How To Start Preparing for JAMB 2027/2028: What to Do First Preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can feel overwhelming, especially if this will be your first serious attempt at the examination.

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students begin preparing with the same questions: What should I read first? How many hours should I study? Which textbooks should I use? Should I start with past questions? What JAMB score should I target?

The good news is that you do not have to wait until JAMB registration begins before you start preparing.

In fact, starting early gives you an important advantage. Instead of rushing through your syllabus weeks before the examination, you can study gradually, identify difficult topics, practise questions repeatedly and build your confidence before the actual CBT.

JAMB’s official materials also make it clear that candidates need to pay attention to their programme requirements, O’Level subjects and UTME subject combinations. The Board’s Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS)provides an official way to check programme eligibility and subject requirements.

So, if you are preparing for JAMB 2027/2028, what should you do first?

Here are eight practical steps to get started.

Quick Answer: What Should I Do First to Prepare for JAMB 2027?

If you are just beginning your preparation, don’t start by trying to read every textbook you can find.

Start with these:

1. Decide on the course and institution you want.
2. Confirm the correct UTME subject combination.
3. Check the O’Level requirements for your proposed course.
4. Set a realistic JAMB score target.
5. Get the current JAMB syllabus.
6. Create a study timetable that fits your daily routine.
7. Start studying your weakest subjects first.
8. Introduce past questions and CBT practice as your preparation progresses.

The most important thing is starting early and remaining consistent.

Step 1: Decide What Course and University You Want

Before you begin serious JAMB preparation, you should have an idea of what you want to study.

This may sound obvious, but many candidates make the mistake of preparing for JAMB without knowing the admission requirements of their intended course.

For example, a student hoping to study Medicine should not prepare in exactly the same way as a candidate interested in Law, Accounting, Engineering, Mass Communication or Computer Science.

Your proposed course determines important things such as:

• Your UTME subject combination
• Required O’Level subjects
• The institutions where you may be eligible
• The level of competition you may face
• The score you should reasonably target

JAMB’s IBASS eligibility system allows candidates to select an institution and programme and check the relevant requirements, including O’Level credits and UTME subject combinations.

Do this before you start reading

Write down:

First-choice course: __________________

First-choice institution: __________________

Alternative course: __________________

Alternative institution: __________________

Then verify the requirements from official sources.

Do not simply rely on what a friend tells you.

Step 2: Confirm Your JAMB Subject Combination

Once you have chosen your course, confirm the four UTME subjects you will need.

English Language is included as a required UTME subject by default in JAMB’s IBASS configuration, while the remaining subjects depend on the programme.

For example, candidates applying for science-based programmes will generally need science subjects appropriate to their chosen programme, while candidates applying for humanities or social science programmes may have different combinations.

This is why you should check your course individually rather than copying another candidate’s subject combination.

Why this matters

Imagine spending months preparing for JAMB only to discover that your subject combination does not meet the requirement for your preferred course.

That is an avoidable mistake.

Before you begin your intensive preparation, confirm:

• Your four UTME subjects
• Required O’Level subjects
• Number of required O’Level credits
• Whether Mathematics is required
• Whether your institution has any special requirements

JAMB’s current training manual states that general entry requirements for degree programmes include five O’Level credits, including English Language, with Mathematics required for some science, technology and social science programmes.

Step 3: Set a JAMB Score Target

After deciding what you want to study, set a target score.

Do not wait until after the examination to start thinking about your desired score.

There is an important difference between the minimum score that makes you eligible and the score you should personally aim for.

For example, JAMB’s 2026 policy meeting approved a national minimum tolerable score of 150 for universities. However, individual universities and programmes can require higher scores, and competitive courses may have much higher effective admission thresholds.

Therefore, don’t prepare simply to reach the minimum.

Set a personal target

A candidate targeting a competitive programme might decide to work towards 300+, while another candidate may set a different target based on their chosen course and institution.

The important point is to make your target:

• Specific
• Challenging
• Realistic
• Measurable

For example:

My JAMB Target: 315/400

Subject	Target
Use of English	75
Mathematics	80
Physics	85
Chemistry	75
Total	315

Your target does not have to be exactly 315.

What matters is that you know what you are working towards.

And remember: a target score is not a guarantee of admission. Admission depends on the requirements and selection processes of the institution and programme.

Step 4: Get the JAMB Syllabus Before You Start Reading

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is studying without a clear scope.

They pick a textbook and start reading from the first page to the last without knowing whether the material matches what they are expected to cover.

A better approach is to begin with the syllabus.

JAMB’s IBASS platform provides access to its Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System, including programme eligibility and syllabus information.

Use the syllabus to divide each subject into manageable topics.

