What to Do If Your JAMB CBT Center Is Far Away; If you are preparing for the JAMB exam and find out that your assigned CBT center is far away, you might be feeling worried or stressed. Traveling long distances can be tiring, expensive, and can even make you late for the exam. But don’t worry! In this article, we will guide you through what you can do if your JAMB CBT center is far from your home or school.
We will explain steps you can take, how to prepare, and what options you have to make sure you get to your exam center on time and with less stress. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Why Is My JAMB CBT Center Far Away?
JAMB assigns exam centers based on many factors like space, availability, and location. Sometimes, you may be assigned to a center that is not close to your home. This can happen when:
- The center is full: Many candidates may choose centers that are closer to home. When this happens, JAMB will assign you to a center that still has space, even if it is farther away.
- Limited availability in your area: Sometimes, there might not be enough CBT centers in your area. JAMB may have to assign you to a farther center to ensure everyone has a place to take the exam.
- Late registration: If you registered later than others, the available centers may be far from your home or school.
READ ALSO: How to Change Your JAMB CBT Center in 2025/2026
Steps to Take If Your JAMB CBT Center Is Far Away
If you find out that your JAMB CBT center is far away, don’t panic. There are several things you can do to make sure you are ready and get to your center on time.
1. Check if It’s Possible to Change Your Center
In some cases, JAMB allows you to request a change of center if the one you are assigned to is far away. However, this is not always possible, and you need a good reason for the change, such as the distance being too far or difficult to travel.
- How to request a change: If you want to change your center, you should visit the JAMB portal and look for the option to request a change. You may need to provide proof that the center is too far.
- What if a change is not possible? If JAMB doesn’t allow a change, you will need to prepare to travel to the far-away center. But don’t worry, there are still ways to manage the situation.
2. Plan Your Journey Early
If you cannot change your center, it is important to plan your journey to the exam center ahead of time. Here are some tips for planning your trip:
- Know the best route: Check the best routes to take to your CBT center. Use a map, ask people who know the area, or search online for the best directions.
- Check the travel time: Calculate how long it will take to get there, including time for traffic. You should leave early to avoid being late. It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before your exam time.
- Find transport options: If your center is far, look for transport options that are reliable. You can choose between buses, taxis, or even ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt. If you have a car, make sure it is in good condition for the journey.
- Do a test run: If the center is very far, it might help to do a test run to the location a day or two before your exam. This will give you a good idea of how long the trip will take and the best ways to take.
3. Look for Nearby Accommodation
If your center is very far, and you don’t want to travel long distances on the morning of the exam, you can consider looking for accommodation close to the exam center. This is especially useful if the journey takes more than a few hours. Here’s how to go about it:
- Search for affordable hotels: Look for budget-friendly hotels or guest houses near your center. You can search online or ask for recommendations from friends or family.
- Book your stay in advance: Make sure to book your accommodation early to avoid last-minute problems. If you book early, you might also get a good discount.
- Stay with friends or family: If you have family or friends living near your exam center, ask if you can stay with them. This will save you money and reduce the stress of traveling.
4. Prepare the Night Before
On the night before your exam, make sure you are fully prepared. This will reduce the stress of the exam day. Here are some things you can do the night before:
- Pack your bag: Make sure you pack everything you will need for the exam. This includes your JAMB registration slip, a valid ID, your exam materials, and any other items required by JAMB.
- Check your exam center details: Double-check the details of your exam center. Make sure you know the correct address, and confirm the time of the exam.
- Sleep well: Make sure you get a good night’s sleep so that you are well-rested for the exam. Avoid staying up late or stressing over the journey.
5. Travel with a Friend or Family Member
Traveling alone to a far center can be tiring and stressful. If possible, try to travel with a friend or family member. Here’s why this is a good idea:
- You will feel more relaxed: Traveling with someone can help you feel less nervous. They can keep you company and provide emotional support.
- It’s safer: Traveling with someone is safer, especially if you are going to a new place. A travel mate can help with directions and deal with any problems that comes up
- Shared costs: Traveling together can reduce the cost of transportation. You can share the cost of a taxi or ride-hailing service, which makes the journey more affordable.
6. On the Day of the Exam, Leave Early
On the day of your exam, make sure to leave your home early, even if you have done everything to prepare. Here are some reasons why:
- Traffic: Traffic can happen, especially in big cities. Leaving early gives you more time to deal with any unplanned delays.
- Check-in time: JAMB usually requires candidates to arrive at least one hour before the exam starts. This allows time for check-in, security checks, and other preparations.
- Reduce stress: Leaving early reduces stress. You will have time to relax before the exam begins and focus on doing your best.
Conclusion
If your JAMB CBT center is far away, it may feel like a challenge, but there are many things you can do to make the situation easier. You can request a change of center if allowed, plan your journey ahead of time, look for accommodation nearby, and prepare the night before.
Traveling with a friend or family member can also make the trip more comfortable. Whatever you do, make sure to leave early and stay calm. With the right planning, you can have a smooth journey to your exam center and focus on doing your best in the JAMB exam.
Good luck with your preparations and remember to always plan ahead!
READ ALSO: How to choose your JAMB exam center for 2025/2026