UTME 2026: What Candidates Must Know Before the Exam

As candidates prepare for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled to run from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, attention has turned to the rules guiding the conduct of the examination.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has outlined strict guidelines aimed at maintaining the integrity of the exercise, warning that violations could lead to cancellation of results, bans, or prosecution under the Examination Malpractice Act.

The examination will be conducted across accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide in four daily sessions, with the first session beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Misconduct Codes and Penalties

JAMB has categorised examination offences with corresponding penalties:

Code A: No e-registration/examination slip
Penalty: Cancellation of result

Code B: Possession of calculator or similar electronic devices
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution

Code C: Spying
Penalty: Cancellation of result

Code D: Impersonation
Penalty: Cancellation of result, 2-year ban, and prosecution

Code E: Swapping examination details/documents
Penalty: Cancellation of result

Code F: Possession of USB, CD, hard disk, or similar devices
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution

Code G: Violent or unruly behaviour
Penalty: Cancellation of result, expulsion, prosecution, and 3-year ban

Code H: Lateness to the examination hall
Penalty: Cancellation of result

Code I: Possession of wristwatch
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution

Code J: Possession of mobile phone or similar devices
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution

Code K: Collusion with others
Penalty: Cancellation of result, 3-year ban, and prosecution

Code L: Entering or leaving the hall without permission
Penalty: Cancellation of result

Code M: Mass cheating
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution

Code N: Copying from unauthorised materials
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution

Code P: Tampering with results
Penalty: Cancellation of result, 3-year ban, and prosecution

Prohibited Items

Candidates are strictly prohibited from entering the examination hall with the following items:

Wristwatches
Pens/biros
Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
Spy glasses
Calculators
USBs, CDs, hard disks
Books or written materials
Cameras, recorders, microphones
Earpieces, smart lenses, smart rings, smart buttons
Bluetooth devices
Key holders, ATM cards
Erasers
Bangles, rings, necklaces
Wallets or purses

Possession of any of these items may lead to disqualification or other penalties.
Additional Guidelines

JAMB has also issued the following instructions:

Only ordinary HB pencils are allowed for the examination.

Bags, purses, and wallets are strictly prohibited.

Candidates must undergo biometric verification and screening.

Candidates are advised to arrive early at their centres with only permitted items.
With enhanced security measures in place, candidates are urged to strictly comply with all guidelines to ensure a smooth and credible examination process.

Credit: ThePunch