JAMB 2025 Exam Day 1 Mistakes: A Guide on How to Avoid Them

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 2025 officially commenced, with thousands of Nigerian students taking the exam across various Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. As always, Day 1 plays a pivotal role—not just in setting the pace of the examination period, but also in highlighting the issues that candidates face. Mistakes made on the first day can jeopardise performance, lead to disqualification, or reduce the chances of gaining university admission.

JAMB 2025 Exam Day 1 Mistakes

Photo Credit: Jamb 2025

This guide delves deep into the common mistakes candidates made on Day 1 of the JAMB 2025 UTME, real student experiences, and what subsequent candidates can learn to avoid repeating those errors. Whether you’re sitting for the exam soon or guiding someone who is, this article will serve as a crucial resource.

JAMB 2025 Exam Day 1 Mistakes

Late Arrival at the Exam Centre

Consequences: Candidates who arrived late faced various problems ranging from being locked out of the exam hall to having significantly reduced time to complete the test.

Causes:

Misinterpreting the exam time stated on the slip.
Underestimating traffic and transportation issues.
Not factoring in security checks at the venue.

Incorrect Use of Biometric Verification

Biometric verification is mandatory for CBT exams, but many students encountered issues.

Common Mistakes:

Inability to thumbprint correctly due to wet, oily, or dirty fingers.
Not knowing the verification process beforehand.
Trying to bypass biometric checks, which led to automatic disqualification.

Failure to Follow Exam Instructions

Some candidates ignored critical but straightforward instructions.

Examples:

Starting the exam before instructions were given.
Clicking “Submit” prematurely.
Failing to read and follow prompts on the CBT screen.

Technical Challenges

Though JAMB has improved its CBT infrastructure, issues still arose.

Issues Faced:

Slow-loading questions.
Temporary system shutdowns.
Candidates unfamiliar with using the mouse or keyboard.

Mismanagement of Time

Many students failed to manage the allotted time wisely.

Typical Problems:

Spending over 5 minutes on tough questions.
Not answering all questions before the time elapsed.
Ignoring the countdown timer.

Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination

Some candidates realised too late that their subjects didn’t align with their intended university course.

Common Errors:

Choosing Commerce instead of Economics.
Selecting subjects without checking university requirements.

Forgetting Required Exam Materials

Some candidates were denied entry or delayed due to missing documents.

Missing Items:

JAMB registration slip.
Valid ID card (like NIN slip or school ID).
Passport photographs (where applicable).

Prohibited Items:

Mobile phones.
Smart watches.
Calculators (for certain courses).

Psychological and Emotional Mistakes

Exam Anxiety and Nervousness

Many students experienced intense nervousness, which affected their performance.

Effects:

Blanking out on familiar questions.
Making silly mistakes.
Panicking during system glitches.

Peer Pressure and Distraction

Observed Behaviours:

Focusing on others instead of the test.
Seeking last-minute “expo” and falling victim to scams.
Relying on rumours about the exam format.

Lessons Learned from Day 1 Candidates

Several students who took the exam on Day 1 shared feedback online.

Common Themes:

“I wish I practised more with the CBT interface.”
“Arriving 30 minutes early saved me from unnecessary panic.”
“Don’t trust what others say outside the exam hall.”

Advice:

Stay calm, no matter what happens.
Read questions carefully.
Trust your preparation.

How to Avoid These Mistakes on Subsequent Exam Days

Prepare All Materials Ahead of Time

Checklist:

JAMB registration slip.
Valid ID card.
2 recent passport photos.
Face mask (if still required).

Arrive Early at the Exam Centre

Aim to be at your centre at least 90 minutes before your scheduled time.

Benefits:

Time to settle in.
Buffer against unexpected delays.

Practice with CBT Mock Tests

Use JAMB past questions and CBT platforms.

Why It Helps:

Boosts confidence.
Familiarises with the timer and interface.

Stick to Official Guidelines

Avoid:

Bringing restricted items.
Listening to unofficial exam “tips.”

Do:

Follow the invigilator’s instructions strictly.

Manage Time Effectively

Tip:

Spend an average of 1 minute per question.
Skip difficult ones and return later.

What JAMB Officials Are Saying About Day 1 Mistakes

According to official statements released via JAMB’s website and social media:

Observations:

Over 90% of biometric issues were due to dirty fingers.
Late arrivals caused the most disruption.

JAMB Advice:

Candidates should use official practice platforms.
Refrain from bringing banned items to centres.

Conclusion

JAMB 2025 Day 1 offered valuable insights for both exam authorities and candidates. While technology and structure have improved, candidate behaviour plays a crucial role in overall success. From late arrivals and forgotten slips to anxiety and poor time management, Day 1 exposed areas for improvement.

If you’re yet to take your exam, now is your chance to prepare smarter. Review this guide, fix potential issues ahead of time, and approach your exam with clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the biggest mistake students made on JAMB 2025 Day 1?

Late arrival and poor time management were the top concerns.

Q2: Can I retake the JAMB exam if I missed it on Day 1?

Only if you have a valid excuse and JAMB authorises a reschedule.

Q3: How early should I arrive at my JAMB exam centre?

At least 1.5 hours before your scheduled time.

Q4: Are wristwatches allowed in the JAMB CBT exam?

No. Wristwatches, mobile phones, and calculators are prohibited.

Q5: What can I do if I have technical issues during the CBT exam?

Remain calm and report to the invigilator immediately. The issue will be logged and resolved.

JAMB 2025 Exam Day 1 Mistakes: A Guide on How to Avoid Them