If you want to increase your chances of getting admission into your desired course, you must score high in JAMB and post-UTME.
A higher score places you above other candidates that you are competing with for a space in the course.
To score high in JAMB, you need the right strategy, good time management, and smart answering techniques.
You have to answer the questions correctly, that is the only way.
To do this, use the strategies we discussed below:
How to answer JAMB questions correctly
In JAMB, you will write:
✔ Total Subjects: 4 (English Language is compulsory + 3 other subjects based on your course).
✔ Total Questions: 180 questions.
✔ Time Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
✔ Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
💡 Time Per Question: You have less than 40 seconds to answer each question.
With obviously, limited time to answer many questions, you need to start with your strongest subject.
✅ 1. Start with your strongest subject
Since you only have 120 minutes to answer 180 questions, it’s smart to start with the subject you’re most confident in.
🔹 Why?
- It boosts confidence.
- You’ll answer faster and save time for difficult subjects.
To do this:
- Click on your strongest subject once the exam begins.
- Complete it quickly before moving to other subjects.
✅ 2. Read the instructions carefully
Look, this is very important. JAMB always give specific instructions before each exam section.
Take a few seconds to read them properly so you don’t make careless mistakes.
✅ 3. Use the elimination method
If you’re unsure of an answer, use the elimination strategy:
1️⃣Eliminate the wrong answers.
2️⃣ Compare the remaining options.
3️⃣ Pick the most logical answer.
Example:
Question: What is the capital of Australia?
A) Sydney
B) Canberra ✅
C) Melbourne
D) Perth
Even if you don’t know the correct answer, you can eliminate Sydney and Melbourne (which are not capitals), leaving you with a 50-50 chance of guessing correctly.
✅ 4. Don’t spend too much time on one question
💡 If a question is too difficult, skip it and come back later.
Spending too much time on one question means less time for other easy questions.
✔ Solution: Use the “Review” button on the JAMB CBT screen to mark questions you want to return to.
✅ 5. Focus on English first (Use a passage-based approach)
Use this method for the English Language section:
1️⃣ Start with comprehension passages – They take time but offer multiple questions.
2️⃣ Answer vocabulary and synonyms – These are often direct and quick.
3️⃣ Tackle sentence completion and error detection last.
✅ 6. Manage your time effectively
Since you have 120 minutes for 180 questions, use this formula:
| Subject | Total Questions | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| English | 60 | 40 minutes |
| Subject 2 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| Subject 3 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| Subject 4 | 40 | 25 minutes |
⌛ TIP: Set a mental timer and stick to it to avoid running out of time.
✅ 7. Be careful with negative marking (If introduced)
JAMB does not officially use negative marking, at least, not for now, but it’s always safer to avoid random guessing.
✔ Instead of guessing blindly:
- Use the elimination method we discussed above.
- Pick the most logical answer.
✅ 8. Practice with JAMB past questions
Many believe that around 70 – 80% of JAMB questions are similar to past questions.
While there is not proven evidence to back this up, if you read JAMB’s past questions, you will almost believe it.
✔ Study past questions from the last 10 years.
✔ Use JAMB CBT apps to simulate real exam conditions.
✔ Focus on repeated topics.
💡 Pro tip: If you see a question that looks familiar, do NOT assume the answer is the same as last year’s.
Read the question carefully!
✅ 9. Use JAMB-recommended textbooks
To make things easy for all candidates, JAMB has a syllabus that includes recommended textbooks.
Studying only class notes is not enough.
✔ Visit www.jamb.gov.ng to download the syllabus.
✔ Study textbooks listed in the syllabus to understand JAMB’s question style.
✅ 10. Avoid distractions & stay focused
On exam day:
✔ Stay calm – Anxiety can make you forget things you know.
✔ Don’t panic if you see a difficult question – Just move on and return later.
✔ Trust your preparation – Overthinking leads to mistakes.
Extra tips for answering JAMB questions correctly
✔ Use a Good Mouse & Keyboard – Practice CBT exams before the real test.
✔ Save Time by skipping calculation-heavy questions – Solve them later.
✔ Make sure you check your work before submitting it – If time allows, review your answers before you submit.
Conclusion
Scoring 250+ in JAMB is possible if you:
✅ Manage your time wisely
✅ Use elimination techniques
✅ Practice past questions & follow the syllabus
By following these steps, you can answer JAMB questions correctly and increase your chances of scoring high.
Do you have any JAMB-related questions? Ask us, we’ll be glad to assist.