2026 UTME Candidates Modified Across Sessions By JAMB

JAMB modifies the 2026 UTME timetable, namely rescheduling Session 1 arrival to 7:00 AM and altering schedules for all examination sessions nationwide.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has declared a modification to the arrival schedule for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), affecting all examination sessions.

The update, which modifies the first session arrival time from 6:30am to 7:00am and revises other session timelines, was disclosed in an official statement shared on the Board’s X handle. The adjustment follows concerns raised over early morning reporting times and logistical coordination challenges experienced in previous exercises and mock examinations.

JAMB announced: “Notice to 2026 UTME Candidates: 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, while the scheduled start time for the session is now 8:30 am and end time”

The Board has announced that Session 1 will commence at 8:30 AM to 10:30am. Session 2 is scheduled for 11:00am to 1:00pm, Session 3 will run from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, while Session 4 is fixed for 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Friday sittings will maintain the structure, though Session 3 has been designated as reserved.

The UTME remains a nationwide computer-based examination conducted annually by JAMB for admission seekers into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

Over time, the Board has implemented tighter scheduling systems and biometric verification procedures to enhance transparency, curb malpractice, and ensure proper candidate identification at examination centres.

JAMB strongly advised candidates to meticulously follow the amended timetable, highlighting the significance of punctuality for verification and other preparatory procedures prior to the commencement of each session.