For example:

Chemistry

• Atomic structure
• Chemical bonding
• Stoichiometry
• Acids, bases and salts
• Organic chemistry
• Periodic chemistry
• Electrochemistry

The exact topics should be taken from the relevant official syllabus for your examination year.

Your goal is simple:

Know what you need to study before deciding how you will study it.This prevents random reading and makes it easier to track your progress.

Step 5: Create a Study Timetable You Can Actually Follow

A timetable is useful only when you can follow it.

There is no point creating a timetable that says you will study six hours every day if your school activities, household responsibilities and other commitments make that impossible.

Instead, look at your actual daily routine.

Write down:

• When you wake up
• School hours
• Travel time
• Household responsibilities
• Meals
• Rest periods
• Religious or other commitments
• Sleep time
• Available study periods

Then identify the realistic periods you can dedicate to JAMB.

Example JAMB study timetable

Time	Activity
5:30–6:15 am	Revision
6:15–7:00 am	Prepare for school
School hours	Schoolwork
4:00–5:00 pm	Rest/eat
5:00–6:30 pm	Mathematics
6:30–7:00 pm	Break
7:00–8:30 pm	Chemistry
8:30–9:00 pm	Dinner
9:00–9:45 pm	Past questions
9:45–10:00 pm	Review the day’s work

This is only an example.

Your own timetable should reflect your circumstances.

Don’t sacrifice sleep unnecessarily

Studying until extremely late every night is not automatically better preparation.

A sustainable routine that you follow consistently is usually more useful than an unrealistic timetable that you abandon after a few days.

Step 6: Start With Your Weakest Subjects and Topics

Many students naturally spend most of their study time on subjects they already understand.

That feels good because they get questions right.

But preparation should also expose your weaknesses.

Suppose you are preparing for:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry

and you discover that Mathematics is your weakest subject.

Instead of spending most of your study time reading Chemistry because you enjoy it, deliberately allocate additional time to Mathematics.

You can divide your preparation into three categories:

Strong areas

Maintain your knowledge with regular revision.

Average areas

Spend enough time practising until you become confident.

Weak areas

Give these topics additional attention and seek help when necessary.

This approach gives you a clearer picture of where your marks are likely to be gained or lost.

Step 7: Introduce Past Questions and CBT Practice

Past questions are extremely useful, but they should not replace learning the underlying topics.

A common mistake is memorising answers without understanding why an answer is correct.

Instead, use past questions as a learning and assessment tool.

When you get a question wrong, ask:

Why did I get this wrong?

Was it because:

• I did not understand the topic?
• I forgot a formula?
• I misunderstood the question?
• I calculated incorrectly?
• I ran out of time?
• I selected an answer too quickly?

Keep a notebook or digital record of your mistakes.

You can call it your JAMB Error Book.

For every difficult question, record:

Question → Correct answer → Why I was wrong → What I need to remember

Over time, this becomes one of the most valuable parts of your preparation.

Step 8: Practise Under Realistic CBT Conditions

JAMB is a computer-based examination, so candidates should become comfortable answering questions on a computer before examination day.

Do not wait until the actual examination before learning how to navigate a CBT environment.

Practise:

• Reading questions on a screen
• Selecting answers
• Moving between questions
• Managing time
• Skipping difficult questions
• Returning to unanswered questions
• Checking answers before submitting
• Working under timed conditions

JAMB’s official materials identify the CBT environment as an important part of the UTME process, and the Board maintains systems and browser requirements for its CBT centres.

Start timed practice gradually

You do not need to begin with full examination simulations on your first day.

A useful progression is:

Early preparation: Learn concepts.

Middle preparation: Solve topic-based questions.

Later preparation: Solve mixed questions.

Final preparation: Take full timed CBT simulations.

The purpose is not simply to score high in practice.The purpose is to discover what still needs improvement.

How Many Hours Should I Study for JAMB 2027?

There is no single number of hours that guarantees a high JAMB score.

One student may study effectively for two focused hours while another may need more time because of school commitments or weaker foundational knowledge.

Instead of asking:

“How many hours should I read?”

ask:

“What can I accomplish during my study time?”

For example, a productive two-hour session might include:

• 40 minutes learning a difficult topic
• 30 minutes solving related questions
• 10 minutes taking a break
• 30 minutes correcting mistakes
• 10 minutes reviewing what was learned

The quality and consistency of your study matter.

Should I Start With Textbooks or Past Questions?

Ideally, use both.

A simple study cycle is:

Syllabus → Textbook/lesson → Practice questions → Correction → Revision

For example:

1. Check the syllabus.
2. Study the topic.
3. Solve questions on the topic.
4. Mark your answers.
5. Identify your mistakes.
6. Go back to the textbook.
7. Solve similar questions again.

