What is the Ideal Time Split for Each CLAT Section?

Time management is one of the most decisive factors in CLAT success. Many aspirants know the syllabus well but fail to convert preparation into scores because they mismanage time during the exam. Understanding what is the ideal time split for each CLAT section can dramatically improve accuracy, reduce panic, and help you maximize attempts without increasing negative marking.

CLAT is a 120-minute paper with passage-based questions across five sections. Since all sections are interlinked with reading comprehension, the challenge is not just speed—but smart allocation of time based on scoring potential and personal strengths.

Why Time Split Matters More Than Speed in CLAT

CLAT does not reward rushing. Attempting questions without proper comprehension leads to errors and heavy negative marking. The goal is to balance accuracy, selection, and pacing.

Knowing what is the ideal time split for each CLAT section helps you:

• Avoid spending too long on low-return sections

• Maintain composure throughout the paper

• Ensure no section is left untouched due to poor pacing

Instead of a rigid formula, aspirants should follow a flexible yet structured time framework.

Ideal Time Split for English Language (20–22 minutes)

The English section consists of comprehension passages testing vocabulary, inference, tone, and central ideas. Since this section is usually accuracy-friendly, it should be attempted early.

Ideal time: 20–22 minutes
Why: High accuracy potential with moderate effort

Avoid overthinking vocabulary questions. If a passage feels unusually complex, mark it and move on. Spending extra time here rarely improves returns.

Ideal Time Split for Current Affairs & GK (10–12 minutes)

This is the most time-efficient section of CLAT. Most questions are direct and passage-supported.

Ideal time: 10–12 minutes
Why: Low reading load, quick decision-making

Do not attempt guesswork here. If you don’t know an answer, skip and move ahead. Understanding what is the ideal time split for each CLAT section means knowing when not to spend time.

Ideal Time Split for Legal Reasoning (30–35 minutes)

Legal Reasoning is the backbone of CLAT and often the highest scoring section. It requires careful reading and accurate application of principles.

Ideal time: 30–35 minutes
Why: High weightage and strong scoring opportunity

Read principles carefully and avoid assumptions. Rushing Legal Reasoning leads to costly mistakes.

Ideal Time Split for Logical Reasoning (20–22 minutes)

Logical Reasoning passages test arguments, assumptions, conclusions, and cause-effect relationships.

Ideal time: 20–22 minutes
Why: Balanced section with moderate complexity

Avoid spending too much time on one tricky passage. Logical Reasoning rewards clarity more than speed.

Ideal Time Split for Quantitative Techniques (15–18 minutes)

Quantitative Techniques is often the most feared section, but it carries the lowest number of questions.

Ideal time: 15–18 minutes
Why: Low weightage, high time risk

Attempt only questions you’re confident about. Skipping difficult sets is a smart strategy, not a weakness.

Recommended Overall Time Allocation Summary

• English Language: 20–22 minutes

• Current Affairs & GK: 10–12 minutes

• Legal Reasoning: 30–35 minutes

• Logical Reasoning: 20–22 minutes

• Quantitative Techniques: 15–18 minutes

This structure answers “what is the ideal time split for each CLAT section” while allowing flexibility based on personal strengths.

How CLATapult Helps Students Master the Ideal Time Split for CLAT

Knowing the theory is one thing—executing it under pressure is another. This is where CLATapult plays a critical role in transforming preparation into performance.

Mock Tests Designed for Real-Time Strategy Building

CLATapult’s mock tests closely mirror actual CLAT difficulty, passage length, and sectional balance. Students are trained not just to attempt mocks, but to test different time strategies and identify what works best for them.

Through repeated practice, students internalize the ideal time split for each CLAT section instead of consciously calculating during the exam.

Personalized Time-Management Mentorship

Every student’s strengths are different. CLATapult faculty analyze mock performances and suggest personalized time adjustments, helping students spend more time where they score better and reduce losses elsewhere.

This individualized approach ensures time strategy is aligned with actual performance, not generic advice.

Section-Specific Strategy Sessions

CLATapult conducts focused sessions on:

• Speed reading for English and Legal

• Smart skipping in Quantitative Techniques

• Accuracy optimization in Logical Reasoning

• Quick recall methods for Current Affairs

These sessions help students refine execution and stick to ideal time limits naturally.

Building Exam-Day Confidence

Poor time management often leads to panic in the last 30 minutes of CLAT. CLATapult trains students to maintain composure, follow a pre-decided order, and adjust on the go—key traits of top rankers.

By exam day, students are not thinking about time—they are controlling it.

FAQs: What Is the Ideal Time Split for Each CLAT Section?

1. What is the ideal time split for each CLAT section in 120 minutes?

English: ~20 minutes, GK: ~10 minutes, Legal: ~30 minutes, Logical: ~20 minutes, Quant: ~15 minutes.

2. Should I follow the same time split in every mock?

Start with the ideal split, then fine-tune it based on your strengths and mock performance.

3. Which CLAT section should be attempted first?

Most students start with English or GK to build confidence early.

4. Is it okay to skip Quantitative Techniques in CLAT?

Yes, partial attempts are acceptable if accuracy elsewhere is high.

5. How can I improve time management for CLAT?

Regular mocks, proper analysis, and strategy refinement are essential.

6. How does CLATapult help with CLAT time management?

Through realistic mocks, personalized feedback, and strategy-focused mentorship.

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Kolkata, West Bengal 700064

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