests.
Role of Mock Tests & PYQs
You can read all the newspapers, memorize every award winner, and still stumble on CLAT day—if you don’t practice how CLAT actually tests GK.
Unlike UPSC or SSC, CLAT doesn’t test random trivia. Instead, it checks:
- Your ability to comprehend passage-based news
- Your awareness of real-world issues
- Your analytical connection to law, society, or governance
The best way to master this?
Mock Tests + Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Why Mock Tests Are Critical
| Reason | Why It Matters |
| Tests your passage comprehension skills | Reading speed & accuracy improve with practice |
| Trains your brain to extract key info | Practice helps filter noise from news-heavy passages |
| Identifies your retention gaps | Helps revise topics you forgot or misunderstood |
| Builds exam temperament | GK is usually the fastest section to attempt |
| Helps fine-tune your source strategy | You’ll see which sources match CLAT’s tone and depth |
Mock Tip: Don’t just solve—analyze every wrong answer. Understand what tricked you: factual error, misreading, or context failure.
Role of PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
PYQs give you the blueprint of how the Consortium frames questions. Study them not for repetition, but to understand:
- The type of news that gets converted into passages
- The tone and difficulty level of questions
- The mix of factual vs. inferential content
Previous Year Trends Snapshot
| Year | Passage Topics | Key Themes Covered |
| 2025 | Indian Budget, Women’s Reservation Bill, ISRO mission, World Cup 2023 | Policy + Legal + Sports + Science |
| 2024 | Global Summits, Right to Privacy case, New Education Policy | Law + Governance + International Affairs |
| 2023 | G20 Presidency, Ukraine conflict, Indian Constitution @73 | International + Political + Legal milestones |
| 2022 | Legal reforms during COVID, National Awards, Environmental Summits | Law + Environment + Recognition |
Where to Find Good Mocks & PYQs
| Platform | What It Offers |
| CLAT Consortium Sample Papers | Official level practice questions |
| xyz | Sectional + full-length mocks (with analysis) |
| xyz | Topic-wise tests + passage-based GK questions |
| xyz | Weekly CLAT-level quizzes with current topics |
Tarkashastra Tip: After every mock, spend 20–30 minutes analyzing the GK section only. Track:
- Which questions were current vs. static
- Which topics did you miss
- What type of passages are you weak at (legal, political, sports, etc)
Coming up next: When should you ideally start your GK preparation?
Ideal Timeline to Start GK Preparation for CLAT 2026
The biggest myth CLAT aspirants believe? “I’ll start GK prep 1 month before the exam. It’s just reading the news, right?”
Wrong.
The GK & Current Affairs section in CLAT UG is all about consistent reading, revision, and pattern recognition, which takes time to build. If you start too late, you’ll either miss context, overload yourself, or worse, panic and burn out.
Let’s break down the ideal preparation timeline month-wise for CLAT UG 2026.
Recommended Timeline: March 2025 – Jan 2026
| Phase | Timeline | Goal |
| Foundation Phase | March – May 2025 | Build habit: newspaper reading, note-making, basic static |
| Consistency Phase | June – September | Daily current affairs + weekly quiz + flashcards |
| Strategy Phase | October – November | Revise monthly capsules + start full-length mocks |
| Final Polish Phase | December – January | Full mock analysis + past year paper revision |
Monthly Plan Snapshot
| Month | Focus Areas |
| March–April | Static GK basics, pick newspaper, learn note-making style |
| May–June | Add monthly capsules + start watching weekly legal videos |
| July–August | Add weekly quizzes + mind maps + 1 Supreme Court judgment/week |
| September | Revise all current affairs since March + flashcard-based retention |
| October | Attempt 1 full mock/week, continue daily reading |
| November | Focus on revision + legal + international themes (summits, treaties, etc.) |
| December | Revise top 100 headlines + mock drills + PYQ analysis |
| January | Only fast revision: Flashcards, theme-wise current affairs, legal updates |
What If You’re Starting Late?
If you’re starting in:
- October → Focus on Top 50–70 topics + Legal News + Mock-based learning
- December → Use monthly capsules + previous CLAT GK passages only. No time for detailed reading.
