How to Ace JAMB: 8 Common Mistakes To Avoid in the CBT Exam

Hello, Future Scholars! Are you ready to take the JAMB exam? JAMB is a government body that conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates who want to gain admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The JAMB exam is a computer-based test that covers four subjects: Use of English and three other subjects of your choice. The exam consists of 180 questions and lasts for 2 hours.

Taking the JAMB exam can be a thrilling and challenging experience, but it can also be rewarding if you prepare well and avoid some common mistakes. Many years ago, I also wrote the JAMB UTME exam, and from the experience I gathered before and during the exam, I have put together some mistakes and tips to avoid them in this blog post. Though during my time, the JAMB UTME exam was not a computer-based exam (CBT) as it is today, these tips are still useful and will help you ace the JAMB exam and achieve your desired score.

 

🔍 Tip 1: Have a Reading Schedule 📅

 

One of the most important things you need to do before taking the JAMB exam is to have a reading schedule that covers all the topics in the JAMB syllabus. The JAMB syllabus is a guide that shows you the scope and objectives of each subject. You can download the JAMB syllabus for free from here. Having a reading schedule will help you to plan your time, prioritize your topics, and track your progress.

The reading schedule should be clearly written down in black and white, and there should be some level of discipline on your part to ensure you stick with the schedule. This is the time to avoid distractions from friends, family, and your phone and focus on your goal.

 

💡 Tip 2: Use Recommended Textbooks and Materials 📚

 

Another essential thing you need to do is use the recommended textbooks and materials for each subject. These are the books and materials that JAMB has approved and verified for the exam. They contain the relevant and updated information that you need to know. You can find the list of recommended textbooks and materials in the JAMB syllabus or here.

 

👾 Tip 3: Practice with Past Questions and CBT Apps 💻

 

Practicing with past questions and CBT apps is very important and a great way to familiarize yourself with the format and style of the JAMB exam. It will also help you to test your knowledge, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your speed and accuracy. You can access past questions for different subjects from here. You can also download CBT apps that simulate the JAMB exam environment and provide you with feedback and explanations. Some of the best CBT apps are here and here.

 

🚫 Tip 4: Read the Instructions Carefully 📜

 

A common mistake that many candidates make is to skip or overlook the instructions before or during the exam. This can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, or loss of marks. Therefore, it is very important to read the instructions carefully and follow them strictly. The instructions will tell you how to log in, how to use the mouse and the eight-key device, how to select and submit your answers, and how the exam is scored and marked.

>>> Read: Study Habits for Academic Excellence: Insights from Us

 

🕰 Tip 5: Manage Your Time Wisely ⏳

 

Time management is crucial for the JAMB exam, as you have only 2 hours to answer 180 questions. This means you have an average of 40 seconds per question. You need to be fast and efficient, and avoid spending too much time on any question. If you are stuck or unsure, move on to the next question and come back later if you have time. Use the on-screen calculator for calculation-related questions. You can find it at the top right-hand corner of the screen.

 

📝 Tip 6: Master the Use of English 📖

 

The Use of English is the most important subject in the JAMB exam, as it is compulsory for all candidates and carries the highest weight. It tests your grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and summary skills. You need to master the use of English to score well in this subject and to understand the questions in the other subjects. To master the use of English, you need to brush up on the grammar rules, practice reading and writing summaries, and expand your vocabulary.

 

🎯 Tip 7: Make Educated Guesses 🧠

 

A great man I know once said, ‘never submit an empty script’. Sometimes, you may encounter questions that you don’t know the answer to or that seem too difficult. In such cases, you can make educated guesses instead of leaving them blank or guessing randomly. Educated guesses are based on logic, elimination, and intuition. You can use these strategies to increase your chances of getting the right answer:

• Logic: Use your existing knowledge and common sense to infer the answer from the question or the options.
• Elimination: Eliminate the options that are obviously wrong or irrelevant, and choose from the remaining ones.
• Intuition: Trust your gut feelings and go with the option that seems most likely or familiar to you.

 

🌬 Tip 8: Relax and Breathe 😊

 

Last but not least, you need to relax and breathe before and during the exam. Anxiety and stress can affect your performance and make you forget what you have learned. Therefore, you need to calm your nerves and boost your confidence. You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or positive affirmations. You can also remind yourself of your goals, your preparation, and your potential.

 

>>> Read also: How to Prepare for an Exam, 7 Important Steps.

 

In conclusion, the JAMB exam is not a nightmare but an opportunity to showcase your abilities and achieve your dreams. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ace the JAMB exam and secure admission to your desired institution.

Ready to start your JAMB UTME journey? Join us at Chazone Academy, where we guide you through the exam with expertise and encouragement.

Happy studying, future scholars! 🚀📚 #JAMBPrep #ChazoneAcademy #ExamSuccess