On Day 1 of the 2025 UTME, a candidate named Emmanuel Precious shared a painful experience many others might silently relate to:

“Is there any remedy for someone who couldn’t answer questions on one of his JAMB subjects due to time? I managed to attempt three subjects but didn’t reach the fourth.”

It’s a heartbreaking scenario—especially if the missed subject is a core requirement for your intended course. But you’re not alone, and there are still practical steps you can take to move forward.

What Happens If You Don’t Attempt One JAMB Subject?

In the UTME, you’re expected to answer questions in four subjects. These usually include:

• English Language (compulsory for all),
• Three other subjects relevant to your chosen course.

If you skip a subject or run out of time before answering it:

• You will score zero in that subject.
• Your total JAMB score will drop significantly.
• You may no longer meet the cut-off mark for your intended course or institution.

Unfortunately, JAMB doesn’t allow retakes for individual subjects. Once your exam session ends, all unanswered questions are automatically submitted as blank—meaning zero points.

Is There Any Remedy for Missing a Subject in JAMB?

There’s no official fix after the exam ends. You can’t rewrite just one subject. However, you still have a few options depending on your result:

1. Wait for Your JAMB Result

Don’t panic yet. Your scores in the other three subjects might still give you a decent aggregate. Once the results are out, calculate your score and check if it meets the cut-off for:

• Other related courses
• Less competitive universities

2. Consider a Change of Course or Institution

If your score doesn’t qualify you for your initial course, but it’s not entirely low, you can do a JAMB Change of Course or Institution. Choose a course with a lower cut-off that still aligns with your interests.

For example, if you were aiming for Medicine but missed Biology, you might switch to a course in Anatomy, Physiology, or Microbiology—provided your other scores are strong.

3. Re-sit the UTME Next Year

If your overall score is too low for admission, it’s okay to take a step back and try again. Many students who didn’t gain admission in one year came back stronger the next time. Use this year to:

• Improve your study strategy
• Master time management during CBT exams
• Practice with real JAMB past questions under timed conditions

How to Avoid This Problem in the Future

Time mismanagement is one of the top causes of failure in CBT exams like UTME. Here’s how to stay on top of it next time:

• Practice CBT mock exams regularly under real exam conditions.
• Divide your time evenly across all four subjects.
• Don’t get stuck on a difficult question—flag it and come back later.
• Use the on-screen timer to monitor your pace.
• Always start with the subject you’re most confident in (if the system allows)—it builds momentum.

Missing a core subject in JAMB is frustrating, but it doesn’t mean the end of your academic journey. What matters most now is how you respond. Whether it’s adjusting your course choice or preparing smarter for next year, there are still doors open to you.

Let Emmanuel’s story be a reminder: time management isn’t just about finishing fast—it’s about securing your future, one question at a time.

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