JAMB 2026 UTME starts April 16–25. Avoid these 6 costly mistakes in the exam hall that can ruin your performance even for well-prepared candidates.
With the JAMB 2026 UTME scheduled to start on April 16, thousands of candidates are in the final stretch of preparation. Yet many may not perform up to par, not because they failed to study, but due to avoidable mistakes made inside the examination hall.
If you’re searching for common mistakes in JAMB, JAMB 2026 exam tips, or how to pass JAMB, this guide reveals the top pitfalls that occur during the actual CBT test and how to dodge them successfully.
1. Spending Too Much Time on One Question
One of the most common score killers is getting stuck on a single difficult question. Many candidates spend 3–5 minutes thinking “I should know this but I’m not sure,” while easier questions go unanswered.
The JAMB CBT allows only 120 minutes for 180 questions. Don’t let one stubborn item cost you marks from several simpler ones.
Practical tip: Limit yourself to 30–45 seconds per question. Skip difficult ones and return to them later if time permits.
2. Not Reading Questions Properly
Rushing through questions causes candidates to miss critical words such as NOT, EXCEPT, ALWAYS, or MOST LIKELY. One overlooked word can turn a question you actually know into a wrong answer.
JAMB 2026 tip: Slow down slightly and read each question at least twice before selecting an option. Clear understanding is far more important than finishing first.
3. Allowing Anxiety to Take Over
Exam hall pressure is real. When anxiety kicks in, it often leads to rushing, misreading questions, and forgetting material you studied thoroughly. The difference between a good performance and a disappointing one frequently comes down to mental composure under pressure.
How to stay calm:
- Take a few deep breaths before you begin.
- Focus on one question at a time.
- Remind yourself that you have prepared for this moment.
- Control anxiety and maintain steady focus throughout the two hours.
4. Not Keeping Track of Time
The computer-based test does not give gentle reminders when time is running low. Many well-prepared students finish the first half comfortably but rush the remaining questions, leading to careless errors.
Effective time management strategy:
Check the on-screen timer every 10–15 minutes. Aim to complete Use of English first as it carries the most marks (60 questions).
Practice full-length timed mock exams regularly before the main test.
Download and practice with the Exam Scholars CBT Practice App. Full mock exams, practice questions, and tutorials available across all subjects.
DOWNLOAD THE EXAM SCHOLARS APP ON GOOGLE PLAYSTORE
DOWNLOAD THE EXAM SCHOLARS APP ON APPLE STORE
or visit http://www.examscholars.com for more info and updates.
5. Leaving Questions Unanswered
Leaving questions blank or unanswered because you don’t know the answers is one of the most painful mistakes candidates make.
Here’s a very important news: A guessed answer still gives you a chance at earning a mark, while a blank answer guarantees zero. Therefore, never leave a question unanswered.
Golden rule: Attempt every single question during your JAMB 2026 exam. Educated guesses can significantly improve your final performance.
6. Getting Distracted in the Exam Hall
Looking around, reacting to noise, or noticing others submitting early can quickly break your concentration and reduce accuracy.During the exam, your entire focus should be on the screen in front of you from start to finish, nothing else.
Conclusion
JAMB 2026 tests not only what you know, but how well you manage yourself under real exam pressure. Most performance drops come from poor time management, lack of focus, and anxiety, not from lack of knowledge.
Avoid these 6 costly mistakes in the exam hall, and you will give yourself a strong advantage as the UTME runs from April 16 to 25.
You’ve invested time and effort into preparation. Now train yourself to execute smartly on exam day. Help other JAMB 2026 candidates by sharing this post.
