The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced a slight but important adjustment to the reporting and examination schedule for candidates sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This update, which mainly affects candidates assigned to the first session, is part of JAMB’s effort to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and ensure a smoother examination process nationwide.
If you are writing the 2026 UTME, this is critical information you cannot afford to ignore.
Overview of the New JAMB 2026 Timing Adjustment
According to the official statement, candidates scheduled for the first session are now expected to:
- Arrive by 7:00 a.m. (instead of 6:30 a.m.)
- Begin examination by 8:30 a.m.
- Finish by 10:30 a.m.
While this may seem like a small change, it has major implications for how candidates should plan their exam day.
Why JAMB Adjusted the Time
This adjustment did not happen randomly. It is a response to real challenges faced during previous UTME exercises.
1. Early Morning Stress
Many candidates struggled with the previous 6:30 a.m. reporting time, especially those traveling from distant locations or living in areas with transportation issues.
2. CBT Centre Congestion
At many Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, candidates often arrived at the same time, causing overcrowding and delays.
3. Technical and Logistical Delays
Early arrivals sometimes led to systems not being ready and delays in biometric verification.
By shifting the reporting time slightly, JAMB aims to improve coordination and reduce stress.
Full JAMB 2026 Exam Schedule Breakdown
Session 1
Arrival: 7:00 a.m.
Exam Starts: 8:30 a.m.
Exam Ends: 10:30 a.m.
Session 2
Arrival: 9:00 a.m.
Exam Starts: 11:00 a.m.
Exam Ends: 1:00 p.m.
Session 3
Arrival: 11:00 a.m.
Exam Starts: 1:30 p.m.
Exam Ends: 3:30 p.m.
Session 4
Arrival: 2:00 p.m.
Exam Starts: 4:00 p.m.
Exam Ends: 6:00 p.m.
Friday Special Arrangement
JAMB maintains a special arrangement for Fridays. The third session may be adjusted to accommodate religious observances. Candidates scheduled on Fridays should pay close attention to their specific timing.
Do You Need to Reprint Your JAMB Slip?
No.
JAMB clearly stated that candidates do not need to reprint their examination slips. Your current slip remains valid. You only need to take note of the updated timing.
What This Means for Candidates
This adjustment changes how you should prepare for your exam day.
You should still arrive early, at least 30 to 60 minutes before your reporting time. Late arrival can prevent you from writing the exam.
Preparation should start the night before your exam.
