Whether you are a first-time UTME-taker or a second/third/fourth/fifth-time UTME-taker, understanding what is needed before and after the JAMB exams is crucial, so we have compiled what to know before writing the UTME and what to know after writing the UTME. You don’t want to be that person who puts the cart before the horse and then has to start the journey again for a slight mistake, now would you?
Good! No one would.
Although I had the opportunity to sit for the exam only once and passed, a few of my friends sat for it a number of times before finally getting it. From my personal experiences and theirs, I have been able to gather some facts and tips that worked for me and eventually worked for them taking the JAMB exams. I believe that if you are determined and carefully follow the information provided in this post, you will be on your way to having that outstanding JAMB score you need to get into your desired university and begin your desired course/program.
A lot of applicants keep making the same mistakes year in and year out, which can easily be avoided when due diligence is done.
Want to jump to a particular part of this post, feel free to use the table below!
First, Let’s consider what the “JAMB” exam in itself is
What Is The Meaning Of JAMB?
Before Moving to what to know before writing UTME, you need to understand what JAMB is; there has been a lot of misuse of the acronym, but don’t worry, we will be dealing with all of that, which is what we will be doing in The full meaning of JAMB is “Joint Admission Matriculation Board”. It is a Nigerian examination taken by secondary school graduates for entrance into tertiary-level institutions. JAMB was founded in 1978 with the aim of conducting entrance exams for prospective undergraduates seeking admission into Universities, Polytechnics or Colleges of Education.
While some people already can tell the difference between “JAMB” and “UTME”, some still can not, and it’s really not a great deal since the words are often used interchangeably. However, having a good idea of the difference is still important.
What Is The Difference Between JAMB And UTME?
UTME is an acronym for “Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination”. It is the computer-based regularised exam conducted by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) yearly for prospective undergraduates seeking admission into tertiary-level institutions. JAMB, as explained above, is the body that conducts the exam. Also, the JAMB-organised UTME is currently transiting from Paper Based Testing, widely known as Paper Pencil Testing (PPT), to e-testing or Computer Based Testing (CBT).
Below are a few more differences between JAMB and UTME.
| S/N | JAMB | UTME |
| 1. | JAMB is an acronym for “Joint Admission Matriculation Board” | UTME is an acronym for “Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination” |
| 2. | JAMB oversees the entire admission process into tertiary institutions. | UTME is just one of the components of the process. Others include post-UTME, screening process, aptitude test etc. |
| 3. | JAMB has other functions, such as conducting the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into junior secondary school, issuing the JAMB result slip, and managing the Central Admissions Processing Systems (CAPS) | On the other hand, UTME is the exam taken by the candidates seeking admission into these institutions. |
| 4. | JAMB has other functions such as conducting the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into junior secondary school, issuing the JAMB result slip, and managing the Central Admissions Processing Systems (CAPS) | UTME is only concerned with admission into tertiary institutions. |
What Are The Differences Between The JAMB CBT & The JAMB PPT?
The difference between CBT and PPT is an essential part of what to know before writing UTME. However, many people undermine such basic knowledge that it greatly impacts their performance. CBT stands for “Computer Based Test” and is commonly referred to as “Computer Based Exam”. Due to advances in technology, it is mostly used instead of the traditional use of a pen and paper to test students. During this test, candidates are gathered together and properly arranged in multiple spaces or classes or rooms in a particular centre to take the examination on a computer system assigned to each of them.
Here are a few differences between the JAMB CBT and the JAMB PPT:
| S/N | JAMB CBT | JAMB PPT |
| 1. | CBT is taken on a computer, where candidates read the questions on the computer screen and select their answers using the mouse and keyboard. | PPT, on the other hand, is a traditional pen and paper test. Candidates answer questions on printed question papers using pens and pencils. |
| 2. | In CBT, the system automatically times the exam and candidates must complete the exam within the allocated time. | In PPT, candidates have to keep track of time manually, and the invigilators inform them when they have a certain amount of time remaining. |
| 3. | The results of CBT exams are usually released earlier than that of PPT. CBT results are most times released within two to three weeks. | The PPT result takes four or more weeks before it is released. |
| 4. | CBT uses biometric verification where candidates’ fingerprints are taken to verify their identity | PPT uses manual verification where candidates’ ID cards are checked against a list of registered candidates. |
Some Graduate Courses And Their Subject Combinations, Taking The JAMB Exam In 2023
While taking the JAMB exam, each candidate can pick four subject combinations that align with their course of study. “Use” of English is compulsory for all candidates regardless of your preferred course. You would then be left with three other subject choices to choose.
