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Time-Saving Techniques for CLAT Reading Comprehension

  • Writer: Himanshi Goyal
    Himanshi Goyal
  • 4 days ago
  • 5 min read
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Reading Comprehension in the CLAT exam often feels time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need super reading speed or a love for novels to score well here. What matters more is how smartly you approach the passage. Most students waste time not because they can’t understand the passage, but because they don’t know where to focus, what to skip, and how to answer smartly.

In this blog, you’ll learn 10 powerful, time-saving techniques to handle Reading Comprehension (RC) with ease. These tips are perfect for CLAT aspirants, especially those in the 16–20 age group who want to make the most of every second in the exam. Let’s jump right in.


1. Start by Skimming the Passage for Structure, Not Details

Before you begin reading deeply, take 30-40 seconds to skim the passage quickly. Focus on getting a rough idea of what the passage is about. Notice how it begins, how the arguments are placed, and how it ends.

You don’t need to understand every word or sentence in this skim. Your aim is to identify:

  • The tone of the passage (neutral, argumentative, critical, etc.)

  • The theme or subject (legal, environmental, social issue, etc.)

  • Where examples, comparisons, or conclusions are given

This step gives your mind a map so that when you go into reading in detail, you already know where to look later when a question asks something specific. For succeeding in the exam, it's equally important to stay updated on all details about CLAT 2026, so that your preparation stays aligned with the latest pattern and question trends - especially in sections like Reading Comprehension, which keep evolving.


2. Look at the Questions Before You Read in Detail

Many CLAT toppers swear by this. A quick glance at the questions before you read the full passage helps you understand what kind of answers you'll need.

You don’t need to memorize all questions. Just note:

  • Are there questions about tone?

  • Is there a fact-based question?

  • Are they asking about vocabulary or inference?

This makes your reading purposeful. Your brain will automatically start searching for possible answers while you read, which reduces the need to reread later. It’s like entering a shop knowing what items you want, you move faster, with direction.


3. Read the Passage Actively (Not Like a Storybook)

Many students read passively, like they're reading a story on a Sunday evening. But CLAT passages demand attention. You have to read actively, always asking small questions in your head:

  • “Is this the author’s view or someone else's?”

  • “Why is this example added?”

  • “What’s the point being argued here?”

This kind of reading keeps your mind sharp and saves you from rereading. It also helps you identify opinions vs facts, examples vs arguments, which is exactly what most CLAT questions are based on.


4. Pay Special Attention to the First and Last Paragraphs

The beginning and end of the passage usually hold important clues. The first paragraph sets the theme, and the last paragraph often gives the final opinion or a summary.

These parts are often linked to questions about:

  • The main idea

  • The author’s viewpoint

  • The tone or conclusion

While reading, slow down slightly for the intro and conclusion. Make sure you understand what’s being said here. In many passages, these two paragraphs alone can help answer 3–4 questions quickly.


5. Notice Transition Words and Contrast Markers

  • Words like however, on the other hand, but, although, in contrast, these signal a change in direction of thought or a counter-argument.

  • These are often where the real opinion or main point lies. For example, a paragraph may start in agreement but use “however” to bring a totally new view.

  • Questions asking about the author’s position, tone, or inferences are often hidden near these transitions.

  • Also, watch out for words like therefore, hence, or thus - they introduce conclusions, which are directly asked in many CLAT questions.


Consider joining CLAT coaching in Lucknow or any reputable institute nearby for expert guidance and effective preparation.

6. Don’t Try to Remember Everything, Just Know Where to Find It

  • You are not expected to memorize the whole passage. You just need to understand the structure and know where each point is discussed. This way, when a question asks about a specific example or point, you can go straight to that paragraph and reread just that part.

  • This trick avoids the time-wasting habit of going through the entire passage again and again. Reading with the goal of “knowing where it is” helps you save both time and energy.


7. Answer Questions by Eliminating Wrong Options First

In CLAT, some options look very close to each other. That’s where students panic and waste time. Instead of searching for the right answer immediately, start removing the wrong ones.

Ask yourself:

  • Does this option say something completely opposite?

  • Is this not mentioned at all in the passage?

  • Is this assumption too strong?

Usually, you can eliminate 2 options right away. Then choose the most accurate from the remaining 2. This method works especially well for questions that ask about:

  • Inference

  • Author’s view

  • Incorrect statements

This technique not only saves time but also improves your accuracy.


8. Skip Tough Questions and Come Back Later

  • Some questions are tricky, you may feel stuck between two similar-sounding options or unsure about the tone. In such cases, don’t keep guessing or wasting 4–5 minutes on one question.

  • Simply mark it for review and move on.

  • Return to it after solving the easier ones. Your brain works better once it’s warmed up and confident from solving others. Plus, you may understand the tricky one better once you've seen the entire passage with fresh eyes.

  • Remember: in CLAT, time wasted is marks lost. So, use your minutes wisely.


9. Practice With a Timer and Analyse Mistakes

Time-saving tricks are only useful when you practice them regularly. Solve at least one RC passage every day, but do it with a stopwatch. Set a goal of 8–10 minutes per passage (reading + questions).

At first, you may take longer, that’s okay. With daily practice, your speed and understanding will improve.

But don’t just solve and forget. Always spend time reviewing:

  • Where did you waste time?

  • Which questions did you get wrong and why?

  • Was your confusion due to not reading properly or a tricky option?

Daily practice + review is the fastest way to improve. Like a muscle, your reading mind gets sharper the more you train it



10. Attempt Easier Passages First in the Exam

Not all RC passages are created equal. Some are long and philosophical, while others are short and to the point. In the exam, you don’t have to solve them in order.

Quickly glance at all passages and pick the one that:

  • Looks shorter

  • Has a topic you’re comfortable with

  • Has direct questions

Start with these. You’ll complete them faster and build confidence. Then go for the slightly difficult ones.

This strategy helps you maximize your score in minimum time, and you won’t panic because you’re not stuck on the hard ones at the start.


Final Words

Reading Comprehension can become one of your strongest areas in CLAT if you learn to handle it smartly. You don’t need to be a speed-reader or someone who reads novels every week. What you need is:

  • A clear process

  • Daily timed practice

  • Smart use of tricks like skimming, elimination, and skipping

These 10 strategies are tested by toppers and trainers and work beautifully when applied consistently.

Remember, it's not about doing more, it’s about doing what works, and doing it every day. Your dream NLU is closer than you think, just read smart and practice right.

 
 
 

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