Every year, thousands of JAMB candidates struggle with fear and uncertainty about the UTME. Many don’t know what to expect, and some even fail because they were not mentally prepared for the real exam environment.
That’s why JAMB introduced the Mock Exam—to give candidates a chance to experience the exam setting before the real deal. But many students don’t take it seriously or don’t even know the real difference between the Mock and the Main UTME.
If you’re wondering whether the JAMB Mock Exam is important, how it differs from the real exam, and whether you should take it or not, keep reading—this might just change how you prepare!
1. The Purpose: Why JAMB Conducts a Mock Exam
Many candidates think the JAMB Mock Exam is just another test, but it’s more than that.
The mock exam is a practice test created by JAMB to help candidates get familiar with the real exam process. It is meant to:
- Reduce exam fear and anxiety.
- Help candidates get used to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
- Expose candidates to the kind of questions JAMB sets.
- Test the readiness of JAMB’s CBT centers.
Now, compare this to the Main JAMB Exam, which is the final exam that determines your admission into the university. The mock is optional, but the main UTME is mandatory—if you don’t sit for it, you cannot gain admission.
So while the mock is a practice run, the main UTME is the real battlefield.
2. Exam Date and Timing Differences
The JAMB Mock Exam is held weeks before the main UTME.
For 2025, the mock exam is scheduled for April 5, while the main UTME will take place from April 25 to May 5.
One major difference is that not all candidates take the mock. During UTME registration, candidates had the option to choose whether they wanted to write the mock or not.
If you didn’t select the mock option during registration, you won’t be able to write it, but you will still be eligible for the main UTME.
3. Questions and Difficulty Level
One of the biggest concerns candidates have is whether the mock exam is easier or harder than the main exam.
The truth? JAMB does not always set the same questions for both exams.
- The mock exam may contain different sets of questions from the main UTME.
- The difficulty level varies—some candidates say the mock is easier, while others say the main UTME is more unpredictable.
- The mock does not determine your real UTME score, but it helps you know how prepared you are.
If you perform badly in the mock, don’t panic—but take it as a warning sign that you need to improve before the main exam.
4. The Exam Format: Same or Different?
While the questions may be different, the exam format is exactly the same for both the mock and the main UTME.
- Same computer-based test (CBT) system
- Same four subjects based on your course of study
- Same duration of 2 hours
- Same CBT center rules and regulations
The only real difference is that the mock exam is for practice, while the main UTME is for admission.
5. Do Mock Exam Scores Count?
No, your mock exam score does not count toward your final UTME result.
Even if you score 300 in the mock, it does not mean you will score the same in the main UTME. The mock is only for practice, and your performance in it should be used to identify areas where you need improvement.
But here’s the painful truth—some candidates fail to take the mock seriously and then struggle in the main UTME because they were not prepared for the real CBT experience.
6. Exam Centers and Technical Issues
JAMB uses the mock exam to test the efficiency of its CBT centers.
- Some centers may experience technical issues during the mock (e.g., system shutdowns, biometric verification errors).
- If a center fails the mock test, JAMB may not use it for the main UTME.
- If you experience technical problems during the mock, report it to JAMB immediately so they can fix the issue before the main exam.
This is why candidates who write the mock have an advantage—they get to experience the exam setting and know what to expect before the real UTME.
7. The Cost: Is the Mock Exam Free?
The mock exam itself is free, but candidates who choose to write it must pay a CBT center service fee of ₦1,500.
For the main UTME, the total cost is ₦7,200 (without mock) or ₦8,200 (with mock), which includes:
- JAMB registration fee
- Reading text fee
- CBT service charge
- Mock exam fee (for those who registered for it)
So, while the mock isn’t compulsory, those who choose to write it must pay the ₦1,500 fee to their CBT center.
Final Words: Should You Take the Mock Exam?
If you registered for the mock, consider yourself lucky—you have a huge advantage over those who didn’t.
The mock exam:
- Reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.
- Helps you get comfortable with the CBT system.
- Exposes your weak areas so you can improve before the real exam.
If you didn’t register for the mock, don’t panic—just make sure you practice with a JAMB CBT app or website before your main exam day.
For those who did register, use this opportunity well. Your mock result may not count, but your experience will. And that could be the difference between success and failure in the real UTME.