JAMB UTME Technical Issues: What to Do If Your Exam Is Disrupted

Technical issues during UTME can be stressful, but JAMB has procedures to help affected candidates. This guide explains what to do if you experience problems during your exam and how to qualify for a resit.

Common Technical Issues During UTME

Candidates may experience various technical problems at CBT centres:

Biometric Verification Failures

• Fingerprint not recognized by the system
• Face recognition failure
• System unable to verify your identity

Computer/System Issues

• Computer freezing or crashing
• Logged out of the system unexpectedly
• Questions not loading on screen
• Unable to submit answers

Centre-Wide Problems

• Server downtime affecting all candidates
• Power outage without backup
• Network/connectivity failures
• Centre shutdown during exam

What to Do During the Exam

Step 1: Stay Calm

Do not panic. Technical issues happen and JAMB has procedures to handle them. Your registration is not lost.

Step 2: Alert an Invigilator Immediately

Raise your hand and inform the nearest invigilator about your problem. Do not:

• Try to fix the computer yourself
• Restart the system without permission
• Move to another computer without authorization
• Leave your seat

Step 3: Document the Issue

Make sure the invigilator records your problem officially. This documentation is crucial for qualifying for a resit. Note:

• Your seat number
• Time the problem occurred
• What happened exactly
• Name of invigilator you reported to

Step 4: Follow Centre Instructions

The centre may:

• Move you to another computer
• Restart your session with remaining time
• Record your details for rescheduling
• Ask you to wait for instructions

Biometric Verification Issues

If biometric verification fails during your exam:

At the Centre

1. Inform the invigilator immediately
2. Your details will be recorded
3. You may be asked to attempt verification again
4. If it still fails, you will be scheduled for resit

Special Cases

Candidates with severe biometric abnormalities (physical conditions affecting fingerprints) may be required to:

• Register at JAMB National Headquarters in Abuja
• Sit the exam at the headquarters on a special date
• JAMB may cover travel expenses in such cases

How to Qualify for Resit/Mop-Up

Not everyone who claims technical issues qualifies for a resit. JAMB only reschedules candidates whose problems were:

Eligible Situations

• Issues officially recorded by centre officials
• System logs confirm the problem
• Centre-wide technical failures affecting multiple candidates
• Biometric verification failures documented by JAMB

Not Eligible

• Problems not reported during the exam
• Issues you caused yourself (e.g., closing the browser)
• Arriving late and missing your session
• Personal device issues (if you tried using own device)

How JAMB Notifies Affected Candidates

If you qualify for a resit, JAMB will notify you through:

• SMS to your registered phone number
• Email to your registered address
• Your JAMB profile on the portal
• Public announcements listing affected centres

Resit Examination Process

When It Happens

JAMB conducts resit examinations:

• During the remaining UTME dates (if identified early)
• As a mop-up examination (usually late June)

How to Prepare

1. Check your JAMB profile regularly
2. Print your resit examination slip when available
3. Confirm your new date and centre
4. Arrive early on resit day

Protecting Yourself from Issues

While you cannot prevent all technical problems, you can reduce risks:

Before the Exam

• Ensure your fingerprints are clean and dry
• Verify your centre is JAMB-accredited
• Print your slip early and confirm details
• Visit the centre before exam day to confirm location

During the Exam

• Follow all instructions carefully
• Do not touch unnecessary keys or buttons
• Report any issues immediately
• Save progress by clicking Next regularly

What If I Miss the Resit Too?

If you miss both the main exam and the resit:

• JAMB may conduct a final mop-up examination
• If you miss all opportunities, you forfeit that year's registration
• You will need to register and pay again for the next UTME cycle

Checking Your Result After Resit

Resit results are released and checked the same way as main UTME results:

1. Send UTMERESULT to 55019 from your registered phone
2. Or log into portal.jamb.gov.ng
3. Results may take a few extra days compared to main UTME results

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my resit score be lower than main UTME?

No. Resit questions are from the same bank and have the same difficulty level. Your score depends on your performance.

Do universities know I wrote resit instead of main exam?

Universities cannot distinguish resit from main UTME results. Your score is treated equally.

What if the same problem happens during resit?

If documented, you may qualify for the mop-up examination. However, if it happens repeatedly, JAMB may investigate your biometrics at headquarters.

Can I request a resit for low scores?

No. Resit is only for candidates who could not complete the exam due to technical issues, not for those who want to improve their scores.