7 Important things all candidates should do on JAMB exam day
As a UTME candidate or applicant who is prepared for the CBT exam and hoping for an excellent result, it is important to know there are a few things you need to take seriously on you JAMB exam day. What are the things you should look out for on your exam day?
Studying for your JAMB exam is great, however, there are little things that could hinder your success on your exam day. These are the things we intend to address in this article. But before we do that, let’s first go through the things you need to do days before your JAMB exam day.
Do this before your JAMB exam day
- Eat a light meal the night before your exam and on the day of the exam (if you have to). Avoid foods that might make you concerned about using the toilet. You do not want to be destabilized and distracted looking for the restroom on your exam day.
- Find out where your JAMB center is located and even visit it before your exam day. Do this whether or not you are familiar with the area. The last thing you want to start looking for your exam center on the day of your exam. A lot of things can go wrong.
- If your center is quite far from your area, be sure to journey down there, the day before your exam and lodge in a hotel or sleep over with family or friends closest to your exam venue and familiarize yourself with the location.
- Print out everything you need to print and gather them in a folder. Place these documents somewhere you can see easily on your JAMB exam day.
Once you have done all of this before your exam day, here are the things you should do on your actual exam day.
7 things to do on your JAMB exam day
This is an extensive list, but here are the basics to keep in mind:
1. Take only permitted items with you
You need at least 2 color copies of your JAMB exam slip. You should take one to your JAMB CBT center and keep the other for reference. You may need a pen or pencil, though you probably won’t use it. But you will most likely need it if you are a science student.
DO NOT bring bags or electronic devices such as phones or calculators into the exam hall. In most centers, there are people who offer to look after candidates bags and gadgets for a token. See the list of all prohibited Items by JAMB
2: Go to your UTME exam center early
Whether you stay close to the exam hall or not, it is a wise decision to leave for your exam center early. Leaving early will give you enough time to accommodate any eventualities that might happen along the way such as traffic.
When you arrive the center, familiarize yourself with the area around the center. Find out where the exam room is located. Make sure you know where the toilets are, where to store your belongings in case you come across one, and maybe the fire escape.
3. Avoid negative candidates
You might come across some candidates that are afraid or may have failed the exam in the past and are at the center to spread fear and failure to other candidates. Avoid participating in any negative conversations. Don’t give in to any association that will mess with your mind. and focus
Some candidates indeed write JAMB more than once, but many others candidates write it once and are able to gain admission without hassle. And you can be one of them.
4. Verify your Biometric fingerprint.
Make sure your biometric (fingerprint) verification is done at the UTME CBT center. It is imperative. The fact that you did during JAMB registration doesn’t mean you should not do it at the CBT center. In fact a biometric verification will be required before you can enter the exam hall.
5. Follow center instructions
Listen or read and follow the instructions given at the center. When you arrive your exam hall listen to the instructions given by the invigilator or supervisor. If you encounter any issues, quietly raise your hand and you will be assisted.
6. Manage your time.
Focus, Speed and accuracy are the only rules for success in JAMB exam. By now you must know that the JAMB CBT exam gives a total of 180 questions for two hours. You might think you have plenty of time but best believe that that time will fly.
This is a break down of the questions:
- Use of English: 60 Questions
- Subject 2: 40 questions
- Subject 3: 40 questions
- Subject 4: 40 questions
- Total duration: 2 hours
We suggest that you start with the subjects that are the easiest to you. Also we recommend you spend no more than 40 seconds on each question.
Here is what we suggest, though this might be different depending on your subject combination:
- ENGLISH=60 questions=40 minutes
- 2nd topic = 40 questions = 27 minutes
- 3rd topic = 40 questions = 27 minutes
- 4th topic = 40 questions = 26 minutes
TOTAL 120 minutes = 2 hours
Of course, this may not work for you, you can spend more time in your area of strengths. Just flow with what works best for you but do not forget that when it comes to JAMB or UTME exam, time and accuracy should be your watchword.
7. Avoid potential trouble seekers.
Don’t form cliques with people who can cause problems in the exam hall. You came to write an exam and that is what you should focus on. Focus on how you can make the best out of your exam.
Things candidates must bring to the exam room
Regarding what you need to bring into the exam room on your JAMB exam day, please note that JAMB will not allow you to come into the exam room with anything other than what is listed here.
- 2 printed copies of your JAMB exam slip. You will be required to submit a copy to the supervisor. You can keep the other for your future reference. If you have not yet printed your JAMB exam slip, please do so before your JAMB exam day.
- You may need a pen or pencil for writing or doing some rough calculations. So go with it.
- We also advise you to go with extra money for eventualities.
Items prohibited in JAMB exam hall
These are some of the items you are NOT expected to go with to the exam venue and these items are:
BAGS, MOBILE PHONES, CALCULATORS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE UTME CBT CENTER FOR SECURITY REASONS.
If for any reason you decide to go with any of the material to the exam center, please find a safe place to keep it so it does not get lost or stolen.
We are sure that this article has given you some value. An overview of the basic things to do on your JAMB exam day is to make sure you arrive at your center early.
It is very important that you also complete your biometrics before starting your UTME exam. Walk with the necessary and important instructions, avoid negative associations, and avoid going to the center late or with forbidden things.
Prepare adequately for your JAMB exam day because if you miss your JAMB exam there might not be an another chance to reschedule the exam.
Don’t make trouble with the guards, and don’t argue with anyone in the center. Read and follow all instructions carefully.
While in the exam hall, start with the subjects that are easier for you. When you come across a difficult question, don’t skip it, attempt it because you might not get a chance to come back to it. If you do get the chance to come back to it, great, but if you don’t at least you made an attempt which might be correct and did not skip it entirely.