Candidates preparing for CLAT should solve CLAT previous year papers, as it helps in understanding the exam pattern, the types of questions, and difficulty level. Solving them provides insight into time management. However, some candidates overlook it and focus solely on books. They think reading theory is enough which is not correct. Previous year papers help to practice a real exam situation and give confidence, as many toppers always recommend them.
How Previous Papers Help in Preparation
Candidates should be aware that the CLAT changes its pattern occasionally, so solving CLAT Previous Year Question Papers is useful for identifying trends. It shows which topics are important and repeated, for example, reading comprehension comes every year. By solving previous papers, candidates also improve their speed and accuracy, and they learn how to manage time effectively within 2 hours. But many students don’t practice enough and keep studying same notes again and again, which is wrong approach. A good Previous year CLAT question paper can give more insight than reading guides.
Common Mistakes While Using Previous Year Questions
Candidates often make mistakes by solving CLAT previous year question papers without checking their answers, and they fail to analyze these mistakes, thereby repeating them. Some candidates even use outdated answer keys and follow wrong solutions. Additionally, some students memorize questions and answers rather than understanding the concepts. That will not help in the real exam. Candidates must treat every CLAT question paper seriously and attempt to solve it using logic. Otherwise solving previous year papers is a waste of time.
Sources for CLAT Previous Year Question Papers
There are many sources where candidates can find CLAT previous year question papers. Some websites provide free PDFs but many are not reliable. Coaching platforms give them with solutions but sometimes the answers are wrong. Candidates should refer to the official CLAT Consortium website for authentic papers. They should download and take a printout and solve like a real exam. However, many students simply scroll through questions on their mobile devices and claim to have solved them, which is not proper practice. It’s best to use a CLAT Previous Year Question Paper with Answer key from trusted platforms for accuracy.
Previous Papers vs Mock Tests
Many candidates confuse CLAT previous year papers and mock tests, but both are different. Previous papers are actual exams that have happened in past years and CLAT mock tests are made by coaching centers. Candidates have to do both because previous papers show real pattern and mock tests help in variety. But overdoing mock tests and ignoring past papers is not good. Also candidates need to balance their time between studying new topics and practicing both.
How to Use Previous Papers Effectively
Candidates should make a plan to solve at least one paper every week. After solving, they must check answers and note down mistakes, repeating this will improve performance. Many students solve papers just before exam, which doesn’t help. Practicing from starting of preparation helps in confidence building and improvement. Candidates have to time themselves, and attempt paper seriously like a real exam, but many fail to do this and take it casually.
Final Thoughts on CLAT Previous Year Papers
CLAT previous years question paper is a very important tool for success in CLAT; candidates should never ignore it. Along with theory, practice is key, and previous papers give best kind of practice. Candidates must continue to solve papers repeatedly until they improve. Avoid making excuses and focus on regular revision, but many students waste time collecting too many books and do not practice enough. So, CLAT previous year papers should be part of every serious aspirant’s strategy.
CLAT Previous Year Question Papers
Section 1: English Language (Passage-Based Questions)
Passage (Excerpt from a fictional story):
The astrologer never opened his shop before twilight. He set up his stall under the tamarind tree every day. Though his practice was more of guesswork than science, the villagers believed in his words as gospel truth.
Q1. When did the astrologer usually begin his work?
Options:
A. Early morning
B. Afternoon
C. Evening
D. Midnight
Answer: C. Evening
Q2. Why did the villagers believe the astrologer’s words?
Options:
A. He wore fancy clothes
B. He had a certificate in astrology
C. His predictions were accurate
D. They considered his words as truth
Answer: D. They considered his words as truth
Q3. What was the astrologer’s real method of working?
Options:
A. Scientific calculation
B. Pure intuition
C. Guesswork
D. Palm reading only
Answer: C. Guesswork
Section 2: Legal Reasoning
Principle: Every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and national security.
Fact 1: X posts a meme criticizing the Prime Minister’s economic policy.
Q4. Is X’s act protected under freedom of speech?
Options:
A. Yes, because political criticism is allowed
B. No, because it is disrespectful
C. Depends on the Prime Minister’s reaction
D. None of the above
Answer: A. Yes, because political criticism is allowed
Fact 2: Y incites people on social media to violently protest against the government.
Q5. Is Y’s act protected under freedom of speech?
Options:
A. Yes
B. No, because it disturbs public order
C. Depends on whether violence occurred
D. None of the above
Answer: B. No, because it disturbs public order
Section 3: Logical Reasoning
Q6. If all dogs are animals, and some animals are wild, can we conclude that some dogs are wild?
Options:
A. Yes
B. No
C. Can’t say
D. None of the above
Answer: C. Can’t say
Q7. Statement: All musicians are artists. Some artists are dancers.
Conclusion I: Some musicians are dancers.
Conclusion II: All dancers are artists.
Which of the conclusions follow?
Options:
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II
Answer: D. Neither I nor II
Section 4: Current Affairs & General Knowledge
Q8. Who is the current Chief Justice of India (as of June 2025)?
Options:
A. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
B. Justice U.U. Lalit
C. Justice N.V. Ramana
D. Justice S.A. Bobde
Answer: A. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
Q9. Which country hosted the G20 Summit in 2021?
Options:
A. India
B. Italy
C. Japan
D. Germany
Answer: B. Italy
Q10. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched by which organization?
Options:
A. NASA
B. ISRO
C. Roscosmos
D. SpaceX
Answer: B. ISRO
Section 5: Quantitative Techniques
Q11. The average of five numbers is 20. If the sum of four of them is 80, what is the fifth number?
Options:
A. 20
B. 25
C. 30
D. 35
Answer: B. 20
Q12. A train runs at 60 km/h. How much time will it take to cover 90 km?
Options:
A. 1 hour
B. 1.5 hours
C. 2 hours
D. 2.5 hours
Answer: B. 1.5 hours
Q13. If 12 pens cost ₹144, what is the cost of 5 pens?
Options:
A. ₹50
B. ₹55
C. ₹60
D. ₹65
Answer: C. ₹60
