CLAT or Common Law Admission Test is a national-level entrance examination for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes offered by 22 National Law Universities in India (NLUs). Several affiliate universities and organizations also use the CLAT exam for admissions and recruitment respectively.
 

 

Importance of CLAT GK in the Exam

When it comes to acing the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) Exam with a top rank, one section stands out as a game-changer: Current Affairs including General Knowledge.  This section has the highest weightage covering 25% of the CLAT Exam. A solid foundation in general knowledge, coupled with strong reading abilities can yield remarkable benefits to the CLAT Aspirants.

By mastering this section efficiently, you can not only secure valuable marks within a short span of time but also save precious minutes for other time-consuming sections such as Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
 

Understanding the Syllabus for CLAT GK

 
Given the intense competition among law aspirants, every single mark gained in the GK section can make a difference in achieving your dream of securing admission to a prestigious law school. Therefore, it is extremely important to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus of the GK section. This knowledge will enable you in concentrating your efforts on the relevant topics while avoiding unnecessary diversions and help you tailor a targeted preparation strategy.
 
Generally, the CLAT GK section comprises around 7 passages with 5 questions from each passage. Thus, the total number of questions from the CLAT General Knowledge Syllabus is usually around 35. However, it is important to note that these numbers are tentative and subject to change.
 
The CLAT GK and current affairs section will focus on your awareness of general as well as current events through the questions derived from the passages. Therefore, you will be required to prepare for this section in a detailed manner. Here is a refined description of the format:


•  Passages of up to 450 words each would be provided to the candidates.

• The passages will be derived from news, journalistic sources, and other non-fiction writing.

• No additional knowledge of the law would be required from the candidate beyond the passage.

• Several questions based on the passage would be asked from the candidate to check the knowledge of various aspects of current affairs and general knowledge
 
Around 35 to 39 questions out of a total of 150 questions shall be asked from this section. The questions following the passage would test your knowledge of the following topics:
 
• Contemporary events of significance from India and the world;
• Arts and culture;
• International affairs; and
• Historical events of continuing significance.
 

Key Topics and Areas to Focus On

In the CLAT GK section, you will be provided passages of up to 450 words each. The passages will be derived from news, journalistic sources, and other non-fiction writing. The GK questions for CLAT may include an examination of legal information or knowledge discussed in or related to the passage, but would not require any additional knowledge of the law beyond the passage.
 
The passages will be drawn from news, journalistic sources, and other non-fiction writing. Important Topics Current affairs and general knowledge, including contemporary events of significance from India and the world; Arts and Culture Historical events of continuing significance. International Affairs
 
Here are some of the most significant areas to concentrate on:
 
• National and International Current Affairs: This includes the latest news and events happening at both national and international levels. It comprises political, economic, social, and environmental developments that have significant implications and impact on various countries.
 
• Indian Polity and Governance: It includes topics such as the Constitution, Parliament, State Governments, political parties, electoral processes, and important laws and policies.
 
• Economic and Financial Awareness: It involves the basic knowledge of government budgets, monetary policy, banking systems, financial markets, and various economic factors that influence national and international economies.
 
• Science and Technology: This encompasses the latest advancements, discoveries, and innovations in the field of science and technology.
 
• Sports and Awards: This part covers significant sports events, 
 tournaments, and achievements in various sports disciplines. It also includes awareness of prestigious awards and honors given in different fields, such as sports, literature, arts, sciences, and entertainment.
 
 • Social and Environmental Issues: These involve topics such as social justice, human rights, public welfare schemes, climate change, sustainability, conservation, and environmental protection.
 
 

Tips to Improve Your CLAT GK Score

Preparing for the CLAT GK section requires regular consistent practice and a focus on your weak areas. Since a lot of passage-based questions are going to be asked in this section, it is essential to develop a habit of reading and comprehending complex passages. Attempting CLAT mock tests and quizzes are the best way to familiarize yourself with the question format and improve your time management skills for this section.
 
To excel in the CLAT GK section, it is imperative to have a well-planned preparation strategy. Here are some important tips to improve your CLAT GK score:
 
• Stay Updated: Newspapers are an excellent source to improve your General Knowledge. Newspapers provide in-depth analysis and opinion pieces on general events and also help you develop critical thinking skills. Furthermore, reading the newspaper regularly improves your vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension skills, which are all essential skills required to excel in CLAT.
 
