If you’re preparing for JAMB 2026 UTME, your goal shouldn’t be “to pass”, it should be to stand out. The truth is, many students don’t fail because they’re not smart. They fail because of preventable errors such as: wrong materials, weak strategy, poor CBT handling, bad time management, and careless exam-day decisions.
This guide is written to help you avoid those traps and also show you how to score 300+ in JAMB with a smart, realistic plan.
You’ll find:
- The top 13 mistakes to avoid in JAMB (including the ones most articles you may come across on the internet don’t explain well)
- What to do instead (step-by-step)
- JAMB 2026 preparation tips and UTME 2026 exam tips that align with how the exam actually works
Why This Matters: 300+ Is Possible (But It’s Not Magic)
JAMB is 4 subjects, total of 400 marks, and most students score around 180–250. A score above 300 puts you far ahead, often among the strongest candidates for competitive courses.
But here’s the catch: scoring high is less about reading “everything” and more about reading the right things, practicing the right way, and avoiding classic JAMB mistakes 2026 candidates are likely repeating.
The Top 13 Mistakes to Avoid in JAMB 2026 UTME (And What to Do Instead)
1) Studying Without the JAMB Syllabus (Reading Blind)
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid in JAMB is reading textbooks without direction.
Why it kills your score
You may spend weeks on topics that won’t even appear or miss topics that will.
What to do instead
- Get the JAMB syllabus for each subject and use it as your checklist.
- Study topic-by-topic directly from the syllabus.
- Use textbooks only to understand what the syllabus lists.
Pro tip: Treat the syllabus like a “map.” It tells you where JAMB will likely set questions.
2) Using Random Textbooks and Materials
Many candidates read “any textbook” and hope it works.
What to do instead
Use only:
- JAMB-recommended textbooks
- JAMB past questions and answers (at least 8–10 years)
- The JAMB syllabus
This combo keeps you aligned with what is actually tested.
3) Thinking Hard Work Alone Will Save You (Instead of Smart Study)
Reading for 8 hours daily can still fail if you’re studying wrongly.
The smarter approach (3R Routine)
- Read a topic to understand
- Recall key points without looking
- Review after a few days (spaced repetition)
Also: study in 45-minute focused sessions + 15-minute break. Consistency beats burnout.
4) No Timetable (Or Creating a Timetable You Can’t Follow)
Some students don’t plan at all; others create an unrealistic schedule and abandon it in 3 days.
What to do instead
Create a simple weekly plan you can stick to. Example:
- Monday – English + Biology
- Tuesday – Chemistry + practice questions
- Wednesday – Physics + English
- Thursday – Mock test day
- Friday – Weak topics revision
- Saturday – Past questions
- Sunday – Light revision + rest
Mix reading + practice every week.
5) Ignoring English (Because “It’s Common Sense”)
This is one of the most expensive JAMB mistakes 2026 candidates make. English often determines your final score because it’s compulsory and time-consuming.
What to do instead
- Practice comprehension daily
- Master lexis/structure patterns with past questions
- Time yourself during practice
UTME 2026 exam tip: In the real exam, aim to finish English in 50 minutes max so you don’t panic.
6) Practicing Past Questions the Wrong Way
Many students “do past questions” but:
- don’t time themselves
- don’t review wrong answers
- jump from one year to another without learning patterns
What to do instead (like a top scorer)
- Use a CBT app and simulate real exam conditions
- Time your sessions
- Track repeated question patterns
- Review why you got questions wrong, not just the correct option
Past questions are powerful because after enough practice, questions start looking familiar.
7) Avoiding Weak Subjects Completely
It feels good to read only what you enjoy—but UTME doesn’t reward avoidance.
What to do instead
- Start with your strong subjects to build confidence
- Then schedule your weak subject in smaller, consistent blocks (e.g., 30–45 mins daily)
- Focus on the most repeated topics first
Yes, you can still score high even if one subject is weak, if you plan properly.
8) Poor Time Management During Preparation and Exam
Time is a silent score-killer.
During preparation
Don’t spend 4 hours stuck on one chapter
Use timers while reading and answering questions
During the exam (practical timing plan)
- English: ≤ 50 minutes
- Each other subject: ~35 minutes
- Final 10–15 minutes: review tricky questions
9) Not Taking Mock Exams Seriously
Mock exams aren’t optional if you’re aiming for how to score 300+ in JAMB.
What mock exams do
- Show your weak areas
- Train your speed
- Reduce fear of CBT settings
A strong target: at least 2 full mock tests before the real UTME.
