The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME is one of the most important exams for students in Nigeria. It decides who gets into the university and what course they study.
Sadly, many students fail to reach their target score because they don’t prepare the right way. If you are asking yourself, “how to pass JAMB UTME first time Nigeria?” then this guide is for you.
In this article, we will break down simple but powerful steps you can take to succeed in JAMB on your first attempt.
These are not shortcuts or tricks. Instead, they are proven strategies that require focus, discipline, and hard work. Let’s get started.
Why JAMB Feels Difficult for Many Students
JAMB has a reputation for being tough, and for good reason.
Every year, millions of students register, but only a fraction score high enough to get into their desired universities. Some of the reasons students struggle include:
- Lack of preparation and poor time management.
- Not knowing the required cut-off marks for their chosen course.
- Depending on last-minute studying instead of consistent practice.
- Fear and anxiety that affect performance.
- Reliance on exam malpractice, which usually ends in regret.
The truth is, JAMB is not impossible to pass. With the right mindset and the right approach, you can achieve an excellent score.
How to Pass JAMB UTME First Time Nigeria: The Complete Guide
Step 1: Know the Score You Need and Set a Higher Target
The first and most important step in learning how to pass JAMB UTME first time Nigeria is knowing your target score.
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Every course and university has a cut-off mark, and you need to meet or exceed it to qualify.
For example, Medicine and Law usually require higher scores than Education or Agricultural Science.
Once you know the minimum score you need, set a higher target. For instance, if your course requires 250, aim for 300 or more.
Setting a higher target pushes you to study harder, and even if you don’t reach your exact goal, you will likely still meet the required cut-off.
Pro Tip: Break down your target score across the four subjects. Focus more on your strengths while improving your weaker areas.
Step 2: Understand the JAMB Syllabus
Many students fail JAMB because they study blindly without knowing what the exam covers.
The JAMB syllabus is like a map that guides your preparation. It tells you:
- The topics you must cover for each subject.
- How deep you need to go into each topic.
- Areas where questions are usually drawn from.
Download the official JAMB syllabus online or buy the JAMB brochure. With this, you won’t waste time reading irrelevant topics.
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Step 3: Get the Right Study Materials
Having the right books and resources is another key to passing JAMB the first time. Your study materials should include:
- Recommended Textbooks – JAMB usually lists official textbooks in its syllabus.
- Past Questions – Practice with at least 10 years of JAMB past questions. This helps you understand the exam style.
- Summary Notes – Write your own short notes to make revision easier.
- Online Resources – Use JAMB CBT practice apps and YouTube tutorials.
Remember, using too many random textbooks can confuse you. Stick with the essentials.
Step 4: Create a Realistic Study Plan
Studying without a plan is like running without direction. To pass JAMB, you need a clear timetable. Here’s how to create one:
- Decide how many hours daily you can dedicate to studying.
- Divide subjects across the week, giving more time to challenging ones.
- Set small, clear goals (e.g., finish two Biology topics today).
- Include break times to avoid burnout.
A good study plan is realistic. Don’t aim for 12 hours of daily study if you can only manage 4. Consistency matters more than speed.
Step 5: Practice With CBT Software
JAMB exams are computer-based (CBT), and many students fail because they are not comfortable with the system.
Practicing with CBT software will help you:
- Get used to the exam environment.
- Manage time better, since JAMB is time-limited.
- Build confidence before the real exam.
There are several apps and CBT centers across Nigeria where you can practice under real exam conditions.
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Step 6: Avoid Procrastination and Distractions
Social media, friends, and laziness can kill your study progress. If you really want to succeed in JAMB, you must stay disciplined.
- Limit your phone and social media use when studying.
- Avoid friends who discourage or distract you.
- Break big tasks into small ones so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Use study groups wisely, only join serious groups where you learn, not gist.
Remember, JAMB is only once a year. Sacrifice a few months of focus, and you’ll enjoy the reward later.
Step 7: Stay Healthy and Rest Well
Preparing for JAMB is not just about books. Your health matters too.
Students who overwork themselves often break down before the exam. To stay sharp:
Eat balanced meals to fuel your brain.
- Sleep at least 6–8 hours daily.
- Exercise lightly to reduce stress.
- Avoid last-minute cramming the night before.
A healthy body leads to a sharp mind, and that’s exactly what you need on exam day.
Step 8: Pray and Stay Positive
While hard work is important, many students also draw strength from prayer and positive thinking.
Whether you are religious or not, staying calm and believing in yourself goes a long way.
Avoid fear and self-doubt. Remind yourself: “I have prepared well. I can do this.” Confidence can boost your performance more than you realize.
Common Mistakes Students Make in JAMB
Even with good preparation, some mistakes can ruin your score. Here are a few to avoid:
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- Not reading instructions carefully. Many students lose marks by ignoring simple guidelines.
- Spending too much time on one question. Move on if you’re stuck, then return later.
- Guessing blindly. If unsure, eliminate wrong options before guessing.
- Overconfidence. Even if you’re smart, don’t underestimate JAMB.
FAQs About Passing JAMB First Time
1. How many hours should I study daily for JAMB?
You should aim for at least 3–5 hours daily, depending on your schedule. Consistency matters more than studying all day.
2. Can I pass JAMB without attending a tutorial center?
Yes. Many students pass JAMB on their own using textbooks, past questions, and CBT practice. Tutorials are helpful but not compulsory.
3. Is it possible to pass JAMB without cheating?
Absolutely! Exam malpractice may look tempting, but it often leads to failure, cancellation, or worse. Hard work is the only sure way.
4. How do I manage time during the exam?
Practice with CBT apps to improve speed. Always attempt easy questions first, then return to tougher ones.
5. What score is considered good in JAMB?
It depends on your course. Generally, 250 and above is considered very good, while competitive courses may require 280–300+.
Final Thoughts
Passing JAMB the first time may look tough, but it is completely possible.
With the right strategies, setting a target score, using the JAMB syllabus, practicing past questions, managing time, and staying disciplined, you can achieve your dream.
Remember, the question is not whether you can pass JAMB, but whether you are willing to put in the effort.
Now that you know how to pass JAMB UTME first time Nigeria, it’s time to get serious, stay focused, and work hard for your future.
