What to Do When CLAT Preparation Feels Too Overwhelming
- Himanshi Goyal
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read

Preparing for CLAT is a big journey, and during this journey, there may be days when you feel tired, lost, or unsure of what to do next. It’s completely normal. Many students go through the same phase. Feeling overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness - it just means that your mind is full of thoughts, doubts, and too many plans.
The good news is that this feeling can be managed. You don’t need to quit or panic. You only need to slow down, take a deep breath, and follow a more balanced and organised path. Below are 10 simple but powerful steps to help you handle CLAT stress and keep going with full confidence.
1. Follow a Clear Daily Routine
A routine brings peace. When your day has no structure, everything starts to feel confusing. You pick up a book, put it down, start something else, and by the end of the day, nothing is complete. This adds to the pressure.
Make a routine that suits your lifestyle. Divide your day into 3 or 4 study slots. Give time to reading, practice, revision, and rest. Keep it realistic. Even if you study for 5 to 6 hours a day with full focus, it is better than sitting for 10 hours without understanding anything.
Having a fixed pattern makes your brain calm and prepares it for learning. Also, stay updated on all details about CLAT 2026 for better preparation, so you can align your routine with upcoming deadlines, syllabus changes, or important announcements.
2. Break Down the Syllabus Into Small Tasks
The CLAT syllabus may seem huge when you look at it as a whole. But when you divide it into daily tasks, it becomes much easier to manage.
Don’t try to finish everything in a week. Focus on doing small tasks every day. For example:
Today: Solve 10 English RC questions
Tomorrow: Revise July Current Affairs Week 1
Day after: Practice 2 Legal passages
When you complete small goals daily, you feel good about your progress. That builds confidence and slowly removes the feeling of pressure.
3. Focus on Only 2-3 Subjects Per Day
Trying to study all five sections every day can be too tiring. Your brain cannot give full energy to everything at once. Instead, choose 2 or 3 sections per day.
For example:
Monday: English, Legal Reasoning, GK
Tuesday: Logical Reasoning, Quant, Mock Practice
Wednesday: GK, Legal Reasoning, English
This keeps your mind fresh, gives time for revision, and allows deeper learning. You’ll also start enjoying your preparation more because it feels more relaxed and focused.
4. Don’t Compare Yourself with Other Aspirants
It’s easy to feel upset when someone else says, “I’ve finished the whole syllabus” or “I scored 100 in my last mock.” But you must remember, everyone’s journey is different. Some students started early, some got coaching help, some are just showing off.
The only comparison that matters is with your past self. Ask yourself:
Am I learning something new every day?
Am I understanding things better now?
If your answer is yes, then you’re on the right path. Stay focused on your own progress, not someone else’s speed.
5. Use Limited and Reliable Study Material
More books do not always mean better preparation. In fact, collecting too many PDFs, books, and sources often creates more confusion than clarity.
Stick to one trusted source for each subject. For example:
One mock test series
One good legal reasoning book
One daily current affairs source like Exam Charcha
Focus on understanding and revising these well instead of jumping from one resource to another. It is better to read one thing five times than to read five things once.
6. Join an Coaching Program for Proper Support
Self-study can be effective, but sometimes, it leads to confusion and stress - especially when you’re not sure what to study, how to prepare, or whether you're on the right track. In such moments, joining online CLAT coaching can give you the structure, motivation, and expert guidance you need.
Online coaching programs offer:
Live and recorded lectures by experienced faculty
Pre-made study plans and schedules
Mock test series and instant feedback
Doubt-solving sessions and mentorship
Time-saving strategies for each section
One of the best things about online CLAT coaching is flexibility. You can attend classes from home and study at your own pace. Platforms like Law Prep Tutorial provide well-structured CLAT programs covering all subjects.
When you study with the right guidance, your efforts become more effective and your mind becomes more relaxed. You don’t waste time overthinking or searching for materials - everything is already planned for you.
7. Start Taking Mock Tests Early, Not Just at the End
Mock tests are not something you should leave for the last month. Start taking mocks early, even if your syllabus is not complete. They show you the pattern of the exam, help you manage time, and teach you how to avoid silly mistakes.
In the beginning, your scores may be low, and that’s okay. The purpose of mock tests is to learn- not to judge yourself.
After each mock, spend time on:
Analyzing which section took more time
Finding out why you made certain mistakes
Improving your speed and accuracy
Write down your common errors in a notebook so that you don’t repeat them. Slowly, you’ll become more confident, and the fear of the actual exam will reduce.
8. Make Reading a Daily Practice
CLAT is not just about solving questions - it’s also about reading quickly and understanding deeply. All sections - English, Legal, Logical, and even GK - involve reading and interpreting text.
You can improve your reading skills by making it a part of your daily routine. Read for at least 30-45 minutes every day:
Editorials from newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express
Legal articles from websites like LiveLaw or Bar & Bench
Opinion pieces from magazines like Frontline
Reading every day builds your vocabulary, improves comprehension, and helps you stay updated with current events - all at once.
9. Take Breaks and Protect Your Mental Health
Studying for long hours without a break will make your brain tired. After a point, even easy topics will start looking difficult. That’s why regular short breaks are important.
Use the 90-10 technique: study for 90 minutes, then rest for 10. During the break, avoid using social media. Instead, stretch, walk, listen to soft music, or just close your eyes and relax.
Also, make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Don’t cut your sleep thinking it will give you more time. A tired brain can’t perform well, no matter how many hours you sit with your books.
Also checkout Career Opportunities After CLAT exam
10. Keep Reminding Yourself Why You Started
There will be days when you feel like giving up. On those days, remember your reason for starting this journey:
Do you want to get into a top NLU?
Do you dream of becoming a successful lawyer?
Do you want to prove something to yourself or your family?
Whatever your reason is, write it on a paper and stick it near your study table. Read it whenever you feel low. This simple habit will remind you that the stress you feel now is only temporary, but the success you are aiming for is long-lasting.
Stay focused on the bigger picture. You don’t have to finish everything today. You just have to give your best today.
Final Words:
You Are Not Alone, and You Are Not Behind
Feeling overwhelmed is not a sign that you’re failing - it’s a sign that you’re trying. Every serious aspirant feels pressure at some point. What matters is how you handle it.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent. Even on the toughest days, do something small - revise 10 questions, read one article, solve one passage. These small steps will lead to big results.
Believe in your effort. Believe in your journey. And most importantly, keep showing up - even when it feels tough. That’s what makes a true CLAT warrior.
Komentarze