JAMB: Seven key things to know as 2019 UTME starts on Thursday

The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) will commence the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates across the country from Thursday, April 11.

Candidates seeking admission to tertiary institutions are mandated to not only participate in the 2019 UTME but also beat the cut-off mark.

JAMB have explicit rules and guidelines which guide the exam process and defaulting candidates may be disqualified from writing the computer-based test (CBT).

Here are seven important things that will keep you fully prepared and help you ace the examination without hitches.

Organise relevant documents

Prior to your exam, you should at least print two copies of your JAMB slip. You will be expected to submit one at your exam centre and you can keep the other for future reference. There’s no need to take a pen or pencil along since the exam is computer-based.

Visit your exam centre before the D-day

Your exam schedule and CBT centre are indicated on your Jamb slip. Visiting your exam centre before your exam date will help you ascertain the distance between your home and your exam venue.

It will make you familiarize with the centre and help boost confidence on your exam day.

JAMB banned items

JAMB has specifically listed out banned items for 2019 UTME candidates. These items include; calculators, mobile phones, writing materials, fashion eyeglasses, wristwatches and other electronic devices.

Coming to the exam hall with any of the items may attract sanctions at the screening stage. Although if you use spectacles for medical reasons, you should take it along.

JAMB said line detectors will be installed at all centres to note those would need their glasses for the exam.

Plan to arrive early

Getting late to your exam venue is one experience you should try your best to avoid. If you stay in an area where traffic jam is likely to occur, you can stay with a friend whose place is close to your exam venue, or leave home a couple of hours before your exam time.

Ensure you are at your exam centre 30 minutes before the time stipulated on your exam slip.

Comport yourself

From the screening stage to the exam time, ensure you’re at your best manners and avoid unnecessary distractions. Knowing that wrong behaviour might cost you your exam, it is advised you’re focused on your exam and avoid any action that might implicate you.

Biometric Verification

Biometric verification is one of the effective method JAMB uses to detect impersonators, so it’s compulsory for every candidate.

If you usually have sweaty palms, you should take a handkerchief along to dry your hands.

For females, avoid drawing decorative paintings such as henna on your palm, as this may hinder the scanner from easily identifying your fingerprints.

Manage your time

Once the exam starts, your time starts running. To save your time, try to attempt subjects or question you know best first, before going to the unfamiliar ones.

Remember to also click on the submit button as soon as you are through with the exam.