The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has announced a slight but significant adjustment to the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The update, communicated on Monday, April 13, 2026, was issued via JAMB’s official X (formerly Twitter), handle and primarily affects candidates scheduled for the first session.
Official Announcement and Key Change
According to JAMB, candidates for the first session are now required to:
- Arrive at their CBT centres by: 7:00 a.m.
- Previous arrival time: 6:30 a.m.
- Exam start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Exam end time: 10:30 a.m.
In its official notice, JAMB stated:
“This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival scheduled time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00am as against the earlier published 6:30am…”
This confirms that while the arrival time has changed, the exam duration and structure remain the same.
Full Daily UTME Schedule (Revised)
JAMB maintains four sessions per day across all accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT), centres nationwide.
Monday – Thursday Schedule
| Session | Arrival Time | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 7:00 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
| Session 2 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Session 3 | 11:00 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Session 4 | 2:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Friday Schedule (Special Consideration)
| Session | Arrival Time | Exam Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 7:00 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Normal |
| Session 2 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Normal |
| Session 3 | 11:00 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Reserved |
| Session 4 | 2:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Normal |
The board emphasized that these adjustments are designed to ensure smoother coordination and reduced congestion at CBT centres.
Important Instructions to Candidates
No Reprinting of Exam Slips Required
JAMB clearly stated that:
- Candidates do not need to reprint their examination slips.
- The updated timing automatically applies to all candidates.
Mandatory Compliance
Candidates must:
- Arrive strictly according to their assigned session time
- Complete biometric verification before the exam
- Follow all CBT centre regulations
Failure to arrive on time may result in disqualification from the session.
Reason for the Adjustment
The change comes in response to long-standing feedback from:
- Candidates
- Parents and guardians
Major concerns included:
- Safety risks associated with traveling before dawn
- Transportation difficulties, especially in rural or distant areas
- Logistical stress at CBT centres due to early crowd buildup
By shifting arrival time from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., JAMB aims to:
- Improve candidate safety
- Reduce early-morning stress
- Enhance operational efficiency nationwide
UTME 2026 Examination Timeline
The 2026 UTME is scheduled as follows:
- Start date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
- End date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
The examination will take place across approved CBT centres nationwide, accommodating candidates in multiple sessions daily.
Broader Context of UTME
The UTME remains Nigeria’s primary entrance examination into:
- Universities
- Polytechnics
- Colleges of Education
Over the years, JAMB has introduced reforms such as:
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Biometric verification
- Anti-malpractice monitoring systems
This latest adjustment reflects JAMB’s continued effort to respond to stakeholder concerns and improve exam administration.
Implications of the New Schedule
Positive Outcomes
- Safer travel conditions for candidates
- Reduced fatigue before exams
- Better time management at centres
- Improved crowd control and logistics
Key Risks to Avoid
- Misreading session time
- Late arrival (which can lead to denial of entry)
Conclusion
The adjustment of the UTME arrival time by JAMB—though seemingly minor—represents a thoughtful and responsive policy shift. By addressing safety and logistical concerns, the board is improving the overall examination experience for millions of candidates.
All candidates are strongly advised to:
- Confirm their session details
- Plan their journey ahead of time
- Arrive early enough for verification
Proper adherence to the revised schedule will be critical for a smooth and successful examination process.