Don't go in unprepared.

What to bring (checklist)

Tap each item to check it off. Saves to your device.

• JAMB exam slip (printed colour copy)
• A valid form of ID (school ID or birth cert if you have no ID card)
• Biometric verification — make sure you've done it
• 2 HB pencils
• Clean eraser
• Black/blue ballpoint pen (for any forms)
• Small bottle of water
• Light snack for after the exam (banana, biscuits)
• Centre address written down (in case you lose phone signal)
• Transport money + reserve
• Face mask (still required at some centres)
• Light sweater (CBT halls can be cold)

Night before the exam

• Stop studying by 7 PM. Cramming the night before hurts more than helps.
• Iron your clothes and put your bag at the door.
• Print 2 copies of your exam slip. Give one to a parent/sibling.
• Confirm your centre location. Use Google Maps. Estimate transport time + 30 min buffer.
• Eat a normal dinner. Don't try anything new — no food poisoning surprises.
• Sleep by 10 PM. 7-8 hours of sleep beats 2 extra hours of revision.
• Set 2 alarms on different devices.

Exam morning

• Wake up early — at least 2 hours before you need to leave.
• Eat breakfast — protein + slow carbs (eggs, bread, oats). Avoid heavy oily food.
• Arrive 60-90 min early. Verification queues are long.
• Don't discuss the exam with other candidates outside. It only causes panic.
• Use the bathroom before going into the hall. You can't leave during the exam.
• Take 3 deep breaths when you sit down. You've prepared. Trust yourself.

During the exam — time strategy

• You have ~40 seconds per question on average. Don't get stuck.
• First pass: Answer easy questions. Skip anything that takes >60 seconds.
• Second pass: Come back to skipped questions. By then your brain has often solved them subconsciously.
• Last 10 minutes: Guess on anything left blank. There's no penalty for wrong answers.
• Use the question navigator (the grid on the right of CBT) to jump around.
• Mark for review — use it for questions you're 50/50 on. Come back later.

Best subject order

JAMB lets you switch between subjects freely. Suggested order:

1. Start with your strongest subject. Build momentum and confidence.
2. Then your second strongest.
3. Use of English last (for Arts). Long passages, you need fresh focus.
4. Or English first (for sciences) if comprehension is your strength — frees brainspace for the maths-heavy ones.

If you panic mid-exam

• Stop. Close your eyes for 10 seconds.
• Breathe deep: in for 4 sec, hold for 4, out for 6. Three times.
• Move on. Pick the easiest question on screen. Answer it. Movement breaks panic.
• Don't compare yourself to others around you. Their face means nothing.
• Remember: 200 is a good score. You don't need to ace every question.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting the exam slip (you can be turned away)
• Going to the wrong centre (always check JAMB portal the night before)
• Spending 5 minutes on one question
• Leaving questions blank (always guess — no penalty)
• Submitting before reviewing the question grid
• Eating heavy/oily breakfast and feeling sluggish
• Last-minute changing of correct answers (your first instinct is usually right)