Passing the Post UTME exam with a high score is one of the most challenging stages of gaining admission in Nigeria. Many students fail this exam despite getting a high or low JAMB score.
From my experience, I sat for the Post UTME exam at several schools, including DELSU, RSU, and UNN. I kept getting low scores each time, making me sit for JAMB five (5) times.
It is why I have taken my time to identify the mistakes I made and want to share with you the helpful and practical you need to pass the Post UTME exam for the school you’re applying to study.
Table of contents
Post UTME in Nigeria

Before we go into the main article, I want to explain to you what the Post UTME exam is all about. This would be particularly helpful for those sitting for the JAMB exam for the first time.
The Post UTME is a screening test conducted by tertiary institutions in Nigeria after the JAMB examination to select the best students for admission.
This exam is now primarily a computer-based test (CBT) because most schools no longer use the traditional pen and pencil format.
The performance for this exam and the JAMB score of candidates determines the cut-off mark for each course in the tertiary institutions. This means applicants with higher JAMB and Post UTME scores stand a better chance for admission.
Online Post UTME Screening
Online Post UTME is the new screening method many universities and polytechnics in Nigeria have adopted. It does not involve written exams but the use of O’level results for calculation aggregate scores.
For some universities like UNILAG, online Post UTME may mean sitting for the Post UTME exam online at any location.
Ensure you know the format adopted by the school you’re applying to study your dream course. But, if you are unsure, you can let me know in the comment about the school you’re applying to, and I will help you with the Post UTME format for that school.
How to Pass Post UTME Exam

Here are tips to pass your upcoming Post UTME exam;
- Understand the Post UTME Format
- Choose the Right Course
- Start Early Preparation with the Exam Syllabus
- Practice Past Questions
- Overcome the Fear of Failure
- Rest Well and Eat Healthy
- Stay Updated
1. Understand the Post UTME Format
Understanding the Post UTME format for the school you’re applying to is the first step to passing the exam. Every tertiary institution in Nigeria has its format for conducting screening exams.
For some schools, the JAMB subject combination is used for their examination questions, while for schools like DELSU, an aptitude test is conducted.
Without knowing the format, you’d be unable to prepare for your exam adequately, which will cause you to score low, diminishing your admission chances.
If you’re not sure of the Post UTME format for your school, you can let me know in the comment for assistance.
2. Choose the Right Course
Choosing the right course is the most important decision you need to make to guarantee your admission chances.
The following factors are what would determine your choice of course;
- JAMB Score
- O’level subject combination
- Competitiveness of the course
- JAMB subject combination
All of these must be in place before you apply for the Post UTME. If you do not meet the requirements, choose another school or apply to a different course.
3. Start Early Preparation with the Exam Syllabus
Early preparations for your Post UTME exam using the syllabus is the key to getting a high score in your exam.
The syllabus contains the list of topics you must study for the test. For schools that use the JAMB subject combination, the syllabus is the same as the JAMB syllabus.
But for schools with aptitude tests, you must study other materials that cover the exam structure.
The common mistake many students make is relaxing after their JAMB exam without motivation to study. But you must know that this exam is equally as important as the UTME.
Start by drafting a study timetable covering all the subjects in your exam. Ensure you follow it and study hard.
4. Practice Past Questions
Practicing past questions is a great guide to passing your Post UTME with flying colors. It is an effective strategy that will help you know the exam format and how to answer questions.
Ensure you purchase the Post UTME past question, which may be hardcopy or softcopy. But it should be the correct copy.
One thing you must not do is try to cram the answers to the past questions. No, your aim must be understanding and knowing the reasons for the correct answers for each question.
5. Overcome the Fear of Failure
Don’t get scared about your upcoming examination. It is the easiest part to fail even before participating in the exam.
You must learn to develop confidence by constantly studying and ensuring you have made the right choice.
Believe in your ability to get a good score to make you eligible for admission. With the right study strategies, I assure you that you will pass with flying colors.
6. Rest Well and Eat Healthy
Ensure you rest well, eat healthy, and stay relaxed during the period leading to your Post UTME exam. You must be in great shape when the exam comes knocking for better performance.
Do not deprive yourself of essential things while studying for your exam. Look after yourself by living healthily.
7. Stay Updated
Staying updated on the correct information about your school is necessary. It is knowing when the Post UTME form, screening result, or admission list is out.
Join Facebook and WhatsApp communities to interact with other students and get relevant guidance. Another advantage is the opportunity to interact with other students.
Conclusion
This article has given you the guidance you need to gain admission. If you follow these tips, you will resume on campus in the next few months.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to hear from you.
Please ma what’s the format for uniport Post utme examination
Hello Princess,
The UNIPORT Post UTME is fifty questions for thirty minutes. Questions are asked from English, Mathematics, Current Affairs, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning.
Good evening sir, what is the format for PUTME at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Hello Aisha,
The OAU Post UTME exam comprises of Use of English, your JAMB subject combination plus verbal and quantitative reason. You would be asked 40 questions in the CBT exam and it is compulsory to score above twenty five (25) over forty (40).
Let me know if you have further questions.
sir please is The UNICAL writing POST UTME exam or online screening
UNICAL conducts Post UTME exam.
Hello sir what of unidel post utme exam
Favour,
The Post UTME screening will take place from 19th to 21st August.
How do I get the syllabus
Hello Godswill,
What school are you applying to?
How to pass kwcoon post UTME without past questions
Hello Abike,
Are you having any challenge with getting the past questions?
Usually, the material would help you better prepare for the upcoming Post UTME exam.
please help me i do not know the post utme format for unizik and the deadline is almost over
Hello Olivia
The UNIZIK Post UTME exam is based on your JAMB subject combination.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Please I need to know the format for unidel
Chioma,
The UNIDEL Post UTME format is a CBT exam. Questions would be asked from English, JAMB subjects, Current Affairs and verbal/quantitative reasoning.
I advise you get the past questions to assist with your preparations.
Let me know if you have further questions. I wish you the best.
PLEASE I NEED TO KNOW THE FORMAT FOR UNILAG POST UTME
Hello Abraham,
Here is the format for the UNILAG Post UTME;
Fifteen (15) questions on Mathematics
Fifteen (15) on the English Language
Ten (10) questions on General Paper
The UNILAG Post UTME examination is forty (40) questions for thirty (30) minutes.
Let me know if you have further questions.
I don’t know R S U exam syllabus pls help me
Hello Daniella,
Read through the post, you will see the RSU Post UTME format. Also, get the past question to get know the syllabus containing topics you’d be asked on the exam day.
Let me know if you have further questions.