- January → Rely on fast revision PDFs + smart guesswork through mocks
Tarkashastra Tip: GK prep isn’t about hours per day—it’s about daily reading and smart revision. Even 30 minutes/day = 150+ hours in 10 months.
Next up: Want expert-sourced tactics and exam hall tricks?
Bonus Tips from Experts
We’ve guided thousands of CLAT aspirants through the years at Tarkashastra—and one thing is clear: The brightest students don’t study more, they study better. They follow strategies that save time, enhance retention, and avoid last-minute panic.
Here are some expert-backed tips that top CLAT scorers swear by:
1. Read News Like a Lawyer-in-Training
Don’t just read what happened—focus on why it matters.
| Bad Approach | Better Approach |
| “ISRO launched a new satellite” | “ISRO launch + relevance for India’s space policy + global alliances” |
| “Women’s Bill passed” | “Legal implications + reservation policy + constitutional angle” |
Train your brain to ask: Could this be a CLAT passage?
2. Prioritize Themes, Not Just Headlines
Instead of tracking 500 random events, track 10 high-frequency themes deeply:
- Legal Reforms & Judgments
- Indian Polity & Governance
- Women & Social Policy
- Climate & International Summits
- Budget & Economic Policy
These areas account for nearly 80% of recent GK questions.
3. Use the “Teach-Back” Method
After reading a news item or capsule, summarize it to someone else (even if it’s your cat). Teaching reinforces clarity and memory.
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein.
4. Maintain a Personal ‘CLAT GK Journal’
Keep a simple Google Doc or notebook with:
- Monthly summaries
- Top 10 events per month
- 1–2 critical judgments or legal events per week
Reviewing this single file before the exam saves 100 hours of scattered revision.
5. Don’t Skip Revision During Mock Season
In December–January, aspirants often stop GK to focus on mocks.
Big mistake.
Your daily 20–30 minutes GK review should continue till the night before CLAT. GK is the fastest section to attempt and improves your total attempt count significantly.
Pro Tips From Previous Toppers
| 🏆 Topper Insight | 💬 Quote |
| Tarkashastra Student AIR 22 (2024) | “I only followed 2 sources but revised each at least 4 times.” |
| Tarkashastra Student AIR 71 (2023) | “GK became my strength because I treated it like brushing my teeth.” |
| NLU Student (NALSAR) | “Mind maps for Constitution and Budget saved my life during revision.” |
Tarkashastra Tip: It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things repeatedly.
Up next: A rapid-fire FAQ round to clear all your last-minute doubts.
Final Words – Be Curious, Stay Consistent
The GK & Current Affairs section in CLAT UG 2026 isn’t about being a human encyclopedia. It’s about being a well-informed, observant, and analytical learner—exactly the kind of student top NLUs are looking for.
If you’re consistent, strategic, and smart with your sources and revision—you don’t need to memorize thousands of facts. Instead, you’ll be able to approach each passage with clarity, confidence, and curiosity.
Here’s what we want you to remember:
What This Section Truly Tests:
- Your awareness of national and international developments
- Your ability to understand real-world impact
- Your habit of thinking like a future lawyer
- Your reading skills, legal context, and news comprehension
The Winning Formula for GK in CLAT UG 2026:
| What to Do | What to Avoid |
| Read 30–45 mins daily | Last-minute cramming |
| Follow 1–2 reliable sources | Using 10 different websites |
| Practice passage-based questions | Mugging up Lucent word-for-word |
| Revise weekly & monthly | Letting notes gather dust |
| Focus on legal + policy news | Ignoring judgments & bills |
In Closing…
The best part? This section is the most time-efficient and high-reward. A well-attempted GK section gives you 25–30 solid marks in under 15 minutes—without any calculation or complicated logic.
So stay curious. Stay aware. Stay consistent.
The law entrance exam may start on paper, but your legal career starts with the questions you ask—and the news you follow—today.
Need Guidance?
At Tarkashastra, we mentor CLAT UG aspirants not just to crack the exam, but to build the mindset of a lawyer. If you’re stuck, confused, or just need clarity—we’re here to help.
FAQs on CLAT GK & Current Affairs Section (Expanded Answers)
General Preparation
Q1. How many months of current affairs should I prepare for CLAT 2026?
