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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Jamb Scoring | Grading System For English & Mathematics: An Updated Guide For Cbt Exam (2025/2026)
If you're preparing for the 2025/2026 JAMB UTME, understanding how your subjects are scored and weighted is a smart move—especially for English and Mathematics, which are critical for many courses.
This guide breaks down how the JAMB CBT scoring system works, how English is treated differently, and how marks are distributed across questions.
Total JAMB Score Breakdown
JAMB exams are scored out of 400 marks, divided equally among four subjects (100 marks each).
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English Language is compulsory for all candidates.
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Mathematics is required for science, technology, engineering, and some business-related courses.
JAMB English Language Scoring System
JAMB English is the most detailed subject and is structured into four sections:
| Section | Topics Covered | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A. Comprehension & Summary | Passages, meaning, sentence interpretation | 25 |
| B. Lexis & Structure | Vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, grammar usage | 20 |
| C. Oral English | Phonetics, intonation, rhymes, stress patterns | 10 |
| D. Literature in English (Optional) | Figures of speech, themes, drama/poetry elements | 15 |
| Total | 70 Questions |
Note: Literature is not always included for all candidates—check your syllabus to know if it applies.
English Scoring Conversion Formula
Let’s assume the total questions you attempted were 70.
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If you got 56/70 correct:
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Score =
(56 ÷ 70) × 100 = 80% -
Your final JAMB English score = 80 marks
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If you score high in English, it can significantly boost your overall JAMB score.
JAMB Mathematics Scoring System
JAMB Mathematics (General or Further Math) is typically selected by candidates in:
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Engineering
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Computer Science
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Accounting
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Pure Sciences
It has 40 questions.
| Topic | Expected Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Algebra | 8–10 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 5–7 |
| Trigonometry | 4–5 |
| Arithmetic & Number Series | 6–8 |
| Statistics and Probability | 4–5 |
| Word Problems & Logic | 3–4 |
| Total | 40 Questions |
So 40 questions × 2.5 = 100 marks
How to Calculate Your JAMB Score (English + Math)
Let’s say:
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You scored 75 in English
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You got 32/40 in Math
→ 32 × 2.5 = 80 marks
If your other two subjects scored 65 and 70, your total JAMB score would be:
75 + 80 + 65 + 70 = 290/400
This is a strong score for competitive courses like Engineering, Medicine, and Law.
JAMB Score to Grade Table (Guide Only)
| Score Range | Remark |
|---|---|
| 300 – 400 | Excellent |
| 250 – 299 | Very Good |
| 200 – 249 | Good |
| 180 – 199 | Average |
| 150 – 179 | Below Average |
| Below 150 | Weak Score |
How JAMB Uses Your Score
Your JAMB score is used alongside your O'Level results (WAEC, NECO, etc.) to calculate admission aggregate:
| Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| JAMB Score (UTME) | 50% – 60% |
| Post-UTME | 30% – 40% |
| O'Level Results | 10% – 20% |
This depends on the institution and course.
Tips to Score High in JAMB English & Math
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Use the official JAMB syllabus – Know what topics matter.
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Practice with past questions – They reveal patterns and frequently asked topics.
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Master time management – 2 hours is short for 180 questions.
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Focus on comprehension in English – It carries many marks.
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Practice word problems in Math – They’re often tricky but score well.
FAQs – JAMB Scoring for English & Mathematics
Q1: Is JAMB negative marking real?
A: No, JAMB does not use negative marking. Attempt all questions.
Q2: Why is English compulsory in JAMB?
A: It’s the official language of instruction and a core requirement for all courses.
Q3: Can I pass JAMB without scoring well in Math?
A: Yes, if Math is not a required subject for your course (e.g., Law, Mass Comm).
Q4: Are all English questions scored equally?
A: Yes, but the number of questions may vary based on updated syllabus.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the JAMB scoring system for English and Mathematics is a major step toward exam success. Now that you know how scores are calculated, you can plan smarter, target high-yield topics, and maximize your performance.
