The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a slight adjustment to the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), particularly those scheduled for the first session.

New Arrival Time for Candidates
According to the board, candidates assigned to the first session are now expected to arrive at their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:00 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m.

However, the exam schedule remains unchanged:
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
End time: 10:30 a.m.

UTME 2026 Exam Dates
JAMB confirmed that the 2026 UTME will still hold as planned:
From: April 16, 2026
To: April 25, 2026

No Need to Reprint Exam Slips
Candidates have also been advised that there is no requirement to reprint their examination slips due to this adjustment. All previously issued slips remain valid.

Why JAMB Adjusted the Time
The board explained that the change was made after concerns from candidates and parents about:
• Early morning travel risks
• Transportation difficulties
• Safety challenges

By shifting the arrival time slightly, JAMB aims to make the process more convenient and safer for candidates nationwide.

What Candidates Should Still Do
Despite the adjustment, candidates are strongly advised to:
• Arrive early enough for biometric verification
• Ensure all required documents are ready
• Locate their CBT centres ahead of exam day

Updated Daily Schedule

JAMB also maintained that the UTME will continue to run multiple sessions daily from Monday to Friday, with improved timing to enhance efficiency across CBT centres.