JAMB Adjusts UTME Arrival Time for 2026 Candidates

JAMB Adjusts UTME Arrival Time for 2026 Candidates
Examination will still start 8:30 am and end 10:30 am
Change followed safety and transport concerns raised by candidates and parents

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said that it has adjusted the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The board disclosed the update in a notice shared on its official 𝕏 platform on Monday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the board, candidates scheduled for the first session are now expected to arrive at their designated Computer Based Test centres by 7:00 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m.

JAMB, however, maintained that the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

“Attention 2026 UTME candidates: This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00 a.m. as against the earlier published 6:30 a.m., while the start time is 8:30 a.m. and end time 10:30 a.m.,” the board stated.

The board explained that the revised timetable provides for four sessions daily, scheduled from Monday to Friday across accredited CBT centres nationwide. It said the adjustment was aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring a smoother examination process.

JAMB added that the decision followed concerns raised by candidates and parents over the earlier reporting time, particularly challenges linked to early morning travel, safety risks, and transportation difficulties.

JAMB Adjusts UTME Arrival Time for 2026 Candidates

The board clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips as a result of the adjustment.

It further stated that the 2026 UTME will hold from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, and urged candidates to adhere strictly to the updated schedule to avoid disruptions.