Is JAMB Harder Than WAEC? (Answer Revealed)

Is JAMB Harder than WAEC? It’s hard to determine which is harder between JAMB and WAEC.

In Nigeria, after writing your WAEC, you will proceed to write JAMB.

During your JAMB registration, you will choose the university/polytechnic/ college of education you wish to attend as well as the course you wish to study.

If you score high in JAMB and meet up with other admission requirements of the institution you chose, you can then be considered for admission.

Both JAMB and WAEC can be hard or easy depending on how you prepare.

If you prepare well, you may likely find both exams easy but if you don’t prepare well, they may be hard for you.

Many students have been asking me which is harder between JAMB and WAEC.

So I had to compile this article to answer all questions and address all confusion.

In this article, we shall compare JAMB and WAEC and determine which is harder between both exams.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Also Read: Can I Combine WAEC and NECO for Admission?

Overview of JAMB and WAEC

JAMB and WAEC are two important organizations in Nigeria’s education system.

JAMB, short for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This exam is taken by students who want to get into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education.

JAMB was created back in 1978 to centralize the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

On the other hand, we have WAEC, which stands for the West African Examinations Council.

WAEC is an examination body that conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in several English-speaking West African countries, including Nigeria.

It was established in 1952 to assess the academic achievements of secondary school students in the region.

So, what do these exams entail? Well, JAMB’s UTME is a computer-based test that usually takes place in March or April each year.

It consists of multiple-choice questions from subjects like English language, mathematics, and other relevant subjects based on the candidate’s chosen field of study.

The scores obtained in the UTME are considered by tertiary institutions during the admission process.

JAMB also allows candidates with diplomas or A-level qualifications to apply for Direct Entry admission into universities.

As for WAEC’s WASSCE, it is taken by senior secondary school students in their final year.

The exam covers a wide range of subjects and is recognized by many universities and institutions for admission purposes.

WAEC also conducts other exams like the Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

Both JAMB and WAEC play significant roles in determining students’ academic progress and future opportunities.

The scores obtained in these exams are highly regarded by tertiary institutions and employers.

They provide a standardized assessment of students’ abilities and help streamline the admission process into higher education institutions.

Overall, JAMB and WAEC are vital players in Nigeria’s education system, ensuring fair and transparent assessments for students and helping them pave their way into higher education and beyond.

Recommended: Can I Use WAEC GCE to Study Abroad?

Is JAMB Harder than WAEC?

Determining whether JAMB is harder than WAEC is a bit subjective because both exams have their own unique challenges.

JAMB’s UTME can be seen as tough because it’s a computer-based test, meaning you have to answer multiple-choice questions on a computer screen.

This can be unfamiliar and add some difficulty.

JAMB covers a wide range of subjects, like English language, mathematics, and subjects related to your chosen field of study.

So, there’s a lot to study, and a comprehensive understanding is required, making it seem demanding.

On the other hand, WAEC’s WASSCE is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge in various subjects.

It’s a paper-based exam where you write essays and solve problems.

Some students find this format more comfortable as it aligns with their learning style.

The marking scheme also plays a role.

WAEC focuses on critical thinking and effective communication, particularly in English language and essay questions.

JAMB, on the other hand, emphasizes objective multiple-choice questions.

The perceived difficulty of JAMB or WAEC can vary depending on your strengths, study habits, and familiarity with the exam format.

It’s important to prepare diligently, seek guidance, and practice past questions for success in either JAMB or WAEC.

Also See: 15 Foreign Universities That Accept WAEC Certificate

How Does JAMB Set Questions?

JAMB has its format for setting questions. Let’s look at how JAMB sets questions.

1. Syllabus Review

Before setting the questions, JAMB carefully reviews the syllabus for each subject.

The syllabus outlines the specific topics and subtopics that students are expected to study.

By aligning the questions with the syllabus, JAMB ensures that the exam effectively tests the candidates’ knowledge in the required areas.

2. Item Development

Once the syllabus is reviewed, JAMB’s team of subject matter experts gets to work.

These experts, who are experienced teachers and professionals in their respective fields, develop the questions or “items” for the exam.

They draw upon their expertise to create well-crafted questions that assess the candidates’ understanding and application of the subject matter.

3. Item Evaluation

JAMB understands the importance of quality control.

Therefore, after the questions are developed, they go through a rigorous evaluation process.

The experts carefully assess each item, considering factors like accuracy, clarity, and relevance to the syllabus.

