UTME 2026: JAMB Issues Fresh Schedule Update, Confirms Saturday Examination Timetable Alignment
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a fresh clarification regarding the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) schedule, addressing concerns raised by candidates assigned to Saturday examination sessions.
Ejes Gist News reports that, in an update released via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the board confirmed that the adjusted timetable earlier announced for weekday sessions now applies uniformly to all candidates, including those scheduled for Saturday examinations.
“Dear Candidates, kindly note that the newly adjusted 2026 UTME timetable for Monday to Thursday examination sessions is also applicable to examination schedules for Saturday. Thank you,” the board stated.
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The clarification comes as more than 2.2 million registered candidates prepare for the nationwide computer-based examination, which officially commences on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and runs through Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Revised Session Timetable: What Candidates Must Know
The board has standardised the examination schedule across all days to ensure uniform coordination and reduce confusion among candidates reporting at nearly 1,000 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
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| Session | Arrival Time | Examination Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 7:00 AM | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Session 2 | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Session 3 | 11:00 AM | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Session 4 | 2:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Friday Exception: Friday examinations will maintain the same structure; however, Session 3 has been designated as reserved for administrative purposes.
Why JAMB Adjusted the Arrival Time
The adjustment to the Session 1 arrival time—from the previously published 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM—followed widespread feedback from candidates, parents, and education stakeholders regarding safety and logistical concerns.
Key concerns that prompted the revision include:
- Pre-dawn travel risks: Earlier schedules required candidates to travel in the dark, particularly in areas with poor road networks or security challenges.
- Transportation availability: Many candidates from remote locations struggled to secure reliable transport before 6:00 AM.
- Centre congestion: The staggered session structure allows CBT centres to manage candidate flow more efficiently.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had earlier emphasised the board’s commitment to a seamless examination process, noting that the revised reporting times were designed to prioritise candidate welfare without compromising examination integrity.
No Need to Reprint Examination Slips
JAMB has confirmed that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the schedule adjustment.
Candidates are advised to:
- Arrive at their assigned centres strictly according to the revised times.
- Present their original examination slip at the centre gate.
- Undergo biometric verification before entering the examination hall.
- Report any discrepancies to JAMB officials at the centre immediately.
The board warned that lateness beyond the stipulated arrival time will result in automatic disqualification from that session, with no provision for rescheduling.
Strict Ban on Prohibited Items
As UTME 2026 begins, JAMB has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, publishing a comprehensive list of banned items that candidates must not bring to any CBT centre.
Prohibited items include:
- Wristwatches (all types, including analogue)
- Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
- Calculators or similar electronic devices
- USB drives, CDs, hard disks, and similar storage devices
- Smart lenses, smart rings, smart buttons, and jewellery
- Bluetooth devices, earpieces, microphones, and recorders
- Cameras and spy reading glasses
- Books and writing materials (except ordinary HB pencils)
- Bags, wallets, purses, key holders, and ATM cards
- Erasers, pens/biros, ink, and pen readers
Penalties for Violations:
| Offence Code | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Code D | Impersonation | Result cancellation + 2-year ban + prosecution |
| Code G | Violent or unruly behaviour | Result cancellation + expulsion + 3-year ban + prosecution |
| Code J | Possession of a mobile phone | Result cancellation + prosecution |
| Code B | Possession of a calculator | Result cancellation + prosecution |
| Code K | Collusion with examiners or agents | Result cancellation + 3-year ban + prosecution |
| Code M | Mass cheating | Result cancellation + prosecution |
| Code P | Result tampering | Result cancellation + 3-year ban + prosecution for forgery |
Source: JAMB Examination Malpractice Act
2026 UTME: Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UTME Registration Start | January 31, 2026 |
| UTME Registration Close | March 8, 2026 |
| Mock UTME | March 28, 2026 |
| Main UTME Start | April 16, 2026 |
| Main UTME End | April 25, 2026 |
| Direct Entry Registration Start | March 2, 2026 |
| Direct Entry Registration Close | April 25, 2026 |
Sources: JAMB official communications
What Candidates Should Do Now
With the examination window now open, candidates are advised to:
- Verify their examination date, session, and centre on their printed slip.
- Plan their travel routes in advance, taking traffic and security conditions into account.
- Arrive at the centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time for biometric clearance.
- Bring only an HB pencil and examination slip, as all other items are prohibited.
- Follow JAMB’s official X handle (@JAMBHQ) for real-time updates and announcements.
The board warned that any candidate found with unauthorised materials will not be allowed to sit for the examination and may face prosecution under the Examination Malpractice Act.
Background: A Record-Breaking Examination Year
The 2026 UTME is one of the largest and most tightly regulated in Nigeria’s history, with more than 2.2 million candidates registered nationwide.
The examination serves as the primary screening mechanism for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Candidates are tested in four subjects relevant to their chosen course of study, with English Language compulsory for all.
JAMB has continued to implement biometric verification, CCTV monitoring, and enhanced security protocols across all accredited centres to curb malpractice and ensure a transparent process.
Ejes Gist News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the 2026 UTME progresses.
