10 Mistakes JAMB Candidates Make And How To Avoid Them

10 Mistakes JAMB Candidates Make and How to Avoid Them in 2026: Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re about to get a good score. That’s already a great start. But guess what? Many intelligent students still fall into common traps that can ruin their chances, and the worst part is, they don’t even realize it until it’s too late.

So let’s talk real. No long grammar, just straight-up truth. Here are the top 10 mistakes JAMB candidates make and how to avoid them. There are practical ways you can dodge them and stay ahead of the game.

10 Mistakes JAMB Candidates Make and How to Avoid Them in 2026

Below are the top 10 mistakes candidates make yearly and the best way to avoid them. Make sure to take them one after the other and learn well from this short read:

1. Starting Late — “I Still Get Time…”

One of the biggest lies JAMB candidates tell themselves is: “I still have time.” Which time?, You don’t!
My cousin Tolu kept saying, “JAMB na just secondary school things,” so he chilled till February before picking up a book. When the exam came, he panicked — he barely scored 189, and it shattered his dream of studying Pharmacy.

What you need to do:

• Start now. Even if it’s just 1 hour a day.
• Create a simple timetable and stick to it.
• The earlier you start, the more confident you become.

2. Ignoring the JAMB Syllabus

A lot of candidates just pick a textbook and start reading like they’re preparing for WAEC. But JAMB doesn’t cover everything. that’s why JAMB created the JAMB Syllabus for candidates to make the journey an easy one.

Why the syllabus is your secret weapon:

• It tells you exactly what JAMB expects you to know.
• It helps you focus on important topics and avoid wasting time.

Pro tip: Download the syllabus for each subject from the official JAMB website or trusted educational platforms like www.jambgovng.org.

3. Not Practicing Past Questions Properly

Some students treat past questions like a checklist: solve one, flip the page, solve another — no reflection, no learning. It shouldn’t be like that please!

 Instead, do this: It helps:

• Treat past questions like mock exams. Time yourself.
• After answering, go back and review your mistakes.
• Understand why you got it wrong, not just the correct option.

A friend once said, “I started treating past questions like puzzles — and it made studying feel like a game. That’s how I went from 240 to 307.”

4. Relying on Random Sources

YouTube is great, but not every video is accurate. Some “lesson notes” online can even mislead you.

Stick with:

• JAMB-approved textbooks
• Trusted apps like Myschool, MyschoolGist, and JAMB CBT Mobile
• Verified educational websites
  Note: Don’t confuse yourself with scattered information. Stick to the right sources.

5. Overcrowding Your Study Schedule

Some people think reading 12 hours a day will guarantee 300+. It doesn’t. It burns you out faster, so be careful. 

 Instead:

• Read in focused chunks (e.g., 45 minutes with 15-minute breaks).
• Use the Pomodoro Technique (Google it—it’s a lifesaver).
• Schedule breaks, sleep well, and give your brain time to recharge.

6. Ignoring English Language (Thinking It’s “Just English”)

This one’s a biggie. Many students don’t study English properly because, well, “Na every day we dey speak am.”

But English carries 100 marks — that’s a quarter of your total score.

 Focus on:

• Comprehension (read newspaper articles to improve speed)
• Lexis and structure (understand synonyms, antonyms)
• Summary and oral English (practice with past papers)

English can make or break your score. Don’t joke with it.

7. Cramming Instead of Understanding

JAMB questions are now more logic-based. Memorizing definitions won’t save you.

Try this:

• Break concepts into real-life examples.
• Use memory tricks and short notes.
• Teach someone else — it helps you understand better.

Example:
Don’t just cram “osmosis is the movement of water…” — imagine a raisin soaking in water and swelling. Boom, it sticks to your brain.

8. Skipping Mock Exams

Some candidates avoid mocks because they’re scared of scoring low. But mock exams help you prepare your brain for pressure.

Take at least 1 or 2 full mocks:

• Helps you manage time
• Builds confidence
• Reveals weak areas before the real exam

Don’t hide from your fear. Face it early and fix it.

9. Getting Distracted by Social Media

Let’s be honest. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp groups… they’re fun, but they steal your time if you’re not careful.

What to do:

• Use apps like Forest or Stay Focused to limit screen time.
• Put your phone on airplane mode during study hours.
• Reward yourself with breaks AFTER you study.

One hour of real focus is better than four hours of fake reading with phone in hand.

10. Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination

Every year, thousands of candidates miss admission just because they picked the wrong subjects. Imagine scoring 320 and still not getting your dream course!

Before you register:

• Check the JAMB brochure for your course requirements.
• Ask a teacher, mentor, or check online if you’re unsure.
• Don’t assume. Always verify.

Conclusion: Final Advice From a Friend

Look, my friend, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes. But the smart ones learn from others’ mistakes before it’s too late. You’ve got the brain. You’ve got the time. What’s left is to use it wisely. Stay focused, stay consistent, and don’t give up when it gets tough. You’re not just preparing for an exam- you’re preparing for your future.

And hey — I wish you all the very best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have any questions or suggestions, kindly drop them using the comments box below. See you!