This evaluation ensures that the questions are fair, free from errors, and effectively assesses the desired knowledge and skills.

Also Read: Is WAEC Certificate Accepted Internationally?

4. Assembly of Question Papers

Once the evaluation is complete, JAMB assembles the final question papers.

Each paper consists of a set of items that cover different topics within the subject.

JAMB strives to maintain balance, ensuring that the questions span various difficulty levels and assess different aspects of the subject’s content.

This variety allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the candidates’ knowledge.

5. Quality Assurance

To ensure the integrity of the examination process, JAMB has a robust quality assurance mechanism in place.

This includes thorough reviews of the question papers to eliminate any errors, maintain consistency, and uphold the required standards.

The goal is to provide a reliable and fair assessment for all candidates.

JAMB’s question-setting process is designed to create a standardized and transparent examination.

The questions are carefully crafted to assess the candidates’ understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities within the given time frame.

The aim is to provide a level playing field and ensure that the exam accurately reflects the knowledge outlined in the syllabus.

Overall, JAMB’s commitment to quality and adherence to a systematic process ensures that the questions set for the UTME are reliable and valid measures of a candidate’s academic abilities.

How Does WAEC Set Questions?

Just like JAMB, WAEC has their own format for setting questions and it’s essential we discuss them too.

So let’s quickly dive into how WAEC sets questions.

1. Curriculum Analysis

In order to set questions that align with the curriculum, WAEC starts by thoroughly analyzing the curriculum and syllabus of the subject for which the examination is being prepared.

This step ensures that the questions cover the content and learning objectives specified in the curriculum.

By doing so, WAEC aims to create an examination that accurately assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject.

2. Question Committee Formation

To ensure expertise and fairness in question setting, WAEC forms a team of subject experts known as the Question Committee.

These experts have in-depth knowledge and experience in the subject matter and are responsible for developing the examination questions.

The committee members collaborate and pool their expertise to create a well-rounded set of questions.

3. Question Development

Once the Question Committee is formed, they embark on the process of developing questions.

The committee aims to cover a wide range of topics, difficulty levels, and cognitive abilities to comprehensively evaluate students’ understanding and knowledge.

By including a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions, WAEC assesses different aspects of students’ comprehension and analytical skills.

4. Review and Moderation

After the questions are developed, they go through a rigorous review and moderation process.

The committee carefully examines each question to ensure accuracy, clarity, relevance, and alignment with the syllabus.

This step is crucial to eliminate any errors, ambiguities, or biases that could unfairly advantage or disadvantage students.

The committee strives to create questions that are clear, concise, and free from any form of discrimination.

Also See: 10 Steps for Writing WAEC Informal Letter

5. Pretesting

To evaluate the questions’ difficulty level and reliability, a subset of the drafted questions may be pretested on a sample group of students.

This pretesting phase provides valuable feedback on the questions’ effectiveness and helps identify any issues that need to be addressed.

If necessary, adjustments can be made to ensure that the questions accurately reflect the desired level of difficulty and effectively assess students’ knowledge.

6. Finalization

Once the review, moderation, and pretesting stages are completed, the Question Committee finalizes the question paper.

This paper consists of multiple sections, each containing a set of questions.

The committee ensures that the questions cover different topics or areas of the subject, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of students’ knowledge across the curriculum.

7. Quality Assurance

Maintaining the integrity and standard of the examinations is a top priority for WAEC.

To ensure quality assurance, the finalized question paper undergoes further scrutiny and approval by an internal quality assurance team.

This team carefully evaluates the questions to ensure that they meet the desired standards of accuracy, relevance, and fairness.

Through this rigorous quality assurance process, WAEC strives to deliver reliable and trustworthy examination papers.

8. Printing and Distribution

Once the question paper is approved, it is printed and securely distributed to the examination centers across the respective countries.

WAEC takes extensive measures to maintain the confidentiality and security of the question papers, ensuring that they do not leak before the scheduled examination date.

The distribution process is closely monitored to prevent any compromise of the examination’s integrity.

By following this comprehensive process, WAEC aims to set questions that accurately assess students’ knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities.

They prioritize fairness, reliability, and adherence to the curriculum, ensuring that students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills during the examination.

Also Read: 28 Tips on How to Score A1 in WAEC as a Nigerian Student

How to Answer JAMB Questions

When it comes to answering JAMB questions, it’s important to have a strategic approach.

First, carefully read and understand the instructions for each question.

