On JAMB day, aim for about 40 seconds per question: answer the easy ones first, flag the hard ones and come back, and never leave a question blank because wrong answers aren't penalised. Before the day, print your exam slip (JAMB advises one to two weeks ahead), confirm your centre, arrive early, and keep your fingers free of henna, since it can affect fingerprint verification.
Plenty of well-prepared candidates lose marks on exam day itself, through panic, poor pacing or a preventable hiccup at the centre. Here's how to make sure your preparation shows up in your score.
How should I pace 180 questions in 2 hours?
The average is about 40 seconds per question, but you won't spend it evenly. Some questions take 10 seconds; some take two minutes. That's why a two-pass strategy works:
- First pass: go through every subject answering what you know quickly. Flag anything that would take long.
- Second pass: return to the flagged questions with the time you saved.
- Last two minutes: make sure nothing is blank. JAMB doesn't penalise wrong answers.
Which subject should I start with?
There's no single right answer. Many students start with their strongest subject to build confidence and bank time. Whatever you choose, decide it during your practice mocks, not in the hall, and keep the same order every time so it's automatic.
What should I do in the weeks before the exam?
- Print your exam slip as soon as printing opens (JAMB advises about one to two weeks before the exam). It shows your centre, date and time.
- Visit your centre beforehand if you can, so you know how long the journey takes.
- Keep your fingers free of henna or laali. Fingerprint verification is part of the process.
- Sit at least two full timed mocks in the final fortnight, at the same time of day as your exam if possible.
What should I do on the morning of the exam?
- Eat, and drink some water, before you leave
- Arrive early: queues for verification can be long
- Bring what your exam slip lists, and leave prohibited items (phones and other devices) at home or as instructed
- When you sit down, check your name and subjects on the screen before you start
What if I panic in the hall?
It happens. Put your hands flat on the desk, take three slow breaths, and answer the next question you're sure of. One quick right answer resets your confidence. Practising under real timing beforehand is the best panic-proofing there is.
Practise exam day before exam day
2Wise mocks use the real format: 180 questions, a 2-hour clock and a question navigator, scored out of 400. Sit a few, and the real thing becomes just another mock. Read how JAMB is scored to plan your strategy.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I have per question in JAMB?
About 40 seconds on average: 2 hours (120 minutes) for 180 questions.
Should I guess in JAMB?
Yes. JAMB doesn't deduct marks for wrong answers, so a guess can only help. Never leave a question blank.
When should I print my JAMB exam slip?
JAMB opens slip printing about a week or two before the exam. Print it as soon as it's available so you know your exact centre, date and time.
Can henna stop me from writing JAMB?
It can cause problems. Fingerprint verification is part of the process, and henna or laali on the fingers has been reported to interfere with it. Keep your fingers clean before registration and the exam.
Last checked 22 October 2026. JAMB changes dates and rules from year to year. Always confirm on jamb.gov.ng.
Sources: TechCabal — How to register for the 2026 UTME · JAMB