Every year, over 1.9 million candidates register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Yet, only a fraction manage to score above 300 out of 400. Achieving such a high score is not just about intelligence—it requires preparation, discipline, and a strategic approach.
For JAMB 2025, competition will be tougher than ever. Universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) will attract thousands of applicants. To stand out, scoring above 300 is your best bet.
In this detailed guide, I will walk you through tested strategies to score 300+ in JAMB 2025, including study tips, subject-specific guidance, past question mastery, and exam-day confidence boosters. I will also highlight key mistakes to avoid. Whether you are targeting Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Mass Communication, this article will set you on the right track.
Why You Should Aim for 300+ in JAMB 2025
Before diving into strategies, let’s answer the question: Why should you aim for 300 and above?
- Competitive Advantage: High-demand courses like Medicine and Surgery require very high UTME scores.
- Scholarships: Many universities and private organizations award scholarships to students who score 300+.
- Confidence Boost: A score above 300 increases your chances of crossing any school’s cut-off mark, regardless of competition.
- Flexibility in Course Choice: Even if you change your mind later, you can still qualify for another competitive course.
For example, in 2024, the cut-off for Medicine in UNILAG was around 320+. If you scored 310, you would still have a fighting chance after the Post-UTME screening.
Step 1: Understand the JAMB 2025 Exam Structure
To score high, you must know how JAMB sets its exam. The UTME consists of four subjects, each carrying 100 marks, totaling 400. Your subject combination depends on your course.
- English Language (compulsory for everyone)
- Three other subjects based on your chosen course (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology for Medicine; Government, Literature, CRS for Law)
see also: Jamb Syllabus for English 2025
Marking System:
- Each question carries 2.5 marks.
- No negative marking.
- Time limit is 2 hours for 180 questions.
Knowing this structure helps you plan your study schedule effectively. see more info. here
Step 2: Set a Realistic Study Schedule
One of the biggest mistakes JAMB candidates make is inconsistent studying. To score 300+, you must treat preparation like a full-time job.
Here’s a sample study timetable for JAMB 2025:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM | Morning devotion/meditation |
| 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM | English Language practice (Comprehension, Lexis & Structure) |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Subject 1 (e.g., Physics) |
| 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Subject 2 (e.g., Chemistry) |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Break/Lunch |
| 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Subject 3 (e.g., Biology) |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Revision of notes & practice tests |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Past questions & mock exams |
| 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Light review or flashcards before bed |
This timetable is flexible—you can adjust according to your strengths and weaknesses.
Step 3: Master English Language – The Key to 300+
English is compulsory, and it’s often the make-or-break subject for candidates. Many students ignore it because they assume it’s easy, but JAMB sets tricky comprehension passages and vocabulary questions.
How to Excel in English:
- Practice comprehension daily – read newspapers and answer questions.
- Focus on lexis and structure – JAMB loves to test synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and grammar.
- Read novels recommended by JAMB (like The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli).
- Work on past questions – 40% of English questions are often repeated or restructured.
For more tips, you can check detailed English guides on Brivana.com.ng, where we break down lexis, structure, and comprehension strategies.
See Also: JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses 2025 (Full Guide)
Step 4: Use JAMB Past Questions Wisely
Past questions are the goldmine of JAMB preparation. However, many students misuse them. Instead of memorizing answers, analyze patterns.
How to Use Past Questions Effectively:
- Solve at least 10 years’ worth of past questions.
- Identify repeated topics (e.g., Ohm’s Law in Physics, Photosynthesis in Biology).
- Time yourself—speed is just as important as accuracy.
- Use CBT apps like JAMB Prep by Myschool.ng to simulate the real exam environment.
By doing this, you will notice that over 60% of JAMB questions are recycled each year.
Step 5: Subject-Specific Strategies
For Science Students (Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy):
- Physics: Focus on calculations (Mechanics, Electricity, Waves).
- Chemistry: Pay attention to Organic Chemistry and periodic table trends.
- Biology: Diagrams, genetics, and ecology are frequently tested.
- Mathematics (if applicable): Solve algebra, geometry, and probability repeatedly.
For Art Students (Law, Mass Communication, Political Science):
- Literature: Study prescribed novels, poems, and drama works.
- Government: Focus on Nigerian politics, constitutions, and world organizations.
- CRS/IRS: Understand moral lessons, parables, and Qur’anic verses.
For Commercial Students (Accounting, Business Admin, Economics):
- Economics: Diagrams (demand and supply curves) are key.
- Commerce: Business laws, trade, and marketing concepts are important.
- Accounting: Double entry, balance sheets, and profit & loss statements.
Step 6: Use the 80/20 Study Rule
The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) says 80% of your results come from 20% of your effort. Apply this to JAMB:
- Focus more on high-yield topics (those JAMB loves to repeat).
- Don’t waste time trying to master every topic—cover the most important first.
Step 7: Simulate Real Exam Conditions
Many students panic in the real exam hall because they never practiced under strict conditions. To avoid this:
- Take at least 3 full mock exams under 2-hour timing.
- Use a CBT app on a computer (not just phone).
- Train your brain to answer 180 questions in 120 minutes.
Check out: How to Correct Mistakes on JAMB Portal 2025: The Complete Guide for Candidates
Step 8: Stay Healthy and Mentally Prepared
You can’t score 300+ if you are sick or exhausted on exam day.
- Sleep well (7–8 hours daily).
- Eat brain foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables.
- Exercise lightly to reduce stress.
- Stay positive—your mindset affects performance.
Step 9: Exam Day Tips for JAMB 2025
- Arrive at your center at least 1 hour early.
- Don’t panic if the computer freezes—stay calm and alert an invigilator.
- Answer easy questions first, then return to tougher ones.
- Keep an eye on the time—allocate 30 minutes to English, and 25 minutes each for the other subjects.
Step 10: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring English Language.
- Relying only on tutorials without self-study.
- Memorizing answers from past questions instead of understanding.
- Wasting time on one tough question.
- Not practicing with a computer system before exam day.
Conclusion
Scoring 300+ in JAMB 2025 is not a miracle—it’s a result of discipline, planning, and smart studying. By mastering English, using past questions strategically, following a strict timetable, and keeping your health in check, you can outperform thousands of other candidates.
Remember: JAMB rewards smart preparation, not last-minute cramming. Start early, practice daily, and stay confident. With the strategies in this guide, your dream score of 300+ is achievable.
For more in-depth guides, including JAMB subject combinations and cut-off marks, visit Brivana.com.ng for updated resources.
check our best book to read for jamb preparation
FAQ
Q1: How many hours should I study daily to score 300+ in JAMB 2025?
A: At least 6–8 hours of focused study daily is ideal, spread across all four subjects.
Q2: Can I score 300+ without attending tutorials?
A: Yes. Tutorials help, but self-study with past questions and online CBT practice is enough if you are disciplined.
Q3: How important is English in scoring 300+?
A: Very important. English is compulsory and carries 100 marks. Many candidates fail to reach 300 because of poor performance in English.
Q4: Which JAMB app is best for practice?
A: Apps like JAMB Prep by Myschool.ng and Pass.ng are widely recommended for CBT practice.
Q5: Is it possible to score 350+ in JAMB