Nigerian Educational Examinations: JAMB

Outline

- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
- 2025 JAMB Registration Guidelines
- JAMB Registration Requirements
- JAMB cutoff point
- What is Considered a Good JAMB score?
- UTME vs. Direct Entry
- How to Register JAMB?
- How to check your JAMB results
- Checking JAMB admission status
- Common Admission Questions

In Nigeria, an exam like JAMB, is a crucial part of a student's educational journey. This exam can be challenging, but understanding how they work and what's required of you can make all the difference.

In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about this exam, from registration to results.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian entrance examination board responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for prospective undergraduates, as well as administering examinations for applicants to mono-technics, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with eligibility requiring candidates to have obtained the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) or National Examination Council (Nigeria) Senior School Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE).

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is scheduled to be held in April 2025, although the official timetable has not been yet released.

To avoid missing important deadlines, candidates are advised to regularly check the official JAMB portal for verified announcements.

Remember to register as early as you can so you are posted to a JAMB center nearby.

To register for the 2025/2026 JAMB UTME, ensure you have the following:

1. National Identification Number (NIN):
Obtain your NIN at any NIMC enrollment center, as it's mandatory for registration.

2. Valid Email Address and Phone Number:
Use an active email address and phone number to create your JAMB profile and receive important updates.

3. JAMB Profile:
Create a profile on the official JAMB portal to facilitate registration.

4. O'Level/A'Level Results:
Provide your O'Level (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE) or A'Level results during registration. If awaiting results, register nonetheless, but upload your results later.

5. JAMB ePIN:
Purchase the ePIN from banks, online platforms, or mobile money agents to complete your registration.

6. Recent Passport Photograph:
A clear, recent passport photograph will be taken at the CBT center during registration.

7. Biometric Verification:
Undergo biometric verification (fingerprint scanning) at the CBT center.

JAMB Registration Cost breakdown

- UTME Registration Fee: ₦3,500

- Reading Text: Free

- CBT Service Charge: ₦700

- Examination Fee: ₦1,500

- Mock UTME (Optional): ₦1,500

- Total Estimated Cost: ₦7,200 (if taking the Mock exam)

The JAMB minimum cut-off mark for universities is typically set at 140/400 and 100/400 for Polytechnics. However, some universities may have higher cut-off marks for certain competitive courses. This cut-off point is not allowed to exceed 220.

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is the standard entrance exam for most undergraduate programs, especially those entering directly from Secondary education.

While "Direct Entry" (DE) allows candidates with advanced qualifications like A-levels, HND, or OND to gain admission directly into the second year, without taking the UTME. Note that you will offer additional courses like Year 1 General Studies (GSTs) while in your second year.

To register your JAMB:

- Ensure the network number you're about to use has not been used by another prospective candidate.

-Text your NIN number as in (NIN(one spacing)xxxxxxxxx) to 55019. A charge of #50 will be deducted.

- Shortly, you will receive your profile code and UTME pin.

- Go to the JAMB Portal, pay the fee, register, and thumbprint.

- Visit the JAMB e-Facility portal and log in with your registered email and password.

- In your Candidate’s Dashboard, locate and click on the Check Admission Status tab

- Select your Exam year and enter your registration number in the required columns.

Finally, click “Check Admission Status” to proceed.

- Your status may read “not admitted”, “admission in progress” or “Congratulations you have been offered provisional admission. You may now proceed to Accept or Reject the admission offer”

- Proceed to Accept or Reject admission.

If your school has given you admission but not JAMB, you have no reason to worry. The school offers the final admission so it means your admission has been approved by the school senate and JAMB hasn't reflected it on their portal yet.

It could be a lot of factors, hindering your admission success. Some of which are:

- Insufficient O'Level Requirements: Not meeting the required grades or credits in key subjects like Mathematics and English can lead to admission denial.

- Incorrect UTME Subject Combination: Choosing the wrong subjects for the UTME exams can make a student ineligible for their desired course.

- Incomplete Application: Missing documents, awaiting results, or incomplete application materials can delay or deny the admission process.

- Competitive Course/University: When there are more qualified applicants than available spaces, universities may prioritize students with stronger applications or interests e.g. courses like medicine, or pharmacy.

- Catchment Area Restrictions: Federal Universities often reserve a percentage of admissions for students from specific geography or states which can affect admission chances.

Getting through your JAMB exam takes hard work and dedication. But with the right information, focus, and mindset, you can scale your paper. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Wish you the best!