Items allowed into the exam hall

The only items specifically permitted for the 2026 UTME are:

• An HB pencil
• A copy of your JAMB exam slip

Bring only what is allowed. Anything else on the prohibited list below may result in you being disallowed from taking the exam.

23 Prohibited items (do not bring these)

Candidates found with any of the following items in the examination hall will be disallowed from sitting the UTME:

1. Wristwatches
2. Pen/Biro
3. Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
4. Spy/reading glasses that require scrutiny
5. Calculators or similar electronic devices
6. USB drives, CDs, hard disks or similar storage devices
7. Books or any reading/writing material
8. Cameras
9. Recorders
10. Microphones
11. Earpieces
12. Ink/pen readers
13. Smart lenses
14. Smart rings/jewellery
15. Smart buttons
16. Bluetooth devices
17. Key holders
18. ATM cards
19. Erasers
20. Bangles
21. Rings
22. Necklaces
23. Wallets/Purses

Note: If an examination official or any authorised person is found with these prohibited items inside the hall, the action will be treated as examination sabotage and will attract sanctions.

Instructions on biometric verification

1. Biometric verification is the only mode of admittance into the examination centre. Every candidate must undergo biometric verification before being allowed in.
2. If a candidate cannot be verified immediately, they should not be made to wait outside; the candidate should be recaptured at the centre before leaving. Only genuine cases will be treated subsequently.
3. There is no attendance register other than the biometric verification. The biometric record will serve as the official attendance register during examinations.
4. Photo albums will display candidate pictures only; they will not carry markings for present or absent status.
5. All examination officials and security agents must enforce these guidelines and other examination rules strictly.

Practical exam-day tips for candidates

• Check and print your exam slip well before the exam day and bring a clean copy to the centre.
• Bring only an HB pencil for any rough work. Do not bring pens, erasers, or other stationery listed as prohibited.
• Leave jewellery, wallets, phones and other prohibited items at home. If you must travel with them, arrange a trusted secure place outside the exam venue; do not rely on the centre to store prohibited items.
• Arrive early to allow time for biometric verification and any necessary recapture.
• Cooperate with examination officials during verification: present your exam slip when requested and follow centre instructions to speed up processing.
• If you have concerns about verification (e.g., fingerprint or photo issues), report them immediately at the centre so you can be recaptured before leaving.

Quick pre-exam checklist

• Printed JAMB exam slip (clean copy)
• HB pencil
• Identity details as required on the exam slip
• Plan for safe keeping of prohibited personal items before entering the centre
• Time to arrive early for biometric verification