Speed vs. Accuracy: What Matters More in CLAT 2026?

CLAT 2026 is not only about testing knowledge but also strategy. Therefore, aspirants often wonder if they should focus on speed or accuracy. Having a good speed helps the candidates to attempt more questions and accuracy ensures a higher score by avoiding negative marking. In order to get a high rank in the CLAT 2026 exam the candidates are required to maintain a balance between both the factors. In this blog, the students will get to analyse the importance of speed and accuracy in the CLAT exam, the role of CLAT coaching to master the skills, and how to improve both speed and accuracy. 

Understand the CLAT Exam Pattern

In order to decide whether speed and accuracy is more important. Let’s check below the exam structure for CLAT 2026 exam:

• Total Number of Questions: 120 (passage based MCQ questions)
• Total Marks: 120
• Time Limit: 120 minutes
• Negative Marking: -0.25 for each correct answer

Since the candidates get only one minute per question they are required to manage both time and accuracy. 

The Role of Speed in the CLAT 2026 Exam

Why Speed Matters in the CLAT 2026 Exam?

• Since the candidates get only 120 minutes for 120 questions therefore, answering quickly is very important.
• Each section consists of long passages that require both reading and comprehension skills.
• More questions the candidates attempt higher the chances are of scoring well

How to Improve Speed?

• The candidates must take full length CLAT mock tests to improve their speed
• While reading passages the students must focus on the key points instead of each word. In short they should develop develop skimming and scanning techniques
• The candidates must focus on solving previous year question papers with proper time limits. This will help to gain real time experience
• They should use various quantitative techniques or various quick calculation methods for CLAT Quantitative Aptitude

 The Role of Accuracy in the CLAT 2026 Exam

Check below the reasons to know the role of accuracy in the CLAT 2026 exam:

Why Accuracy Matters?

• The CLAT exam consists of negative marking for each incorrect answer. 
• It is better to answer few questions correctly than attempting more with mistakes
• It is very common to misinterpret a legal passage or current affairs question and this leads to incorrect answers

How to Improve Accuracy?

• The candidates must develop strong conceptual clarity instead of memorizing answers they should focus on understanding concepts.
• They should analyse their mistakes while attempting mock tests. They should keep a record of errors and avoid repeating them.
• They should ensure that they don’t misinterpret the questions and read them carefully
• Candidates should avoid any kind of guesswork and answer the questions only if they are confident

What Should be Prioritized? – When to Focus on Speed?

• If the candidates are not able to attempt all the questions within the time limit
• If they are struggling with the reading comprehension or long legal reasoning passages
• If the mock test scores indicate that they should not leave too many questions unattempted

When to Focus on Accuracy?

• If the candidates lose marks in the CLAT exam due to negative marking
• If they attempt more number of questions but number of correct answers are very low
• If they struggle with legal aptitude or logical reasoning questions

Finding the Right Balance

• The candidates should attempt the easy questions first to maximise both speed and accuracy
• They should set a target of accuracy at least 85 to 90%  while practicing
• They should track their accuracy to attempt ratio in mock tests
• They should adjust their strategy based on their strengths and weaknesses

Role of CLAT Preparation Books to Manage Speed and Accuracy

The right study materials help the candidates to make a significant difference in their preparation. In order to enhance their CLAT preparation and improve their speed and accuracy the candidates must focus on books such as word power made easy by Norman Lewis, Books by RS Aggarwal for quants and logical reasoning, GK and current affairs by Manorama Yearbook, etc. Using such books along with mock tests and practice papers will give a well rounded preparation strategy. 

Preparation Strategy to Manage Speed and Accuracy in the CLAT Exam

Check below the month wise preparation strategy to manage both speed and accuracy in the CLAT exam:

Month	Focus Area
1st Month	Build conceptual clarity, focus on accuracy
2nd Month	Improve reading speed, practice comprehension techniques
3rd Month	Attempt sectional tests, focus on error reduction
4th Month	Take full-length mocks under timed conditions
5th Month	Analyze weak areas and fine-tune strategies
6th Month	Revise, optimize speed-accuracy balance, take final mocks

Why to Enroll in the Best CLAT Coaching in India?

In order to manage both the aspects such as speed and accuracy it is important to enroll in the best CLAT coaching in India. Good CLAT coaching helps the candidates to:

• Study from experienced mentors who help to break down complex concepts and provide them with personalized tips to improve their speed and accuracy.
• Top CLAT coaching centres offer updated study materials such as practice tests and mock tests in alignment with the latest exam patterns. 
• Coaching centres take regular tests and quizzes to keep them on track and this also helps the candidates to identify areas of improvement.
• Students get motivation to be a part of the competitive group that will motivate them to perform better and share each other’s study techniques.
• Many coaching centres will offer doubt clearing sessions along with individual feedback required for improvement.

Conclusion

Both speed and accuracy are important for the CLAT 2026 exam. While speed helps to attempt the maximum number of questions on the other hand accuracy ensures that they convert their attempts into marks. The right preparation strategy is to maintain balance between the two aspects. 

Join iQuanta CLAT Course Now

Speed vs. Accuracy for CLAT 2026 – FAQs