Things You Should Never Do on JAMB Exam Day — Common Mistakes to Avoid

The long wait is almost over — JAMB 2025 UTME is just a few hours or days away, depending on your date.

By now, most candidates have studied hard, reprinted their exam slips, and are getting mentally ready to enter the exam hall.
But there’s one more thing that can make all your preparation useless: careless mistakes on the exam day.

Every year, some candidates get disqualified, delayed, or stressed out on the morning of their exam — not because they didn’t prepare, but because they made simple mistakes that could have been avoided.

This article is a clear reminder of what you should never do on the day of your JAMB exam — and how to avoid putting yourself in unnecessary trouble.

These are real, common mistakes. If you avoid them, you’ll walk into your centre calm, prepared, and confident.

1. Don’t Arrive Late at Your Centre

This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make — and sadly, one of the most common.

JAMB is extremely strict with time.
Once biometric verification is over and the doors are closed, no candidate will be allowed in, no matter the excuse.

If you think “just 10 minutes late” won’t matter, think again — candidates have been sent home for arriving even 5 minutes late.

To avoid this mistake:

• Leave your house very early, even if your exam is scheduled for the afternoon.
• If your centre is far or in another town, travel a day before or find a place to stay nearby.
• Factor in traffic, roadblocks, fuel scarcity, or delays in getting transport.

JAMB won’t wait for you.
The clock starts whether you are seated or not.

So if there’s one thing you must do right on exam day — arrive early.

2. Don’t Forget or Misplace Your JAMB Exam Slip

Your exam slip is your ticket into the CBT centre. Without it, you will not be allowed to enter, no matter how ready or confident you feel.

Some candidates make the mistake of:

• Leaving it at home in a hurry,
• Misplacing it inside their bag, or
• Damaging it due to poor handling (folding, tearing, or wetting).

To avoid this:

• Pack your JAMB slip the night before your exam.
• Keep it in a clean, transparent file.
• Carry at least two copies, in case one gets stained, folded, or lost.
• Don’t just snap it on your phone — the printed copy is what matters.

No JAMB slip, no exam.
Don’t let carelessness cost you a whole year.

3. Don’t Bring Banned Items Into the Exam Hall

Every year, many candidates get into serious trouble because they carry items that are not allowed inside the exam hall.
Even if you don’t plan to cheat, just being caught with any banned item can lead to embarrassment — or even disqualification.

Some banned items include:

• Mobile phones (whether switched on or off),
• Smart watches or any electronic device,
• Calculators (JAMB provides one on the computer screen),
• Flash drives or earpieces,
• Books, notes, or paper of any kind,
• Bags, purses, wallets, or any suspicious items.

To stay safe:

• Carry only your JAMB slip and, if possible, a simple ID card.
• Leave everything else at home.
• If you must bring a phone (for after the exam), keep it far outside the hall, switched off, and out of sight.

JAMB has zero tolerance for malpractice or suspected malpractice.
It’s better to go in with less than to get sent out for carrying more.

4. Don’t Argue With or Disrespect Exam Officials

On exam day, JAMB officials and CBT centre staff are there to guide and monitor candidates.
But sometimes, tensions rise — especially when there are delays, strict instructions, or when candidates feel things are not going smoothly.

No matter what happens, do not raise your voice, argue, or insult any official.

Even if:

• You feel you’re being treated unfairly,
• Your computer is not working properly,
• You arrived early but are still waiting,
• Or you’re confused about what to do next…

Remain calm and speak politely.

Officials have the authority to report or disqualify any candidate who behaves unruly or disrespects exam rules.

To avoid trouble:

• Ask questions politely if you’re unsure.
• Wait patiently if there’s a delay.
• Focus on writing your exam — not on who’s annoying you.

A moment of anger can cost you a full year.
Respect and calmness will carry you far.

5. Don’t Share Your JAMB Details With Anyone Around You

Your JAMB registration number, email, phone number, or login details may seem harmless — but in the wrong hands, they can be used against you.

On exam day, some people may act friendly and start asking:

• “What’s your registration number?”
• “Let me help you check your result after the exam.”
• “Give me your email; I’ll send you expo.”

Be careful. Some of these people may not have good intentions.

To stay safe:

• Don’t share your slip or write-up with anyone.
• Never enter your details into another person’s phone or system.
• If someone keeps asking, politely say no.

Your JAMB details belong to you alone.
If anything suspicious is done with your profile, you may be held responsible.

Protect your information.
Trust nobody with it — especially on exam day.

6. Don’t Panic If There’s a Delay or Technical Issue

It’s not uncommon for some CBT centres to experience delays — especially in early sessions.

Sometimes the server may be slow.
Sometimes biometric verification takes longer than expected.
Other times, candidates have to wait outside for a long time before being called in.

If this happens, do not panic. Do not assume your exam is cancelled.

Instead:

• Wait patiently and listen to the officials.
• As long as you’re present and verified, you will write.
• Use the time to stay calm and review your confidence.

Also, if your computer misbehaves during the exam:

• Raise your hand quietly. Don’t shout or complain loudly.
• The invigilator will come and either fix the system or move you to another one.

Delays can be frustrating, but your reaction matters more.
Staying calm shows maturity and helps you think better when the exam finally begins.

Final Advice: Let Nothing Distract You from Your Goal

After months of preparing, reading, and praying, the big day has finally come.
You’ve done your best — now your focus should be on doing well in the exam hall and avoiding anything that could ruin your chance.

Stay focused.
Stay disciplined.
Don’t let fear, noise, delay, or even other candidates distract you from your goal.

This exam is your own — and how you handle exam day matters just as much as how you prepared.

So remember:

• Arrive early.
• Carry only what is needed.
• Respect all instructions.
• Ignore distractions.
• And give it your best.

JAMB is not only about how much you read — it’s also about how well you manage the pressure.

Stay calm. Think clearly. And trust your preparation.

We believe in you.
Good luck in your 2025 UTME.