JAMB 2026: What to Do When Your System Shuts Down in the Exam Hall – Complete Guide for UTME Candidates

Every year, millions of Nigerian students sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The examination is conducted using the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system across accredited CBT centers in Nigeria.

Although the CBT system has improved examination efficiency and reduced malpractice, some candidates occasionally experience technical problems during the examination. One of the most common issues candidates report is a computer suddenly shutting down during the exam.

For many students, this situation can be frightening, especially when they are in the middle of answering questions. Some candidates panic because they think they have lost their answers or that their chances of completing the exam have been destroyed.

However, the truth is that JAMB has procedures in place to handle such situations. If your system shuts down during the examination, there are steps you should follow to ensure the problem is resolved quickly and you can continue your exam without unnecessary stress.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what to do when your system shuts down in the JAMB hall, why such issues happen, how CBT systems save your answers, and important tips to stay calm during the examination.

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Understanding the JAMB CBT Examination System

Before discussing what to do when a computer shuts down, it is important to understand how the JAMB CBT system works.

Unlike the old paper-based system where candidates answered questions on paper sheets, the CBT system allows candidates to answer questions using computers.

Each candidate is assigned a computer system at the CBT center. The exam questions are displayed on the computer screen, and candidates select their answers using a mouse or keyboard.

The CBT system provides several advantages:

• Faster result processing

• Reduced examination malpractice

• Better monitoring of candidates

• Improved exam organization

Despite these advantages, technical problems may still occur occasionally.

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Why a Computer May Shut Down During JAMB Exam

There are several reasons why a system might shut down during the UTME examination.

Understanding these reasons can help candidates remain calm if such a situation occurs.

Power Interruption

One of the most common reasons for a computer shutting down is a power interruption.

Although CBT centers usually have backup generators and power systems, there may still be short interruptions when switching between power sources.

System Overload

Sometimes computers may shut down because the system becomes overloaded.

This can happen when multiple applications are running or when the computer hardware is not functioning properly.

Technical Malfunction

Computers are machines, and machines sometimes malfunction.

A faulty hard drive, overheating processor, or damaged power supply may cause a system to shut down unexpectedly.

Network Issues

The CBT system relies on a network connection to communicate with the examination server.

If the network connection fails, the computer may freeze or restart.

Human Error

Occasionally, technical staff or candidates may accidentally cause system interruptions.

For example, someone might mistakenly disconnect a cable or press the wrong button.

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What Happens If Your System Shuts Down During JAMB

Many candidates fear that if their system shuts down during the exam, they will lose all their answers.

Fortunately, the CBT system used by JAMB has automatic saving features.

This means that every answer you select is saved instantly in the system database.

Therefore, when the computer restarts, your previous answers should still be available.

This feature ensures that candidates do not lose their progress due to technical problems.

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What to Do Immediately When Your System Shuts Down

If your computer suddenly shuts down during the examination, follow these steps.

Stay Calm

The most important thing to do is remain calm.

Panicking will not solve the problem and may distract other candidates in the hall.

Remember that technical problems sometimes happen, and CBT centers are prepared to handle them.

Raise Your Hand

Immediately raise your hand to signal the invigilator or exam official.

Do not shout or attempt to fix the computer yourself.

The invigilator will come to your desk to inspect the problem.

Inform the Technical Staff

Explain what happened clearly.

Tell them that your computer shut down while you were answering questions.

The technical staff will check the system and determine the cause of the problem.

Wait for Instructions

Once the issue is reported, wait patiently for instructions from the exam officials.

They will either restart the computer or assign you another system.

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What the CBT Technicians Will Do

When a system shuts down during the exam, CBT technicians usually take the following steps.

Restart the Computer

The first step is usually to restart the system.

Once the computer restarts, the technician will log back into your exam session.

Your previous answers should still be saved.

Check the Network Connection

If the shutdown was caused by network problems, the technician will check the connection.

Once the connection is restored, the exam session can continue.

Move You to Another Computer

If the computer cannot be fixed quickly, you may be moved to another system.

The technician will log your exam session into the new computer.

You will continue from where you stopped.

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Will You Lose Your Answers?

This is one of the most common questions candidates ask.

The answer is usually no.

The CBT system used by JAMB automatically saves answers as you select them.

Therefore, when the system restarts, your answers should still be present.

However, it is always important to answer questions carefully and avoid rushing.

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Will You Lose Time During the Exam?

If a system shuts down, candidates sometimes worry about losing exam time.

In most cases, exam officials will ensure that candidates are given enough time to continue their exam.

The system timer may pause temporarily while technicians fix the issue.

However, this depends on the specific situation.

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What You Should Never Do When a System Shuts Down

Some candidates make mistakes that worsen the situation.

Below are things you should never do.

Do Not Panic

Panicking can cause confusion and disrupt the exam environment.

Do Not Attempt to Fix the Computer

Candidates should never attempt to restart or repair the system themselves.

Only authorized technicians should handle technical problems.

Do Not Leave Your Seat

Remain seated until an invigilator instructs you otherwise.

Do Not Argue With Officials

Follow instructions given by exam officials calmly.

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How CBT Centers Prevent System Shutdowns

JAMB has taken several measures to reduce the chances of technical failures during examinations.

These measures include:

• Providing backup generators

• Installing stable network systems

• Using reliable computer hardware

• Deploying trained technical staff

These precautions ensure that most exams proceed smoothly.

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Other Technical Problems That May Occur

Apart from system shutdowns, candidates may experience other technical issues.

These include:

• Frozen computer screens

• Slow system response

• Mouse or keyboard problems

• Login issues

In all such cases, candidates should inform the invigilator immediately.

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Tips to Stay Calm During the JAMB Exam

Remaining calm during the exam can help you handle unexpected situations.

Here are some useful tips.

Arrive Early

Getting to the CBT center early allows you to settle down before the exam begins.

Take Deep Breaths

Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety.

Focus on the Questions

Concentrate on answering the questions rather than worrying about technical issues.

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How to Prepare for the JAMB CBT Exam

Preparation is the key to success in the UTME.

Candidates should prepare well before the exam day.

Study the JAMB Syllabus

The syllabus shows the topics that will appear in the exam.

Practice CBT Questions

Practicing CBT questions helps candidates become familiar with the exam format.

Revise Past Questions

Past questions provide insight into the exam pattern.

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Important JAMB Exam Rules

Candidates must follow several rules during the examination.

These include:

• Arriving early at the CBT center

• Bringing the printed examination slip

• Avoiding prohibited items

• Following instructions from exam officials

Failure to follow these rules may result in disqualification.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my computer shuts down during JAMB?

Inform the invigilator immediately.

Technicians will restart the system or move you to another computer.

Will I lose my answers?

No. The CBT system automatically saves answers.

Can I restart the computer myself?

No. Only technicians are allowed to handle technical issues.

Will I lose exam time?

Exam officials usually ensure candidates can continue their exams.

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Final Thoughts

Experiencing a computer shutdown during the UTME examination can be stressful, but it is not the end of the exam.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has systems and procedures designed to handle such technical problems.

Candidates should remain calm, inform the invigilator, and follow the instructions given by exam officials.

With the right preparation and mindset, technical issues can be resolved quickly, allowing candidates to continue their examination smoothly.

The most important thing is to stay focused and do your best.

Success in the UTME depends not only on knowledge but also on confidence and composure.