This is more useful than repeatedly guessing answers to past questions without understanding the subject.

How Many Years of JAMB Past Questions Should I Study

There is no official rule stating that a candidate must study a particular number of years of past questions.

Therefore, don’t assume that studying 10, 15 or 20 years guarantees a particular JAMB score.

The value of past questions comes from practice, familiarity with question formats, identifying knowledge gaps and improving speed and accuracy.

More importantly, do not assume that JAMB will simply repeat old questions.

Past questions should help you understand concepts and practise applying them, not encourage you to predict exactly what will appear in the next UTME.

Don’t Study Only Because You Want to Pass JAMB

It is understandable that your immediate goal is to obtain a high score and secure admission.

But try to go beyond memorisation.

When you understand a concept, you are better positioned to answer a question even when it is presented differently from the example you studied.

For example, memorising one Chemistry calculation may help you answer that particular question.

Understanding the principle behind the calculation can help you solve several variations of the same problem.

The same principle applies to Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Economics and other subjects.

Don’t just memorise the answer. Understand the reason behind the answer

How to Prepare for Use of English

Do not neglect Use of English.

Because English Language is part of every UTME candidate’s subject combination, improving your performance in it can make a meaningful difference to your overall score.

Pay attention to areas such as:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Sentence interpretation
• Lexis and structure
• Oral English where applicable
• Recommended literary text requirements

Read regularly.

Even 20–30 minutes of deliberate reading each day can help you become more comfortable with passages, vocabulary and sentence structures.

What to Do if You Are Still in SS1 or SS2

If you are currently in SS1 or SS2 and already thinking about JAMB, you have a valuable opportunity.

You do not need to study as though the examination is tomorrow.

Instead, build your foundation.

Start with:

• Mathematics
• English Language
• Basic science concepts
• Your intended UTME subjects
• Reading habits
• Vocabulary
• Problem-solving skills

Even 30–60 minutes of consistent preparation can become significant when maintained over a long period.

The objective at this stage should be building knowledge, not exhausting yourself.

What to Do If You Have Only Three Months Left

Do not panic.

Three months is not an excuse to give up.

Create a focused plan.

Month 1: Build your foundation

Complete important syllabus topics and identify weak areas.

Month 2: Increase question practice

Solve topic-based and mixed questions while revising difficult concepts.

Month 3: Examination practice

Increase your CBT simulations, revision and timed tests.

At this stage, your preparation should become increasingly exam-focused without abandoning actual learnin

What to Do If JAMB Is Only One Month Away

At this point, you need to become strategic.

Prioritise:

1. The official syllabus
2. Your weakest topics
3. Important concepts
4. Past-question practice
5. Timed CBT practice
6. Error correction
7. Revision

Avoid wasting the final weeks jumping between too many textbooks, websites and social-media predictions.

And be particularly careful with claims about “sure questions,” “expo,” “runs” or leaked examination materials.

JAMB has repeatedly warned candidates about examination malpractice and fraudulent schemes. The safest preparation is legitimate study and practice through recognised channels.

---

Build a JAMB Preparation Progress Tracker

A simple tracker can make your preparation easier.

Subject	Topics Covered	Questions Solved	Weak Areas	Status
English	8/12	250	Comprehension	In progress
Mathematics	10/15	300	Trigonometry	In progress
Physics	12/15	280	Electricity	Good
Chemistry	9/14	240	Organic Chemistry	In progress

Update it every week.

This helps you see whether you are actually progressing instead of simply spending hours with a textbook.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for JAMB 2027

1. Waiting until registration starts

You can start preparing before registration.

2. Reading without the syllabus

This can make your preparation unnecessarily broad.

3. Memorising past-question answers

Understand the concepts behind the questions.

4. Ignoring your weakest subject

Your strongest subject does not need all your attention.

5. Using too many textbooks

Choose reliable materials and study them properly.

6. Depending on “expo” or leaked questions

Apart from being unreliable, examination malpractice can have serious consequences.

7. Studying without testing yourself

Regular practice reveals what you actually know.

8. Ignoring CBT practice

You should be comfortable working on a computer before examination day.

9. Setting an unrealistic target

A target should motivate you, not discourage you.

10. Sacrificing your health for reading

Long-term consistency is more useful than exhausting yourself for a few days.

A Simple JAMB 2027/2028 Preparation Formula

You can think of your preparation as:

Course Choice → Requirements → Syllabus → Study Plan → Learning → Practice → Correction → Revision → CBT Simulation

Each stage supports the next.

If you skip the first stages, you may end up studying hard but preparing for the wrong things.

Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB 2027

When should I start preparing for JAMB 2027?

You can start as early as possible, particularly if you already know the course and institution you want to apply to.

Starting early allows you to distribute your workload rather than attempting to cover everything shortly before the examination.

