What Causes Failure in JAMB and How to Avoid It: Many students in Nigeria write the JAMB exam every year, but not all of them pass. There are different reasons why some people fail the exam. Understanding these reasons can help you avoid the same mistakes and increase your chances of passing. In this article, we will talk about some of the common causes of failure in JAMB and how to avoid them.
1. Lack of Preparation
One of the biggest reasons for failure in JAMB is not preparing well for the exam. Some students wait until the last minute to start reading. JAMB is a very important exam, so you need to take your time and study months before the exam day. If you don’t prepare well, it will be hard for you to understand the questions and pick the right answers.
How to Avoid This:
Start preparing early. Get the JAMB syllabus and study materials like textbooks and past questions. Make a study plan and stick to it. The more you practice, the better you will understand the exam.
2. Not Following the Exam Instructions
JAMB is a computer-based test (CBT), and there are specific instructions you must follow. Some candidates fail because they do not read the instructions carefully. For example, you might be told not to click “submit” until you are sure of your answers, but some students rush and make mistakes.
How to Avoid This:
Before you start answering the questions, take a few minutes to read the instructions carefully. Follow every instruction given, so you don’t lose marks because of carelessness.
3. Poor Time Management
JAMB gives a limited time to answer the questions, and many students fail because they run out of time before answering all the questions. Some students spend too much time on one question and end up leaving other questions unanswered.
How to Avoid This:
Practice with past questions and time yourself. This will help you learn how to manage your time during the exam. Answer the questions you know first, and come back to the difficult ones later.
4. Overconfidence
Some students believe they are very smart and don’t need to study hard for JAMB. They think they already know everything, so they don’t take their time to revise. Overconfidence can lead to failure because the JAMB exam is tricky, and even smart students can make mistakes if they don’t prepare well.
How to Avoid This:
No matter how smart you think you are, make sure you study hard. Go through the syllabus and read your textbooks. Also, practice as many past questions as possible.
5. Exam Anxiety (Fear of Failing)
Many students get nervous before and during the exam. This fear of failure can make it hard for them to focus and answer the questions correctly. When you are too anxious, you might forget things you already know or make careless mistakes.
How to Avoid This:
Relax and stay calm before the exam. Trust that you have prepared well, and don’t let fear take over. If you feel nervous, take deep breaths and remind yourself that you can do it.
6. Not Using Past Questions
JAMB has been setting exams for many years, and a lot of questions repeat over time. Some students fail because they do not practice with past questions. These past questions give you an idea of the type of questions to expect and help you understand how JAMB sets its exams.
How to Avoid This:
Get past JAMB questions and practice with them regularly. Pay attention to the questions that appear frequently and understand how to answer them.
7. Choosing the Wrong Subjects
Another reason some students fail JAMB is because they pick the wrong subjects during registration. If you do not select the correct subjects for the course you want to study, it can affect your chances of passing or getting admitted.
How to Avoid This:
Before you register for JAMB, make sure you know the subjects required for your course of study. For example, if you want to study Medicine, you need to choose subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
8. Relying on “Expo” (Exam Malpractice)
Some students fail because they depend on exam malpractice or “expo.” They believe someone will give them answers during the exam, so they don’t study hard. But most times, this “expo” is fake, and even when it is real, JAMB has ways to catch students who cheat.
How to Avoid This:
Do not rely on exam malpractice. Focus on studying and preparing well. Cheating can get you in trouble, and it’s not worth the risk.
9. Poor Knowledge of Computer
JAMB is a computer-based test, and some students fail because they don’t know how to use a computer properly. If you don’t know how to move the mouse, click the right answers, or navigate the exam screen, it can waste your time and affect your performance.
How to Avoid This:
If you are not familiar with using a computer, practice before the exam. Go to a computer center and learn how to use a mouse and keyboard. Make sure you are comfortable with the CBT format before the exam day.
10. Technical Problems During the Exam
Sometimes, technical issues like a slow computer or network failure can cause problems during the exam. Although JAMB tries to fix these issues quickly, they can still cause distractions and make students lose focus.
How to Avoid This:
If you experience any technical issues during the exam, don’t panic. Call the attention of the invigilator, and they will help you. Stay calm and wait for them to fix the problem before continuing the exam.
Conclusion
Failure in JAMB is not the end of the world, but it’s something you can avoid by preparing well and following the right steps. Make sure you study hard, practice with past questions, manage your time well, and stay calm during the exam. If you avoid the mistakes listed above, you can improve your chances of passing JAMB and getting into the school of your choice.
FAQs
Why do students fail JAMB?
Many students fail JAMB because they don’t prepare well, don’t manage their time, or don’t follow the exam instructions. Other reasons include overconfidence, exam anxiety, and relying on exam malpractice.
How can I avoid failing JAMB?
You can avoid failing JAMB by preparing early, practicing with past questions, following instructions, managing your time, and staying calm during the exam. Make sure you also study the right subjects for your course.
Is it true that not using past questions can lead to failure in JAMB?
Yes, not using past questions can make it harder for you to pass JAMB. Past questions help you understand how JAMB sets its exams, and many questions repeat over the years. Practicing with past questions will give you an advantage.
Can computer problems make me fail JAMB?
Computer problems during the exam can be frustrating, but JAMB invigilators are there to help. If you experience any issues, call their attention. Stay calm and wait for the issue to be fixed before continuing the exam.
Does exam anxiety cause failure in JAMB?
Yes, exam anxiety can cause failure because it makes students nervous and lose focus. This can lead to forgetting important information or making careless mistakes. To avoid this, relax and trust in your preparation.
How does choosing the wrong subjects affect my JAMB result?
Choosing the wrong subjects can affect your chances of getting into the course you want to study. Each course requires specific subjects, and if you don’t choose them correctly during registration, it might lead to problems even if you pass the exam.
What should I do if I forget to read the JAMB exam instructions?
If you forget to read the instructions, you might make mistakes that can lower your score. Always take a few minutes before starting the exam to read and understand the instructions. This will help you avoid simple errors.
Is it risky to rely on “expo” (exam malpractice) for JAMB?
Yes, relying on exam malpractice is very risky. Most students who depend on “expo” fail because the answers they get are often wrong. Even if the answers are correct, JAMB has ways to detect cheating, which could lead to disqualification.
How does overconfidence cause failure in JAMB?
Overconfidence can make students think they don’t need to study hard. They may believe they know everything, but JAMB exams can be tricky. Without enough preparation, even smart students can make mistakes and fail.
Can I fail JAMB if I don’t know how to use a computer?
Yes, if you don’t know how to use a computer, it can slow you down during the exam. JAMB is a computer-based test, so you need basic computer skills to answer the questions correctly. Practicing with a computer before the exam is important.
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