If you are preparing for JAMB 2026, one overlooked fact can quietly determine whether you succeed or end up repeating the exam: avoiding critical mistakes. Every year, over a million candidates sit for the UTME, yet more than 300,000 fail to secure admission, not because they couldn’t pass, but because of preventable errors.
These mistakes happen at every stage: before registration, during the exam, or after results are released. Many candidates don’t even realize what went wrong until it’s too late. This guide breaks down the 11 most common mistakes, why they happen, and how you can completely avoid them.
If your goal is to write JAMB once and secure admission, reading this carefully could save you an entire academic year.
Using Someone Else’s Phone Number or Email
Your phone number and email act as your digital ID in JAMB’s system. Everything from profile codes, exam notifications, CAPS alerts, and admission updates is linked to them. Yet, thousands of candidates still make the critical error of using someone else’s contact details.
For example, in 2023, a candidate used her café operator’s email. When her admission offer appeared on CAPS, she didn’t see it because the café operator had forgotten the password. By the time she found out, her admission slot had been given to another candidate.
Why it’s risky:
- You will miss critical JAMB notifications and CAPS updates.
- Password recovery becomes complicated.
- You could lose access to your profile permanently.
Tip:
- Create a personal email like
firstnamelastname@gmail.com. - Use your own SIM card, preferably linked to your NIN.
- Write your login details down and keep them secure.
Spelling Errors During Registration
Even a small mistake during registration can create huge problems later. Mistakes such as wrong name spelling, incorrect gender, wrong state or LGA, or choosing the wrong course or institution can prevent admission entirely.
Tip:
- Sit beside the café operator when filling out your form.
- Bring your birth certificate and O-Level results to verify all details.
- Double-check every entry before submitting your registration.
Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination
Many candidates score high in JAMB, but the wrong subject combination can stop them from being offered their preferred course.
Common mistakes:
- Picking Commerce instead of Literature in English for Law.
- Leaving out Physics when applying for Engineering.
Tip:
- Use reliable tools like the MyEduSOS Subject Combination Checker.
- Cross-check at least two official sources, such as the JAMB brochure and your school’s guidance resources.
Using an Unlinked or Another Person’s NIN
JAMB now requires NIN verification for registration. If your NIN isn’t properly linked to your SIM card, you can’t generate your profile code.
Common scenario: A candidate sent her NIN from her mother’s SIM and received “NIN not found.” The SIM wasn’t registered in her name.
Tip:
- Register your NIN at an official NIMC centre.
- Ensure your SIM card is in your own name.
- Test by sending “NIN [Your Number]” to 55019 or 66019 before registration.
Registering Late
Leaving registration to the last week is a recurring mistake. By that time:
- Most CBT centres are already full.
- Banks may delay e-PIN processing.
- The JAMB portal may slow down or crash due to heavy traffic.
Tip:
- Register within the first two weeks of portal opening.
- Prepare all required documents before registration begins.
Not Practicing CBT Before the Exam
JAMB is fully computer-based. Walking in without practice is like entering a football match without ever touching the ball.
Tip:
- Download a CBT practice app.
- Solve past questions from 2010 to 2025.
- Learn to switch subjects, flag questions, and manage time effectively.
Choosing a Course for Prestige, Not Fit
Many candidates choose courses like Medicine or Law because they “sound impressive.” If your natural strength doesn’t match the course, you may struggle or fail.
Tip:
- Research career paths, employment opportunities, and long-term prospects before choosing.
Picking a School Without Research
Not all universities operate the same way. Some have high cut-off marks, strict catchment policies, or unique post-UTME requirements. Applying blindly reduces your chance of admission.
Tip:
- Check the cut-off mark, post-UTME method, and catchment policies of each school.
Forgetting to Print Your Exam Slip
Your exam slip is your entry pass. Without it, you cannot enter the examination hall.
Tip:
- Print at least two copies.
- Keep them in a waterproof folder or file.
Missing Your Exam Session
JAMB exams run in sessions, morning, afternoon, and evening. Missing your assigned session means you are marked absent. Makeup exams are not guaranteed.
Tip:
- Check your slip for time and venue.
- If the centre is far, travel a day earlier.
Not Having a Plan B
Even if everything goes perfectly, admission is never guaranteed. Alternative pathways ensure your academic journey continues.
Options include:
- JUPEB / IJMB for direct entry to 200L
- ND / NCE programs at polytechnics or colleges of education
- Foundation programs for private and federal universities
Tip: Consult a MyEduSOS adviser to choose the best backup plan that fits your situation.
Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters
Avoiding these 11 mistakes can increase your admission chances significantly, sometimes by more than 50%. Success in JAMB is not only about studying hard; it’s about planning smart, preparing early, and being precise with every step.
Remember:
In JAMB, one small oversight can cost you an entire year. Don’t let that be your story.
By following these tips, checking your details carefully, practicing CBT, and planning for contingencies, you position yourself for a smoother, stress-free, and successful JAMB 2026 experience.
