As the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2026 draws near on December 7, 2025, aspiring law students across India are intensifying their preparation. With the exam just two months away, it's time to channel your energy into targeted strategies that build confidence and competence. The English Language section, often a make-or-break area, tests not just your command of the language but your ability to think critically under pressure. In this article, we'll decode the section, explore trends from recent years and provide actionable strategies to help you excel. Remember, CLAT is your gateway to prestigious National Law Universities. Stay focused, stay motivated and turn your preparation into a triumph.
Decoding the English Language Section
The English Language section in CLAT is designed to evaluate your proficiency in reading, comprehension and analytical skills, essential for a legal career where interpreting texts is key. For CLAT 2026, the exam follows the established pattern: 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 120 minutes, with the English Language section comprising approximately 20% of the paper, or 22-26 questions.
Each correct answer awards +1 mark, while incorrect answers deduct -0.25 marks; unattempted questions carry no penalty. This marking scheme encourages strategic attempts—focus on accuracy over guesswork. Since the 2020 revamp, the section has shifted to a passage-based format, emphasizing comprehension over isolated grammar or vocabulary drills.
The core of the section revolves around 4-6 passages, each 400-500 words long, drawn from contemporary or historically significant non-fiction sources. Questions test your ability to grasp main ideas, draw inferences, identify tones and understand vocabulary in context. Common question types include:
- Fact-based: Direct details from the passage.
- Inference-based: Logical conclusions not explicitly stated.
- Vocabulary in context: Synonyms, antonyms, or word meanings within the passage.
- Structure and tone: Author's purpose, argument strength, or passage organization.
To succeed, develop the skill to read efficiently, skimming for structure while delving deeper for nuances. This section rewards those who read widely and think analytically, mirroring the demands of legal studies. With no standalone grammar questions in recent years, the focus is on applied language skills, making consistent practice indispensable.
CLAT 2021-2025 Trends: English Language Section
Analyzing trends from CLAT 2021 to 2025 reveals a consistent emphasis on passage-based questions, with variations in difficulty and thematic focus. The section has maintained 22-30 questions, but recent exams lean toward 22-26 for balance. Passages often cover interdisciplinary topics like social issues, history and science, requiring broad reading habits. Difficulty has fluctuated, with inference-heavy questions becoming more prominent.
Here's a year-wise breakdown based on official patterns and expert analyses:
|
Year
|
Difficulty and Details
|
Passage Topics
|
Question Analysis
|
Good Attempt
|
|
2021
|
- Moderate
- 28 questions with 5-6 passages
- Focus on speed and inference.
|
- Literature
- Social Issues
- History
- Environment
|
- 60% inference-based
- Vocabulary in context
- Some tone identification.
|
22-25
|
|
2022
|
- Easy-Moderate
- 30 questions with 6 passages
- Minimal ambiguity
|
- Philosophy
- Culture
- Science
- Current Events
|
- Main ideas (40%)
- Inferences (30%)
- Vocabulary (30%).
|
24-27
|
|
2023
|
- Moderate
- 24-27 questions with 5 passages
- Dense texts requiring critical reasoning
|
- Socio-Eco Themes
- Literature
- Technology
|
- Inference-heavy (50%)
- Author's perspective
- Contextual grammar
|
20-23
|
|
2024
|
- Moderate-Tough
- 24 questions with 4-5 passages
- Increased abstract themes.
|
- History
- Ethics
- Global Affairs
|
- Strong on inferences and summaries
-Vocabulary tested subtly
|
19-22
|
|
2025
|
- Moderate
- 22-26 questions with 4-5 passages
- Competitive with deeper analysis needed.
|
- Social Justice
- Science
- Literature Excerpts
|
- 55% inferences
- Tone and structure
- Application-based
|
20-23
|
These trends show a shift toward comprehension-driven questions, with passages becoming more interdisciplinary. Slot variations exist, but overall, the section remains accessible for well-prepared candidates. Inference questions have risen from 40% in 2021 to over 50% in recent years, underscoring the need for analytical reading. Good attempts typically yield 90th percentile scores when accuracy exceeds 85%.
How to Build a Strong Foundation for CLAT 2026?
With CLAT 2026 approaching, now is the time to solidify your foundation and refine your skills. If you've been preparing for 6-12 months, shift to consolidation; if starting late, prioritize high-impact activities. Mastering the English Language requires discipline, but the rewards are immense. Adopt these motivational strategies to propel your progress:
- Cultivate Daily Reading Habits: Build stamina by reading editorials from reputable sources like The Hindu, Indian Express or The Guardian. Aim for 30-45 minutes daily to enhance vocabulary and comprehension. This not only exposes you to diverse topics but also trains you to identify key arguments quickly, a skill that will shine in passages on social justice or ethics.
- Master Passage Navigation: When practicing, skim passages first (30-45 seconds) to grasp the structure, main thesis and tone. Summarize each paragraph mentally, then tackle questions using elimination. Focus on inferences by asking: "What does the author imply?" Practice with official mocks to simulate exam pressure.
- Strengthen Vocabulary and Grammar: Learn 10-15 words daily through context, using apps like Vocabulary.com, Word Power Made Easy or flashcards. Grammar should be contextual. Review rules for sentence structure, idioms and phrasal verbs via exercises. Avoid rote learning; apply them in passages to cement understanding.
- Targeted Practice for Question Types: Dedicate time to specific drills: 2-3 passages daily for comprehension, focusing on inferences and summaries. For vocabulary, practice synonyms/antonyms in context. Time yourself, allocate 1-1.5 minutes per question. If stuck, move on; revisit later. Leverage TITA-like approaches in mocks, as CLAT's MCQs reward logical elimination.
- Incorporate Timed Sessions and Analysis: Practice at least 5-10 questions daily, scaling to full sections weekly. Analyze errors: Categorize as conceptual (e.g., misreading tone) or careless (e.g., overlooking details). Track progress in a journal, celebrate improvements to stay motivated. Join study groups for discussions, as debating passages sharpens perspectives.
Remember, consistency is your ally. As a CLAT aspirant, you're not just preparing for an exam, you're forging the foundation for an impactful legal career. The English Language section, with its emphasis on critical reading and analysis, equips you with skills that extend far beyond the test. By harnessing past trends, adopting smart strategies and maintaining unwavering discipline, you can transform challenges into opportunities.
Stay engaged! Read widely, practice relentlessly and believe in your potential. A strong English score isn't about perfection; it's about persistent effort and strategic insight. As you gear up for December 7, 2025, carry this motivation forward, success awaits those who prepare with purpose.
In upcoming articles, we'll delve into the remaining four sections, namely, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques and Current Affairs, including General Knowledge.
All the best! Your journey to law school starts with this step!