“If JAMB Questions Are Randomized, Why Do We Still Use Past Questions?” Candidate Asks

A 2025 UTME candidate, Shedrack Peters, has asked a question that crosses the mind of many students preparing for the JAMB exam.

“So if they change the questions for each candidate, why do they have JAMB past questions? Since it’s not like all candidates have the same questions but different arrangements.”

This is a very important observation — and the answer helps clarify how JAMB actually works.

Why JAMB Past Questions Still Matter

Even though JAMB randomizes questions for each candidate, past questions are still very relevant — and here’s why:

1. The Topics Remain the Same

JAMB doesn’t invent new topics every year. The questions still come from the same syllabus, covering topics taught in senior secondary school. That means past questions help you understand what topics are likely to appear again.

2. JAMB Repeats Question Patterns

Even if they change the wording, many questions follow the same pattern:

• Common grammar traps in English
• Recurring maths formulas (e.g. variation, probability, interest)
• Biology questions about cell structure or reproduction
• Government and literature themes that appear every year

Past questions help you recognize these patterns and improve your speed and accuracy.

3. They Prepare You for CBT Format

Using past questions during practice helps you get used to the timing, format, and types of answers JAMB uses. It’s not just about memorizing answers — it’s about understanding how JAMB thinks.

Final Word

Even though no two candidates get the exact same set of questions in the same order, past questions remain a powerful tool for preparation.

The real goal is not to see the exact question, but to understand the style, topics, and thinking process JAMB expects.

So yes, Shedrack — past questions are still very much useful. You just have to use them the right way.

Are you using past questions to prepare? Let us know how it’s helping you!