Many students who sit for the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) wonder if they can use the best of their multiple JAMB scores for admission purposes. So, let’s dive into this popular question and explore what the rules say, especially for the 2025/2026 academic year.
What You Need to Know About JAMB Results
The JAMB exam is the primary way to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions. Every year, thousands of students take the exam, and for some, it may take more than one attempt to get the score they need to meet the cut-off mark for their desired course or university.
But what if you’ve taken the exam more than once? Can you combine your JAMB results to increase your chances of admission? This is a common question, and the answer has some important implications for students who have sat for multiple UTME exams.
JAMB’s Policy on Multiple Results
Here’s the deal: JAMB does not allow students to combine two or more UTME results. According to JAMB’s official guidelines, when it comes to using multiple results, the board only considers your most recent JAMB result for admission.
This means that even if you’ve taken the JAMB exam multiple times and your best score comes from an earlier attempt, only your latest score will be used for admission purposes. So, if you want to improve your chances of admission, it’s essential to do your best in the most recent exam you’ve taken.
Can I Combine O’Level Results?
While JAMB does not allow the combination of multiple UTME results, it does allow students to combine O’Level results. This is good news for candidates who may not have met the required O’Level subjects or grades in one sitting. For instance, if you have multiple O’Level results with better grades in different sittings, JAMB allows you to combine them.
This flexibility ensures that students who didn’t quite make it in one sitting can still have the chance to meet the O’Level requirements for admission. Just make sure that your O’Level results are uploaded correctly on your JAMB profile to maximize your chances of being considered for admission.
How Does This Affect Your Admission?
Since JAMB only considers your most recent UTME result, it’s crucial to focus all your energy on preparing for your next exam, especially if you’re aiming for a higher score. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success:
- Study Hard for the Next Attempt: Since your latest result is the only one that counts, make sure you put in your best effort for each attempt. Utilize study resources, past questions, and JAMB-approved materials to give yourself the best shot.
- Track Changes in Admission Requirements: Admission requirements can change year by year, so be sure to check the university’s website or JAMB portal for any updates, especially regarding cut-off marks for your preferred course.
- Prepare Your O’Level Results Early: If you’re combining O’Level results, make sure all your O’Level documents are correctly uploaded to JAMB. This will help ensure you’re not disqualified because of a missing or incorrect result.
- Stay Updated on JAMB Guidelines: Keep up with any changes JAMB might make to their policies. In the past, they have adjusted some guidelines, so knowing the rules for the 2025/2026 academic session will help you make informed decisions.
Focus on Your Most Recent JAMB Result
To wrap up, while JAMB allows students to combine multiple O’Level results, it does not allow the combination of multiple UTME results.
So, if you’re planning to retake the JAMB exam, make sure you focus on achieving your best score in the most recent attempt, as that will be the one that counts for university admission in 2025/2026.
If you’re in the process of preparing for JAMB or still have questions about your admission prospects, the key is to stay focused, stay informed, and give it your best shot. Good luck in your preparations, and may your academic journey be successful.