JAMB 2025 UTME: Complete Guide to Prohibited Items and Biometric Verification

Every year, thousands of JAMB candidates face preventable exam hall setbacks simply because they arrived with prohibited items or misunderstood biometric verification requirements. Don't let avoidable mistakes cost you your exam slot. Here's everything you need to know about JAMB's strict 2025 UTME exam hall rules.

What You Can Bring: The Short List

JAMB's policy is remarkably strict and intentionally minimalist. You are permitted to bring exactly two items into the examination hall:

• An HB pencil for shading answers
• Your printed JAMB exam slip as proof of registration

That's it. Everything else falls under prohibited items and will cause problems at the exam center entrance.

19 Items Banned from JAMB Exam Halls

JAMB maintains a comprehensive list of prohibited items to prevent examination malpractice. Bringing any of these will result in denial of entry or confiscation:

Electronic Devices

• Mobile phones or any similar communication devices
• Watches (including analog, digital, and smart watches)
• Calculators or computing devices
• Cameras or recording equipment
• Microphones or audio recorders
• Bluetooth devices of any kind
• Earpieces or headphones

Storage and Technology

• USB flash drives
• CDs, DVDs, or external hard drives
• Smart lenses or reading glasses requiring scrutiny
• Smart rings or jewelry with embedded technology
• Smart buttons or wearable tech
• Ink/pen readers

Reading and Writing Materials

• Books, notebooks, or study materials
• Pens or biros (you'll use pencil only)
• Erasers (not permitted despite seeming logical)

Personal Items

• Key holders
• ATM cards or wallets
• Spy glasses or visual aids requiring examination

Understanding Biometric Verification

Biometric verification has completely replaced traditional attendance methods for JAMB exams. Here's what you need to know:

It's Your Only Entry Method

You cannot enter the examination hall without successful biometric verification. This fingerprint-based system confirms your identity and replaces paper attendance registers. If you registered with JAMB, your biometric data is already in their system.

What Happens If Verification Fails?

JAMB's policy states candidates who cannot verify biometrically should be "recaptured at the center before leaving." This means exam center officials will re-take your biometric data on the spot. Genuine technical issues are handled case-by-case, but the key is not to leave the center until the issue is resolved.

No Marking Indicators

Unlike traditional attendance where someone marks you present, biometric verification automatically logs your attendance digitally. Photo albums at centers are for reference only and don't include present/absent markings.

Practical Tips for Exam Day

Before Leaving Home

• Double-check you have only your HB pencil and exam slip
• Leave phones, watches, and wallets at home or with a trusted person outside the exam center
• Wear simple clothing without smart accessories or embedded technology
• Remove any rings, smart jewelry, or wearable tech

At the Exam Center

• Arrive early to allow time for biometric verification queues
• Keep your exam slip accessible for quick presentation
• If your biometric verification fails, insist on immediate recapture before leaving the premises
• Follow all instructions from exam officials promptly

Why These Rules Matter

JAMB's strict policies exist for one primary reason: ensuring fair, malpractice-free examinations. High-tech cheating devices have become increasingly sophisticated, prompting JAMB to ban items that seem innocent but could facilitate exam fraud.

For security personnel and exam officials, the stakes are even higher. Anyone found with prohibited items—even authorized personnel—faces examination sabotage charges and mandatory sanctions. This zero-tolerance approach protects exam integrity and ensures all candidates compete on equal footing.

Final Checklist

Before your JAMB exam:

• ✓ Print your exam slip (multiple copies recommended)
• ✓ Purchase quality HB pencils (bring two in case one breaks)
• ✓ Leave all prohibited items at home
• ✓ Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes early
• ✓ Know your exam center location in advance
• ✓ Understand the biometric verification process

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