How to Prepare for CLAT and AILET 2026 Together: A Complete Guide

CL Team May 05 2025
10 min read

How to Prepare for CLAT and AILET 2026 Together: A Complete Guide

CLAT and AILET are two of the most prestigious law entrance exams in India, opening the gates to top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore (CLAT) and NLU Delhi (AILET). While both exams test similar areas like English, Reasoning, and Current Affairs, they differ significantly in pattern and strategy. Many law aspirants often aim to appear for both exams to increase their chances of admission. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to prepare for both CLAT and AILET 2026 simultaneously, helping you make the most of your preparation time.

 


 

Understanding the CLAT and AILET Exams

CLAT 2026 is a comprehension-based test with 120 questions to be completed in 2 hours. It includes:

English Language

Current Affairs, including GK

Legal Reasoning

Logical Reasoning

Quantitative Techniques

AILET 2026 is also 2 hours long, with 150 questions covering:

English Language (50 questions)

Current Affairs & GK (30 questions)

Logical Reasoning (70 questions)

Note: AILET has removed the Legal Aptitude section but gives greater weight to Logical Reasoning.

 


 

Why Prepare for CLAT and AILET Together?

Overlap of Subjects: Both exams test English, Current Affairs, and Reasoning.

Time Efficiency: Instead of separate study plans, a combined strategy saves time.

Backup Plan: Doing well in both gives you two strong options for admission.

 


 

Key Differences Between CLAT and AILET

Criteria

CLAT

AILET

Total Questions

120

150

Exam Duration

120 mins

120 mins

Legal Reasoning

Included

Not Included

Logical Reasoning

Moderate Weight

Highest Weight (70 questions)

Quantitative Techniques

Included

Not Included

Marking Scheme

+1, -0.25

+1, -0.25

Mode

Offline

Offline

 


 

Similarities Between CLAT and AILET

Both are offline, pen-paper-based exams.

Negative marking is applicable.

Comprehension-based English and Current Affairs sections.

Require strong reading, reasoning, and time-management skills.

 


 

Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

1. English Language

Focus on comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and inference-based questions.

Practice editorials and opinion columns in newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.

Recommended book: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi.

2. Current Affairs & GK

Read newspapers daily and follow monthly current affairs digests.

Focus on recent events (last 12-15 months), awards, government schemes, international affairs.

Monthly magazines by CL, Drishti IAS, or Vision IAS are helpful.

3. Logical Reasoning

CLAT: Practice paragraph-based inference and assumption questions.

AILET: Prepare additional traditional LR topics like blood relations, series, and puzzles.

Recommended books:

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

CL’s LR modules and topic-wise practice sheets

4. Legal Reasoning (Only for CLAT)

Focus on comprehension of legal principles and application.

Practice from CL Legal modules and past CLAT papers.

Recommended Book: Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning by AP Bhardwaj

5. Quantitative Techniques (Only for CLAT)

Prepare basic arithmetic: percentages, profit-loss, ratio, averages, etc.

Focus on DI-based comprehension (table, bar graph, caselets).

Recommended Book: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

 


 

Recommended Books for CLAT & AILET

English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi, Word Power Made Easy

Current Affairs: CL Monthly Magazine, Drishti, Vision IAS

Logical Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal, CL Modules

Legal Aptitude: AP Bhardwaj (for CLAT)

Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal (for CLAT)

 


 

Practice with PYQs and Mock Tests

Solve the last 5 years’ papers for both CLAT and AILET to understand trends.

Join mock test series by trusted institutes like Career Launcher.

Time yourself and review mistakes critically.

 


 

Make a Realistic Plan and Stick to It

Prepare a weekly schedule balancing both exams.

Dedicate more time to Logical Reasoning due to its higher weightage in AILET.

Include time for revision, mock analysis, and reading newspapers.

 


 

Conclusion Preparing for CLAT and AILET 2026 together may seem challenging at first, but with a smart, structured plan, it becomes manageable. Focus on common sections, build a solid reading habit, and regularly attempt mocks. By identifying the overlaps and adjusting your approach to the differences, you can confidently aim for top ranks in both exams. Start early, stay consistent, and let your preparation be guided by clarity and discipline. Best of luck!

 


 

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