JAMB Adjusts 2026 UTME Schedule

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a revision to the schedule for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), affecting those assigned to the first session of each exam day.

In a statement released via its official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the examination body disclosed that candidates scheduled for the morning session are now expected to arrive at their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:00 a.m., instead of the previously announced 6:30 a.m.

Despite the change in arrival time, JAMB confirmed that the examination will still commence at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m. as earlier scheduled.

According to the board, the UTME will continue to run in four daily sessions from Monday to Friday across accredited CBT centres nationwide. It explained that the adjustment was introduced to improve operational efficiency and ensure a smoother conduct of the examination.

JAMB also noted that the revision was influenced by feedback from candidates and parents, particularly concerns about the difficulties associated with early morning travel, including safety and transportation challenges.

The board further clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the adjustment.

It added that the 2026 UTME is scheduled to take place between Thursday, April 16 and Saturday, April 25, 2026, urging candidates to strictly adhere to the updated timing and arrive promptly to avoid disruptions.