Pay attention to details like the number of options and the time limit.

To manage your time effectively, allocate it wisely and avoid spending too much time on a single question.

If you’re unsure about a question, skip it and come back to it later if you have time.

When reading the questions, take your time to understand what they’re asking.

Look for keywords or specific details that can guide your answer.

Eliminate obviously wrong options to narrow down your choices.

If you’re faced with multiple-choice questions, use the process of deduction.

Analyze the remaining options and consider clues or contextual information to make an educated guess if needed.

Maintain a calm and composed mindset throughout the exam to avoid stress.

Practice with past questions to familiarize yourself with the format and improve your speed and accuracy.

Finally, review your answers before submitting, checking for any errors or missed questions.

Remember, thorough preparation and understanding of the subjects are crucial.

Approach each question with focus, critical thinking, and confidence.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to answer JAMB questions effectively.

How to Answer WAEC Questions

Answering WAEC questions requires a strategic approach to excel.

Start by carefully reading the instructions for each question.

Understand what is expected, like word limits and special instructions.

Time management is crucial, so allocate time based on marks or points.

Answer questions you’re confident about first, then tackle the more challenging ones.

Analyze the question and plan your response by organizing your thoughts and outlining key points.

Be relevant and concise, avoiding unrelated details.

Use proper grammar, spelling, and legible handwriting.

Include examples or illustrations when appropriate to reinforce your answers.

Support your responses with evidence or references to show understanding.

After answering, review and revise your work for clarity, coherence, and grammar.

Practice with past papers, create a study schedule, and seek guidance from teachers.

These tips will help you approach WAEC questions effectively and increase your chances of success.

Also See: 20 Tips on How to Pass WAEC in One Sitting as a Nigerian Student

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is JAMB the Hardest Exam in Nigeria?

Well, whether JAMB is considered the hardest exam in Nigeria is a subjective matter.

For many students, JAMB poses a significant challenge due to its extensive syllabus and the pressure to secure admission into tertiary institutions.

However, it’s important to note that difficulty can vary based on personal experiences and strengths.

Some individuals may find other exams, like professional or specialized tests, more demanding.

So, it ultimately boils down to individual perspectives and circumstances.

What Is the Easiest Subject in Jamb?

When it comes to determining the easiest subject in JAMB, it can vary from student to student.

Some might find subjects like English Language or Mathematics easier because they are more familiar with them.

However, it’s important to remember that what’s easy for one person might be challenging for another.

It all depends on an individual’s strengths and preparation.

So, the easiest subject in JAMB ultimately differs based on each student’s aptitude and comfort level.

How Can I Study for JAMB and Pass Excellently?

Are you wondering how to study for JAMB and pass excellently?

Well, it’s important to have a well-structured plan.

Start by getting familiar with the syllabus and exam format.

Use reliable study materials like textbooks and past questions.

Focus on areas where you need improvement and practice time management.

Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or online resources.

Stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.

Take breaks, eat good foods, prioritize your health, and get enough rest.

With dedication and a calm approach, you can increase your chances of achieving excellent results in JAMB.

Are All JAMB Questions the Same?

No, not all JAMB questions are the same.

JAMB strives to provide a range of questions each year, covering different topics and difficulty levels.

They aim to ensure fairness and prevent cheating.

So, while the questions may differ, the goal is to assess students’ knowledge and abilities in various subjects.

It keeps the exams dynamic and ensures that students are evaluated on a broad range of skills and understanding.

How Many Questions Will I Answer in JAMB?

The number of questions you’ll answer in JAMB depends on the subject you choose.

Usually, JAMB subjects have multiple-choice questions.

The total number of questions can vary, ranging from 40 to 100.

To be sure, it’s important to check the guidelines and instructions provided by JAMB.

Remember to manage your time wisely during the exam, allowing sufficient time for each question.

Being aware of the question count helps you plan your strategy and stay focused during the test.

Conclusion

As someone that have written both JAMB and WAEC, I would say that both exams are easy and at the same time hard.

Like I said at the beginning of this article, what matters most is how you prepare.

Whether you are writing JAMB or WAEC, make sure to start preparing early.

Early preparation will help you cover all the necessary topics and avoid late hour rush.

Overall, instead of worrying about which is harder between JAMB and WAEC, channel your energy on studying and preparing yourself for both exams.

If you have any questions or inquiries, kindly indicate them in the comment section and I will respond as soon as possible.

Good luck!

Related Posts:

NewSchoolWeb Team