Writing the JAMB/UTME exam is a big step for every Nigerian student who wants to gain admission in 2025/2026. Unfortunately, many candidates fail not because they are not intelligent, but because they make avoidable mistakes.

In this guide, we will break down the top mistakes students make in JAMB—and exactly how you can avoid them to boost your score.

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🧩 1. Not Reading the JAMB Syllabus

Most students read randomly without checking the official JAMB syllabus.
This makes them study topics that will not appear in the exam.

✔️ How to avoid this:

• Download the official JAMB syllabus (free on the JAMB website).
• Study only the approved topics for your subjects.

👉 Related post: How to Pass JAMB in One Sitting (2025/2026 Guide)
👉 Internal link suggestion: /how-to-pass-jamb-fast-2025-2026

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📝 2. Poor Time Management During the Exam

JAMB gives you 160 questions in 2 hours.
Many students spend too long on one question and run out of time.

✔️ Solution:

• Practice CBT mock tests regularly.
• Skip difficult questions and return to them later.
• Train yourself to answer fast and accurately.

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❌ 3. Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination

A wrong subject combination means automatic disqualification, even if you score 300.

✔️ Fix:

Check the correct JAMB subject combination for your intended course before you register.

👉 Internal link: /jamb-subject-combination-for-all-courses-2025-2026

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📌 4. Not Practicing With CBT Software

The UTME exam is 100% computer-based.
Students who only read textbooks without using CBT practice tools struggle more.

✔️ Solution:

• Use JAMB-approved CBT apps.
• Practice past questions under timed conditions.

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📚 5. Relying Too Much on “Expo”

Many students fail because they depend on leaked answers that later turn out fake.

✔️ Avoid this by:

• Studying early
• Practicing past questions
• Avoiding shortcuts

JAMB is not as hard as rumored—preparation beats expo.

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🔍 6. Ignoring Instructions in the Exam Hall

Students lose easy marks because they don’t read instructions carefully.

Examples:

• Clicking “Submit” too early
• Not confirming answers before submission
• Misunderstanding a question

✔️ Solution:

Read the instructions twice before starting.

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🗂️ 7. Registering Late or Using Fake Centers

Late registration leads to stress and mistakes.
Some students also fall for fake JAMB centers.

✔️ What to do:

• Register early
• Only use JAMB-approved CBT centers
• Verify the center on the official JAMB portal

👉 Outbound link: JAMB official website (www.jamb.gov.ng)

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🔥 8. Poor Preparation Strategy

Reading all subjects at once or cramming reduces performance.

✔️ Fix:

• Create a reading timetable
• Focus on weak areas
• Review past questions weekly

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📝 9. Not Knowing How the JAMB Marking System Works

Some students don’t understand:

• No negative marking
• How scores are calculated
• Why some subjects weigh more

✔️ How to avoid this:

Learn the JAMB marking pattern before you start reading.

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🧠 10. Stress, Panic, and Overthinking During the Exam

Even well-prepared students fail because of fear or anxiety.

✔️ How to overcome it:

• Arrive early
• Practice breathing techniques
• Trust your preparation

Confidence adds 20% to your score.

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⭐ Final Tips to Score High in JAMB 2025/2026

• Start reading now
• Use the syllabus
• Practice CBT daily
• Avoid shortcuts
• Stay calm and confident

If you follow these steps, you will avoid the common mistakes students make in JAMB, and your chances of scoring 250–300+ will increase.