Every year, millions of Nigerian students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination with one clear goal in mind: securing admission into a university, polytechnic, or college of education. Yet, despite months of preparation and sleepless nights of reading, hundreds of thousands of candidates still miss out on admission.
Surprisingly, many of these students did not fail because they were unserious or incapable. They failed because of avoidable mistakes, mistakes made before registration, during the examination, or after results were released.
In the 2026 admission cycle, competition is expected to be even tougher. That makes it more important than ever to understand where past candidates went wrong and how to avoid repeating the same errors. This guide breaks down the most common JAMB mistakes, why they happen, and what you should do differently if you truly want admission.
This is not a theory. These are real situations that have cost students entire academic years.
Why These JAMB Mistakes Matter More Than You Think
Every year, over 1.9 million candidates register for JAMB. Out of that number, more than 300,000 students fail to gain admission, not because they scored poorly, but because of mistakes that could have been avoided with the right information.
Some candidates lose admission offers on CAPS. Others are disqualified due to registration errors. Many never even realize what went wrong until it is too late.
If you want to write JAMB once and move forward, you must take these mistakes seriously.
Using Someone Else’s Phone Number or Email Address
Your phone number and email address are your digital identity in JAMB’s system. Everything JAMB sends, profile codes, exam updates, CAPS notifications, and admission alerts is linked to them.
Yet, many candidates still use café attendants’ emails, siblings’ phone numbers, or shared contact details during registration.
In 2023, a candidate used her café operator’s email address. When she was offered admission on CAPS, she never saw the notification. The email password was forgotten. By the time she recovered access, the admission slot had been given to another candidate.
This mistake is dangerous because you may lose access to your JAMB profile, miss critical updates, and struggle with password recovery.
Always create a personal email address that you control. Use your own SIM card, preferably one already linked to your NIN. Write these details down and store them safely.
Making Spelling and Bio-Data Errors During Registration
At cybercafés, mistakes happen quickly. One wrong click can affect your entire admission journey.
Common registration errors include wrong name spellings, incorrect gender, wrong state or local government area, and even the wrong course or institution selection.
There was a case of a student applying to the University of Lagos who mistakenly selected Ogun State instead of Lagos as his state of origin. That single error affected his catchment advantage and cost him admission.
Registration should never be rushed. Sit beside the café operator. Watch every detail. Cross-check your birth certificate, O-level results, and NIN information before submission.
Once JAMB registration is submitted, corrections are stressful and sometimes impossible.
Choosing the Wrong Subject Combination
This is one of the most painful mistakes candidates make.
You can score 300 or even 350 in JAMB and still be denied admission if your subject combination does not match your course. In some cases, candidates are offered courses they never planned for, simply because their subjects do not align.
Students applying for Law often forget Literature-in-English. Engineering candidates sometimes leave out Physics. These mistakes automatically disqualify them.
Before choosing your subjects, confirm the correct combination from reliable sources. Cross check with JAMB brochures and trusted education platforms. Never assume or guess.
Your subject combination matters as much as your score.
Using an Unlinked or Incorrect NIN
No NIN means no JAMB. But even with a NIN, problems can still arise if it is not properly linked to your SIM card.
Some candidates send their NIN to 55019 or 66019 and repeatedly get “NIN not found.” In many cases, the SIM card used is registered in another person’s name.
Your NIN must be properly registered with NIMC, and your SIM card should be in your own name. Always confirm that your profile code generates successfully before proceeding with registration.
Ignoring this step can delay or completely block your registration.
Waiting Until the Last Week to Register
Late registration is one of the fastest ways to ruin your JAMB plans.
As deadlines approach, CBT centres become fully booked, banks delay e-PIN processing, and the JAMB portal may slow down due to heavy traffic.
Register early. Ideally, within the first two weeks. Prepare your documents before registration opens. Early registration gives you peace of mind and better centre options.
Not Practicing CBT Before the Exam
JAMB is 100% computer-based. If you are not comfortable with using a computer, you will struggle on exam day, even if you know the answers.
Many candidates waste valuable time trying to navigate the system, switch subjects, or submit answers.
Regular CBT practice is not optional. Use practice apps. Answer past questions from 2010 to 2025. Learn time management and system navigation.
Confidence with CBT can significantly improve your performance.
Choosing a Course Based on Prestige, Not Strength
Medicine, Law, and Engineering sound impressive, but they are not for everyone.
Some students choose courses because of family pressure or societal expectations, not personal ability. This often leads to repeated failures and frustration.
There was a candidate who chose Medicine despite being stronger in Arts. She struggled with science subjects, scored low, and ended up rewriting JAMB multiple times.
Choose a course that matches your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Research job opportunities and realistic admission chances before deciding.
Picking a School Without Proper Research
Not all institutions operate the same way. Cut-off marks, catchment policies, and admission processes differ widely.
Some schools favor certain states. Others have extremely high cut-offs. Applying blindly reduces your chances.
Research each school thoroughly. Know their requirements. Understand their admission patterns. A smart school choice can make the difference between admission and disappointment.
Forgetting to Print Your Exam Slip
Your exam slip is your entry pass into the examination hall. Without it, you will not be allowed to write the exam.
Always print at least two copies. Keep them safe and dry. Never assume you can reprint at the centre.
Missing Your Exam Session
JAMB runs strict exam sessions, morning, afternoon, and evening. Missing your assigned time means automatic absence.
There is no guarantee of a makeup exam.
Check your exam date, time, and venue carefully. If your centre is far, travel a day earlier. Do not gamble with timing.
Not Having a Plan B
Even with perfect planning, admission is not guaranteed. That is why every serious candidate needs alternatives.
Options like JUPEB, IJMB, NCE, and foundation programs can lead to direct entry into 200 level.
JAMB is important, but it is not the only path forward.
