Table of Contents
Introduction
Preparing for the Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Exam can be challenging, but one of the most effective strategies is analyzing previous year papers. These papers provide insights into the exam pattern, important topics, and types of questions that are frequently asked. If you are serious about cracking this exam, using past papers strategically will give you a competitive edge.
In this guide, we will cover:
- Why previous year papers are crucial for preparation.
- Key topics to focus on based on past trends.
- A step-by-step approach to using past papers effectively.
Why Are Previous Year Papers Important?
- Understanding the Exam Pattern
- Helps identify the structure of the exam, including question types and difficulty levels.
- Reveals the weightage of different topics.
- Identifying High-Scoring Topics
- Some topics are repeated every year, making them important for focused preparation.
- Helps prioritize study areas for maximum impact.
- Improving Time Management
- Solving past papers under timed conditions improves speed and accuracy.
- Reduces exam-day stress by familiarizing candidates with the format.
- Self-Assessment & Weakness Identification
- Provides a clear understanding of strengths and weaknesses.
- Helps develop strategies for improvement.
Breakdown of Part-I: Section-Wise Analysis
To breakdown the Part-I of the Examination section-wise, it is important to understand the weightage of each of these sections. Although, the Scheme of Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates on Short-Term Contractual Assignment in the Supreme Court of India – January, 2024 does not provide for the weightage of each of these sections, the past trends can help us in identifying an estimate number of questions from each of the sections.
1. English Comprehension
| Question Paper Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 15 |
This section tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
Important Topics from Past Papers:
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- One-word Substitutions
- Sentence Correction & Error Spotting
- Idioms & Phrases
Preparation Tips:
Acing the section on English is not a one time affair, rather candidates need to persistently work on their reading and comprehension skills, so that the practice might come handy no matter how difficult the reading comprehension is.
- Read editorials from The Hindu or Indian Express daily.
- Practice at least 10 comprehension passages before the exam.
- Use books like Wren & Martin’s English Grammar for error detection and sentence correction.
2. General Aptitude & Awareness
This section evaluates logical reasoning and current affairs. Around 20 questions were asked from this section each year prior to the 2023 Examination. As per the Scheme of Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates on Short-Term Contractual Assignment in the Supreme Court of India – January, 2024, there is no section for General Aptitude and Awareness.
3. Law Subjects
This is not a dedicated section of the examination but has been so written for the benefit of the students because it covers various law subjects such as CPC, CRPC, IPC, Evidence Law, Constitution, Contract Law and Tort Law.
The Subject-wise break down is as follows:
Constitution of India
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 18 |
Civil Procedure Code
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 11 |
Indian Penal Code
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 11 |
Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC)
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 10 |
Evidence Law
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
Contract Law
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | – |
| 2019 | – |
| 2021 | – |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 12 |
Important Topics from Past Papers:
- Legal & Constitutional Awareness: Recent Supreme Court judgments, Fundamental Rights, Amendments.
Preparation Tips:
- Stay updated of the daily legal updates.
- Revise landmark Supreme Court cases like Kesavananda Bharati, Maneka Gandhi, Puttaswamy, etc.
4. Latest Developments in Law
The Latest Developments in Law is yet another critical section. Aspirants must stay updated with the important decisions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to ace this section. Further, priority must be given to constitutional bench judgments along with other larger bench decisions.
The below is the year wise break-down of the number of questions related to the latest developments in law.
| Year | Number of Questions |
| 2018 | – |
| 2019 | – |
| 2021 | – |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 15 |
Step-by-Step Strategy to Use Previous Year Papers
Step 1: Start with a Mock Test
- Attempt a full previous year paper (preferably the 2024 paper) under exam conditions to assess your current level.
- Note down which sections take the most time.
Step 2: Analyze Mistakes & Identify Weak Areas
- Categorize mistakes as conceptual errors, time management issues, or careless mistakes.
- Focus extra time on weak sections.
Step 3: Prioritize Repeated Topics
- Identify high-weightage topics that appear frequently.
- Allocate more time to these subjects.
Step 4: Solve at Least 3 Past Papers
- Set a schedule: Solve one paper per week.
Step 5: Use a Timer for Each Section
- Keep track of how much time each section takes.
- Work on improving speed in comprehension the section.
Step 6: Maintain a Notes Journal
- Write down important judgments and legal maxims.
Link to Last 5 Year Question Papers (Part – I)
Conclusion
The Supreme Court Law Clerk Exam demands strong legal awareness, and command over English. Previous year papers are a goldmine of insights—use them wisely to refine your strategy, improve your accuracy, and gain confidence.
Start solving past papers today, and you’ll be exam-ready by March 9th!
Next Step: Want to ace the Subjective Paper? Check out our expert guide on How to Write Perfect Answers for the Supreme Court Law Clerk Exam! (Coming Soon)
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