Are you preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and wondering how much time you’ll have to tackle each subject? You’re not alone. One of the biggest concerns for JAMB candidates is understanding how much time is allocated for each subject in the exam. Time management is crucial for success, especially when you’re under pressure, and knowing the exam structure can help you plan your approach.
In this article, we’ll break down how many minutes JAMB gives for each subject, offer strategies for managing your time effectively, and answer common questions that candidates often have about the exam duration. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how much time to allocate to each section and how to maximize every minute during your exam.
What Is the Total Time for the JAMB Exam?
Before diving into the specifics for each subject, let’s first talk about the total exam duration. The JAMB exam is usually 2 hours, which equals 120 minutes. This time covers all the subjects you will be tested on, which are typically four. So, you have 120 minutes to answer all the questions across four subjects.
Now, the natural question is: How are these 120 minutes divided across the four subjects? It’s not an even split for each subject, but JAMB gives you the freedom to manage your time for each subject as you see fit. Essentially, you are in control of how much time you spend on each section, but smart allocation is key to ensure that you don’t run out of time on critical subjects.
How Many Subjects Do You Take in the JAMB Exam?
In JAMB, candidates typically take four subjects, which are chosen based on the course of study they intend to pursue at the university. These subjects include:
- Use of English (Compulsory)
- Three other subjects related to your intended course of study.
For example, if you’re looking to study Medicine, your three additional subjects might be Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If you’re going for a Law course, you might choose subjects like Government, Literature, and Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK).
Time Allocation for Use of English in JAMB
Use of English is the most important and compulsory subject for every candidate, regardless of their intended course. Typically, this subject has the most questions in the entire JAMB exam—about 60 questions. Given that the exam is 120 minutes long, candidates often wonder how much time to allocate to this subject.
If we consider that Use of English has the most questions, allocating around 45-50 minutes for this subject is generally advisable. The questions in the Use of English section range from comprehension passages, cloze tests, and sentence corrections, to synonyms and antonyms. These can take time to read and comprehend, so it’s wise to set aside more time for this part.
Time Allocation for Other Subjects in JAMB
Once you’ve set aside time for the Use of English, you’ll have approximately 70-75 minutes left to divide between your remaining three subjects. Since these other subjects typically have 40 questions each, a good rule of thumb is to spend around 20-25 minutes per subject.
Let’s break it down:
- Mathematics (if applicable) – 40 questions: Aim to complete this in 20-25 minutes.
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Literature, Government, or other subjects – 40 questions each: Aim for 20-25 minutes per subject as well.
The idea is to balance the time between your strong and weak areas. For example, if you find Mathematics particularly challenging, you might want to spend an extra five minutes there, cutting some time from a subject you find easier.
Why Time Management Is Important in JAMB
You might be wondering, “Why is time management such a big deal in JAMB?” It’s simple: each minute you spend struggling on a particular question is time you could be using to score easy points on others. The JAMB exam is not just about knowing the answers—it’s about using your time wisely.
Imagine being halfway through your Use of English section, and you realize you’ve only got 20 minutes left to complete three more subjects. The pressure can be overwhelming, and that’s when mistakes happen. Time management helps you avoid this kind of panic by ensuring you allocate the right amount of time to each section.
Tips for Managing Your Time in the JAMB Exam
Now that you know how much time to allocate to each subject, here are some practical tips to help you manage that time effectively during the exam.
1. Start with Your Strongest Subject
Begin with the subject you’re most confident about. This helps build your confidence and ensures you can grab some quick points before moving on to more challenging sections.
2. Keep an Eye on the Clock
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re focused on answering questions. Set mental checkpoints for yourself—if you planned to spend 25 minutes on a subject, make sure you stick to it.
3. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question
If a question is taking too long, skip it and move on to the next one. You can always return to it later if you have time left. Spending too much time on a single difficult question can eat into the time you have for others.
4. Use the Last 5-10 Minutes to Review
It’s a good idea to leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers. This is particularly helpful for spotting mistakes or revisiting difficult questions you may have skipped earlier.
5. Practice Time Management with Mock Exams
Before the actual exam, take practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you get a feel for how much time you should spend on each section and improve your time management skills overall.
What Happens If You Run Out of Time?
If you run out of time during the exam, you won’t have the opportunity to answer any more questions. This makes it even more important to ensure that you answer as many questions as possible within the given timeframe. In cases where you are unsure of an answer, it’s often better to make an educated guess rather than leaving the question blank.
Does JAMB Allow Extra Time?
JAMB does not provide extra time to candidates unless they are granted special accommodations for disabilities or other approved reasons. For the average candidate, you will have to complete the exam within the 120-minute timeframe.
Conclusion
Knowing how many minutes JAMB gives for each subject is crucial for effective time management during the exam. With 120 minutes in total and four subjects to cover, you need to allocate your time wisely. Spend around 45-50 minutes on Use of English and divide the remaining time between your other three subjects, giving each around 20-25 minutes.
By practicing proper time management, you can ensure that you answer as many questions as possible, maximizing your chances of scoring high in the exam. Remember to practice with mock exams, stay calm during the test, and keep an eye on the clock.
FAQs
How long is the JAMB exam?
The JAMB exam lasts for 120 minutes (2 hours) in total, covering four subjects.
How many minutes should I spend on Use of English?
It is recommended to spend around 45-50 minutes on the Use of English section as it has the most questions.
How much time should I spend on other subjects?
For the remaining three subjects, aim to spend around 20-25 minutes per subject.
Can I choose how much time to spend on each subject in JAMB?
Yes, JAMB allows candidates to allocate their time as they see fit. However, it’s important to manage your time wisely to cover all the subjects.
What should I do if I run out of time during the exam?
If you run out of time, you won’t be able to answer any more questions. It’s essential to manage your time carefully so you can attempt as many questions as possible.
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