The table below shows some courses and their subject combinations:
| S/N | Courses | Subject combinations |
| 1. | Engineering | Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| 2. | Biological science related | Use of English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry |
| 3. | Art | Use of English, C.R.S (Christian Religious Studies), Geography, Government |
| 4. | Creative art, Fine art / Applied Art | Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Fine art or Physics |
| 5. | Theatre Art and Film Studies | Use of English, Literature, Government, Any other related subject |
| 6. | Agricultural related | Use of English, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry |
| 7. | Commercial | Use of English, Economics, Commerce, Financial Account |
| 8. | Computer studies | Use of English, Computer studies, Physics, Any other related subject |
It is not enough to say you are preparing for the exam just by reading. The required information is paramount both before and after taking the JAMB exam.
Let’s discuss some important things that should have been implemented.
What To Do Before Taking The JAMB Exam In 2023
Before taking the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, there are some important things you need to get on your checklist, to tick off one after the other then. You don’t want to have to retake the exams for errors you could have avoided.
Do you already know the course you would like to study?
Do you know how to check if your preferred university offers this course?
Do you also know how to study effectively for the JAMB exam?
Read on then!
Here is a list of vital things to do:
Choose A Suitable Course
To choose a suitable course before taking the JAMB exam, there’s a need to take your time, think deeply and know what you really want. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here! The job market is not the same as it was 10 years ago or even a year ago. What’s more, things are different and if you want to be and remain relevant in the future, you need to ruminate on these first:
- What do I really want to achieve with my life?
- What are my short-term goals?
- What are my long-term goals?
- What are my core abilities, interests, passion, and values?
- Which field could I possibly demonstrate these abilities, interests, passion, and values in?
- Would it be relevant in another 10–20 years?
- Is it employable?
- Can I practise it in my country, Nigeria? If not, is it practicable in any other country?
- Would I still enjoy it in the coming years?
- Would it pay me well enough?
- Would I have access to international scholarship opportunities after school if I chose this course? (if you’re looking to further your education)
- Would it contribute to my achieving my long-term career goals?
While these might be a lot to take in, ensure to answer all of them before choosing that course. If you are confused or need extra guidance on properly answering these questions, you can ask an older friend, your siblings, your parents or friends. Besides, you could get a better understanding by having that chat with them. It’s better to be safe than sorry, you know.
Know Your Interest And Long-Term Goals Before Taking The JAMB Exam!
Although this has been highlighted above, it needs to be reiterated. You need to start thinking deeply about what really interests you as a person.
What do you see yourself doing without being forced?
What would give you fulfillment later on?
What are you so passionate about?
What don’t you struggle with?
Furthermore, before taking the JAMB exam, you must also think through what you want to achieve in the short term, mid-term, and long term. This would help you to have some mental road map that then helps you to stay on track and hit those goals faster and with good precision.
While thinking through these, also keep in mind that not all passions-turned-careers would give you the type of financial freedom or life you might want. What it gives you without a doubt though, is fun while working, fulfilment, fueled drive, etc. On the other hand, you could decide which would be the most relevant in the future of work and choose to go for that course regardless of whether you would enjoy it later/do better in it or not.
That ball is entirely in your court!
Confirm That Your Preferred University Offers Your Preferred Course
When you decide which course you would like to pursue, the next thing is to make sure that the course is offered in your preferred university.
To check the university portal;
- Log on to your preferred university’s website. For instance, say the name of the university is “Sarah Jadeno University”; the website or the university’s main URL would typically look like this: www.sarahjadenouniversity.com. To get what your university’s website is, simply type the name on Google like this: “Sarah Jadeno University’s official website”.
