The GK and Current Affairs section remains one of the most defining parts of CLAT exam, not merely because of the number of questions it contributes but due to the speed and precision with which it can be attempted. With CLAT 2026 approaching, aspirants must take a strategic approach aligned with the latest exam pattern, which emphasizes contextual understanding over factual memorization.
Despite its relatively straightforward appearance, the GK section is anything but simplistic. In recent years, the Consortium of NLUs has shifted the focus of this segment away from rote memorization of static facts to a more refined, context-based understanding of current events. This means that traditional methods of cramming lists of appointments, books, and awards may no longer suffice. In this context, understanding the “why” and “how” behind an event becomes as important as knowing the “what” and “when.”
The Evolving CLAT Pattern: Context Is King
Since the introduction of the new CLAT pattern in 2020, the GK section has undergone a pedagogical transformation to adapt a comprehension-based format. Rather than posing direct one-liner questions, the paper now includes short passages of 300-400 words sourced or inspired from newspapers, journals, and reports. These are followed by multiple questions testing not only factual recall but also comprehension, analysis, and the ability to connect dots. What makes these passages unique is their focus on context over content. That is, while they might mention a policy or judgment, the questions will often probe the implications, causes, and broader significance of the event or development along with its static background and relevance.
Key Trends Emerging from Recent CLAT Papers-
If we analyze recent years’ CLAT question papers from 2020 to 2025, certain clear trends stand out in how the GK & Current Affairs section is curated and tested:
- Emphasis on Legal and Political Context Over Generic News:
Rather than asking about “who won which award” or “which country hosted a summit,” recent papers focus more on the legal and constitutional relevance of events. For instance, a 2024 passage on the electoral bond verdict didn’t ask who filed the PIL, but instead asked about the implications of the verdict on the right to information and transparency in political funding. - Interdisciplinary Approach to Current Affairs
Another prominent trend is the blending of themes across disciplines or an interdisciplinary focus. Legal and political issues are increasingly framed within broader contexts such as environmental concerns, digital privacy, or gender rights. Students are expected to understand the unbiased critical overview of major changes taking place in society. - Analytical and Cause-Effect Based Questioning
The Consortium now expects candidates to think beyond the passage, to analyze, infer, and sometimes even speculate based on data or developments. Questions are designed to test your understanding of cause-effect relationships, policy implications, and critical analysis. - Only current awareness is not enough
The 2024 paper had passages ranging from current to static array and one of the highlights of the shift in trend was seen with the passage on Ambedkar’s speech. Students are required to not only know their facts but also have critical reading and analytical skills as the answers may sometimes be directly derivable from the passages.
So, what is the GK and Current Affair section for CLAT really testing?
The modern CLAT GK section does not merely evaluate your memory of names, dates, or events. Instead, it tests:
- Your ability to grasp the background and implications of events.
- Your understanding of the legal, constitutional, or international context surrounding current affairs.
- Your capability to analyze trends and draw connections between seemingly isolated news items.
- Critical reading and analytical skills.
How to Prepare for CLAT 2026: A Strategic Blueprint
A focused approach to GK must include the following components:
- Selective Reading Over Exhaustive Coverage
Rather than attempting to cover every news item, aspirants should prioritize 15–20 high-impact topics each month that intersect with international relations, environment, law, policy, and governance. Use quality sources such as the Mega G.K. Monthly Compendiums and daily live-lectures to sharpen your understanding of the relevant topics.
Time yourself even when you are reading the newspaper or any other e-resources. This will help you improve your reading speed without compromising on the analytical retention. - Contextual Note-Making
Don’t scatter your GK notes by organizing them chronologically or according to their date of happening of event. Make a timeline of important chain of events in major news topics. Track down its static relevance and make your notes consolidated and write all relevant developments in a particular topic together, such that it is easier to connect dots and revise. - Passage-Based Practice
Students should practice mock passages and previous years’ questions that simulate the format for CLAT 2026. The focus must be on identifying keywords, inferring legal issues, and analyzing cause-effect within the passage.
Start Preparing Today!
Join Free 7 Days Demo Classes DEMO
To master GK and Current Affairs for CLAT 2026, you need a holistic approach focusing not just on rote-memorization but also on the contextual understanding of a topic. Here’s a weekly study plan to master GK strategy for CLAT 2026 that balances daily prep, weekly revision, and monthly consolidation.
WEEKDAYS:
- Allocate nearly an hour everyday to current affairs reading focusing on editorial + legal analysis. This will help you build critical understanding of a topic and also train you for the passage-based approach as required for CLAT 2026.
- Maintain notes of important events circling around Recent landmark rulings, significant policy changes, amendments or new laws, international affairs having role in affecting India’s legal or Global dynamics, Economic and Environmental Policy Debates, etc.
- Don’t just refer to one newspaper, diversify your resources and refer to only unbiased and reliable sources like LiveLaw, Bar&Bench, The Daily Guardian, Supreme Court Observer, etc. to get real-time legal analysis.
- Remember, the key to CLAT 2026 is to link facts with legal understanding.
Attempt at least 1 mock in every 2 days to track your progress. It is essential to implement and analyse your knowledge regularly.
WEEKENDS:
- Revise the week’s notes and distil them into brief thematic summaries.
- Look back at your mock analysis. Identify and work on your weaknesses.
- Refer to weekly roundup consolidations to thoroughly condense your learning.
Monthly Review
- Refer to monthly compendiums and GK digests from trusted sources that are filtered specially for exam relevance.
- Revise static GK along with the current affairs.