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GK vs Current Affairs in CLAT – Which One Matters More?

  • Writer: kajal lawprep
    kajal lawprep
  • Sep 6
  • 4 min read

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Preparing for the CLAT exam can feel overwhelming because of its vast syllabus. Among all the sections, General Knowledge (GK) and Current Affairs create maximum confusion for aspirants. Students often ask, “Should I focus more on static GK or current affairs?” The truth is, both matter—but in different ways. Understanding the balance between them can help you save time, reduce stress, and maximize your score.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of GK vs Current Affairs in CLAT, how much weight each carries, study strategies, and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding the CLAT General Knowledge Section

The GK section in CLAT preparation is not just about memorizing facts. It tests how well you can analyze, comprehend, and apply knowledge in a given context.


1. Pattern of GK/Current Affairs in CLAT


  • Around 28–32 questions are asked from GK/Current Affairs.

  • The section is passage-based, meaning a 400–450 word passage is given, followed by multiple-choice questions.

  • Questions are designed to test your awareness of recent events and your ability to connect them with static GK concepts.

For example:A passage about the G20 Summit in India may include questions on:

  • The host country and its theme.

  • The history of the G20.

  • India’s role in global organizations.

This shows that both static GK (history, organizations, treaties) and current events are important.

GK vs Current Affairs – The Key Difference


1. What is Static GK?

  • Refers to facts that do not change with time.

  • Examples: Indian Constitution, important articles, historical events, national parks, famous books and authors, international organizations.


2. What is Current Affairs?

  • Refers to recent and ongoing events that are relevant nationally or internationally.

  • Examples: government schemes, appointments, awards, sports, international summits, environment issues, and economic developments.


3. Which Matters More in CLAT?

  • Current Affairs dominates the paper: Almost 70–80% of questions are based on recent events of the past 6–12 months.

  • Static GK supports Current Affairs: Many questions link back to background knowledge. For example, a passage on the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 may require you to know constitutional provisions (static GK).

Thus, Current Affairs is the main focus, but Static GK cannot be ignored.

Why Current Affairs Has More Weight in CLAT


1. Passage-based format:

CLAT doesn’t ask direct “one-word fact” questions anymore. Instead, questions are tied to recent news.


2. Application-oriented:

The examiners want to test whether you can analyze issues, not just memorize facts.


3. Dynamic syllabus:

Every year’s paper changes depending on world and national events.


Example: In CLAT 2023, passages were asked on:

  • Russia–Ukraine conflict.

  • COP27 Climate Conference.

  • India’s Presidency of the G20.

Each of these required knowledge of current updates along with a bit of static background. For CLAT 2026, aspirants can expect questions around topics like India’s role in global climate negotiations, G20 outcomes, or major constitutional judgments that make headlines.

The Role of Static GK in CLAT

While current affairs is the primary focus, static GK acts as the foundation. Without it, you may struggle to answer follow-up questions in the passage.

Important Static GK Areas for CLAT:

  • Indian Constitution (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Schedules).

  • Important Supreme Court judgments.

  • International organizations (UN, WTO, IMF, ASEAN, BRICS).

  • Famous books and authors.

  • National and international awards.

  • Geography basics (important rivers, dams, states, capitals).

Example:If a passage talks about the UN General Assembly, you may be asked:

  • Where is the UN headquarters?

  • Who is the current UN Secretary-General?

That’s where static GK knowledge helps.

How to Balance GK and Current Affairs in CLAT Preparation


1. Prioritize Current Affairs (70%)

  • Focus on the last 12 months of news.

  • Read reliable sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and government websites.

  • Use monthly current affairs compilations specifically made for CLAT preparation.

  • Practice passage-based questions to improve comprehension and analysis.


2. Build Static GK Foundation (30%)

  • Revise Constitution, polity, and international organizations regularly.

  • Prepare a list of important static facts connected with current issues.

  • Use standard books like Lucent GK (for basics) and CLAT-specific GK modules.


3. Use Smart Notes

  • Make topic-wise notes rather than date-wise.

  • Example: For the topic India’s G20 Presidency, include:

    • Key theme and outcomes (Current Affairs).

    • History of G20 and its members (Static GK).

This approach saves time during revision.

Practical Tips for GK and Current Affairs Preparation


1. Daily Routine Tips

  • Spend 30–40 minutes daily on reading news.

  • Dedicate 15 minutes daily to revising static GK topics.

  • Take weekly quizzes to check retention.


2. Smart Study Sources

  • Current Affairs: GK Today, CLAT-specific current affairs magazines, online test series.

  • Static GK: NCERT Class 6–10 for history, geography, polity basics; Lucent GK.


3. Example Strategy

  • Monday–Friday: Focus on current affairs.

  • Saturday: Revise static GK topics.

  • Sunday: Attempt one full GK/Current Affairs sectional test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CLAT GK Preparation


1. Relying only on monthly PDFs

Many aspirants just read monthly compilations without understanding background details. This makes it hard to answer passage-based questions.


2. Ignoring static GK completely

Even if static GK is only 20–30%, it can be the deciding factor between a good and excellent score.


3. Overloading with multiple sources

Reading 4–5 newspapers or dozens of websites is not efficient. Stick to 2–3 reliable sources.


4. Not practicing passage-based questions

CLAT doesn’t test rote memory anymore. Without practice, you may struggle with lengthy comprehension-based GK passages.


5. Last-minute cramming

Current Affairs needs consistent revision. Relying on one-week revision before the exam won’t help.

Revision Strategy for GK and Current Affairs


1. Make Weekly Notes:

Prepare concise notes for every week.

2. Use Flashcards:

Great for quick recall of dates, events, and organizations.

3. Revise in Cycles:

Use the 3-step cycle – Weekly → Monthly → Final revision before exam.

4. Take Mock Tests:

They expose weak areas and improve time management.

Final Thoughts

In the debate of GK vs Current Affairs in CLAT, the clear answer is:

  • Current Affairs should be your top priority (70–80%) because most questions are linked to recent events.

  • Static GK (20–30%) cannot be ignored because it provides context and background.

The smart strategy is to integrate both—connect current events with static knowledge. With consistent practice, the right resources, and effective revision, you can turn the GK/Current Affairs section into your strongest scoring area.

Remember: In competitive exams like CLAT, it’s not about studying everything, but about studying smartly. Focus on relevance, clarity, and revision—and success will follow.

 
 
 

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