Ans: You should cover current affairs from March 2025 to January 2026. However, if any event from 2024 had long-term legal or international relevance (like a new bill or summit), revise that too. CLAT often includes recent events that have continued relevance.
Q2. Is reading The Hindu enough for GK?
Ans: The Hindu is a great base for editorial reading and legal updates, but it must be supplemented with monthly CLAT capsules and quizzes. Reading alone won’t help unless you actively revise and test yourself.
Q3. How much time should I give to GK every day?
Ans: Around 30 to 45 minutes daily is ideal. GK is not about binge learning but consistent exposure over months—this builds both awareness and retention naturally.
Q4. Do I need to study static GK in detail?
Ans: No, not in depth. Focus on high-yield areas like Polity, Modern History, Constitution, and Awards. Static GK mostly appears as background in passages, not as direct questions.
Sources & Strategy
Q5. Should I follow multiple sources for current affairs?
Ans: No. Choose one reliable newspaper, a trusted monthly capsule, and one quiz platform. Jumping between too many sources will only lead to confusion and burnout.
Q6. What’s the best app for CLAT GK?
Ans: Apps like GKToday (for quizzes), Inshorts (for daily updates), and Anki or Quizlet (for flashcards) help make prep fun and manageable. Pick what suits your daily routine best.
Q7. How often should I revise GK notes?
Ans: Use spaced revision: review your notes after 1 day, 3 days, a week, and then monthly. This system ensures long-term memory and reduces revision time before the exam.
Q8. Do I need to read international news too?
Ans: Yes, but selectively. Focus on India’s foreign relations, global summits, and geopolitical events like G20, BRICS, or conflicts that have global legal/political implications.
Mocks & Exam Strategy
Q9. When should I start attempting mocks for GK?
Ans: Start by August 2025, once you’ve built a basic awareness. Initially attempt 1 mock per week, then increase to 2–3 per week by November–December. Don’t forget to analyze your mistakes.
Q10. Should I solve GK sections first in the CLAT exam?
Ans: Yes, most toppers recommend this. The GK section is fast and helps build momentum. Since it requires no calculation, it’s an ideal confidence booster at the start.
Q11. Can questions be asked from events just 2–3 weeks before the exam?
Ans: Absolutely. CLAT has previously picked up events from as recent as 10–15 days before the exam. Keep revising till the last week before the exam.
Q12. How important is the legal angle in GK?
Ans: Very important. Legal developments like Supreme Court judgments, new bills, and constitutional debates often feature in GK passages. Always connect news to legal or civic relevance.
Last-Minute Questions
Q13. Can I skip reading the newspaper if I do monthly capsules?
Ans: You can manage without a newspaper, but you’ll miss the reading comprehension practice that newspapers offer. Editorials improve both legal awareness and reading speed.
Q14. Should I make notes from newspapers or use pre-made ones?
Ans: Make your own short notes in bullet form. Writing helps retention, and during revision, your notes will be far more effective than PDFs made by others.
Q15. Is watching news videos enough?
Ans: Not really. Videos help when used sparingly—for summaries or complex legal events. But for daily prep, reading and note-making remain irreplaceable.
Q16. Is Lucent GK enough for CLAT?
Ans: Lucent is okay for a quick static GK brush-up, but it’s not CLAT-specific. You’ll still need current affairs coverage from credible and CLAT-oriented sources.
Q17. How many GK questions should I attempt in the exam?
Ans: Aim to attempt all GK questions if you’ve prepared well. Since they’re passage-based, don’t guess blindly—read carefully and eliminate wrong options.
Q18. Can I ignore sports or awards?
Ans: No. Sports tournaments (World Cups, Olympics) and Awards (Padma, Nobel, Sahitya) are high-frequency themes. A 1-mark question is often asked from these.
Q19. Is there any sectional cutoff for GK in CLAT?
Ans: No, there’s no sectional cutoff. But a good score in GK boosts your overall rank significantly because this section is often attempted fully by toppers.
Q20. Can I prepare for GK in just 1 month?
Ans: Honestly, no. You can revise in 1 month but not build a solid base. GK prep is a slow-burn game—start early and stay regular for best results.
Tarkashastra Tip: Bookmark this FAQ section and revisit it when in doubt—it’ll keep your prep on track and your mindset in check.