- Next, look through the website for the undergraduate courses offered or simply look for a search box or the course finder.
- Type your preferred course in the search box, and click on enter. If the university has your preferred course, it will be displayed once the search is completed. If they don’t, you might see courses related to your search. You can decide to check on those courses if they relate to your preferred course, and choose one of them if you really want to attend that particular school. If not, you can check on other schools’ websites for the course.
Begin Online Registration To Take The JAMB Exam
How To Register For The Jamb Exam Online
Before taking the JAMB exam and while registering for it, here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Create a new email address
To create an email address, go to the Gmail application on your phone or go to the Gmail website on your laptop. Ensure you keep the details carefully because you will need them throughout the registration process. Suppose you have an active email address already. In that case, you do not need to create a new one but in the case where this is not your first time of writing JAMB, and you had used that email address previously to register for the exam, you will need to create a new one or use another email address, if you have, that has not been previously used.
2. Have an active phone number
My guess is if you’re reading this, you most likely already have one but if not, you can get and register a phone number from any of the service providers (MTN, AIRTEL,GLO, 9MOBILE) around your location. It usually takes just a few minutes.
3. Ensure your NIN is ready.
To get your NIN (National Identity Number ), you must register with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This mostly takes a long time, it could be days, weeks, sometimes months even depending on the situation of things at that time so make sure this has been done long before you start registering to take the JAMB exam.
4. Go to the JAMB website and create your profile.
If there is a possibility that you might forget your login details, endeavour to write them down or save them where you would remember.
Go to any JAMB designated sales point around you to purchase your E-pin. A payment process is initiated by the sales personnel and a pin is sent to you directly from JAMB. Go ahead Complete your registration
It is best you complete your registration by visiting any of the JAMB accredited centres so as to be directed properly. You could also use a personal computer for seamless registration.
Study For The JAMB Exam Effectively – How To Score Above 300
While practically everyone wishes and prays to have a great score above 300, you need to also keep in mind how much work and more disciplined activities you need to inculcate in your routines before taking the JAMB exam.
How To Score Above 300 In Your JAMB CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- Create a study timetable
- Get rid of possible distractions
- Create a perfect study environment
- Practice JAMB questions (including the online CBT test questions):
Get enough Past Questions for each subject. Past questions help you to know the type of questions to expect. You can do well also to read recommended books by JAMB but don’t forget to read them alongside the past questions. Ensure you study your past questions over and over until you are convinced
- Know the subject combinations that align with your course:
The subject combination as explained above, serves as a guide for you to know which subjects to study and prepare for depending on your course of study, this will also guide you in which subject combination to prepare for.
- Identify your strong parts and your weak parts
- Attend tutorials before taking the JAMB exam:
A good tutorial organised amongst peers or attending a tutorial centre where you pay for the service is important and can help refresh your memories on important topics.
- Do not neglect your health
- Set your target score, work towards it, & believe in yourself!
- Read necessary books as instructed in the jamb syllabus
Studying effectively is not enough, there is a need to have a score at the back of your mind as you prepare for the CBT, then run with that goal.
Prepare To Take The JAMB Exam.
What To Know Before Taking The JAMB CBT (Computer-Based Test)
There are different things to consider while preparing for a CBT as it is different from the traditional use of pen and paper.
Before and while taking the JAMB CBT, here are some tips for you:
- Make sure you have elementary knowledge of the computer:
This will go a long way as the JAMB exam is now a computer based exam which are all objective questions that require speed and efficiency.
- Practice with a good software:
Examples of these software are:
- JAMB CBT Practice Software
- Flashlearners JAMB CBT App
- Myschool JAMB CBT Practice App
- Ensure to read the instructions properly before you start the exams:
Reading the instructions properly will save you a lot of stress and examination errors.
- Take Note Of Some Of The Buttons On The System:
Some buttons are not meant to be clicked to avoid the system logging you off before time or system malfunction. Examples of such buttons are:
- The print button: Printing out exam questions or answers during the exam is not allowed.
- The minimise button: Minimising the exam window can cause the exam to be terminated,therefore you must take note.
- The submit button: Once you submit your exam, you are not permitted to go back and review your answers. Therefore, it is important that your answers are properly reviewed before clicking on the submit button.