10) Depending on “Expo”, Predictions, or Unverified Runs
This mistake isn’t just risky, it destroys real preparation. Even if it “works,” it usually fails when the system changes or questions differ.
What to do instead
Use:
- Syllabus + past questions + CBT timed practice
11) Not Mastering CBT Navigation (Computer Handling)
This is a big gap many competitors don’t go deep on. Some students know the answers but lose marks because they’re slow with the computer.
What to do instead
Practice with CBT apps regularly
Learn how to:
- Move quickly between questions
- Use “Next/Previous”
- Mark questions for review (if your practice app supports it)
- Avoid accidental submission
UTME 2026 exam tip: speed on CBT is a skill, so train it like a sport.
12) Exam-Day Errors: Late Arrival, Wrong Items, Panic
Some candidates lose their chance before the exam starts.
What to do (your exam-day checklist)
- Sleep well (6–8 hours is enough)
- Eat light but energizing food
- Arrive early
- Stay calm and avoid distractions
- Don’t argue with anyone at the center
- Read instructions carefully before clicking
13) Neglecting Health, Sleep, and Motivation
Burnout looks like “I’m tired,” “I can’t focus,” “I’m reading but nothing enters.”
What to do instead
- Sleep properly
- Take breaks (don’t study like a robot)
- Eat well (fruits, nuts, oats—simple brain food)
- Pray/meditate (whatever gives you calm)
- Motivation tips:
- Watch success stories
- Join a serious study group
- Put your dream course/school where you’ll see it daily
- Track daily progress in a small notebook
How to Score 300+ in JAMB 2026 UTME (A Simple Winning Strategy)
If your target is 300+, your plan should look like this:
1) Choose the right materials
- JAMB syllabus
- JAMB recommended texts
- 8–10 years past questions
2) Use the 3R method + 45/15 focus blocks
Consistency beats “overnight reading.”
3) Make past questions your daily routine
Treat past questions like training:
- Practice timed
- Review mistakes
- Repeat weak topics
4) Build a score strategy (smart targeting)
Aim for:
- 80+ in your strongest 2 subjects
- 70+ in the other 2
That already pushes you beyond 300.
5) Do mocks like the real thing
At least 2 full CBT mocks.
Extra JAMB 2026 Preparation Tips Most People Don’t Emphasize Enough
- Create an “Error Book”: a notebook where you write every question you got wrong + the reason.
- Track repeated topics: some topics appear again and again—prioritize them.
- Weekly review day: one day weekly to revise what you studied in the last 7 days.
- Practice under pressure: timed tests train your brain for exam stress.
Final note: Avoid These Mistakes and You’ll Be Ahead of Most Candidates
Most candidates will repeat the same mistakes such as; wrong materials, no syllabus, weak practice, no mocks, and poor time management. If you avoid the 13 mistakes above and follow the strategy section, you’re no longer “just preparing”, you’re preparing to compete.
JAMB 2026 UTME success is not for only geniuses. It’s for students who prepare intentionally and consistently.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on JAMB 2026 UTME
1. What is the biggest mistake students make in JAMB UTME?
The biggest mistake is poor preparation, especially starting late and relying only on past questions without understanding the syllabus. Many candidates fail because they do not study the official JAMB syllabus or practice with CBT simulation tools, which affects speed and accuracy.
2. Can I really score 300+ in JAMB 2026 UTME?
Yes, scoring 300+ in JAMB 2026 UTME is possible if you prepare smartly. High scorers usually:
- Start studying early
- Use the JAMB syllabus strictly
- Practice CBT questions regularly
- Manage time effectively during the exam
- Avoid guesswork and exam panic
Consistency and smart practice are key.
3. Is using only past questions enough to pass JAMB?
No. Depending only on past questions is a major mistake. While past questions are useful, JAMB now sets questions based on understanding and application, not repetition. You must combine past questions with:
- Concept-based study
- Recommended textbooks
- Full CBT practice
4. How does poor time management affect JAMB performance?
Poor time management can cause you to leave questions unanswered, even when you know the answers. Many students spend too much time on difficult questions and rush easy ones. To avoid this:
- Answer easy questions first
- Skip difficult ones temporarily
Practice timed CBT tests before the exam
5. What should I avoid on JAMB exam day?
On exam day, avoid:
- Coming late to the CBT center
- Bringing prohibited items (phones, smart watches, papers)
- Panicking during the exam
- Guessing blindly without eliminating wrong options
Staying calm, confident, and focused greatly increases your chances of scoring high.
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