What should I do first when preparing for JAMB?

First decide on your preferred course and institution. Then check the official requirements, confirm your UTME subject combination and obtain the appropriate syllabus.

Is 300 a good JAMB score?

Yes. A score of 300/400 is a strong UTME score, but whether it is enough for admission depends on the institution, course, competition and other admission requirements.

Can I prepare for JAMB without attending a tutorial centre?

Yes. Many candidates prepare independently using textbooks, the official syllabus, past questions and CBT practice. What matters most is having a structured plan and following it consistently.

How many hours should I read daily for JAMB?

There is no universal number. Start with a realistic schedule and focus on productive study rather than simply counting hours.

Should I study past questions every day?

Regular question practice is useful, but don’t spend all your preparation memorising past questions. Combine concept learning, revision and practice.

Has JAMB released the 2027 UTME date?

As of September 4, 2027, candidates should not treat unofficially circulated 2027 UTME dates as confirmed. Wait for JAMB’s official announcement before relying on registration, mock or examination dates.

Where can I check JAMB’s official syllabus and programme requirements?

Use JAMB’s official IBASS system to check programme eligibility, O’Level requirements and UTME subject combinations.

Start Before You Feel Ready

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.

Start with your course.

Check the requirements.

Confirm your subjects.

Get the syllabus.

Create a timetable.

Then study.

The biggest advantage of starting early is not that you necessarily study for more hours. It is that you have more time to understand difficult topics, make mistakes, correct them and practise again.

JAMB preparation should therefore not be viewed as a last-minute race.

Treat it as a process.

Start small. Stay consistent. measure your progress. Practise regularly. Learn from your mistakes.

And when the official 2027/2028 JAMB registration and examination information is released, verify the details through JAMB’s official channels rather than relying on rumours circulating on social media.

HomeJAMB CBT Preparation 2027ATBU Cut-Off Mark 2027/2028 for All Courses: JAMB & Departmental Cut-Off

ATBU Cut-Off Mark 2027/2028 for All Courses: JAMB & Departmental Cut-Off

 By JAMB2027  September 3, 2026  JAMB CBT Preparation 2027, JAMB Cut Off Marks 2027  0 Comments

ATBU Cut-Off Mark 2027/2028 is 160. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has set 160 and above as the minimum UTME score for candidates seeking admission into the university for the 2027/2028 academic session.

This means that candidates who selected ATBU as their preferred institution and obtained at least 160 in the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) may be eligible to participate in the university’s admission screening process, subject to the specific requirements announced by the university.

However, there is an important point prospective students should understand: meeting the 160-point threshold does not automatically guarantee admission into every ATBU course. Admission is competitive and can depend on the candidate’s UTME performance, O’Level results, programme requirements, available spaces and the university’s final selection process.

TBU courses and their cut off mark 2027/2028:

1.	Agricultural Science and Education	160
2.	Agriculture	160
3.	Animal Production	160
4.	Applied Botany	160
5.	Applied Ecology	160
6.	Applied Geology	160
7.	Applied Zoology	160
8.	Architecture	160
9.	Automobile Technology Education	160
10.	Automobile Engineering	160
11.	Banking and Finance	160
12.	Biochemistry	160
13.	Building Technology	160
14.	Business Education	160
15.	Chemical Engineering	160
16.	Chemistry	160
17.	Civil Engineering	160
18.	Computer And Communication Eng.	160
19.	Computer Science	160
20.	Crop Production	160
21.	Ecology	160
22.	Education and Biology	160
23.	Education and Chemistry	160
24.	Education and Computer Science	160
25.	Education and Integrated Science	160
26.	Education and Mathematics	160
27.	Education and Physics	160
28.	Education and Science	160
29.	Electrical / Electronics Engineering	160
30.	Electrical / Electronics Education	160
31.	Environmental Management Technology	160
32.	Estate Management	160
33.	Geophysics	160
34.	Industrial Chemistry	160
35.	Industrial Design	160
36.	Information Technology	160
37.	Library and Information Science	160
38.	Management Technology	160
39.	Mathematics	160
40.	Mechanical and Production Engineering	160
41.	Mechanical Engineering	160
42.	Mechatronics And System Engineering	160
43.	Medicine and Surgery	160
44.	Microbiology	160
45.	Petroleum Engineering	160
46.	Physics & Applied Physics	160
47.	Quantity Surveying	160
48.	Secretarial Education	160
49.	Statistics	160
50.	Surveying and Geo-Informatics	160
51.	Urban and Regional Planning	160
52.	Woodwork / Education	160
53.	Metalwork Technology Education	160
54.	Woodwork Technology Education	160
55.	Building Technology Education	160
56.	Petrochemical Engineering	160

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