UTME 2023: Things candidates should keep in mind before the exam

The 2023 JAMB examination begins tomorrow April 25th.  Thus far, we have provided you with almost all the resources for you to prepare adequately for the exam. While you are preparing earnestly for the exam, there are a few things we think you also need to keep in mind as the exam.

JAMB CBT Question Format

You will be given two hours to answer 180 questions; 60 for English, and 40 for each of the other subjects. Speed and accuracy matter a lot. If you have been using the JAMB CBT Mobile App (for Android mobile phones) and JAMB CBT Software (for Desktops and Laptops), the examination should be simple enough.

Important Keys to Remember

If you are using the keyboard, here are the most important keys;

N – To move to the next question
P – To go back to the previous question
A – To select option A on a question
B – To select option B on a question
C – To select option C on a question
D – To select option D on a question
S – To submit your exam (Be Careful)
R – To Cancel Submit (and RETURN)

The above will be stated before you start the exam, so you should read the instructions properly before starting.

However, you should note that there are actions you may not be able to perform using the keyboard. In this case, you must use your Mouse (or track-pad). These are;  

• If you need to switch from one subject to another. That is if you want to answer a particular subject before going to another.
• If you need to use the on-screen calculator at the top right corner of your screen.

The on-screen calculator will be available on the screen for candidates who will be taking subjects that involve calculations.

Forget about “JAMB Runs”

If you start now to nurse the idea of getting help from somewhere else outside your brain, you may end up with stories that touch.

There are many “JAMB Messiahs” (That’s what they claim) everywhere trying to take advantage of gullible candidates. I know they will eventually convince many lazy students. But let it not be you. Their offer may seem juicy but then so is every shortcut to success. It will only leave you with tales of woes at the end of the day. With the current mode of examination and some other changes, JAMB has made, the possibility of succeeding with EXPO has been drastically reduced. So get that option off your mind and take the surest pathway to success which remains hard work, discipline and determination.

Randomized Questions

It is also important that candidates note that the questions generated for candidates are jumbled in such a way that they appear differently for each candidate.

For instance, your number 1 question may likely be different from that of your neighbour. That simply means if you choose “A” as your answer just because your neighbour says the answer is “A”, you may have only succeeded in shooting yourself in the foot as two of you may be answering different questions.

On the day of the exam; ensure you do the following;

Wake up on Time

• Set as many alarms as possible to ensure you wake up on time. You can get a sibling, parent or any family member to wake you up too if you’re still worried about oversleeping. 

Get There Early

• We hope you’re familiar with the location of your exam centre by now, as we had earlier advised. If not, be sure to locate your centre today, before your exam. Get to your examination centre on time. Do all you can to be at your venue 30 minutes before your exam. 

Don’t Drink Too Much Water

• Don’t drink too much water, just a little will be fine. Don’t worry about Dehydration, it is not going to be a problem during the exam, but drinking too much water and needing to go to the toilet every five minutes is.

Avoid going to the exam with any of the JAMB prohibited Items 

When you get to the exam centre; 

• Ensure that your Biometric Verification is done. This is very important. If it is not done, you should ask for it. 
• When in the exam room, sit comfortably and spread out. It’s proven that when we physically make ourselves larger, by spreading our arms or leaning back on the chair, this releases a type of hormone which makes us more confident.
• Read and follow instructions carefully.
• Start with a subject you’re strong in. Don’t waste time on difficult questions, move to the next.
• Answer all questions. 

All the Best! You’ll do great.