The Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) is a critical step for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This screening test, conducted by individual institutions, assesses candidates’ readiness for tertiary education and often determines their admission prospects. Preparing effectively for the Post-UTME requires familiarity with the exam format, question types, and commonly tested topics. Many institutions repeat or adapt questions from previous years, making past questions an invaluable resource for preparation. This guide provides an overview of frequently repeated Post-UTME questions by subject, offering insights into key topics, question formats, and preparation strategies.
The Post-UTME typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), though some universities may include essay-type or short-answer questions. The subjects tested usually align with the candidate’s UTME subject combination, with some institutions adding general papers or current affairs. By focusing on high-impact topics and practicing past questions, candidates can improve their speed, accuracy, and confidence. This guide covers commonly tested subjects, English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Government, Literature-in-English, and Current Affairs, highlighting frequently repeated question types and key areas of focus.
Frequently Repeated Questions by Subject
1. English Language
English is a compulsory subject in most Post-UTME exams, testing candidates’ proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. Frequently repeated question types include:
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Comprehension Passages: Questions based on short passages, often requiring candidates to identify the main idea, infer meanings, or interpret the author’s tone. Example: “What is the central theme of the passage?”
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Synonyms and Antonyms: Candidates are asked to select words with similar or opposite meanings to a given word. Example: “Choose the word closest in meaning to ‘ameliorate.’”
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Sentence Completion: Fill-in-the-blank questions testing vocabulary and context. Example: “The politician’s decision was regarded as ___ by the analysts.” (Options: prudent, reckless, trivial, commendable)
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Grammar and Syntax: Questions on sentence structure, parts of speech, or error identification. Example: “Identify the part of speech of the underlined word in the sentence.”
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Idioms and Phrases: Interpreting common idiomatic expressions. Example: “What does ‘barking up the wrong tree’ mean?”
Key Focus Areas: Practice reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and review grammatical rules such as tenses, prepositions, and subject-verb agreement.
2. Mathematics
Mathematics is a core subject for science, engineering, and commercial students. Questions test logical reasoning, problem-solving, and foundational concepts. Common question types include:
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Algebra: Solving linear and quadratic equations. Example: “Solve for x: 2x² – 8x + 6 = 0.”
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Arithmetic: Problems on percentages, ratios, and simple interest. Example: “If a shirt costs N5000 after a 20% discount, what was the original price?”
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Geometry: Questions on areas, volumes, and angles. Example: “Find the area of a triangle with base 6 cm and height 8 cm.”
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Statistics: Interpreting data from tables or graphs. Example: “What is the mean of the following numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10?”
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Number Systems: Questions on fractions, decimals, and approximations. Example: “Simplify ¾ + ⅔.”
Key Focus Areas: Master basic arithmetic, algebraic manipulations, and geometric formulas. Practice timed problem-solving to improve speed.
3. Biology
Biology is essential for science and medical students, focusing on life processes and systems. Repeated questions include:
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Cell Biology: Questions on cell structure and functions. Example: “What is the function of the mitochondria in a cell?”
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Genetics: Problems on inheritance and genetic crosses. Example: “In a cross between two heterozygous tall plants (Tt), what is the probability of producing a dwarf plant?”
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Ecology: Questions on ecosystems and food chains. Example: “Which organism is a primary consumer in a food chain?”
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Human Physiology: Topics like the circulatory or digestive system. Example: “What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?”
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Plant and Animal Biology: Questions on reproduction and adaptation. Example: “What type of pollination occurs in maize?”
Key Focus Areas: Study cell biology, genetics, and human physiology. Use diagrams to understand structures and processes.
4. Chemistry
Chemistry questions test knowledge of chemical principles and reactions, crucial for science and engineering students. Common questions include:
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Atomic Structure: Questions on atomic models and periodicity. Example: “What is the atomic number of an element with 17 protons?”
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Chemical Reactions: Balancing equations or predicting products. Example: “Balance the equation: Na + H₂O → NaOH + H₂.”
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Organic Chemistry: Identifying functional groups or naming compounds. Example: “What is the IUPAC name for CH₃CH₂OH?”
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Stoichiometry: Calculations involving moles and masses. Example: “How many moles of NaCl are in 58.5 g of NaCl?”
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Acids and Bases: Questions on pH and neutralization. Example: “What is the pH of a 0.01 M HCl solution?”
Key Focus Areas: Understand periodic trends, reaction mechanisms, and stoichiometry. Practice balancing equations and nomenclature.
5. Physics
Physics questions assess understanding of physical principles, often for science and engineering candidates. Repeated question types include:
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Mechanics: Problems on motion, forces, and energy. Example: “A car accelerates at 2 m/s² for 5 seconds. Calculate the final velocity.”
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Electricity: Questions on circuits and Ohm’s law. Example: “What is the resistance of a circuit with 12 V and 4 A?”
