The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially adjusted the arrival time for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This update specifically affects candidates scheduled for the first session of the day.
According to a notice shared via JAMB’s official channels, first-session candidates are now expected to arrive at their examination centres by 7:00 AM, shifting from the previously announced 6:30 AM.
New 2026 UTME Schedule (First Session)
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Arrival Time: 7:00 AM (formerly 6:30 AM)
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Exam Start Time: 8:30 AM
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Exam End Time: 10:30 AM
Do You Need to Reprint Your Slip?
JAMB has clarified that candidates do not need to reprint their examination slips or photo cards following this adjustment. The board advised students to simply note the new arrival time to ensure a smoother experience on exam day.
Why the Change?
The decision comes after feedback from parents and candidates regarding the challenges of early morning travel. By moving the arrival time to 7:00 AM, JAMB aims to address security concerns and logistical difficulties faced by travelers from distant locations before dawn.
Full Daily Timetable (Monday – Thursday)
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Session 1: Arrival: 7:00 AM | Start: 8:30 AM | End: 10:30 AM
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Session 2: Arrival: 9:00 AM | Start: 11:00 AM | End: 1:00 PM
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Session 3: Arrival: 11:00 AM | Start: 1:30 PM | End: 3:30 PM
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Session 4: Arrival: 2:00 PM | Start: 4:00 PM | End: 6:00 PM
Key Exam Dates
The 2026 UTME is scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Over 2.2 million candidates are expected to participate nationwide.
Voxtrendy Success Tip: Don’t let the extra 30 minutes make you complacent! Aim to be at your CBT centre by 7:00 AM sharp to complete your biometric verification without stress. Good luck to all 2026 candidates!
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