JAMB 2026 UTME Exam Day: Prohibited Items, Biometric Checks & Final Instructions

The 2026 JAMB UTME runs from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026. This update adds the official list of prohibited items and clarifies biometric verification and final instructions you must follow on exam day. Keep this checklist handy and act on the items you can control now (print slip, locate centre, pack allowed items).

Print your exam slip and confirm your schedule

Your printed examination slip shows your exact date, time and assigned centre. If you have not printed it yet, go to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal and print your slip before the exam. Do this at least a day before your scheduled date so you can locate the centre and make transport arrangements.

Prohibited items (bring only what’s allowed)

JAMB is strict about items taken into the examination hall. For the 2026 UTME, the only items you should plan to bring into the hall are your printed examination slip and an HB pencil. Candidates found with any prohibited item risk being disallowed from the exam and having their result cancelled.

Below is the complete list of prohibited items as flagged for the 2026 UTME (items are not allowed into the exam hall):

• Wristwatches (analogue or digital)
• Pen / biro
• Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
• Spy reading glasses (glassware that requires scrutiny)
• Calculators or similar electronic devices
• USB drives, CDs, hard disks and similar external storage devices
• Books or any reading/writing material
• Cameras
• Recorders
• Microphones
• Earpieces / earbuds
• Ink / pen readers
• Smart lenses
• Smart rings / smart jewellery
• Smart buttons
• Bluetooth devices
• Key holders
• ATM cards
• Erasers
• Bangles / rings / necklaces
• Wallet / purse
• Any other electronic device or unauthorised aid

If an examination official or any authorised person is found with any of these items inside the hall, that action will be treated as examination sabotage and sanctioned accordingly.

Biometric verification — what to expect

1. Biometric verification (fingerprint/photo) is mandatory and is the only accepted mode of admittance into the centre.
2. No alternative attendance register is used — biometric verification doubles as the attendance record.
3. If your biometric fails, you should not be made to wait indefinitely: you must be recaptured at the centre before leaving so the issue can be treated as a genuine case where applicable.
4. All centre officials and security personnel must enforce the biometric process and comply with JAMB guidelines.

What to bring

• Printed examination slip — mandatory (bring the hard copy, not just a phone screenshot).
• HB pencil(s) — bring at least two; pencils are the only writing instruments allowed.
• Light snack and water — you may wait before the session starts; pack light to speed security checks.

Travel light. The fewer items you have, the quicker you clear security screening and biometric checks.

Before you leave home

• Locate your centre at least one day before your exam — visit it or confirm the directions and travel time.
• Arrange transport the day before; plan for traffic, especially in major cities.
• Set alarms and have someone wake you if you worry about oversleeping.
• Do not drink excessive water right before the exam to avoid repeated toilet breaks.
• Charge any devices you must leave at home with a trusted person (phones must not be brought into the hall).

Arrival, accreditation and seating

Arrive at your centre at least 30–60 minutes before your scheduled time. Accreditation includes:

1. Document check: officials verify your printed slip
2. Biometric verification: fingerprints and photo matching
3. Seating assignment: you will be directed to your computer terminal

If your biometrics fail, report immediately to the centre supervisor so recapture can be done before you leave.

Exam format (reminder)

Component	Details
Subjects	Use of English (compulsory) + 3 other subjects
Total Questions	180 (60 for English, 40 each for other subjects)
Duration	2 hours (120 minutes)
Maximum Score	400
Required Reading	The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba (check your syllabus for confirmation)

During the exam — quick tips

• Manage time: roughly 40 seconds per question; flag difficult ones and return later.
• Use on‑screen navigation to move between questions; read on‑screen instructions before starting.
• If your terminal freezes or you face a technical issue, raise your hand and inform an invigilator immediately — do not attempt to fix equipment yourself.
• If there is a power outage, stay seated and follow invigilator instructions; centres are required to have backup arrangements.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Arriving late — latecomers are not admitted once accreditation closes.
• Forgetting the printed slip — a phone screenshot is usually not accepted.
• Bringing prohibited items — this can lead to disqualification.
• Rushing questions — read carefully and review answers if time permits.

After the exam

JAMB typically releases UTME results within 48 hours to two weeks after the exam. Check the JAMB website for official result announcements and guidance. For admission status and processing, monitor JAMB's student portal/e‑facility as instructed by JAMB.

Official contacts & where to check updates

• JAMB official website (for announcements and result guidance): jamb.gov.ng
• JAMB e‑Facility / student portal (for admission processing and status): efacility.jamb.gov.ng

Avoid social media rumours about postponements, score changes or “expo” services. Follow official JAMB channels for confirmed information and focus on your preparation. Good luck — prepare well, sleep early, get to the centre on time and stay calm during the test.