What to Expect on UTME 2025 Exam Day

Understand the Exam Format  

The exam consists of four subjects, each with 40 multiple-choice questions except use of English which is 60 questions. 

Note that your subject combination depends on your chosen course or field.

You are going to have a total of two hours to complete the exam, meaning time management is critical. 

Each subject contributes equally to your overall score, so paying attention to all four is important.

Expect questions in areas such as vocabulary, arithmetic reasoning, and subject-specific topics.

For instance, if you’re writing English, anticipate questions on synonyms, antonyms, and passages.

Science subjects can test your problem-solving skills, formulas, and concepts, while humanities & general knowledge subjects focus on historical events, theories, and critical thinking.

Familiarize yourself with the computer-based testing (CBT) system, as UTME is conducted entirely on computers. 

Practice using CBT software before the exam to gain confidence navigating through questions, answering, and reviewing your work. 

1. Prepare Required Materials  

Ensure you have your JAMB Registration Slip with a clearly printed examination center and seat number. 

This slip acts as your access pass, so keep it safe and ensure it’s not damaged.

Another crucial item is a valid photo identification card, such as your school ID or national ID card, this helps verify your identity at the exam venue.

Avoid bringing unauthorized items like calculators, wristwatches, or electronic devices, as JAMB strictly prohibits them.

Dress in comfortable and appropriate clothing, ensuring you’re neat and presentable. 

Additionally, make sure to rest well the night before and have a light meal before heading out.  Proper preparation of materials ensures you focus entirely on performing your best during the exam.

2. Arrive Early at the Exam Venue  

Aim to be at the venue at least an hour before your scheduled time, this approach allows you to handle unforeseen delays, such as traffic or difficulty locating the center.

Early arrival gives you time to check in smoothly, verify your identity, and find your assigned seat without rushing. 

It also helps you familiarize yourself with the environment, easing anxiety, rushing in at the last minute can create panic and affect your focus during the exam.

Remember, JAMB officials are strict about timing, and late arrivals can be denied entry. 

3. Follow the Entrance Process  

Following the Entrance process on UTME 2025 exam day is essential for smooth entry into the exam hall. 

Upon arrival, JAMB officials are going to check your JAMB registration slip to confirm your exam center, seat number, and subject combination. Ensure the information on your slip is clearly printed to avoid any delays.

Next, your biometrics are going to be captured to verify your identity. 

This step is critical, as JAMB uses it to prevent impersonation. 

Make sure your fingers are clean and free from any substances that can hinder the scanning process.

After biometrics, you need to be subjected to a light security check, where officials are going to search for prohibited items like electronic devices, wristwatches, or papers. 

To avoid issues, leave unauthorized materials at home or in a safe place before arriving at the venue.

4. Listen to Instructions Carefully  

Once inside the exam hall, JAMB officials are going to give important guidelines on how to operate the computer-based testing (CBT) system, manage your time, and navigate the interface.

Pay close attention to these instructions, as they often include details on when to start and stop the exam, how to submit your answers correctly, and what to do if you encounter any technical issues.

Missing or ignoring instructions can lead to avoidable mistakes, such as submitting your answers prematurely or getting disqualified for violating rules.

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to politely ask for clarification before the exam begins.

Listening carefully and following instructions, ensures that you stay on track, minimize errors, and focus fully on answering the questions.

5. Manage Time Effectively  

Managing time effectively during the UTME 2025 exam is key to completing all questions and maximizing your score. 

Here you have two hours to answer questions across four subjects, so you need to distribute your time wisely. 

Start by dividing the total time among the four subjects, allocating slightly more time for subjects you find difficult.

Avoid spending too much time on any single question, if a question seems too challenging, skip it and move on to the next one, you can always return to it later if time permits. 

Keep an eye on the timer displayed on the computer screen and aim to finish with a few minutes left for review.

6. Avoid Exam Malpractices  

Avoiding exam malpractices during UTME 2025 is critical to maintaining your integrity and ensuring a valid result.

JAMB has strict policies against any form of cheating, and getting caught can result in disqualification, cancellation of your result, or even being banned from future exams.

Do not bring unauthorized items such as mobile phones, calculators, or any written materials into the exam hall. 

Follow all instructions from the invigilators and refrain from talking or attempting to communicate with other candidates during the exam.

Rely on your preparation and stay confident in your knowledge. 

Remember, the goal is to earn your success through honest effort by avoiding malpractices, you safeguard your academic reputation and ensure a fair chance at gaining admission into your preferred institution.

7. Stay Calm and Focused  

Staying calm and focused during UTME 2025 is essential for performing at your best. 

Exam anxiety can cause you to lose concentration, make careless mistakes, or forget what you’ve studied. 

To stay calm, take deep breaths before the exam begins and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this moment.

Once the exam starts, focus on one question at a time rather than worrying about the entire exam.

Avoid distractions and maintain a steady pace to manage your time well.

If you encounter a difficult question, skip it and return later, don’t let it affect your confidence.

Keep a positive mindset throughout the process.

Trust in your preparation and avoid comparing yourself with others. 

8. Review Answers Before Submission  

As the exam time nears its end, take a few minutes to go over your responses, particularly for questions you were unsure about. 

This can give you the chance to make corrections, recheck calculations, and ensure that you didn’t accidentally skip any questions.

While reviewing, pay attention to details like the correct selection of options and any possible typographical errors, if you have time left, consider reviewing the entire exam again, as sometimes an overlooked detail becomes clearer after a brief pause.

Ensure you’ve followed all the instructions for submission, such as confirming that all answers are marked or saved properly on the system. 

By carefully reviewing your answers, you can catch errors and boost your confidence before submitting the exam for grading.