Introduction
Every year, thousands of students sit for the JAMB UTME. Unfortunately, there are mistakes that many of them repeat that reduce their chances of scoring high in the exam. These mistakes are easily overlooked but end up costing them the opportunity to gain admission into top universities.
If you are preparing for JAMB 2026, then this is for you. Knowing these mistakes early can help you avoid them and increase your chances of scoring 300+.
Here are five common mistakes JAMB candidates make every year and how to avoid them:
Starting JAMB Preparations Too Late
Starting preparations too late is one of the biggest mistakes candidates make before JAMB. Waiting until the very last minute is risky as it would be nearly impossible to cover the whole syllabus within a short period.
The mistake students make is assuming they can cover the whole syllabus within a few days. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to burnout, stress, anxiety, and poor performance.
How to avoid this mistake:
Start preparing early. Ideally, JAMB preparations should have started months before the exam, but if you haven’t started, start now! It’s not too late. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Early preparation allows you to cover more topics in the syllabus, allows you to recognize weak areas and pay attention to them, and gives you enough time to practice past questions and master time management skills.
Candidates who start preparing early have a higher chance of performing better than those who procrastinate their study.
Ignoring the JAMB Syllabus
Another common mistake people make is not making use of the official JAMB syllabus to study. The JAMB syllabus has all the topics you need to read, and exam questions are usually based strictly on the approved syllabus for each subject.
Ignoring the syllabus might lead to studying random topics that are unlikely to appear in the exam.
Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
Download the official JAMB syllabus and follow it strictly for all your subjects. The syllabus shows you topics you must cover and areas that are frequently tested. This helps you study smarter, not just harder.
Studying without Practicing CBT Exams
JAMB is a Computer-Based Test, therefore, preparing using only textbooks might create a problem when faced with the actual CBT environment. Some candidates struggle with time management and navigating the computer. This results in panic and loss of valuable time during the exam.
Here’s how you can avoid this mistake:
Practice regularly using JAMB CBT PRACTICE PLATFORMS. This will help you reduce exam anxiety, improve speed, and help you master time management.
Download the Exam Scholars JAMB CBT 2026 Practice App to help you prepare. This app provides past questions and mock exams that help you practice in the exact timed conditions of the JAMB exam.
Download Exam Scholars App on Android/Mobile
Download Exam Scholars App on iOS devices
or visit Exam Scholars for more info.
Relying Only on Classroom Teaching & Class Notes
JAMB questions often go beyond what was taught in the classroom. They usually require a deeper understanding of the topics, therefore reading just school notes may not suffice if you plan to score above 300. Candidates who rely on classroom teaching and school notes often end up meeting unfamiliar questions in the exam hall.
Here’s how you can avoid this mistake:
The most important thing is to use multiple resources. The recommended textbooks for each subject are in the JAMB syllabus. Make use of those religiously. Also, practice past questions and answers everyday. Combining these would improve your familiarity with the topics and repeated question patterns, while giving you a broader understanding of each concept.
Poor Time Management During the Exam
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of the JAMB exam preparation. People often spend too much time on difficult questions which usually leads to rushing through the remaining ones with a few minutes left to go. This approach may lead to multiple avoidable mistakes.
Remember, JAMB is about speed and accuracy. There is limited time to answer questions therefore time management is as important as the knowledge you possess.
Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
Practice answering questions under timed conditions. With enough practice, you develop the ability to answer questions quickly and accurately.
For exam day, do these to maximize your time:
- Start with the easy questions.
- Keep track of your time as you progress.
- Avoid spending too much time on a question. Target 30 – 45 seconds per question.
- Skip difficult questions and tackle them last.
Conclusion
Finally, if you want to perform well in the JAMB UTME 2026, then avoid these mistakes to increase your chance of scoring 300+.
Remember, succeeding in JAMB is not just about studying hard. You need to study smart, and with the right strategy and consistency. You’re sure to score high and secure admission into your university of first choice.
Read also: How to Score 300+ in JAMB 2026: 6 Simple Steps
And
How to Prepare for JAMB 2026: Last Minute Tips for Guaranteed Success
