How to Avoid Forgetting What You Read During JAMB Exam

One of the biggest fears of JAMB candidates in Nigeria is reading for months only to enter the exam hall and forget everything they studied. Many students complain that while they perform well in practice, once the pressure of the exam comes, they suddenly blank out.

In 2025, with JAMB becoming more competitive and millions of candidates sitting for the UTME every year, it is not enough to just read. You need to retain what you read and recall it quickly during the exam. The difference between success and failure is often not how much you studied but how much you remembered under exam conditions.

This comprehensive guide will cover:

• Why students forget what they read during JAMB

• Common mistakes candidates make while preparing

• How memory and recall work in simple terms

• Proven study techniques to improve retention

• Psychological and physical factors that affect memory

• Exam-day strategies to avoid brain block

• Step-by-step memory improvement routines

• FAQs and practical tips every candidate must know

By the end of this article, you will understand exactly how to prepare for JAMB in a way that ensures you remember your answers confidently on exam day.

Why Do Students Forget What They Read During JAMB?

Before solving the problem, it is important to understand the causes. Forgetting during JAMB exam is normal, but it happens for several reasons:

1. Cramming Instead of Understanding

   • When you memorize without understanding, the information is stored in short-term memory. Short-term memory fades quickly under stress.

2. Lack of Revision

   • Reading once is never enough. Without repetition, the brain does not retain information.

3. Stress and Anxiety

   • Fear of failure, pressure from parents, or self-doubt can block memory recall.

4. Poor Reading Habits

   • Reading when tired, reading without breaks, or reading in noisy environments makes the brain less effective.

5. Health and Lifestyle Issues

   • Lack of sleep, poor diet, dehydration, and absence of exercise affect the brain’s ability to store and recall information.

6. Overloading the Brain

   • Trying to read too much in a short period confuses the brain. The brain needs time to process information.

Understanding these causes helps candidates know what to avoid when preparing.

How Memory and Recall Work: Simple Explanation for JAMB Candidates

Memory is like a storage system. When you read, your brain encodes the information, stores it, and later retrieves it during exams.

• Encoding – The way you learn the material. If you cram, encoding is weak. If you understand and practice, encoding is strong.

• Storage – Information needs to move from short-term to long-term memory. This only happens with revision and active recall.

• Retrieval – This is recalling during exams. Anxiety or weak connections between ideas can make retrieval fail.

To succeed in JAMB, you must use study techniques that strengthen all three stages.

Effective Study Techniques to Avoid Forgetting in JAMB

1. Active Recall

Instead of just reading your notes, close the book and try to recall what you learned. Testing yourself strengthens memory far more than passive reading.

2. Spaced Repetition

Study a topic today, revise it tomorrow, then again after a few days, then a week later. This spacing allows the brain to store knowledge long-term.

3. Mind Mapping and Summarization

Draw diagrams or write short notes linking different concepts together. The brain remembers visuals and summaries better than long text.

4. Practice with Past Questions

Solving JAMB past questions helps you recall information in the format you will face in the exam. It trains your memory to respond under time pressure.

5. Teach Others

Explaining a topic to a friend forces you to remember details. This is one of the strongest ways to reinforce memory.

Lifestyle Habits That Improve Memory for JAMB

1. Adequate Sleep

• The brain processes information during sleep.

• Candidates who study all night without rest forget easily.

2. Balanced Diet

• Foods rich in omega-3 (fish), fruits, vegetables, and whole grains fuel the brain.

• Avoid heavy junk food that makes you sluggish.

3. Exercise

• Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and reduces stress.

• Simple daily exercise like walking or stretching helps memory.

4. Hydration

• Dehydration reduces concentration. Always drink enough water while studying.

5. Mental Health

• Stay positive, avoid panic, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for JAMB

1. Reading Without a Plan – Jumping between subjects without structure confuses the brain.

2. Last-Minute Cramming – Puts stress on the memory and increases forgetfulness.

3. Studying in Noisy Environments – Makes concentration difficult.

4. Ignoring Weak Subjects – Focusing only on favorite subjects reduces overall score.

5. Depending Only on Past Questions – While useful, JAMB can set new styles of questions.

Exam-Day Strategies to Avoid Forgetting

1. Arrive Early – Reduces anxiety and allows the brain to stay calm.

2. Avoid Panic Discussions – Do not join last-minute group debates at the exam venue.

3. Take Deep Breaths – Helps relax the brain before answering questions.

4. Read Instructions Carefully – Avoid rushing; calm reading improves recall.

5. Answer Easy Questions First – Builds confidence and triggers memory for harder ones.

6. Use Elimination Method – If you cannot remember the exact answer, eliminate wrong options.

7. Stay Hydrated and Alert – Drink water before the exam to keep the brain active.

Step-by-Step Routine to Improve Memory Before JAMB

1. Create a Study Timetable – Balance all four JAMB subjects.

2. Divide Topics into Smaller Units – Avoid reading too much at once.

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique – Study for 25–30 minutes, rest for 5 minutes.

4. Revise Daily – Spend at least 1 hour each day on revision.

5. Practice Weekly Mock Tests – Simulate the exam environment.

6. Record and Listen – Record yourself explaining topics and play it back later.

7. Review Weak Areas Frequently – Do not ignore difficult topics.

Summary Table: How to Avoid Forgetting in JAMB

FAQs on How to Avoid Forgetting What You Read During JAMB Exam

1. Why do I forget everything I read before JAMB?
Because of cramming, lack of revision, stress, and poor study habits.

2. How can I remember answers quickly in JAMB?
Use active recall, practice past questions, and revise regularly.

3. Is cramming good for JAMB?
No, cramming stores knowledge short-term and fades during the exam.

4. How many hours should I study daily for JAMB?
At least 3–5 focused hours, with breaks in between.

5. Does sleep help in remembering?
Yes, adequate sleep improves memory and prevents brain fatigue.

6. What food is best for memory before JAMB?
Fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and enough water.

7. How can I reduce exam anxiety?
Prepare early, practice relaxation, and avoid last-minute panic.

8. Can I still remember if I study late at night?
Yes, if you get enough rest after, but daytime study is often better.

9. Should I study all subjects daily?
Yes, balance all subjects to avoid forgetting weaker ones.

10. How can I avoid brain block during JAMB?
Stay calm, answer easy questions first, and use elimination techniques.

Conclusion

Forgetting what you read during JAMB is not a curse—it is a result of poor preparation strategies, stress, and weak memory techniques. The good news is that with the right approach—active recall, spaced repetition, balanced lifestyle, and calm exam-day strategies—you can remember what you studied and perform excellently.

The key is not how much you read, but how well you retain and recall it during the exam. Start applying these strategies today, and you will walk into the JAMB exam hall with confidence, ready to succeed.