Passing JAMB in one sitting is possible if you prepare the right way. Whether you’re writing for the first time or trying again, this 2026 JAMB study guide gives you the best tips to pass JAMB with a high score. From choosing the right materials to managing time during the exam, every section of this guide is designed to help you avoid mistakes and increase your chances of admission. How to Pass JAMB

Why Many Students Fail JAMB

Before we go into tips to pass JAMB 2025 and 2026, let’s understand the common mistakes:

• Late preparation
• Relying only on lesson centres without self-study
• Ignoring past questions
• Reading without understanding
• Choosing wrong subject combinations
• Poor time management during the exam
• Avoiding these errors is the first step in scoring high.

When to Start Preparing for JAMB 2026

The earlier, the better.

If you’re serious about learning how to pass JAMB, begin at least 6 months before the exam. This gives you enough time to:

• Cover all topics in the JAMB syllabus
• Practice with CBT apps
• Master difficult subjects
• Take mock tests to boost confidence

Top 10 Tips to Pass JAMB 2026

These are practical strategies that have helped thousands of students:

 1. Understand the JAMB Syllabus

Get the official JAMB syllabus and use it to track your reading progress.

2. Use Only Recommended Textbooks

Avoid materials with wrong content. Stick to JAMB-approved textbooks.

3. Master Time Management

Practice answering 40–50 questions within 30 minutes.

4. Focus More on English Language

All candidates write Use of English — and it carries 100 marks.

 5. Don’t Skip the Novel

About 15–20 questions will come from the JAMB novel. Read it at least twice.

6. Practice Past Questions Daily

It helps you recognize question patterns.

7. Use JAMB CBT Practice Apps

8. Join Online Study Groups

Groups on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook can help with explanations.

9. Stay Consistent, Not Just Motivated

Even on tired days, study something small.

10. Stay Away from Distractions

Social media, parties, and games can waste your time. Stay focused.

Best JAMB Study Guide for Science, Arts & Commercial Students

Here’s how to target each subject group:

Make sure you study according to the official JAMB subject combination.

How to Create an Effective JAMB Study Timetable

Sample Weekly Plan:

Stick to it. A timetable helps reduce reading pressure.

Subjects to Focus on Based on Your Course

JAMB Past Questions: How to Use Them Correctly

If you’re looking for the fastest way to prepare, past questions are key.

How to Use:

• Solve questions by year (e.g. 2018–2023)
• Group questions by topics
• Take timed mock tests using apps
• Check answers and explanations after solving

You’ll notice repeated question patterns — use that to your advantage.

Tips to Pass JAMB English and Novel Questions

Use of English is compulsory and carries the highest mark. Here’s how to tackle it:

Comprehension:

Read the passage twice before answering.

Grammar:

Revise concord, prepositions, idioms, and antonyms.

Oral English:

Watch YouTube videos or use practice apps.

Novel:

If The Life Changer or another novel is used in 2026, read chapter summaries, character traits, and key themes.

CBT Exam Tips to Avoid Mistakes on Exam Day

Know the Interface:

Practice with a real CBT app before the exam.

Time Yourself:

Don’t spend more than 1 minute per question.

Don’t Guess Blindly:

If unsure, eliminate wrong options first.

Use On-screen Calculator:

If you’re writing Maths or Physics, know how to use the on-screen calculator.

Daily Routine of Students Who Score 300+

Here’s a sample routine of top scorers:

5:30 AM – Wake up, pray, short revision

7:00 AM – First reading session (1 hour)

4:00 PM – Second study session (1.5 hours)

7:30 PM – Past questions or CBT app

9:00 PM – Review mistakes and plan next day

What to Do One Week Before the Exam

• Print your exam slip
• Visit your centre (if possible)
• Read your JAMB novel again
• Do light revision only
• Sleep early
• Don’t try to cram last minute
• Pack your items (slip, pencil, ID)

How to Revise Smarter, Not Harder

JAMB success doesn’t only come from how much you study — but also how smart you revise. Here’s how to revise in a way that sticks:

1. Active Recall

After reading a topic, close the book and write down everything you remember. This helps your brain retain more.

2. Spaced Repetition

Instead of cramming, review each subject at intervals. For example:

• Day 1: Read Biology Topic 1
• Day 3: Revisit the same topic
• Day 7: Do a quiz on it

3. Self-Quizzing

Use flashcards or mobile apps to quiz yourself, especially for definitions and formulas.

