How Can I LOSE marks in CLAT current affairs?

The Current Affairs section in CLAT is important for determining your overall score, but it’s also one of the most unpredictable sections. Many students find it challenging due to the broad range of topics, from national and international events to legal updates and significant government policies. Preparing for this section requires not only staying updated with the news but also adopting a strategic approach to avoid common pitfalls that can cost you valuable marks.

In this guide, we’ll first explore the types of questions you can expect in the CLAT Current Affairs section, and then discuss common mistakes students make and how to avoid them.

Types of Current Affairs Questions Asked in CLAT

The CLAT Current Affairs section covers a wide variety of topics. The most commonly asked types of questions include:

1. National and International News: Questions focus on significant political, social, and economic events.
2. Government Policies and Schemes: Recent initiatives, reforms, and schemes launched by the Indian government.
3. Legal Updates: Key judgments, amendments, and changes in laws or legal policies.
4. Science and Technology: Advances in science, space missions, and environmental issues.
5. Awards and Honors: Recognitions in fields such as sports, literature, and international diplomacy.
6. Sports Events: Questions about major sporting events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and national tournaments.
7. Important Dates and Personalities: Questions about landmark events, national and international days, and notable individuals.

Common Mistakes That Can Cause You to Lose Marks in CLAT Current Affairs

Now that you know the types of questions to expect, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could result in lost marks:

1. Relying on Memorisation

• Mistake: Many aspirants focus only on memorising facts, ignoring the context behind them.
• Solution: Understand the significance of the event or news item. For instance, know why a policy was introduced or what impact a legal judgement has on society.

2. Not Revising Regularly

• Mistake: Skipping revision, thinking that reading once is enough.
• Solution: Review current affairs regularly, using monthly magazines or notes to ensure you remember key facts and events.

3. Neglecting Legal Updates

• Mistake: Overlooking legal developments, which are essential for CLAT.
• Solution: Pay special attention to Supreme Court judgments, amendments, and legal news. Legal updates often form a significant portion of the exam.

4. Skipping Mock Tests

• Mistake: Failing to practice mock tests or quizzes can lead to poor time management and lack of familiarity with the question format.
• Solution: Regularly attempt mock tests and quizzes on current affairs. This will improve your speed and comfort with the question style.

5. Focusing Only on Recent News

• Mistake: Limiting preparation to just the last few months of news.
• Solution: Prepare for the last 12 months. CLAT often asks questions about events from the earlier part of the year.

6. Not Taking Notes

• Mistake: Reading without making notes leads to poor retention and difficulty in revision.
• Solution: Take concise, well-organised notes to help you remember key facts and revise efficiently.