What Happens If Your JAMB Exam Is Submitted Before You Finish One Subject?

Ekeh Esther asked a very important question many candidates are worried about:

If a candidate is trying to answer all the questions given in the exam hall and the time reaches to submit, but one subject is left unanswered — and the system submits automatically — will the candidate still pass?

This situation can be frustrating and heartbreaking, especially if it affects a subject you could have done well in. Here’s everything you need to know about what happens next and whether you still have a chance of passing.

Does JAMB Submit Automatically?

Yes, once the allocated time runs out, the JAMB system automatically submits your answers — whether you’ve completed the four subjects or not.

JAMB CBT exams are strictly timed:

• You’re expected to manage your time across all four subjects.
• If time runs out while you’re still answering, the system will end your session and submit whatever answers have been filled in.

What Happens If You Don’t Answer One Subject?

If you didn’t reach one subject before time ran out — or were in the middle of it — it means:

• You’ll likely score zero in that subject.
• The overall score for your UTME will be based on the other three subjects.
• You may not reach the cut-off mark for your course if that subject was one of the most important ones (like English or a required core subject).

Will You Still Pass?

It depends on a few things:

• How well you did in the other three subjects.
• Whether the missing subject is required for admission into your chosen course.
• The cut-off mark of your course and institution.

If, for example, the unanswered subject was English — which is compulsory for all courses — then unfortunately, you won’t be eligible for admission unless JAMB gives you another opportunity (which rarely happens unless there’s a system-wide technical failure).

What Should You Do?

If this happened to you:

1. Stay calm — panicking won’t change what has already happened.
2. Wait for your result — it may still be better than expected.
3. If you believe the issue was caused by a system error or malfunction, you can:
   • Write a formal complaint to JAMB support.
   • Visit a JAMB office with details of what happened at your centre.
   • Attach any proof if possible (e.g. screenshots, centre name, exam time, etc).

How to Prevent This in Future Exams

• Manage your time well during the exam.
• Allocate equal time to each subject (you have 160 questions in total, so pace yourself).
• Don’t spend too long on difficult questions — skip and come back if time allows.
• Practice with timed CBT mock tests before the main exam.

Final Words

Esther, if your exam was submitted automatically and one subject wasn’t answered, there’s a chance it will affect your total score — especially if it’s a major subject. But don’t lose hope. Wait for your result, and if there was a technical fault, follow the proper steps to report it to JAMB.

Stay hopeful and learn from the experience for future opportunities.