- Registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has begun for the year 2025 and aspiring students have begun taking the form
- UTME 2025 is available for everyone looking to further their studies at colleges of education, monotechnics, polytechnics or universities
- TheRadar provides key details that every aspirant needs to know about the exam including registration processes, requirements, age limits and close of registration
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is one of the major exams needed to be a bonafide student of a Nigerian university. The annual exam is an important rite that must be passed before aspiring undergraduates can gain admission to their desired higher institutions.
The exam is organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and it is a computer-based test (CBT) that assesses candidates’ readiness for tertiary education.
Preparing for the exam can be challenging especially if you are new to the system. In lieu of this, TheRadar provides a guide regarding all the essential details you need to know before sitting for the exam.
Key dates and registration process
- Registration Period
JAMB announced that the registration period for UTME 2025 is from Monday, February 3 to Saturday, March 8, 2025.
The exam date is Friday, April 25, 2025, to Monday, May 5, 2025 (Main UTME) while the Mock exam is on March 7, 2025.
How to Register
1. Create a JAMB Profile: Visit the JAMB e-facility portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) to create an account using your National Identification Number (NIN), a valid e-mail address and a personal phone number.
2. Obtain the e-PIN: Purchase the UTME registration e-PIN from accredited banks, online platforms, or JAMB-authorised agents.
3. Visit an Accredited CBT Centre: Register at an approved JAMB CBT centre, where you will provide personal details, upload your passport photograph, and select your preferred institutions and courses.
4. Biometric Verification: JAMB uses biometric data (fingerprint and facial recognition) to prevent malpractice. Ensure that your biometrics are correctly captured.
5. Print Your Registration Slip: After registration, print your slip containing your details, including the exam date and venue (to be assigned later).
Eligibility requirements
JAMB requires that the following requirements be fulfilled before writing the exam:
- A minimum of five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics, in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
- A valid National Identification Number (NIN) – This is mandatory for all candidates.
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission.
Subjects and exam format
- Subjects Combination
UTME candidates are required to take four subjects, including English Language, which is compulsory. The remaining three subjects depend on the chosen course of study. For instance:
- Medicine & Surgery and other medical related courses: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Law and some other art courses: English, Literature, Government, CRS/IRS
- Accounting and some other courses in commercial: English, Mathematics, Economics, either Commerce/Government/Account
Exam format
The UTME is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising 180 questions:
- English Language – 60 questions
- Other three subjects – 40 questions each
The total score is 400, with each subject contributing a maximum of 100 marks.
How to prepare effectively for UTME 2025
1. Get the JAMB Syllabus: Ensure you get the JAMB syllabus for the subjects you will be writing. You can download the official JAMB syllabus to understand key topics and exam focus areas.
2. Study with Past Questions: Practising past UTME questions will help familiarise you with the exam format and question styles, and JAMB repeat a considerable amount of past questions.
3. Use JAMB-Approved Textbooks: JAMB provides a list of recommended textbooks for each subject, using these will help in focused study.
4. Take Mock Exams: Taking mock exams will help you familarise with the type of questions to expect, the use of the computer and other details before the main exam. Taking this test can also boost confidence and help you measure the level of your readiness. It is usually taken before the main exam and the date announced by JAMB for mock exam is Friday, March 7, 2025.
5. Improve Time Management: Since UTME is time-bound, practice answering questions within the allotted time, to improve your efficiency before the exam.
Exam day tips
Having given tips before the exam, it is important that you get familiar with the approaches needed on the exam day. They include:
- Arrive early: Get to the CBT centre at least one hour before your exam time.
- Bring necessary items: Carry only your JAMB registration slip and a valid ID. Electronic devices, bags, or books are not allowed.
- Follow Instructions: Read all questions in each paper carefully before selecting answers.
- Stay Calm: Avoid panic and focus on each question. You can pray to God and believe you can do it.
Cut-off marks and admission process
After the UTME, JAMB will release the cut-off marks, which vary by institution and course. Some universities set their own post-UTME screening, requiring candidates to take another test before final admission.
Post-UTME and Admission Screening
- Some universities conduct post-UTME exams, some do not.
- Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and some universities may use screening based on UTME scores and O’Level results.
For more information on UTME 2025, stay updated with official announcements from JAMB to avoid misinformation. With determination and effective study strategies, you can achieve an excellent score and secure admission into your preferred institution.
JAMB to allow exceptional candidates below 16 sit for UTME
In an earlier report, TheRadar explained the new development by JAMB to allow academically gifted students below 16 to register for UTME 2025.
This was announced by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who who expressed his displeasure regarding students as young as 10, 11, and 12 registering for the UTME, often through falsified age documents. He criticised parents who engagedd in this act.
