JAMB Issues Critical Update for 2026 UTME Examination Schedule
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released a fresh update concerning the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination timetable, providing crucial clarification for all registered candidates nationwide. This announcement aims to standardize scheduling and minimize confusion as the examination period approaches.
Uniform Schedule for All Examination Days
In an official communication shared via its X platform, JAMB informed candidates that recent adjustments made to the weekday examination timetable will now apply uniformly to Saturday sessions as well. The board emphasized that the revised schedule previously announced for Monday through Thursday sessions should serve as the standard format for all candidates, regardless of their assigned examination day.
The board stated clearly: "Dear Candidates, kindly note that the newly adjusted 2026 UTME timetable for Monday to Thursday examination sessions is also applicable to examination schedules for Saturday. Thank you."
Detailed Examination Session Breakdown
According to the updated schedule, candidates will participate in four daily sessions with specific timing arrangements:
- Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Session 2: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Session 3: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
- Session 4: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Candidates must arrive at their designated centers well before their scheduled sessions, with specific reporting times established:
- 7:00 AM for first session candidates
- 9:00 AM for second session candidates
- 11:00 AM for third session candidates
- 2:00 PM for final session candidates
Importance of Adhering to Revised Timetable
JAMB has strongly urged all registered candidates to pay close attention to the revised timetable to prevent confusion or lateness at examination centers. The board continues to implement updates as part of ongoing efforts to ensure smooth examination conduct across Nigeria.
Candidates are encouraged to regularly monitor official JAMB communication channels for additional announcements as the examination period progresses. This proactive approach will help candidates properly plan their arrival times and final preparations before their examination dates.
Background Context and Previous Announcements
This schedule clarification follows earlier JAMB announcements regarding the 2026 UTME administration. The board previously fixed January 26 as the commencement date for application form sales for both UTME and Direct Entry admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Registration guidelines required prospective candidates to possess a National Identification Number and valid email address, with forms available for purchase from January 31 through March 8, 2026. Additionally, JAMB has maintained strict examination protocols, including a comprehensive list of banned items from examination halls.
According to the 2026 UTME manual, only HB pencils and examination slips will be permitted in Computer-Based Test centers, with candidates found with unauthorized materials facing disqualification. These measures underscore JAMB's commitment to examination integrity and fairness throughout the testing process.