- The refresh button: Refreshing the exam page during the exam can cause the exam to be terminated and this may cause loss of the progress.
- Keep Track Of Time:
The duration of the UTME is generally 2 hours and you are required to answer 180 questions within this timeframe. However, there is no specific time assigned to each question in the UTME. You are expected to manage your time effectively during the exam so take a lot of practice tests before that day to get used to it.
Stay Well Informed And Pray!!!
I can not emphasize these enough, really. You need to ensure that you are always informed and spend a lot of time on your knees praying to your God.
Note: If you ever need some form of support from a JAMB staff before you take the JAMB exam or after, do not hesitate to contact the JAMB official support team.
After Taking The JAMB Exam, What Next?
After taking the JAMB exam, The time range for the release of JAMB results can vary, but in recent years, JAMB has typically released the results within a few days to a few weeks after the exam has been taken. This is due to the fact that it is marked mechanically by the system and not manually as before. Once the result is out, you would need to go to the JAMB website to view your result.
As has been noted, writing the exam does not guarantee your total success even when you have a high score. There is a need to properly follow up, keep an eye on the official JAMB website or social media handles for updates.
There is a common saying that goes: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”
Many individuals often miss out on quite a lot due to lack of adequate knowledge or not taking action in time.Your high score in JAMB might be a low score for your preferred institution or probably your preferred course.
What Should I Be Doing While Waiting For My JAMB Score?
Reiterating the above, and following them, ensure you do the following: :
- Constantly check the portal for updates on the JAMB result.
- Confirm your course and the individual cut-off marks – consider whether to change school or course
- Get your institution’s screening form and stay updated with the screening date
- Get the necessary credentials ready
- Stay calm, keep yourself busy, and learn a skill! If you’re looking to learn a tech skill, there are very good online and onsite platforms to learn tech skills.
- Make adequate research about your school’s calendar, admission process and tuition
- Get information regarding the JAMB statistics for your school
- Purchase post UTME past questions for your university specifically, and start studying rigorously
1. Check Your JAMB Score
As mentioned above, after taking the JAMB exam, when the results are out, log in to your portal on the JAMB website to check your result. Let’s highlight the exact steps to take to check your JAMB score.
How To Check My JAMB Score
Here are the steps to check your JAMB score:
- Go to the JAMB official website using a computer or mobile device with internet access.
- Click on the “Check UTME Results” button on the homepage of the JAMB portal.
- Enter your JAMB registration number in the space provided.
- Click on the “Check My Results” button.
- Your JAMB score will be displayed on the screen
- Print out the result or take a screenshot for reference purposes
If your result is not yet available, you may need to check back at a later time as JAMB releases results in batches.
2. Confirm Your Course, The Institution, & The Individual Cut-off Marks – Consider Whether To Change School Or Course
This is usually in two phases. The institution or university has its own general cut off mark and then the department you put in for has theirs as well. Proper findings should be done on both.
For instance, let’s say you scored 254 after taking the JAMB exam after which you checked the cut off mark for your preferred school and it happened to be 250.You also checked your preferred course’s cut off and got to know that it is 270. Now, you know that you did make the university’s cut off but didn’t make your courses. You would either need to let go of that course and go for a course that has a lesser cut off or one with lesser competition, or in the case where that course is really what you want, you might need to take a change of institution form for an institution that has a lesser cut off for that particular course.
On the other hand, if your score does not meet up with any other school for that particular course, and you are keen on getting into the university this year, you would need to go for another course that matches your score. However, if you are adamant on this particular course, and you would rather take the JAMB exam again than settling for a different course, then you would have to wait for another year to sit again but this time, with intense studying.
The ball dwells in your court!
On the contrary, if you had a score higher than the cut off of your university and your course, then a huge Congratulations to you! 🎊🎉
We wish you greatness ahead! 💪🏼
3. Get Your Institution’s Screening Form And Stay Updated With The Screening Date
After confirming that you met the cut-off for the institution and your course has already sat for the JAMB exam, the next thing to do is get the institution’s screening form. Every institution determines its way of screening, whether online or physically. Both ways will require that you familiarise yourself with past screening questions. This is why it is important always to check the school portal as much as you can to get updated information. You do not want to be that student absent on the screening day.
