Recently, the post-UTME exam is now like the mystery man – very unpredictable. Schools keep using different formats, exam types, and systems every year.
Which, from the outside, looks great, but the thing is that this lack of consistency is causing trouble for the students who are writing these exams.
I mean, it is better to know whether to expect objective questions, theory questions or both before you go for the exam. This way, you will know what to prepare for, right?
Currently, post-UTME exam format is not the same in all schools, but one thing you must always remember is that they share the same target.
Every school conducts post-UTME to screen students before giving them admission.
Therefore, if you’re wondering whether your post-UTME will be Objective or theoretical, here is everything that you need to know.
Is post UTME exam objective or theory?
Post-UTME exams can be either objective, theoretical or a mix of both, depending on the school where you are writing the exam and the course you want to study.
But here is the thing, most schools prefer to use the objective questions format; they do this to test students on multiple-choice answers.
Some schools go for theory questions just to check whether each student deeply understands the questions and to know what each student’s writing expression looks like.
From the statistics available to wiptalk.com, most schools prefer objective rather than theory-based, and there are reasons for this.
With objective post-UTMEs, you will have multiple-choice questions (MCQs) where you will select the right answer from a list of answers, just like you need in JAMB.
In over 95% of higher institutions (University, College of Education, Polytechnic and the rest) in Nigeria, their post-UTME is objective because it is easier for them to mark the exam.
The remaining schools add theory questions in their post-UTME exams, especially for courses like Law, Medicine, or Education.
If your school add theory questions, they expect you to write detailed answers, which will help them know if you have a deeper understanding of the subject.
How do you know exactly if your school will use objective or theory?
This is quite simple to do.
To know the exact format your school will use for their post-UTME, just check your school’s post-UTME past questions.
You will see the format they use – schools don’t change their format unless something happens, and they will announce it on either their website or social channels.
If you can’t confirm from their past post-UTME questions, then go and check the school website or admission portal.
You will find everything about your school’s post-UTME there. By now, you should try and read the information on your chosen school’s website.
Don’t just act like it is not your business.
I must warn you about something most students do: they make assumptions – don’t make assumptions about what the post-UTME exam will be like, check, and confirm for yourself before you start preparing for the exam.
In summary, most post-UTME exams are objective, but some schools do add theory questions but only for selected courses like Law, Medicine and the rest.
So, when you are preparing for your post-UTME, you should expect to see formats like objective, theory or mixed:
1. Objective (Multiple-Choice) format
As I already said, most higher institutions in Nigeria use the objective format for their post-UTME exams.
They do it because it’s easier and faster to mark and grade students.
In the Objective format, you have multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and you will select the correct answer from the available options.
Advantages of the objective format:
Objective questions are:
- Faster to answer and score.
- It reduces ambiguity in responses.
- It is better for big exams like post-UTME, which have many candidates.
Examples of schools using the objective format:
- Schools like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Ibadan (UI), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) use an objective question format for their post-UTME.
2. Theory-based format
Some schools still use the theory questions format, but just a few of them.
In a theory post-UTME format, every student is expected to write detailed answers to their questions.
With this format, the school will be able to check your critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to organise thoughts coherently.
Advantages of the theory-based format of post-UTME:
- It allows students to showcase depth of knowledge.
- It is suitable for courses that require analytical skills (e.g., Law, Literature).
Examples of schools using theory format:
Schools like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), do it for only selected courses, but it doesn’t happen every year.
Some polytechnics also do it for specific courses.
3. Mixed format (Objective and Theory)
Before, we had schools that combined both theory and objective questions for their post-UTME, but from our last check, this method is now outdated.
Schools no longer use it.
Advantages of mixed format:
- Schools use it to get a balanced evaluation of candidates.
- It also reduces over-reliance on guesswork in objective questions.
Examples of schools using mixed formats:
Schools like Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and some specialised institutions used this format in the past.
How to know your school’s post-UTME format
In case you’re still in the dilemma of which format your school will use.
You can:
1. Check your school’s admission guidelines
Most schools in Nigeria share information about their post-UTME format in their admission brochures or portals.
If you want to check, go to your school’s website and confirm the exam format.
2. Check past questions
We already explained this; if you want to know the format your school will use for their post-UTME, go and check their post-UTME past questions.
For example:
- If the past questions are entirely multiple-choice, it means the school uses the objective format.
- If there are essay-style questions, then get ready for a theory exam.
3. Talk to students who are currently studying in the school
If you can’t find it anywhere else, then you should look for students who are currently studying at the school.
Ask them what format the school used during their time.
The good thing is that schools don’t just change their post-UTME exam format without proper communication or creating awareness about the change.
Is post-UTME CBT or Paper-based format
Another very important concern about the post-UTME is whether it will be paper-based or CBT.
- Most schools now conduct their post-UTME as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), which uses objective questions.
- Paper-based exams still exist, but are rare. You will only find it in schools with limited access to CBT infrastructure.
How to prepare for post-UTME exams
Regardless of whether the post-UTME is objective or theory-based, you need to prepare very well.
Here are tips to help you:
1. You should master your JAMB subjects
The subjects you will write in your post-UTME will be those you chose during JAMB registration.
If you want to perform well in your post-UTME, focus and study those subjects like nothing else matters.
2. You need to practice time management
If your school is using objective exams, then you need to know how to answer questions quickly and accurately.
If your chosen school uses theory, then you should focus on structuring your answer right and managing the limited time for the exam.
3. Make sure that you use reliable study materials
Buy your chosen school’s post-UTME past questions and textbooks.
Use online resources like study APPs to prepare. In addition, do a mock exam before the main exam.
4. Ensure you know the exam requirements
Before going for your post-UTME, make sure you know the exam venue, time, and what to bring along, like:
- A valid post-UTME registration slip.
- Writing materials (if required).
- A form of identification.
Is Post UTME written with a computer?
Yes, it is written with computers. Most schools in Nigeria use Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their post-UTME.
However, there are still schools that conduct it using pen and paper.
The mode of post-UTME exams depends on the university conducting it.
If your chosen school uses CBT, you will take the test on a computer, just like your JAMB.
You don’t have to panic about whether your school is using computers or not for their post-UTME.
Before the exam, you will be notified by your school’s admission unit on whether it will be done with a computer or not.
Conclusion
Whether your post-UTME will be objective, theoretical, or a combination of both depends on your chosen school.
However, objective questions are more common in schools, especially with the adoption of CBT systems nationwide.
If you’re preparing for your post-UTME, check your school’s admission guidelines or past questions to know what format to expect.