Balancing Boards and CLAT: A guide for class 12 students
For Class 12 students aspiring to crack the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), managing board exam preparations alongside CLAT coaching can feel like walking a tightrope. Both milestones are crucial: board results often determine eligibility for further studies, while CLAT opens doors to India's premier National Law Universities (NLUs). The pressure is real, but the good news is you don't have to choose. With smart planning, consistent effort and a positive mindset, students can strike a balance between the two.advertisementFirst and foremost, it is important to understand the timeline. CLAT is usually held in December, while CBSE and most state boards conduct exams between February and April. This means that students must juggle the rigours of CLAT preparation during their Class 12 academic year.The positive aspect of CLAT being held earlier in the academic year is that it allows aspirants to focus entirely on their board examinations in the final months, without the added stress of preparing for CLAT. This insight comes from Rabmeet Kaur, Chief Academic Officer at Drishti IAS.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE IN DEMANDSCLAT tests aptitude—legal reasoning, logical thinking, comprehension, current affairs, and basic maths skills. Board exams, on the other hand, demand subject-specific knowledge and detailed answers. Preparing for both requires different approaches:CLAT requires prioritising mock tests, time-bound practice, and reading comprehension.Boards require focusing on textbooks, sample papers, and structured writing.advertisementRecognising these differences early helps students manage their study schedules accordingly.A well-structured timetable is the first step toward achieving balance.On weekdays, I dedicate 2–3 hours to CLAT prep after-school hours and 1–2 hours to revising board subjects.And, on weekends, use one day for mock tests and deep CLAT prep; reserve the other day for thorough board revision.Incorporate short breaks, leisure time, and exercise into the routine to avoid burnout. Stick to the schedule but remain flexible enough to make adjustments based on performance and priorities.FIND THE SWEET SPOT: OVERLAPPING SKILLSCertain aspects of CLAT preparation can significantly enhance performance in board examinations, and the reverse also holds. For instance:The reading and comprehension skills developed for the English board exams are directly useful for CLAT passages.General knowledge preparation for CLAT can help students stay aware of current affairs, and is useful for writing essays or reports in board exams.Logical reasoning hones your critical thinking, a skill that shines in both board answers and CLAT puzzles.The key is not to treat Boards and CLAT as entirely separate silos. By spotting these overlaps, you can streamline your efforts, making every study session count double.Mock tests are non-negotiable for CLAT aspirants. Regular testing helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. By taking one full-length mock test every week, students can track their progress, understand question patterns, and fine-tune their strategies. Simultaneously, solving previous years' board papers helps build familiarity and confidence for school exams.advertisementGo beyond studying—reflect and review. Evaluate your test performance, pinpoint your weaker sections and keep working on those areas. Progress comes from smart effort, not just hard work.LEAN ON GUIDANCEBalancing both exams need not be a solitary journey. Talk to teachers, mentors, and peers. Join a peer study group for CLAT preparation. Attend school revision classes diligently. If needed, seek professional coaching for CLAT, especially for sections like legal reasoning and quantitative techniques.It is equally important to stay motivated. Law is a rewarding career path that offers immense scope. Knowing the 'why' behind your efforts can help you push through tough days.Once CLAT is done in December, shift your focus entirely to board exams. The foundational work laid out earlier will help you cover the syllabus more efficiently. Revise NCERTs, attempt full-length board papers, and consult teachers for any questions.Balancing boards and CLAT is certainly challenging, but achievable, nonetheless. The key lies in time management, focused preparation and mental resilience. With a calm mind and consistent effort, students can do justice to both exams and set the stage for a bright future in law. It is not about doing everything at once—it is about doing the right things at the right time.
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