4. Get The Necessary Credentials/Documents Ready After Taking The JAMB Exam
One of the most important documents that needs to be made available is your:
- Original ‘O’ level result. This could either be WAEC, NECO or G.C.E.
It must be ready before your institution starts their screening exercise. Other credentials include:
- Original JAMB result
- Original Date of Birth certificate
- Valid ID card
Ensure you make multiple photocopies of each of the above listed credentials to be fully ready.
5. Stay Calm, Keep Yourself Busy And Learn A Skill!
Waiting and counting days can be overwhelming and disturbing at the same time after taking the JAMB exam. Being in such shoes can put you in a very bad place, so you know. You are not the university, and you do not have the power to admit yourself. Neither can you speed up the process in some magical way, so while you wait for that admission list, do well to stay as calm as possible and get busy with something lucrative and/or educative.
To reduce the pressure of waiting for that admission list, here are a few things you could pick from to do:
- Start a small-scale business of your choice
- Learn a craft
- Get a job
- Upskill a skill or a craft you already have
- Learn a tech skill; there are many skills you can learn while you wait for your JAMB score, some of which are non-coding tech skills, coding tech skills, Fashion designing, and many more. Moreover, aside from waiting for your JAMB result, learning tech skills in our world today is highly beneficial. There are many reasons to learn a tech skill, and some platforms offer tech courses for free.
6. Make Adequate Research About Your School’s Calendar, Admission Process, And Tuition
Making adequate research on your prospective school is making an important decision on your academic journey. Here are some important steps you can take:
- Make use of online resources: There are several resources online that can be helpful. Some of these resources are:
online communities, education forums and so on.
- Have a conversation with the current students or alumni: Having a conversation with the current students or alumni gives you first hand information. You can connect with them through various social media platforms.
- Visit the university’s website: Most universities have their various platforms where relevant information about the university calendar, tuition and admission process can be obtained.
Taking these steps will help you gather the information you need for your prospective university.
7. Get Information Regarding The JAMB Statistics for your School
The JAMB statistics for your school can be gotten through these steps:
- Visit the JAMB official website: Go to the official website of JAMB
- Click on “Statistics”: On the home page of the JAMB portal, click on the “Statistics” button on the top right corner.
- Click on the relevant year and the exam type: Select the year and exam type you are interested in. For example, if you want to view the JAMB statistics for your school for the 2023 UTME, select “2023 UTME Statistics.”
- Select your school: After selecting the year and exam type, select your school from the list of schools provided. The list is organised by state and then by the name of the school.
- View the statistics: Once you have selected your school, you will be able to view the JAMB statistics for your school, including the number of candidates that applied, the number of candidates that sat for the exam, and the number that were admitted.
Purchase Post UTME Past Questions For Your University Specifically, and Start Reading Rigorously
Check your University’s website to purchase your university’s Post UTME Past Questions. You could also ask people who have recently written the exam, just in case they have access to it. That way, you might not need to make a payment for it. Start studying rigorously for free or paid to prepare yourself adequately for the screening exercise. This could increase your chances of getting admitted.
Summing up, taking the right steps before taking the JAMB exam increases the chance of success during the exam. These steps will give a compass to your preparation. Without a doubt, the steps to take after the JAMB exam, such as; confirming your course, the institution and the individual cut-off marks, getting your institution screening form etc., determine your total success of getting admitted into your prospective university.
Bear in mind, that you can decide to take or not take the JAMB exam, as there are other examinations you could take to get an admission into a Nigerian university. IJMB and JUPEB are two major programs you could consider undergoing. While a lot of us are looking to get into numerous programs in some prestigious Nigerian universities, I also understand that some of us would be interested in pursuing programs in United States universities, some in the United Kingdom, Canada, among others. Whichever path you decide to thread, information would do you a lot of good, so make certain to stay on top of it always.
We at Learners’ Dorm wish you the best in your exams💪🏼, and your endeavours after.
Let us be the first to say: Congratulations to you! 🎉🎊
