And Here Is How to Avoid Them
Preparing for JAMB 2026, which every year, over 1 million and more candidates sit for JAMB, yet more than 300,000 of them fail to secure admission, not because they failed the exam, but because of avoidable mistakes.
Some of these mistakes happen before registration, some during the exam, and others after the results are released.Sadly, many don’t even realize where they went wrong until it’s too late.
Let me walk you through the 11 most common mistakes JAMB candidates make, why they happen, and exactly how to avoid them.This isn’t theory, it’s drawn from real student cases, expert insights, and over a decade of observing how JAMB actually works.
If you truly want to write JAMB once and gain admission, read this carefully, because your future admission chances depend on it.
Using Someone Else’s Phone Number or Email
Your phone number and email are like your digital ID in JAMB’s system.Yet, thousands of students still make this error. In 2023, a candidate used her café attendant’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, the school had given her space to another candidate.
Why it’s risky:
- You won’t receive JAMB alerts or admission notifications.
- Password recovery becomes difficult.
- You lose access to your CAPS profile.
Tip:
- Create a simple Gmail like firstnamelastname@gmail.com.
- Use your personal SIM card linked to your NIN.
- Write both down and save them securely, don’t rely on memory.
Spelling Errors During Registration
At cyber cafés, even a single letter mistake can cause admission problems.
Common registration errors:
- Wrong name spelling
- Wrong gender
- Incorrect state or LGA
- Wrong course or institution
Tip:
- Sit beside the café operator during registration.
- Bring your birth certificate and O’Level results to confirm details.
- Cross-check everything before submission.
Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination
Even with a high JAMB score, wrong subject combinations can stop you from getting your dream course.
Example mistakes:
- Picking Commerce instead of Literature for Law.
- Leaving out Physics when applying for Engineering.
Tip:
Use the MyEduSOS Subject Combination Checker to confirm the right subjects for your course.Cross-check with at least two reliable sources (e.g. JAMB brochure, your school website).
Using an Unlinked or Another Person’s NIN
JAMB’s system now revolves around NIN verification.If your NIN isn’t properly linked to your SIM card, you can’t generate a profile code.
Common case: A candidate used her mother’s SIM to send her NIN to 55019 and got “NIN not found.” The SIM wasn’t registered in her own name.
Tip:
- Register your NIN at an official NIMC centre.
- Use a SIM registered in your name.
- Test it early by sending “NIN [Your Number]” to 55019 or 66019.
Registering Late
Waiting until the last week is one of the most repeated JAMB mistakes.By that time:
- Most centres are already full.
- Banks delay e-PIN purchases.
- The portal often slows down or crashes.
Tip:
- Register within the first two weeks after the portal opens.
- Prepare all required documents before registration begins.
Not Practicing CBT Before the Exam
JAMB is fully computer-based, yet many candidates walk in with zero practice.That’s like entering a football match without ever touching the ball.
- Download a CBT practice app
- Practice past questions from 2010–2025 to understand question patterns.
- Learn how to switch subjects, flag questions, and manage time.
Choosing a Course for Prestige, Not Fit
Many students pick courses like Medicine or Law just to “sound intelligent.”But if your natural strength doesn’t match that course, you’ll struggle and maybe fail.
Tip:
- Use the MyEduSOS Course Explorer to match your skills and interests.
- Research career paths, job opportunities, and salaries before choosing.
Picking a School Without Research
Not all universities have the same cut-off marks or catchment policies.Some accept your score easily; others will reject it flat-out.
Tip:
- Check the school’s cut-off mark, post-UTME method, and catchment policy.
- Use the MyEduSOS List of Universities and Courses to compare institutions.
Forgetting to Print Your Exam Slip
Your exam slip is your entry ticket. Without it, you won’t be allowed into the hall.
Tip:
- Print two copies, one backup.
- Keep them in a waterproof folder or file.
Missing Your Exam Session
JAMB exams are held in sessions (morning, noon, afternoon). If you miss yours, you’re marked absent, and may not get a makeup chance.
Tip:
- Check your exam slip for time and venue.
- If your centre is far, travel a day earlier.
Not Having a Plan B
Even if JAMB doesn’t go as planned, your academic journey doesn’t have to stop.
Alternative routes:
- JUPEB / IJMB: Direct entry to 200L.
- ND / NCE: Polytechnic or College of Education.
- Foundation programs: For private and federal universities.
Tip:
- Talk to a MyEduSOS adviser about your best backup pathway.
JAMB success isn’t only about studying, it’s about planning smartly.Avoiding these 11 mistakes alone can increase your admission chances by over 50%.
Remember:
“In JAMB, one small oversight can cost you a whole year. Don’t let that be your story.”
