Why Current Affairs is the New Scoring Section in CLAT – and How to Nail It

The Evolution of the CLAT Current Affairs Section

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) has undergone significant changes in recent years. One of the most notable transformations has been in the Current Affairs section. Previously, this section was combined with General Knowledge. It primarily consisted of one-liner questions. These questions tested a candidate's ability to recall random facts from a vast and undefined syllabus. This format often made the section unpredictable and challenging for many students. It required extensive rote memorization of static general knowledge. However, the introduction of the new pattern has completely revamped this section. Now, the focus has shifted to comprehension-based questions. Aspirants are given passages related to contemporary events. The questions that follow test their understanding of these events and their underlying context. This evolution has made the Current Affairs section more analytical and skill-based.

Why Current Affairs Has Become a High-Scoring Section

The shift in the exam pattern has turned the Current Affairs section into a significant scoring opportunity. Several factors contribute to this change. Aspirants who understand these factors can leverage them to maximize their scores. A strategic approach can make this section a game-changer in your overall CLAT performance.

A Shift from Memorization to Comprehension

The new format relies on passages that provide substantial context for the questions. This reduces the burden of memorizing countless isolated facts. Instead, the exam now assesses your ability to read, understand, and connect information. You are expected to use your background knowledge of current events to comprehend the passage fully. This approach rewards candidates who are well-read and have a consistent reading habit. It makes the section more accessible. For a diligent student, answering questions based on a given text is often easier than recalling a specific date or name from memory. The emphasis is on analytical understanding rather than pure recall.

Defined Scope and Predictable Sources

Unlike the endless ocean of static General Knowledge, the scope of Current Affairs is relatively defined. The passages are typically based on significant national and international news from the past year. This allows for a more focused and targeted preparation. Furthermore, the sources from which these passages are derived are quite predictable. They are usually sourced from reputable national newspapers, editorials, and news magazines. This predictability enables aspirants to concentrate their efforts on specific study materials. Knowing where to study from brings clarity to the preparation process. It eliminates the confusion and anxiety associated with an ill-defined syllabus.

Less Time-Consuming During the Exam

In a time-constrained exam like CLAT, every minute is precious. The Current Affairs section offers a distinct advantage in this regard. The questions are often direct and fact-based, derived from the passage and its context. If you have been following the news regularly, you can answer them very quickly. A well-prepared student can comfortably complete this entire section in about 10 to 12 minutes. This is significantly less time compared to the more complex reasoning sections. Saving time here allows you to allocate more minutes to challenging sections like Legal Reasoning or Quantitative Techniques. This efficient time management can substantially boost your overall score.

A Comprehensive Strategy to Master CLAT Current Affairs

To excel in this section, a systematic and consistent approach is necessary. Merely reading the news sporadically will not be sufficient. You need to build a robust preparation strategy that covers all aspects of learning and revision.

Building a Daily Reading Habit

The cornerstone of a strong Current Affairs preparation is a daily reading habit. You must read at least one national newspaper every day without fail. Newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express are highly recommended for their comprehensive coverage. When you read, focus on the editorial and opinion pages. These articles provide in-depth analysis of important issues. Also, pay close attention to the national, international, and business news sections. This daily habit not only prepares you for the Current Affairs section but also enhances your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. These skills are invaluable for the English Language section as well.

The Art of Effective Note-Making

Reading the news is the first step; retaining the information is the next. Effective note-making is crucial for retention and revision. Avoid the mistake of copying entire articles. Instead, create concise, one-line notes for each significant news item. A good practice is to use the "What, Where, When, Why" format to structure your notes. This helps in capturing the essence of the news quickly. You can use either a physical notebook or digital tools like Evernote or OneNote. The key is to be consistent with your note-making. These notes will become your most valuable resource for quick revision in the weeks leading up to the exam.

Leveraging Monthly Compendiums and Magazines

While daily newspaper reading is for learning, monthly compendiums are for consolidation and revision. Several publications release monthly magazines that compile the most important news of that month. These resources are excellent for ensuring that you have not missed any significant events. They present the information in a structured and organized manner. Integrating a monthly magazine into your study plan helps in filling any gaps left by your daily reading. It also provides a great tool for a comprehensive revision of an entire month's news in a single sitting.

Connecting the Dots: Interlinking News Events

The passages in the CLAT exam often connect a current event to its historical background or related developments. Therefore, it is important to develop an ability to interlink news events. Do not study events in isolation. Try to understand the context and the broader implications of each piece of news. For example, if you are reading about an international summit, try to understand the history of that organization and India's role in it. This deeper, interconnected understanding is precisely what the exam aims to test. This skill will help you tackle complex, multi-layered questions effectively.

Important Topics and Areas of Focus for CLAT 2026

To streamline your preparation, it is helpful to be aware of the recurring themes and important topics. Focusing on these areas will ensure you cover the most relevant content.

National Affairs

This is a very important domain. You should focus on major schemes and policies launched by the government. Keep a close watch on significant judgments delivered by the Supreme Court and various High Courts. New bills and constitutional amendments passed in the Parliament are also crucial. Additionally, major political developments and state or national elections should be covered.

International Affairs

In this category, pay attention to India's bilateral relations with other countries. Major global summits like the G20, BRICS, and SCO are always important. Stay updated on major global conflicts, peace treaties, and international agreements. Also, keep a note of key appointments in major international organizations like the UN, IMF, and World Bank.

Economy and Business

Understanding the economic landscape is essential. Follow the monetary policy updates from the Reserve Bank of India. The key highlights of the Union Budget and the Economic Survey are very important topics. Be aware of major economic indicators like GDP growth and inflation rates. Significant corporate mergers and acquisitions also feature in the news.

Science, Technology, and Environment

This area has been gaining prominence. Track major space missions by ISRO and other space agencies. Note down significant developments in defense technology and major military exercises. Environmental issues, particularly climate change summits and reports, are also very important. New discoveries and innovations in science should also be on your radar.