• Attempt Mock Tests: When it comes to validating knowledge, there is no better source than attempting Mock tests and quizzes. By attempting quizzes, you can put your knowledge into practice and reinforce the information you have learned, leading to better retention.
 
 • Analyze your performance
 
This is an extremely important step that helps you enhance your score. By thoroughly analyzing your performance, you can gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to identify areas that require more attention and discover topics where you have the highest potential to score well.
 
• Work on your weak areas:
 
Once you have identified your weak areas, you can create a targeted plan to strengthen them. Focus on those specific topics by attempting Smartkeeda Topic Tests & dedicating more time to them. Consistently practicing these topics will have a direct impact on boosting your overall score. By actively working on your weak points, you will gradually enhance your understanding and proficiency, leading to significant progress in your CLAT preparation.
 
• Reattempt
 
The final step involves reattempting the same mock test or quiz after analyzing your mistakes and working on your weak areas. Smartkeeda's Reattempt Mode is an invaluable tool that facilitates a continuous learning process. By reattempting the same quiz, you can track your progress and witness a significant improvement in your score and performance.
 
 

Utilizing Online Resources for CLAT GK Preparation

 
On the internet, there is a plethora of sources available for CLAT preparation. However, it is essential to choose relevant and reliable sources to save time and effort. To assist you in your journey, we have compiled a list of important sources that will aid you in your preparation for the CLAT examination. By utilizing these sources, you can streamline your preparation and easily enhance your score in this section:
 
 
  • LawEx Magazine
 
 
LawEx magazine by Smartkeeda magazine provides a comprehensive and well-organized approach to current affairs preparation, all in one place and free of cost. LawEx magazine includes a variety of resources such as Reading drills, Crossword puzzles, short news with Key Points, Detailed news, Pictorial representations of news for better retention, Static GK, Current GK, & GK Quizzes. “LawEx magazine by Smartkeeda” is an excellent resource for CLAT aspirants looking to improve their CLAT GK with the least effort.
 
 • Click here to download the CLAT Preparation App by Smartkeeda to read the free Current Affairs Magazine!
 
 

 • Topic Tests:

 
 
Topic Wise tests by Smartkeeda are an excellent source to improve your knowledge of the topic you have recently prepared. Smartkeeda Topic tests provide quizzes on all the important topics of CLAT GK including Contemporary Events from India and the World, Arts and Culture, International Affairs, and Significance of Historical Events.
 

You can attempt CLAT GK Topic Tests here!

 
 
 • Mock drills Quizzes
 
 
Mock Drill Quizzes by Smartkeeda is another excellent resource for CLAT aspirants seeking to improve their performance in the GK section. Each month we provide 25-30 mock drills, each drill comprising 10 passage-based questions that test your comprehension skills & your ability to interpret complex information. By regularly practicing with these quizzes, you can refine your test-taking strategies and boost your confidence score in the CLAT GK section.
 
 
Attempt Mock drill Quizzes here!
 
  • Free PDFs & Quizzes
 
 
Smartkeeda provides free pdfs on Static GK, Banking & Financial Awareness, General Studies, Indian Polity, Indian Geography, and other important topics. You improve your General Knowledge by attempting these free quizzes online by visiting the Smartkeeda website or you can download the pdf to attempt them later at your convenience.
 
 

Final word

Finally, improving your CLAT GK score requires a combination of effective study strategies, relevant sources, and most importantly, consistent efforts. By following the strategies outlined, utilizing the recommended sources, and staying dedicated to your preparation, you can enhance your knowledge, and understanding, and improve your score in this section. The journey may be challenging, but with perseverance, the dream of securing admission to your desired NLU will soon become a reality.
 

Author : Rohit Sharma

Hi, I am Rohit Sharma, the head of the Law exams vertical at Smartkeeda and an alumnus of NLU Punjab. Having successfully cleared the CLAT exam twice, I am currently engaged in teaching Legal Reasoning on the LawEx YouTube channel. Moreover, I contribute by writing blogs that are specifically tailored to the CLAT exams.

FAQ’s

There will be passage-based questions in the general knowledge section of CLAT.

There will be around 6-7 comprehension passages in the general knowledge section. Each passage will have 4-5 multiple-choice questions.

The current affairs and general knowledge section of the CLAT exam carries the highest weightage among all the sections. Approximately 35-39 questions, which make up around 25% of the paper.

To download the Smartkeeda free CLAT GK Magazine "LawEx," simply download the Smartkeeda CLAT preparation app from the playstore. Once installed, access the magazine section within the app and download the LawEx magazine.