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Waves and Optics: Topics like reflection and refraction. Example: “What is the angle of incidence if the angle of reflection is 30°?”
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Thermodynamics: Questions on heat and temperature. Example: “What is the specific heat capacity of a substance if 500 J raises 2 kg by 5°C?”
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Modern Physics: Basic concepts of radioactivity. Example: “What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?”
Key Focus Areas: Focus on mechanics, electricity, and optics. Practice calculations and understand key formulas.
6. Economics
Economics is common for commercial and social science students, testing economic principles and analysis. Common questions include:
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Microeconomics: Questions on demand and supply. Example: “What happens to demand if the price of a substitute good increases?”
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Macroeconomics: Topics like inflation and GDP. Example: “What is the effect of inflation on purchasing power?”
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Economic Systems: Comparing capitalism and socialism. Example: “What is a key feature of a mixed economy?”
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Market Structures: Questions on monopoly or perfect competition. Example: “What is a characteristic of a perfectly competitive market?”
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Fiscal Policy: Questions on government spending. Example: “What is the purpose of increasing government expenditure?”
Key Focus Areas: Study demand and supply, economic indicators, and fiscal policies. Understand graphical representations.
7. Government
Government questions, relevant for arts and social science students, focus on political systems and institutions. Common questions include:
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Constitutional Development: Questions on Nigerian constitutions. Example: “Which constitution introduced federalism in Nigeria?”
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Political Systems: Comparing democracy and autocracy. Example: “What is a key feature of a presidential system?”
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Organs of Government: Roles of the legislature or judiciary. Example: “What is the primary function of the judiciary?”
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International Relations: Questions on organizations like the UN. Example: “What is the role of the Security Council in the UN?”
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Nigerian Politics: Topics like pre-independence history. Example: “Who was the first Governor-General of Nigeria?”
Key Focus Areas: Study Nigerian political history, government structures, and international organizations.
8. Literature-in-English
Literature questions test analysis and interpretation, often for arts students. Repeated question types include:
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Literary Devices: Identifying figures of speech. Example: “What literary device is used in ‘The world is a stage’?”
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Text Analysis: Questions on prescribed texts. Example: “What is the central theme of ‘Things Fall Apart’?”
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Poetry: Interpreting poems or identifying structures. Example: “What is the rhyme scheme of the given poem?”
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Drama: Questions on character roles or conflicts. Example: “Who is the protagonist in ‘The Lion and the Jewel’?”
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Prose: Analyzing themes or character development. Example: “How does the setting influence the plot in ‘A Man of the People’?”
Key Focus Areas: Read prescribed texts, understand literary terms, and practice textual analysis.
9. Current Affairs
Some institutions include current affairs to test general knowledge. Common questions include:
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Nigerian History: Questions on key events or figures. Example: “Who was Nigeria’s first president?”
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Global Events: Recent international developments. Example: “Which country hosted the 2020 Olympics?”
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Government Policies: Questions on national initiatives. Example: “What is the goal of Nigeria’s Vision 2030?”
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Geography: Basic facts about Nigeria or the world. Example: “What is the capital of Lagos State?”
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General Knowledge: Questions on prominent figures or institutions. Example: “Who is the current UN Secretary-General?”
Key Focus Areas: Stay updated on national and global events, Nigerian history, and government policies.
READ ALSO: Complete Guide to Preparing for UNILAG Post-UTME 2025
FAQs
How many subjects are tested in Post-UTME?
Most universities test four subjects, typically aligning with the candidate’s UTME combination. Some include a fifth subject, such as a general paper or current affairs, depending on the institution.
Are Post-UTME questions repeated?
Yes, many institutions repeat or adapt questions from previous years, especially on fundamental topics. Practicing past questions helps identify recurring themes and question patterns.
What is the format of Post-UTME questions?
The majority are multiple-choice questions (MCQs), but some universities include essay-type or short-answer questions. The format varies by institution, with most using computer-based tests (CBT).
How can I prepare effectively for Post-UTME?
Practice past questions, focus on your UTME subjects, create a study schedule, and simulate exam conditions to improve time management. Joining study groups or seeking tutorials can also help.
Do all universities test the same subjects for a course?
No, subject combinations vary by institution. For example, one university may test English, Economics, Government, and Literature for social sciences, while another may replace Literature with Current Affairs.
How important are past questions for preparation?
Past questions are crucial as they reveal the exam format, highlight frequently tested topics, and improve speed and accuracy. They provide practical insight into what to expect.
Is English compulsory in Post-UTME?
Yes, English is compulsory in most Post-UTME exams, regardless of the course of study, as it tests communication and comprehension skills.
Can I use JAMB past questions for Post-UTME?
While JAMB past questions are helpful, some schools use unique question formats. Specific Post-UTME past questions for your institution are more effective for targeted preparation.
