Going by the words of James Baker, “Proper preparation prevents poor performance”, for students to excel in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates need to know the tips.
Having access to tips for examination success can significantly benefit a student by reducing stress, improving his or her organisation, enhancing students understanding of the material, and boosting confidence, among others.
Every year, many people sit for the UTME, hoping to secure admission into their dream universities. But the reality is that only a small percentage of candidates score above 300, which is required for highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
Scoring high in UTME is not just about reading for long hours. It is about using the right study techniques, mastering time management, and avoiding common mistakes that can reduce your score.
Read also: Step-by-step process to register for JAMB 2025/2026
The good news is that with the right approach, you can achieve 300+ in one sitting, even if you are just starting your preparation.
Here are step-by-step study plans top UTME scorers use
1. Understand the JAMB Syllabus inside-out. One of the biggest mistakes JAMB candidates make is reading randomly without following the JAMB syllabus.
If you truly want to score 300+ in JAMB 2025, your preparation must start with understanding the syllabus. The JAMB syllabus is a roadmap that shows you exactly what to study and which topics JAMB will set questions from.
Without it, a candidate may waste time reading unnecessary topics while ignoring the most important ones.
Once you have the syllabus, do not just glance through it. Take your time to study it carefully and understand what JAMB expects from you in each subject.
Many students overlook this step, thinking they already know what to read, but skipping the syllabus is one of the reasons students struggle to score high in JAMB.
2. Study past questions the right way
Many students preparing for JAMB know that past questions are important, but only a few use them correctly. If you are serious about scoring 300+ in JAMB 2025, past questions should be a key part of your study plan, not just something you check a few days before the examination.
JAMB has been setting questions for many years, and they often repeat questions from previous exams, sometimes with slight modifications.
This means that if you study past questions properly, you can predict the types of questions that will appear and increase your chances of scoring high. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to use past questions.
Read also: 2025 JAMB/UTME subject combination for medicine, computer science, 48 other courses
3. Use the right textbooks and study materials
Many students fail UTME because they rely on the wrong textbooks.
Some read too many books without mastering any, while others use books that do not align with the JAMB syllabus. To score 300+ in JAMB 2025, candidates must focus on JAMB-recommended textbooks and study materials that explain topics simply and clearly.
Instead of reading everything you find, choose one or two quality textbooks per subject and stick to them.
Too many books can confuse you, especially when they explain concepts differently. If you find a book that explains a topic well, focus on it and make sure you understand the concepts completely.
4. Create a smart study timetable
Many students struggle with JAMB preparation because they study without a proper plan.
Some read randomly, while others focus too much on one subject and neglect the rest. To score 300+ in JAMB 2025, you need a structured study timetable that ensures you cover all subjects before the examination.
A study timetable helps you stay organized, consistent, and focused. Without one, you may find yourself cramming at the last minute, which often leads to poor retention.
When you have a well-planned schedule, you can balance your study time effectively and ensure you are giving equal attention to all your subjects.
Read also: JAMB: Requirements and how to register for 2025 UTME
5. Master time management for the CBT exam
Time management is one of the most important skills you need to master if you want to score 300+ in JAMB 2025.
Many students fail to finish their questions on time, not because they do not know the answers, but because they spend too much time on difficult questions and run out of time before completing the exam.
Since JAMB is a computer-based test (CBT), you need to learn how to work fast and accurately under timed conditions.
6. Avoid common mistakes that reduce JAMB scores
One of the reasons many students score below their expectations in JAMB is because they make avoidable mistakes during the examination.
Sometimes, these mistakes come from poor preparation, while other times, they are due to anxiety or lack of proper exam techniques. To score 300+ in JAMB 2025, you must be aware of these common errors and learn how to avoid them.
Before answering any question, take a few seconds to read and understand the instructions. This simple habit can prevent unnecessary mistakes and boost your
overall score.
Read also: 2025 UTME: All to know about registration, requirements, dates, fees
7. Practice with JAMB CBT Software and mock exams
Many students focus only on studying past questions but fail to practice under real exam conditions.
Since JAMB is a computer-based test (CBT), knowing how to answer questions quickly on a computer is just as important as knowing the right answers.
If you want to score 300+ in JAMB 2025, you must get comfortable with the CBT format by practicing with JAMB CBT software and mock examinations.
These apps contain past questions, explanations, and mock tests that help you assess your readiness. If you do not have access to a phone or laptop, visit a CBT training centre to practice using a real computer.
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