Table of Contents

Common JAMB Mistakes That Make Students Fail JAMB – Avoid These! | JAMB Exam 2025

Preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is no small task. Every year, thousands of students struggle to secure high scores, and in many cases, failure is due to avoidable mistakes. If you want to ace your JAMB exam and boost your chances of getting admitted into your preferred university, you must be aware of these common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Poor Time Management

Many students fail JAMB because they don’t manage their time effectively during the exam. Since JAMB is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), every second counts. Spending too much time on one question can lead to unanswered questions at the end.

How to Avoid It:

Practice with a JAMB CBT app to improve your speed.
Allocate time per question and stick to it.
Move on from difficult questions and return to them if time permits.

2. Ignoring the JAMB Syllabus

The JAMB syllabus is a goldmine for students, yet many candidates ignore it. The syllabus outlines the topics and subtopics from which JAMB questions are drawn. Studying without it means you might waste time on irrelevant topics.

How to Avoid It:

Download the official JAMB syllabus and use it to guide your studies.
Focus on the recommended topics and study materials.
Avoid distractions and stick to the syllabus structure.

3. Relying Too Much on Past Questions

While past questions are useful, solely depending on them without understanding the concepts is a huge mistake. JAMB may modify or reframe questions, making it difficult to answer them correctly if you lack deep understanding.

How to Avoid It:

Study the concepts behind past questions, not just the answers.
Use a JAMB CBT app with explanations to improve comprehension.
Combine past questions with textbooks and study guides.

4. Poor English and Comprehension Skills

JAMB’s Use of English paper is compulsory, yet many students underestimate its importance. Weak vocabulary, poor comprehension skills, and incorrect grammar can cost valuable marks.

How to Avoid It:

Read English textbooks and novels to improve comprehension.
Practice summary writing and sentence construction.
Take mock tests focusing on comprehension and lexis & structure.

5. Not Practicing with CBT Software

JAMB is fully computer-based, yet some students enter the exam hall without any prior experience with a CBT platform. This leads to panic, slow responses, and mistakes.

How to Avoid It:

Use CBT practice apps like ExamScholars, Myschool CBT, or TestDriller before the exam.
Familiarize yourself with navigation tools like next, previous, and submit buttons.
Practice under timed conditions to simulate the real exam.

Download the JAMB CBT App for 2025! Get access to JAMB’s past questions, JAMB’s latest novel, The Lekki Headmaster, and real-time practice tests.

[Download the JAMB CBT App Now!!]

6. Lack of a Study Plan

Many students fail JAMB because they don’t have a structured study plan. Randomly reading without a proper schedule can lead to poor retention and inefficiency.

How to Avoid It:

Create a daily study timetable and stick to it.
Allocate time for each subject based on difficulty level.
Include short breaks to maintain focus.

7. Guessing Answers Without Elimination Strategy

Some students guess answers randomly when unsure, leading to unnecessary mistakes. JAMB questions often have distractors designed to confuse candidates.

How to Avoid It:

Use the elimination method—rule out incorrect options first.
Look for keywords in questions that hint at the right answer.
If guessing is necessary, make an educated guess based on logic.

8. Exam Day Anxiety and Panic

Even well-prepared students fail JAMB due to anxiety and panic on exam day. Stress can lead to forgetfulness, mistakes, and even skipping questions.

How to Avoid It:

Get enough sleep before the exam.
Arrive early at the exam center to avoid last-minute stress.
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.

9. Using the Wrong Exam Materials

Some students bring unauthorized materials like phones, notes, or calculators, leading to disqualification. Others may mistakenly use expired e-PINs or incorrect registration details.

How to Avoid It:

Follow JAMB exam guidelines strictly.
Double-check your exam slip for the correct date and center.
Avoid malpractice—JAMB has strict monitoring systems in place.

10. Not Reading Instructions Carefully

Many students lose marks simply because they ignore exam instructions. Whether it’s failing to read all options before choosing an answer or misunderstanding a passage, small mistakes can have big consequences.

How to Avoid It:

Take a few seconds to read each question properly.
Pay attention to instructions, especially for Use of English Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning questions.
Avoid rushing—accuracy is just as important as speed.

Conclusion

Passing JAMB is not just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can boost your chances of scoring high and securing admission into your desired institution.

Start preparing today with the right tools, study resources, and mindset. The key to success is consistency, practice, and strategy.

Which of these mistakes have you made before? Share your experience in the comments!

For more JAMB updates and university admission information, visit the official JAMB website here.

For more school updates, click here

Was this guide helpful? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!