Top 10 Mistakes Students Make During Exams

Examinations are an essential part of every student’s academic journey. They are designed to test knowledge, assess skills, and determine readiness for advancement to the next level. Yet, despite weeks or even months of preparation, many students underperform during exams—not because they lack intelligence, but because they fall into common traps that can be easily avoided.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes students make during exams, why they happen, and how to overcome them. If you’re preparing for WAEC, NECO, JAMB, IJMB, JUPEB, or even university semester exams, learning from these pitfalls can significantly improve your performance.

1. Poor Time Management

One of the most common mistakes students make is failing to manage their time properly during exams. They either spend too much time on one question or rush through the paper without properly answering.

Why it happens:

• Nervousness leads to overthinking one question.

• Students fail to plan how to allocate time per section.

• Lack of practice with timed past questions.

How to avoid it:

• Practice mock exams under timed conditions before the real exam.

• Quickly skim through the paper when it starts to identify easy vs. tough questions.

• Allocate time based on marks (e.g., 10 marks = 12 minutes).

• Always reserve the last 5–10 minutes for checking.

2. Not Reading Instructions Carefully

Another costly mistake is ignoring or misinterpreting instructions. Some students dive into the questions without understanding what is required.

Why it happens:

• Anxiety or eagerness to start answering.

• Overconfidence (“I already know what they mean”).

• Misinterpretation of technical terms like “explain,” “compare,” “differentiate,” or “discuss.”

How to avoid it:

• Always read instructions twice before attempting any section.

• Pay attention to keywords: “choose three only,” “answer one from each section,” etc.

• Underline or highlight action verbs in the question.

3. Failing to Revise Before Submitting

Many students complete their papers and submit immediately without revising. Small errors—like skipping a question or miswriting an answer—can cost valuable marks.

Why it happens:

• Relief after finishing quickly.

• Lack of time due to poor pacing.

• Carelessness or exam fatigue.

How to avoid it:

• Discipline yourself to use the last few minutes for revision.

• Double-check numbering, spelling of key terms, and skipped pages.

• Correct avoidable mistakes like wrong formulas or grammatical blunders.

4. Writing Irrelevant Answers

Some students provide answers that look impressive but fail to address the actual question asked. This is especially common in essay-based exams.

Why it happens:

• Poor comprehension of the question.

• Desire to “fill the page” with information.

• Lack of practice with past questions.

How to avoid it:

• Read the question carefully and break it down.

• Ask yourself: “Does this point directly answer the question?”

• Stick to relevant points. Quality is better than quantity.

5. Overdependence on Cramming

Cramming the night before the exam may help recall some facts, but it usually leads to panic and poor retention during the test.

Why it happens:

• Procrastination until exam week.

• Belief that “short-term memory will save me.”

• Fear of missing out on new topics.

How to avoid it:

• Start studying early and consistently.

• Use active recall, flashcards, and practice questions.

• Prioritize understanding concepts over memorization.

6. Ignoring Instructions on Answer Booklets

Many students lose marks not because they don’t know the answers, but because they fail to follow simple exam formatting rules.

Common examples:

• Answering more questions than required.

• Writing answers in the wrong sections.

• Not labeling diagrams or graphs correctly.

• Using pencils where pens are required.

How to avoid it:

• Listen to invigilator announcements.

• Carefully check page numbering and question labeling.

• Review exam regulations before entering the hall.

7. Panicking Under Pressure

Panic and exam anxiety cause students to forget even well-studied material. Some even experience “mental blank outs.”

Why it happens:

• Lack of confidence due to poor preparation.

• Pressure to score high.

• Comparing oneself to others in the hall.

How to avoid it:

• Practice relaxation techniques: deep breathing, positive affirmations.

• Build confidence by solving past questions regularly.

• Focus only on your paper, not on others.

8. Poor Handwriting and Presentation

Examiners are human. If your handwriting is illegible or your work is poorly presented, you risk losing marks—even if your answers are correct.

Why it happens:

• Rushing through the exam.

• Not practicing neat writing before.

• Ignoring the importance of clarity.

How to avoid it:

• Write clearly and leave spaces between answers.

• Use headings, numbering, or bullet points for essay questions.

• Practice writing with speed and neatness before the exam.

9. Not Attempting All Required Questions

Sometimes students leave questions unanswered—either because they run out of time, or they believe they don’t know the answer.

Why it happens:

• Fear of being wrong.

• Spending too much time on one tough question.

• Misunderstanding exam requirements.

How to avoid it:

• Always attempt all required questions, even if unsure.

• Provide partial answers—examiners often award method marks.

• If stuck, move on and return later if time allows.

10. Forgetting to Bring Necessary Materials

Imagine arriving at the exam hall without a calculator for mathematics, or forgetting your ID card. Such mistakes create unnecessary stress.

Why it happens:

• Last-minute preparation.

• Carelessness or overconfidence.

• Poor organization.

How to avoid it:

• Prepare an exam checklist: pens, pencils, eraser, ruler, ID card, calculator, etc.

• Pack your bag the night before.

• Arrive early to the exam center.

Additional Tips to Avoid Exam Mistakes

Beyond these top 10 mistakes, here are extra strategies to maximize your performance:

1. Get Adequate Rest: A tired brain cannot recall effectively. Sleep at least 7–8 hours before exams.

2. Eat Light but Healthy: Avoid heavy or sugary meals that make you sluggish.

3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affects concentration and memory.

4. Practice Past Papers: They reveal patterns and boost confidence.

5. Pray or Meditate: Spiritual calmness often reduces exam anxiety.

Conclusion

Exams are not designed to trick students but to assess knowledge and reasoning. However, small mistakes—like poor time management, ignoring instructions, or leaving questions unanswered—can drastically reduce scores. By learning from these common pitfalls, students can approach exams with confidence, clarity, and readiness.

Whether you are sitting for WAEC, NECO, JAMB, or university examinations, the key is preparation, discipline, and smart exam techniques. Avoid these top 10 mistakes, and you will significantly increase your chances of achieving excellent results.