The Current Affairs and General Knowledge (GK) section of CLAT is often a game-changer for aspirants aiming for a top rank. With questions spanning dynamic current events and foundational static GK, the section requires a balanced and disciplined preparation approach. If you’re gearing up for CLAT 2026, this comprehensive guide will walk you through a practical study plan to master this section and excel in your exam.
Understanding the Importance of Current Affairs and GK
The GK section isn’t just about memorising facts; it’s about understanding and interpreting events in a way that helps you answer questions accurately. The section has evolved over the years, and recent trends highlight a mix of:
- Current Events: Covering topics from politics, international affairs, sports, and science.
- Static GK: Questions often delve into history, geography, awards, and significant milestones.
The key is not just knowing the facts but also understanding their relevance. For instance, if a question references the recent BRICS Summit, it might also ask about its founding members or objectives, integrating current events with static GK.
Crafting a Comprehensive Study Plan
Preparation for the Current Affairs and GK section can be broken into structured components to ensure maximum coverage and retention.
1. Set a Clear Timeline
- Begin your preparation in December 2025 and cover events up to November 2026.
- This ensures you have a year’s worth of updates, a timeline that aligns with most CLAT exams.
2. Use Multiple Reliable Sources
A well-rounded preparation strategy involves using a combination of resources. Here are the essential ones:
A. Monthly Compendiums
- These are detailed summaries of current events for each month.
- Dedicate 6-7 days each month to thoroughly review and make notes from the compendium.
- Highlight important details such as event dates, people involved, and their broader context.
B. Newspapers
- Regular reading of newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express is non-negotiable.
- Focus on:
- Headlines for a snapshot of daily events.
- Editorials for in-depth analysis and opinion pieces.
- National and international news sections for broader coverage.
- Benefits include improved reading speed, better vocabulary, and familiarity with complex passages.
C. Mock Tests
- Mock tests are an excellent tool to test your knowledge and expose you to unexpected question types.
- Review every test to understand why certain answers are correct and identify gaps in your preparation.
D. GK Today
- Spend 5-10 minutes daily solving quizzes or reading articles on GK Today.
- Many CLAT questions have been directly inspired by this resource in previous years.
E. Classes or Online Batches
- Guided classes can help streamline your preparation. Mentors often provide insights into what’s most important and offer strategies to approach the section effectively.
How to Balance Current Affairs with Static GK
Static GK topics are timeless and often require a deep understanding of basic concepts. These include:
- Indian history (e.g., Independence movements).
- Constitution and polity.
- Geography (both Indian and world).
- Awards, books, and authors.
- International organisations (e.g., UN, IMF).
Integration Tip
When studying a current event, research its historical or static GK connections. For example:
- A news event about the Nobel Prize could lead to revising previous winners and the history of the award.
Effective Note-Making Techniques
Creating notes is an art, especially for a section as dynamic as GK. Here’s how you can make your notes more effective:
- Topic-Wise Categorisation: Divide your notes into sections like politics, science, sports, awards, etc.
- Leave Space for Updates: Allocate blank pages after each topic to add new facts from mock tests or daily updates.
- Highlight Key Facts: Use bullet points for quick revision and colour codes for important details.
- Write Context, Not Just FactsL For example:
Event: India wins the Chess Olympiad.
Context: First time India has hosted the Olympiad; the youngest participant’s age.
Daily Study Routine
Consistency is the cornerstone of success in this section. Here’s a daily routine to optimise your preparation:
- Morning (30-45 minutes): Read the newspaper and note down important events.
- Afternoon (1 hour): Review monthly compendiums or focus on a static GK topic.
- Evening (30 minutes): Solve 5-10 questions from GK Today or a mock test.
- Weekend: Reserve 2-3 hours for revising the week’s notes and practicing mock test questions.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Overwhelming Amount of Information: Prioritise topics based on relevance and frequency in past papers.
- Retention Issues: Revise weekly and make concise notes for last-minute review.
- Exam-Day Anxiety: Build confidence through regular mock tests and practice.
Why Discipline Matters
Current Affairs and GK demand regular effort. Unlike subjects where you can cram before the exam, this section requires you to build knowledge over time.
Advantages of Consistency
- Improves your ability to retain large volumes of information.
- Ensures you stay updated with recent developments.
- Boosts confidence and reduces exam stress.
Mock Tests: The Game-Changer
Mock tests serve two critical purposes:
- Reinforcement of Learning: They test how well you’ve absorbed your preparation.
- Filling Gaps: Questions often introduce topics or facts you may not have studied yet.
Make it a habit to take one mock test per week, increasing the frequency as the exam approaches.
Exam Strategy for Current Affairs and GK
- Current Affairs questions typically take the least amount of time to solve, giving you more time for other sections.
- Prioritise questions you are confident about to build momentum.
- Stay calm and approach the paper with a balanced mindset.
Final Words of Motivation
The Current Affairs and GK section might seem intimidating, but with the right strategy and consistent effort, it can become your strongest asset in CLAT 2026. Treat every day as an opportunity to build your knowledge base. Stick to your study plan, revise regularly, and trust your preparation.
Remember, success is a journey of disciplined steps. Start early, stay focused, and approach the exam with confidence. With determination and hard work, the CLAT victory can be yours!
All the best!
Calling all law aspirants!
Are you exhausted from constantly searching for study materials and question banks? Worry not!
With over 15,000 students already engaged, you definitely don't want to be left out.
Become a member of the most vibrant law aspirants community out there!
It’s FREE! Hurry!
Join our WhatsApp Groups (Click Here) and Telegram Channel (Click Here) today, and receive instant notifications.