Preparing for JAMB 2026 goes beyond reading textbooks - it’s about putting the right things in place before registration even begins.

Every year, many aspirants lose their admission chances - not because they didn’t study hard, but because they ignored small but important details. Don’t be one of them this year.

Here are the key things you should never ignore as you prepare for JAMB 2026:

1. Owning a Personal Cell Phone

Your phone is one of your most important JAMB tools - it’s not just for social media or calls.

You’ll use it to:

• Browse for reliable JAMB updates and deadlines.
• Practice CBT (Computer-Based Test) questions using JAMB apps.
• Join online study groups or Telegram communities.
• Attend virtual tutorials and revision classes.
• Get information about admission news.

Without a phone, you’ll always depend on others for updates - and that can make you miss important announcements like registration closing dates or exam reprinting.

Tip: Keep your phone safe, avoid distractions, and ensure you have a steady internet connection. Dedicate specific times for JAMB study and online research.

2. Having Your Own Personal Number

This is non-negotiable. Your phone number is your JAMB identity - everything JAMB does will be connected to it.

You’ll need your number to:

• Send your NIN and generate your profile code.
• Receive your registration details, exam date, and center.
• Get your JAMB result via SMS.
• Accept or reject admission offers later on.
• If you use another person’s number, it means your profile is tied to them, and you won’t be able to control it.

Tip: Use a SIM card that’s registered in your name and keep it safe after registration. Don’t swap or lose it - it’ll be needed until admission ends.

3. Creating Your Own Email Address

Many students ignore this, but it’s one of the most important parts of JAMB.
Your email is what connects you to JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) - that’s the platform where you’ll check your admission status, accept or reject offers, and print your admission letter.
Without a valid email, you’ll be locked out of your CAPS and might miss your admission.

Tip: Create a professional-looking email (e.g., omowunmiadesola@gmail.com). Avoid using nicknames like slayqueen2026@gmail.com
Also, keep your login details in a notebook or note app, and don’t share your password with anyone.

4. Attending a Good Tutorial Centre

Self-study is great, but a structured tutorial keeps you disciplined, motivated, and exam-ready.
A good tutorial helps you:

• Learn how to answer CBT questions quickly.
• Understand the marking pattern JAMB uses.
• Revise difficult topics with guidance from experienced tutors.
• Meet other serious students and learn through discussions.
• Avoid overcrowded or unserious tutorials where tutors focus on gossip instead of teaching. Quality over quantity.

Tip: If you can’t find a physical one nearby, join a verified online tutorial class that focuses on JAMB 2026 preparation.

5. Knowing the Course You Want to Study

Choosing a course early gives your preparation direction and focus. You’ll know the score to target, the subjects to master, and the schools that offer your course best.
Here’s a realistic JAMB score guide based on previous admission trends:

• Medicine and Surgery: 300+ (some schools even start from 320 upward)
• Law: 290–300
• Engineering Courses: 280–300
• Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS): 290–300
• Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology): 260–280
• Management Courses (Accounting, Business Admin, Finance, Marketing): 260–280
• Education & Less Competitive Courses: 200–240

Knowing this helps you plan wisely - if you’re aiming for Medicine, you already know an average effort won’t cut it.


Tip: Don’t aim for the cut-off mark; aim 30 - 40 points above it. It increases your admission chance even if your post-UTME isn’t perfect.

6. Choosing the Right Subject Combination

This is one mistake many students regret later. Even if you score 350, using the wrong subject combination can automatically disqualify you.

Here’s a guide to help:

• Engineering Courses: Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics (with English and Maths compulsory)
• Medicine, Nursing & Other Science Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (with English and Maths compulsory)
• Arts Courses: Literature, Government, CRS/IRS, Nigerian Language (with English and Maths compulsory)
• Business & Management Courses: Accounting, Economics, Government, Commerce, Civic Education (with English and Maths compulsory)

If you’re not sure of the correct combination, check the JAMB brochure or ask trusted educational platforms before registering.


Tip: Ensure you have at least C6 in these subjects in your O’Level. Anything below that can affect your school’s screening requirements.

NB: Although C6 is the minimum O’Level requirement for admission, it’s not a strong grade and can limit your chances - especially for competitive courses. Don’t aim for the minimum; strive for higher grades to boost your admission chances.

7. Getting Your NIN Ready

You can’t register for JAMB without your National Identification Number (NIN). Your NIN helps JAMB verify your identity, and it’s tied to your name, phone number, and date of birth.
If your details are incorrect (e.g., name spelling or wrong date of birth), it can cause major issues - even disqualify your profile.

Tips:

• Visit a verified NIMC center to register if you don’t have one yet.
• If you already have NIN, make sure it’s linked to your number.
• Keep your NIN slip safe and avoid posting it online or sharing it carelessly.

Final Note:

Preparing for JAMB is not just about reading - it’s about planning smartly and staying organized. If you can start now with the right mindset, proper registration setup, and consistent study routine, JAMB 2026 can be your best shot.

#Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay focused.
#Success in JAMB starts with the small steps you take today.