Preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination can be financially demanding. From registration fees to purchasing study materials, attending tutorials, and covering transportation costs to exam centers, expenses can add up quickly. However, with proper planning and smart strategies, you can minimize costs and still prepare effectively for the exam. In this article, we’ll share practical tips on how to save money during JAMB registration and preparation in 2025.

1. Understand the Official Registration Fees and Avoid Scammers

One of the first steps to saving money during JAMB registration is knowing the official costs. Each year, JAMB releases the official registration fee, including charges for the e-PIN, mock exam (optional), and other related services. Make sure you:

• Verify Fees on the Official JAMB Website: Always cross-check registration fees on the official JAMB portal.
• Avoid Third-Party Agents with Hidden Charges: Register only at accredited centers to avoid being overcharged.
• Request for Receipts: Always ask for receipts after making payments.

Being informed about official fees helps you avoid unnecessary charges and scams.

2. Register Early to Avoid Late Charges

Procrastination during JAMB registration can lead to unnecessary expenses. Late registration often attracts additional charges, and you might also end up paying extra at cybercafés due to increased demand.

• Set a Reminder: Keep track of registration deadlines.
• Plan Your Budget: Save up for registration fees ahead of time.
• Register at Accredited Centers: Avoid unofficial centers to prevent paying inflated fees.

Early registration saves money and reduces the stress associated with last-minute rushes.

3. Use Free or Affordable Study Resources

Study materials like textbooks, past question papers, and online resources can consume a significant portion of your budget. However, you can reduce costs by:

• Downloading Free Past Questions Online: Many websites offer free access to JAMB past questions.
• Using Free Mobile Apps: Some JAMB CBT practice apps are free and provide quality practice questions.
• Borrowing Study Materials: Instead of buying new textbooks, borrow from friends or libraries.

Take advantage of free and low-cost resources to save money while still preparing effectively.

CHECK OUT: JAMB Past Questions for All Subjects PDF Download

4. Attend Affordable or Free Tutorials

While tutorial centers can be helpful, some charge exorbitant fees. If you’re on a tight budget:

• Look for Community-Based Tutorials: Some community groups offer free or low-cost tutorials.
• Join Online Study Groups: Platforms like Telegram and Facebook have free JAMB preparation groups.
• Self-Study: Use free online resources and YouTube tutorials to study independently.

Being resourceful can save you from spending excessively on private tutorial centers.

CHECK OUT: JAMB Online Tutorial 2025/2026: Score Above 300!

5. Share Study Materials with Friends

Buying all your study materials alone can be expensive. Sharing with friends can help reduce costs.

• Group Purchase: Buy materials in bulk with friends to get discounts.
• Exchange Books: Swap textbooks and materials with friends who have already written the exam.
• Collaborate in Study Groups: Share resources and knowledge in small study groups.

Teamwork can reduce your financial burden significantly.

CHECK OUT: JAMB Recommended Textbooks 2025/2026 for All Subjects

6. Minimize Transportation Costs

Frequent trips to registration centers, tutorial classes, or libraries can accumulate significant transportation expenses. Here’s how to cut costs:

• Use Nearby Accredited Centers: Register and write your exam in centers close to your home.
• Attend Nearby Tutorials: Choose tutorial centers within walking distance.
• Use Online Resources: Minimize physical trips by relying on digital resources.

Reducing unnecessary movement helps save transportation costs.

7. Budget Wisely and Track Expenses

Proper budgeting ensures you don’t overspend on unnecessary items.

• List All Expected Costs: Include registration, study materials, and transportation fees.
• Set Spending Limits: Avoid impulse buying of materials you don’t need.
• Track Expenses: Use a notebook or mobile app to track your spending.

Budgeting helps you stay disciplined and ensures your money is spent wisely.

8. Take Advantage of JAMB Mock Exams

JAMB offers an optional mock exam to help students familiarize themselves with the exam format. While there’s usually a small fee attached, it’s a worthy investment as it can save you from failing and rewriting the exam.

• Use Mock Exams Strategically: Treat them as actual exams.
• Identify Weak Areas: Use the results to focus on improving specific subjects.

Investing in mock exams can prevent the cost of re-registration if you fail.

9. Avoid Unnecessary Purchases

Many students fall into the trap of buying unnecessary items during JAMB preparation.

• Don’t Buy Every Recommended Textbook: Focus on core textbooks.
• Avoid Fancy Study Gadgets: You don’t need expensive tablets or headphones to study effectively.
• Stick to a Study Plan: Use resources that align with your study goals.

Stay focused on your needs, not your wants.

10. Seek Financial Support if Necessary

If you’re facing financial challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help from reliable sources.

• Scholarships and Grants: Some organizations offer small grants for exam preparation.
• Family Support: Ask for financial help from family members.
• Community Programs: Look out for free community-based education initiatives.

Seeking support can reduce the financial pressure of JAMB preparation.

Conclusion

Preparing for JAMB doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By planning early, using free or affordable study resources, reducing unnecessary expenses, and staying disciplined with your budget, you can save money while preparing effectively. Remember, smart financial planning is just as important as academic preparation. Stay focused, spend wisely, and success will follow!