What’s the ideal sequence of sections to attempt in the exam?

The ideal sequence of sections to attempt in the CLAT exam depends on your personal strengths, confidence levels, and the time each section might take. Here are some strategies to help you find the sequence that could work best for you:

1. Start with Your Strongest Section

Starting with a section where you feel most confident can set a positive tone for the exam and boost your confidence early on. For example, if you’re strong in English or Current Affairs, starting with these sections allows you to earn easy marks quickly, putting you in a good mental state for the rest of the paper. Additionally, these sections usually take less time than others, allowing you to gain momentum early.

• Pros: Builds confidence and establishes a strong start.
• Cons: If you spend too much time here, it could impact the time left for other sections.

2. Move to Moderate Sections Next

Once you’ve completed a strong section, shift to sections where you’re moderately comfortable. If Logical Reasoning or Legal Reasoning falls into this category, these would be ideal to tackle next. By this point, you’ll be in the flow of the exam, and your confidence will be high from completing the easier sections. This sequence also helps you manage time effectively, as these sections tend to require more focus and reasoning.

• Pros: Keeps momentum going, allows for more efficient time management.
• Cons: May require more time and concentration than other sections.

3. Tackle the More Challenging Sections Toward the End

Save the sections that require the most time or mental effort for the later part of the exam. If Quantitative Techniques is challenging for you, it might make sense to leave it for the end. At this stage, you can dedicate the remaining time to tackle these questions carefully without feeling the pressure of having other sections left.

• Pros: Allows you to spend uninterrupted focus on complex sections.
• Cons: If time runs short, it may limit the number of questions you can attempt.

4. Adjust Based on Time-Intensive Sections

If you know certain sections will take more time, consider tackling them earlier or in the middle of the exam. For instance, Logical Reasoning and Legal Reasoning passages can take time due to reading comprehension and logical analysis, so you may want to handle these when you still have enough time and energy to read carefully.

• Pros: Reduces the pressure of time-intensive sections.
• Cons: Can drain energy, so leave at least one easy section for the end as a confidence booster.

Sample Sequence Based on Common Preferences

Many students find the following sequence effective:

1. Legal Reasoning: Legal passages often require careful thought but can be handled well once you’re warmed up.
2. Current Affairs / General Knowledge: Quick and straightforward, this section usually requires only a few minutes, giving you an early confidence boost.
3. English Language: Familiarise yourself with passages early on while your concentration is fresh, and the questions are typically straightforward.
4. Logical Reasoning: As Logical Reasoning requires analytical skills, tackling it at this stage ensures you’re mentally prepared but not yet exhausted.
5. Quantitative Techniques: Leave Quantitative Techniques for the end, especially if it’s challenging. With other sections complete, you can focus fully on accuracy here.

Experiment and Find What Works for You

Take a few mock tests using different sequences to see what suits you best. The sequence that works best will feel natural and help you manage both your time and stress effectively.

In summary

• Start with strong, confidence-building sections.
• Handle moderate sections in the middle to maintain momentum.
• Save time-intensive or challenging sections for when you can focus without stress.

By finding the right sequence, you can approach CLAT with a clear, efficient strategy that maximises both your confidence and your score.