Is JAMB Hard or Easy?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is one of the most important tests that Nigerian students must take when seeking admission to universities. But there’s a lingering question in the minds of many students and parents alike: Is JAMB hard or easy? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. The experience with JAMB largely depends on how well-prepared you are, your mindset, and a few other factors. In this article, we will dive deep into all aspects of JAMB to help you understand why some find it challenging while others breeze through it.

What is JAMB?

Before we start debating whether JAMB is hard or easy, it’s crucial to understand what exactly it is. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the body responsible for organizing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This exam is a requirement for anyone who wants to gain admission into a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education.

The JAMB exam tests candidates on various subjects depending on their intended field of study. For example, a science student would likely take subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, while an arts student might opt for Literature, Government, and Economics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, and the total score is usually out of 400.

Why Do Some People Find JAMB Hard?

If you ask students who have taken JAMB whether the exam is hard, some will respond with a resounding “yes.” But why do they feel this way? Several reasons could contribute to their perception.

1. Lack of Preparation

Preparation is key to succeeding in JAMB, or any exam for that matter. Many students underestimate the amount of study required and are caught off guard by the complexity of the questions. It’s easy to think JAMB will be a breeze, only to sit down on exam day and realize you should have studied harder.

2. Time Management

JAMB is a timed exam, and students are often under pressure to answer all the questions within the allotted time. For some, this leads to panic, which affects their performance. If you don’t practice time management skills beforehand, you might find yourself rushing through the exam, leaving questions unanswered or poorly answered.

3. Subject Combination Issues

One of the most common mistakes students make is choosing the wrong subject combination. For instance, a student applying for a medical course might mistakenly choose a subject like Geography instead of Chemistry. This can affect their chances of scoring high and might make the exam seem more difficult than it actually is.

4. Anxiety and Stress

For many students, JAMB is a high-stakes exam that determines their future. This pressure can lead to performance anxiety, which negatively affects how they handle the test. Even students who are well-prepared can find JAMB difficult if they are overwhelmed by stress.

Why Do Some People Find JAMB Easy?

While some people struggle with JAMB, others find it easy and sail through the exam with little trouble. How do they do it? What’s their secret? Here are a few reasons some students find JAMB easier.

1. Adequate Preparation

As cliché as it sounds, preparation is everything. Students who take the time to study, use past questions, and thoroughly revise all the topics tend to find JAMB much easier. If you are well-prepared, you’ll likely find most of the questions familiar, and your confidence level will be high.

2. Familiarity with the Format

One of the reasons JAMB feels easy to some students is that they are familiar with the exam format. They have practiced using past questions and mock exams, so they know exactly what to expect. This familiarity makes them less anxious and more confident on the day of the exam.

3. Smart Time Management

Some students are naturally good at managing their time. They know how to pace themselves during the exam, ensuring they answer all the questions without rushing. This ability to manage time effectively helps them perform better and leaves them feeling like the exam was easy.

4. Positive Mindset

Sometimes, your perception of difficulty is influenced by your mindset. Students who approach JAMB with a positive, confident attitude tend to perform better. They view challenges as opportunities to prove themselves, rather than obstacles that could trip them up.

Is JAMB Getting Harder Over the Years?

There’s a popular notion that JAMB has become harder over the years. But is that really the case? Let’s explore.

1. Changes in Curriculum

One of the reasons people believe JAMB is getting harder is because of changes in the curriculum. As educational standards evolve, so does the scope of topics that students are expected to cover. This expansion of the syllabus can make the exam feel more difficult for students who haven’t kept up with the changes.

2. Stricter Exam Conditions

In recent years, JAMB has made efforts to reduce exam malpractice. This means stricter supervision and the use of technology like CCTV cameras and biometric verification. For students who might have been banking on cheating, this certainly makes the exam “harder.”

3. Increased Competition

Another reason why some feel JAMB is harder now is due to the increased competition for university admission. With more students vying for a limited number of spots, the pressure to score higher has increased. This heightened sense of competition can make the exam feel more challenging.

How to Make JAMB Easier for Yourself

Whether JAMB is hard or easy for you is largely within your control. With the right strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of performing well. Here are some tips that will make JAMB feel a lot easier:

1. Start Preparing Early

The earlier you start studying for JAMB, the better your chances of success. Don’t wait until the exam date is looming over your head. Start reviewing your subjects well in advance, and create a study schedule that allows you to cover everything in detail.

2. Practice with Past Questions

JAMB past questions are a goldmine. They give you a good sense of the exam’s format, the types of questions to expect, and the level of difficulty. By practicing with past questions, you’ll become familiar with the exam and boost your confidence.

3. Use JAMB Recommended Textbooks

JAMB releases a list of recommended textbooks for each subject. These books cover the topics you’ll be tested on, so make sure you study them thoroughly. Don’t just rely on your school notes; use the recommended materials for a well-rounded preparation.

4. Attend Tutorials

There are many JAMB-focused tutorial centers where you can receive guidance from experienced tutors. Attending these tutorials can help clarify difficult topics and improve your understanding of key subjects.

5. Manage Your Time Wisely During the Exam

Time management is crucial during JAMB. Practice answering questions within the time limit, and don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you get stuck, move on and come back to it later if time permits.

Common Misconceptions About JAMB

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding JAMB. Let’s debunk a few:

1. “You Can Only Pass JAMB with Luck”

While a little luck never hurts, JAMB is not an exam where you can rely solely on luck. The key to success is preparation, not chance. The more effort you put into studying, the better your chances of scoring high.

2. “The More You Write, the Higher You’ll Score”

Some students think that writing lengthy answers will earn them more marks. However, JAMB is a multiple-choice exam, so the quality of your answers matters more than quantity.

3. “JAMB Favors Some Schools”

Some believe that students from certain schools are given preferential treatment during JAMB. This is not true. JAMB is a standardized test, and everyone has an equal chance of performing well if they prepare adequately.

Conclusion

So, is JAMB hard or easy? The truth is, JAMB can be both, depending on how well-prepared you are and how you approach the exam. For some, it’s a walk in the park, while for others, it’s a daunting challenge. But regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, one thing is clear: with the right preparation, mindset, and strategies, you can make JAMB a lot easier for yourself.

FAQs

How many times can I write JAMB?

You can write JAMB as many times as you need until you get the score required for your desired course or institution.

Is JAMB harder than WAEC?

JAMB and WAEC test different things. WAEC focuses on subject-specific knowledge, while JAMB tests general aptitude along with subject knowledge. Which is harder depends on the individual.

Can I pass JAMB without attending tutorials?

Yes, you can pass JAMB without attending tutorials as long as you study consistently, use recommended textbooks, and practice past questions.

What is a good score in JAMB?

A good score in JAMB depends on your chosen course and institution. However, a score above 250 is generally considered competitive.

Are calculators allowed in JAMB?

No, personal calculators are not allowed in JAMB. The exam system provides an on-screen calculator for use during the test.