JAMB Adjusts 2026 UTME Arrival Time for First Session Candidates Nationwide

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a last-minute change to the arrival schedule for the upcoming 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a formal notice released yesterday, April 13, the board confirmed that the arrival time for the first daily session has been shifted forward to ease logistical burdens on candidates and parents.

New Arrival and Examination Schedule

Under the revised directive, candidates scheduled for the first session are now required to arrive at their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by **7:00 AM**, rather than the previously advertised 6:30 AM. 

The examination for this first batch will officially commence at 8:30 AM and conclude at 10:30 AM. JAMB specifically clarified that candidates **do not need to reprint** their examination slips, as the change only affects the reporting time and not the date or venue.

Reasons for the Adjustment

The decision follows widespread feedback from parents and education stakeholders regarding the risks of early-morning travel. With insecurity remains a concern in several regions, the previous 6:30 AM arrival time forced many students to leave their homes as early as 4:00 AM. This 30-minute adjustment is intended to provide a safer and less stressful window for candidates to reach their designated centres.

Full Daily Session Timetable

While the first session saw the most significant adjustment, JAMB also released the full operational timetable for the examination period running from April 16 to April 25, 2026:

 Session 1: Arrival 7:00 AM | Exam Starts 8:30 AM

 Session 2: Arrival 9:00 AM | Exam Starts 11:00 AM

 Session 3: Arrival 11:00 AM | Exam Starts 1:30 PM

 Session 4: Arrival 2:00 PM | Exam Starts 4:00 PM

Candidates are advised to strictly adhere to these new reporting times to ensure they complete biometric verification before the start of their respective sessions.