Preparing for the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) requires a strategic approach to mastering the General Knowledge (GK) and Current Affairs section, which carries significant weightage in the exam.

1. CA Compendium by 12 Minutes to CLAT

• What it is: Free monthly PDFs covering CLAT/AILET current affairs from Jan 2025 onwards — found under “CA Compendiums” on their site
   
• Why it’s useful: Freely accessible, monthly summary focused on CLAT-relevant topics.
   
• Reddit feedback:
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  “I have found CA Compendium by 12mtc to be the best honestly… it’s free on 12mtc website.”

Key Features of Popular Compendiums

The Importance of a GK Compendium for CLAT

• Central Role in Exam: GK and current affairs represent about 25% of the total questions in CLAT, often 35-39 questions out of 150. Ignoring this section can negatively impact your overall score and NLU admission prospects.
• Dynamic Content: The syllabus is dynamic, covering contemporary events, legal developments, government policies, international news, and static GK. Continuous, up-to-date preparation is essential.
• Analytical Skills: Beyond fact memorization, CLAT tests your ability to connect current events to legal and constitutional contexts, requiring understanding and analytical reading.

Key Resources: Monthly Compendiums and Magazines

1. GK Compendium for CLAT – What to Look For?

When selecting a GK compendium for CLAT, ensure it has the following:

• Monthly coverage of important news

• Legal updates and Supreme Court/High Court judgments

• Background and context for events

• MCQs or practice questions based on recent events

• Editorial-based analysis

A good compendium should not only help you remember the facts but also help you understand the "why" and "how" behind those events — which is crucial for solving passage-based questions.

2. CLAT Express Monthly Compendium – Is It Good?

Yes, the CLAT Express Monthly Compendium is a solid source, especially for candidates who want:

• Monthly PDF-based summaries of current affairs

• Focused content filtered specifically for CLAT and other law entrance exams

• Legal and national importance topics

• Practice questions with explanations

Key Benefits:

• Covers current affairs from legal, economic, and international perspectives

• Content is tailored for CLAT pattern — short, crisp, and relevant

• Regular weekly and monthly editions are available, making revision easier

If you’re someone who finds The Hindu or Indian Express hard to follow daily, CLAT Express can fill that gap with structured notes.

3. CLAT Post Current Affairs Magazine

• Purpose: A similar resource, often released by top exam coaching providers under names like "CLAT Post," focusing on monthly or weekly compilations of significant news and current affairs.
• Features:
  • Compiles all essential news, legal and policy decisions, international developments, and more.
  • Useful for quick review and last-month revision.
• Best Practice:
  • Use in tandem with daily newspapers for comprehensive preparation.
  • Tailor your revision to reconnect current events to likely legal reasoning exam questions.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Rely on Just One Source

While CLAT Express and CLAT Post are great, also explore:

• The Hindu Editorial (2-3 per week)
• YouTube channels like 12minutestoclat GK or 12mtcDaily GK
  

These can help with comprehension practice, which is now the heart of CLAT’s GK section.

How to Effectively Use Monthly Compendiums

1. Regular Reading & Note-Making
   • Make a habit of reading every new compendium release.
   • Write summarised notes, especially on legislative updates and judgments.
2. Discussion and Application
   • Discuss core issues with peers or mentors for broader perspectives.
   • Relate news items to legal concepts.
3. Connect with Legal Reasoning
   • Analyze how current affairs can be linked to the type of passages presented in CLAT (usually 450 words, followed by MCQs).
4. Revision and Practice
   • Periodically revise your notes and highlights from compendiums.
   • Attempt mock questions, topic quizzes, and analyze your strengths/weaknesses.
5. Stay Updated
   • Look for corrections or updates in subsequent editions to avoid obsolete information.
   • Complement compendiums with newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express for maximum coverage.

Final Thoughts

If you're serious about CLAT 2026, start building your current affairs foundation today. Use trusted GK compendiums like the CLAT Express Monthly Compendium and CLAT Post Current Affairs. Combine them with daily practice and newspaper reading for best results.

Consistency is the key. Read, revise, and test yourself every week. Your future law school seat could depend on those 35-40 GK marks.

1. Which are the most recommended current affairs magazines for CLAT?

• CLAT Express Monthly Compendium

These are widely used by top performers for their coverage and concise presentation.

2. How often should I read these compendiums?

Read each new issue as soon as it’s published and review them regularly—ideally at least once a week. Prioritize revision in the last 1-2 months before the exam.

3. Can I trust compendiums alone, or should I read newspapers too?

Compendiums are vital for consolidating material, but daily reading of newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express is strongly advised for more in-depth understanding and up-to-date coverage.

4. How do I make notes from these compendiums?

Write short, bullet-style notes on legal events, judgments, and recurring themes. Categorize content (e.g., International News, Legal Updates, Important Dates) for efficient revision.