20 Things Candidates Must Know Before Writing the 2026 JAMB UTME

Abuja, Nigeria – As thousands of candidates prepare for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), education stakeholders have advised candidates to adequately prepare and strictly adhere to examination guidelines to avoid disqualification and poor performance.
The UTME remains a critical requirement for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Below are 20 key things every candidate must know before writing the JAMB examination:
1. Candidates must print their JAMB examination slip showing the exam date, time, and centre before the examination day.
2. Early arrival at the examination centre is compulsory, as candidates are advised to arrive at least one to two hours before the scheduled time.
3. Biometric verification is mandatory, and candidates whose fingerprints fail verification will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
4. The UTME is fully Computer-Based (CBT), requiring candidates to have basic computer operation skills.
5. Mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices are prohibited inside the examination hall.
6. Calculators are not allowed, as JAMB provides an on-screen calculator where necessary.
7. Candidates must strictly follow on-screen instructions before and during the examination.
8. Time management is crucial, as all questions are timed and unanswered questions attract zero marks.
9. English Language is compulsory for all candidates and significantly affects overall performance.
10. There is no negative marking, so candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.
11. Each question carries equal marks, making it unwise to spend too much time on one question.
12. Candidates are not permitted to leave the hall before the examination ends.
13. Any form of examination malpractice attracts severe penalties, including cancellation of results.
14. Candidates should remain calm in case of technical issues and promptly inform an examination official.
15. Personal details such as name and photograph must be carefully checked on the system before starting the exam.
16. Practicing with JAMB past questions and CBT apps improves confidence and speed.
17. Candidates are advised to eat properly and rest well before the examination.
18. Guessing is better than leaving questions unanswered, since there is no penalty for wrong answers.
19. Proper conduct and compliance with rules are essential throughout the examination.
20. A high UTME score improves admission chances, as most institutions now operate competitive cut-off marks.
Education experts continue to encourage candidates to prepare adequately and remain focused, noting that success in the UTME depends on discipline, preparation, and strict compliance with JAMB regulations.
STEM Blog will continue to provide timely updates, examination guides, and academic resources to support students across Nigeria.