Exam Hacks to Save Time and Boost Scores in CLAT and CUET
Exam Hacks to Save Time and Boost Scores in CLAT and CUET
Cracking competitive exams like the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) and the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) requires not just hard work but also smart strategies. With a limited time to answer a variety of questions, effective time management and smart hacks can make a significant difference in your performance. Here are proven tips and techniques to save time and maximize your scores.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern Inside Out
Familiarizing yourself with the structure of CLAT and CUET is crucial.
- CLAT focuses on comprehension-based questions across sections like English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
- CUET tests knowledge in subject-specific domains, general ability, and language proficiency.
Knowing the pattern helps prioritize sections and allocate time accordingly.
2. Prioritize High-Scoring Sections
Not all sections carry the same weightage or require the same effort.
- In CLAT, focus on Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs, as they are often high-scoring with the right preparation.
- In CUET, identify the subject-specific domains you are confident in and maximize your performance there.
Attempting high-value questions first ensures you don’t miss scoring opportunities.
3. Practice the Art of Skimming
For comprehension-based questions, train yourself to skim through passages quickly.
- Look for keywords, dates, names, or figures that can guide you to the right answers.
- Avoid reading the entire passage unless necessary; focus on the question’s demand.
Skimming can save precious minutes while answering lengthy sections.
4. Develop a Strategic Answering Order
Start with questions you find easy and are confident about.
- Tackle moderate ones next, leaving the most difficult questions for the end.
- This strategy prevents you from wasting time on challenging questions early on, ensuring you answer more questions within the time limit.
5. Leverage Elimination Techniques
When unsure about an answer, eliminate clearly wrong options first.
- Narrowing down choices increases the probability of guessing correctly.
- This method is particularly useful in CLAT Logical Reasoning and CUET General Ability sections.
6. Use Shortcuts for Quantitative Sections
Memorize important formulas, multiplication tables, and shortcuts for common calculations.
- For instance, practicing percentage and ratio problems frequently can help you solve them faster during the exam.
- Avoid lengthy calculations by approximating where applicable.
7. Time Management During the Exam
Divide your time strategically:
- Allocate a fixed duration to each section and stick to it.
- Keep track of time using a watch or the on-screen timer for online exams.
- Reserve the last 10-15 minutes for reviewing marked or skipped questions.
8. Mock Tests: The Ultimate Hack
Taking mock tests under timed conditions trains you to work efficiently.
- Analyze your performance to identify weak areas and improve them.
- Simulate the exam environment to build familiarity and reduce stress during the actual test.
9. Stay Calm and Composed
Panic can lead to mistakes and time wastage.
- Practice breathing exercises to manage anxiety during the exam.
- Read each question carefully before answering to avoid errors due to haste.
10. Prepare for the Unexpected
Be ready to adapt if the paper’s difficulty level varies.
- Stay flexible with your time allocation to adjust to tougher or lengthier sections.
- Trust your preparation and avoid overthinking unexpected questions.
By integrating these time-saving hacks into your preparation, you can significantly boost your scores in CLAT and CUET. Remember, success is a combination of smart work, consistent practice, and a calm mindset. Best of luck with your exam journey!
Share this Post