4. Explain to Others

Teaching a friend helps you understand better. If you can’t explain it, you don’t know it well yet.

Tracking Your JAMB Progress: Weekly Score Sheet Example

Use this format to track your performance and stay accountable:

By tracking your scores weekly, you’ll know which subjects to give extra attention.

How to Stay Consistent Until Exam Day

Most students start strong, then lose motivation. Here’s how to stay focused:

Set Weekly Goals

Example: “This week, I will finish all Biology past questions from 2019 to 2023.”

 Celebrate Small Wins

After hitting your goal, reward yourself with small things — like time off or a favorite snack.

Join Study Challenges

Online groups often organize study streaks or 30-day challenges. Join one.

Avoid Study Burnout

Don’t study for 6 hours straight. Use the Pomodoro technique:
25 mins reading → 5 mins break → repeat.

Recommended Reading Materials for JAMB 2026

To pass well, use only trusted books. Here are some top picks based on JAMB standards:

Avoid using “expo books” or materials that promise leaked questions. They are not reliable.

How Students Scored 300+ in Past JAMB Exams: Real-Life Tips

These are real lessons from students who scored 300 and above in recent UTME exams:

“I started reading 4 months before the exam. I used only JAMB past questions and studied 3 hours daily.”
— Daniel, UNILORIN Law Student

“I didn’t join any lesson. I just created a timetable, stuck to it, and used CBT apps.”
— Rukayat, FUTA Engineering

“I read The Life Changer three times before the exam. The novel questions were so easy.”
— Chinedu, UNN Mass Comm

Use these strategies and make them your own.

One Month to JAMB: What Your Schedule Should Look Like

Week 1:

• Review all subject syllabi
• Revise difficult topics
• Take one full CBT mock test

Week 2:

• Solve past questions daily
• Study your JAMB novel again
• Join a study group

Week 3:

• Practice time-based quizzes
• Focus on weak subjects
• Visit your CBT centre if possible

Week 4:

• Rest more
• Light reading only
• Print your exam slip and prepare logistics

Red Flags and Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid failure, watch out for these:

Skipping topics because they look “easy”
Waiting for “expo” or leaked questions
Depending only on lessons without personal study
Comparing yourself to friends — everyone learns differently
Cramming overnight before the exam

Prayers and Mental Preparation

Don’t ignore the spiritual aspect. Stay calm, pray, and believe in yourself.

• Say short prayers before and after studying
• Ask God for focus, memory, and favor
• Avoid negative talk like “JAMB is too hard”

A positive mindset boosts your confidence on exam day.

Final Checklist Before JAMB Day

Make sure you’ve done the following:

✅ Completed the full syllabus
✅ Revised your JAMB novel
✅ Solved past questions
✅ Practiced with CBT apps
✅ Printed your exam slip
✅ Packed your required items
✅ Visited your exam centre (optional)
✅ Slept well the night before
✅ Prayed and believed in yourself

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many hours should I study daily to pass JAMB?

Aim for at least 2–4 hours daily. Consistency matters more than long hours.

2. Can I pass JAMB without going to a lesson?

Yes. If you’re disciplined and follow a good study plan.

3. How many questions are in JAMB UTME?

Each subject has 40 questions, except English which has 60. Total = 180 questions.

4. Is the JAMB mock result important?

Not for admission. But it helps you know your weak areas before the real exam.

5. Can I score above 300 without cheating?

Yes. Thousands of students do it every year through serious and smart study.

6. Should I use phone or laptop for JAMB practice?

Use any device you’re comfortable with. But CBT is usually done on a desktop, so it’s better to practice on a desktop or tablet.

7. Can I score 300 without using a CBT app?

Possible, but not advisable. CBT apps train your speed, accuracy, and interface familiarity.

8. What’s the minimum JAMB score for medicine?

Most federal universities require 280+. Some private universities accept lower. Always aim high.

9. Is it better to study alone or in groups?

Use both. Study alone to focus deeply, then use groups for support and question discussion.

10. What if I feel unprepared a week before the exam?

Focus only on key areas. Do light revision and rest well. Don’t panic — one week of smart reading can improve your score.

Final Words: It’s Your Time to Shine

Passing JAMB 2026 is not about luck. It’s about preparation, consistency, and confidence.

You’ve read the best JAMB study guide, learned practical tips to pass JAMB 2025 and 2026, and now it’s your turn to act.

Start now.
Believe you can.
And give it your best.

You’ll pass — and pass well.