The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is one of the most important exams for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Every year, millions of candidates sit for the exam, but only a fraction of them get the scores required for their desired courses.

While many students think failing JAMB happens only after writing the exam, the truth is that some candidates have already failed even before exam day—not because they are not intelligent, but because they have made a critical mistake that will ruin their chances.

So, what is this mistake that can guarantee failure before the exam even begins?

Not Knowing or Ignoring JAMB Rules

JAMB has strict rules and regulations for the UTME, and breaking any of them—whether knowingly or unknowingly—can lead to disqualification or poor performance. Some candidates fail JAMB before writing the exam simply because they ignored or misunderstood these rules.

One of the biggest mistakes a candidate can make is failing biometric verification on exam day. JAMB has repeatedly warned that biometric verification is mandatory, meaning if your fingerprint cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to write the exam. Many students have faced this issue in the past, and unfortunately, once this happens, there is nothing anyone can do to help.

What Causes Biometric Issues and How to Avoid Them

Some candidates face biometric verification problems because:

1. They registered at a cyber café instead of an accredited CBT center – JAMB has banned cyber cafés from registering candidates because many of them make errors or use fake details, which can cause problems during verification.
2. They used fake or incorrect fingerprints during registration – Some students, either on their own or through registration agents, make the mistake of using someone else’s fingerprints, only to be rejected at the exam center.
3. They had unresolved issues during registration but ignored them – If your fingerprint was not properly captured during registration, you should have fixed it immediately, not wait until exam day.

To avoid this mistake, candidates must ensure that their biometric details were properly captured during registration. If you are unsure, visit a JAMB office or CBT center before the exam to verify your details.

Not Printing or Checking Your Exam Slip on Time

Another mistake that can ruin a candidate’s chances before exam day is not printing or checking their JAMB exam slip early. The slip contains the exam date, time, and center, and any mistake in checking it late can lead to missing the exam entirely.

Many candidates have missed their JAMB exam simply because they assumed they knew their exam details without confirming. Some arrived at the wrong center, while others came on the wrong day—all because they did not take the time to print and review their slip.

Relying on Expo or Malpractice

Some candidates fail JAMB before even sitting for the exam because they spend weeks looking for expo (leaked questions) instead of preparing properly.

Every year, JAMB catches hundreds of students who attempt to cheat during the UTME. These students are either:

• Caught with electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth earpieces).
• Using fake “special centers” that JAMB has already blacklisted.
• Attempting impersonation, where someone else writes the exam for them.

JAMB has upgraded its security system and is using biometric verification, CCTV cameras, and AI-powered monitoring to detect malpractice. The moment you enter the exam hall with a banned item or engage in suspicious behavior, you have already failed.

Instead of wasting time searching for expo that doesn’t exist, candidates should focus on studying JAMB past questions, practicing with CBT software, and improving their time management skills.

Not Preparing with the CBT System

JAMB is a computer-based test (CBT), yet some candidates only practice with paper and textbooks, failing to familiarize themselves with the actual exam format.

A student who doesn’t know how to navigate a computer or manage time properly in a CBT exam is already at a disadvantage. Some students even run out of time before answering all their questions, simply because they were not prepared for the format.

If you want to succeed in JAMB, practice with online CBT platforms or JAMB-approved CBT apps. The more you practice, the more confident you will be on exam day.

Final Thoughts

Many students fail JAMB before the exam even begins because they make avoidable mistakes. If you have biometric issues, do not check your exam slip early, rely on expo, or fail to practice with the CBT system, you have already reduced your chances of success.

Instead of making these mistakes, take responsibility for your success. Confirm your registration details, understand JAMB rules, study properly, and approach the exam with confidence. That is the only way to guarantee a high score and secure admission into your dream institution.