CUET & CLAT Exam Day Do’s & Don’ts – Key Reminders Before the Test

By Career Launcher South Ex

The last few hours before any competitive exam are critical. For aspirants of CUET (Common University Entrance Test) and CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), what you do (or don’t do) just before and during the exam can significantly influence your final score. Even if you’ve prepared well over months, overlooking small exam-day details can undo that effort.

At Career Launcher South Ex, we’ve seen hundreds of students falter not due to lack of knowledge, but due to avoidable last-minute mistakes. This blog is your complete guide to the Do’s and Don’ts on the day of the CUET and CLAT exams. Whether it’s managing documents, staying mentally calm, or strategizing your time inside the exam hall — we’ve got you covered.

Why Exam Day Matters Just As Much As Prep

While months of preparation shape your knowledge base, exam day is when you execute all of that learning. Think of it like the final over of a match — you might have batted well until then, but what happens in the final stretch is what people remember.

Common Mistakes on Exam Day:

• Forgetting essential documents

• Poor sleep the night before

• Wrong time management

• Anxiety affecting comprehension

• Confusion with OMR or online system

The good news? All of this can be anticipated and avoided.

General Do’s – Applicable to Both CUET & CLAT Coaching

1. Reach the Center Early

• Arrive at least 60–75 minutes before reporting time

• Check Google Maps a day before for travel time

• Consider a prior visit to the center if it’s unfamiliar

2. Carry ALL Required Documents

• Admit Card (preferably in color)

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Driving License, Passport)

• Passport-sized photograph (as per guidelines)

• Stationery: pens, transparent water bottle, clear pouch

3. Sleep Well

• Avoid last-minute cramming

• Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep

4. Eat Light and Stay Hydrated

• Avoid oily or heavy meals

• Prefer fruits, nuts, and water

5. Stay Away from Last-Minute Discussions

• Avoid comparing preparation

• Light revision only, if needed

General Don’ts – Avoid These Pitfalls

1. Don’t Arrive Late

• Gate closes on time — no exceptions

• Factor in delays, leave early

2. Don’t Carry Banned Items

• No smartwatches, phones, earphones, calculators

• Many centers disallow wallets, bags

3. Don’t Ignore Instructions

• Follow admit card guidelines

• Dress code and ID formats are crucial

4. Don’t Discuss Paper After the Exam

• Avoid unnecessary stress

• Relax and recover post-exam

CLAT-Specific Exam Day Tips

CLAT is offline and OMR-based. It tests comprehension-heavy reasoning and legal aptitude.

1. OMR Sheet Etiquette

• Use black/blue ballpoint pen

• No pencils or sketch pens

• Only one answer per question

2. Time Management
You have 120 minutes for 120 questions. Suggested strategy:

• English Language: 22–25 mins

• Current Affairs: 10–12 mins

• Legal Reasoning: 30–35 mins

• Logical Reasoning: 25–30 mins

• Quantitative Techniques: 10–15 mins

3. Don’t Panic Over Legal Jargon

• Focus on the passage, not outside knowledge

4. Skip, Mark, Return

• If stuck, move on and return later

CUET-Specific Exam Day Tips

CUET is computer-based, often with multiple days and slots.

1. Know Your Slot and Subject Order

• Be clear on timing and subject sequence

2. Understand the Interface

• Practice on a mock CUET interface

• Use navigation and flagging features

3. Sectional Time Awareness

• No strict sectional time, but pace yourself

4. Keep Calm During Tech Issues

• Raise your hand immediately if there's a problem

• Time is usually compensated

Mental Do’s – Managing Exam Stress

1. Focus on Breathing

• Practice 2-minute deep breathing

2. Talk Positive to Yourself

• Remind yourself of your preparation

• Self-talk boosts performance

3. Read Every Question Carefully

• Avoid misreading — take your time

Mental Don’ts – What NOT to Think

1. “I must attempt all questions”

• Especially in CLAT with negative marking, be selective

2. “Others are finishing faster”

• Focus on your accuracy, not their speed

3. “This one question will make or break me”

• Don’t fixate — move on

Dress Code & Personal Care Reminders

• Wear light, comfortable clothes

• Avoid belts, jewelry, or watches

• Carry a face mask if mandated

• Tie long hair to avoid distraction

Last-Minute Checklist (The Night Before)

• Print 2–3 copies of admit card

• Keep ID proof and stationery ready

• Set multiple alarms

• Check transport arrangements

• Light revision only — formulae or key concepts

• Plan to sleep by 10:30 pm

What Toppers Do Differently on Exam Day

From years of mentoring top scorers, we’ve noticed they:

• Arrive early and settle in

• Read questions calmly

• Stick to their plan

• Avoid mid-exam comparisons

• Stay composed even during surprises

No magic — just calm, focus, and strategy.

Final Thoughts – Your Mindset is the Ultimate Strategy

CUET and CLAT are not just tests of knowledge — they are tests of mindset. Managing stress, time, and energy is as important as academic preparation.

So, breathe. Trust yourself.
You’re more prepared than you think.

If you’ve done your mocks and revisions well — now it’s all about execution.

From all of us at Career Launcher South Ex — go give it your best shot.