2026 UTME Update: JAMB Directs Candidates to Report by 7:00am

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has changed the reporting time for candidates taking the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Candidates must now arrive at 7:00 am instead of the previous 6:30 am for the first session.

JAMB confirmed this adjustment in updates reported by reputable education and news sources. This change is part of JAMB’s effort to improve the accreditation process and better manage logistics at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers across the country.

What has changed from the earlier 6:30 am schedule?

Previously, candidates assigned to early sessions had to arrive by 6:30 am to allow time for biometric verification before the exams started.

With the new arrangement:

• Arrival time: Now 7:00 am (first session only)
• Accreditation period: Starts immediately after arrival
• Examination start time: Usually follows the completion of accreditation (varies by session and centre)

Reports suggest this change aims to reduce the early-morning logistical pressure and enhance the efficiency of processing candidates at CBT centres.

Why did JAMB adjust the arrival time?

Although JAMB has not released a detailed press statement about the change, related operational updates indicate the adjustment aims to:

• Reduce congestion at CBT centers during early accreditation hours
• Make biometric verification more efficient
• Improve candidate safety during early morning travel
• Standardize exam operations based on sessions nationwide

These issues have come up repeatedly in previous UTME cycles, particularly concerning arrival logistics and transportation challenges.

What should candidates do now?

Education stakeholders and exam officials stress that candidates should:

• Follow the time indicated on their individual examination slips
• Arrive at least one hour before their scheduled accreditation time
• Avoid depending on general social media information
• Prepare for possible differences based on sessions at various centres

JAMB has consistently stated that the e-registration slip is the official document guiding each candidate’s schedule, not just general announcements.

Conclusion

The new update moves the first-session arrival time to 7:00 am, but JAMB still operates a session-based scheduling system. Candidates must rely primarily on their individual exam slips for accurate reporting instructions.

As the 2026 UTME approaches, candidates are strongly encouraged to stay informed through official JAMB channels to avoid misinformation and ensure smooth participation.