Many candidates study hard for months and then lose marks to stress, lateness or small mistakes on exam day. A simple plan can protect all that hard work.
The advice here is general. Always follow the exact instructions on your own JAMB slip and from the officials at your centre.
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A few days before the exam
Check your slip for your centre, date and time, and find out how to reach the centre. If you can, visit the area one day before so you know the route and how long it takes.
Do light revision only. Go through your notes, your formula list and your mistake notebook, and avoid starting new topics now.
The night before
Pack what your slip tells you to bring, and keep it in one place. Check it twice, then stop. A calm mind helps you more than another hour of reading.
Sleep early. Even if you cannot sleep well, lie down and rest. Avoid heavy food and late-night phone use.
The morning of the exam
Eat a light breakfast and drink some water. Leave home early because traffic and long queues can delay you. JAMB has said first-session candidates should arrive at 7:30 a.m., so plan for that if you are in the morning session.
Dress simply and comfortably. Follow any dress or item rules on your slip, and leave anything that is not allowed at home.
At the centre
Follow the officials and be polite. They will check your documents and your biometrics before you enter. Keep your slip and any required document ready so you do not hold the line.
Do not carry or use banned items. Cheating attempts can lead to cancelled results, so keep your focus on your own screen.
Inside the hall
Take a breath before you start. Read each question carefully and begin with the ones you find easy. Use the navigation to skip hard questions and return to them later.
Watch the timer and check your progress now and then. The full paper is 180 questions in 2 hours, so do not spend too long on a single question.
If something goes wrong
If your computer freezes or you have a technical problem, raise your hand quietly and tell the official. Do not panic or try to fix it yourself.
Stay calm and let the staff handle it. Any time lost for a genuine issue should be dealt with by the centre officials.
Things to avoid on the day
Do not start a new argument with anyone, skip breakfast or read frightening stories on social media. These things raise stress and can ruin your focus.
Do not compare your preparation with other candidates at the gate either. Everyone has a different path, and you have done your own work.
After the exam
When you finish, leave quietly and do not discuss answers with other candidates. You cannot change anything now, and worrying will only drain your energy.
If you have another paper or a post-UTME coming, rest, eat well and get ready for it. Check official JAMB channels for result news and avoid rumours.
Quick habits to start this week
Begin waking up at the time you will need on exam day. Your body will get used to it, and the early morning will not feel strange when the day comes.
Also practise a short breathing routine. Breathe in slowly, hold for a moment and breathe out. It takes under a minute and can calm your nerves before and during the exam.
Bringing it together
Good preparation on exam day is simple: know your centre, rest well, follow instructions and manage your time. Do these things and you will give yourself the best chance.
For more help, read our guides on the JAMB CBT format and how to score high in JAMB UTME.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this guide
1What time should I arrive at the JAMB centre?
JAMB has announced a 7:30 a.m. arrival for the first session, with the exam from 8:30 to 10:30. Always check your own slip for the exact time and follow it.
2What should I bring to the exam centre?
Bring what your JAMB slip says. Keep your documents in one place the night before so nothing is forgotten, and leave banned items at home.
3Can I go with my phone?
Rules on phones and electronic items are strict at CBT centres. Read your slip and follow the official instructions. It is safer to leave unnecessary items at home.
4What if my computer fails during the exam?
Raise your hand and tell the official quietly. Do not try to fix it yourself, and let the centre staff handle the problem.
5How long is the UTME?
The paper has 180 questions to be answered in 2 hours. English has 60 questions and each of the other three subjects has 40 questions.
6How can I stay calm in the exam hall?
Take a few slow breaths, start with the questions you find easy and keep an eye on the timer. Good sleep the night before also helps a lot.
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