JAMB adjusts arrival time for the 2026 UTME and every one of the 2,243,816 candidates registered for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination must take note of the changes immediately, as the exam kicks off on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
In an official notice posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced that candidates particularly those sitting the first session must now arrive at their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:00 a.m. instead of the previously published 6:30 a.m.
👉 See also:
The Ultimate 2026 UTME Preparation Guide: Tips, Tricks and Subject Breakdowns
What Exactly Changed? Old vs New Times After JAMB Adjusts 2026 UTME Arrival Schedule
The adjustment primarily affects Session 1 but the knock-on effect has shifted all four daily sessions slightly.
Here is a direct comparison of the old vs new first session schedule:
| Schedule Detail | Old Time | New Time (Revised) |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 Arrival | 6:30 a.m. | ✅ 7:00 a.m. |
| Session 1 Exam Start | 8:00 a.m. | ✅ 8:30 a.m. |
| Session 1 Exam End | 10:00 a.m. | ✅ 10:30 a.m. |
📌 Original report:
Next Edition — JAMB Adjusts Arrival Time for 2026 UTME
Full Timetable: All 4 Daily Sessions After JAMB Adjusts the 2026 UTME Arrival Time
The 2026 UTME timetable runs Monday to Friday with four sessions daily — except Fridays, which have a special arrangement (see Section 6).
Here is the complete revised daily schedule all candidates must memorise:
| Session | Arrival Time | Exam Start | Exam End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 7:00 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. |
| Session 2 | 9:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. |
| Session 3 | 11:00 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. |
| Session 4 | 2:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
JAMB emphasised: Candidates must arrive at the stated arrival time not the exam start time to allow sufficient time for biometric verification and pre-examination checks.
Late arrivals risk being denied entry.
Why Did JAMB Adjust the 2026 UTME Arrival Time? The Real Reasons
The decision by JAMB to adjust the 2026 UTME arrival time did not happen in a vacuum.
It followed significant public backlash from parents, candidates, and civil society groups who raised serious concerns about the original 6:30 a.m. first session reporting time.
Key reasons behind the adjustment include:
- Safety concerns: Many candidates especially in rural areas would have had to leave home before dawn, exposing them to security risks on poorly lit roads
- Transportation challenges: Public transport in many Nigerian cities and towns does not operate before 6:00 a.m., making a 6:30 a.m. arrival nearly impossible for distant candidates
- 2025 UTME backlash: The adjustment directly follows significant public criticism over the same issue during the 2025 UTME, when parents complained loudly about dangerous pre-dawn travel
- Candidate wellbeing: JAMB noted that the revised timing is intended to ensure smoother operations while “prioritising the safety and convenience of candidates”
Do 2026 UTME Candidates Need to Reprint Their Exam Slip After JAMB Adjusts Arrival Time?
No. Candidates do NOT need to reprint their examination slips or photocards.
JAMB was very clear on this point — confirming that the time adjustment does not affect any other details on the examination slip.
Candidates are simply required to note the new arrival time and plan their journey accordingly.
JAMB stated: “Candidates are not required to reprint their slip/photocard. They are only expected to take note of the adjustment in preparation for the examination.”
The Friday Exception: What 2026 UTME Candidates Must Know About the Reserved Session
There is a special arrangement on Fridays that all candidates assigned to Session 3 on a Friday must be aware of.
According to the revised timetable, the third session on Fridays has been marked as “reserved” meaning only three active sessions will be conducted on Fridays, with the third slot held for contingencies or administrative purposes.
Analysts have also noted that this arrangement appears designed to accommodate Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers for Muslim candidates and officials.
If you are scheduled for Session 3 on a Friday, confirm your exact timetable via the official JAMB portal www.jamb.gov.ng
or contact your CBT centre directly.
Conclusion: 7 Must-Know Tips for Every Candidate Now That JAMB Adjusts 2026 UTME Arrival Time
Now that JAMB adjusts the arrival time for the 2026 UTME, here is a quick checklist every candidate and parent must follow before April 16:
- ✅ New Session 1 arrival time is 7:00 a.m. not 6:30 a.m.
- ✅ Do NOT reprint your exam slip the old slip is still valid
- ✅ Arrive BEFORE your session arrival time biometric checks take time
- ✅ Plan your transport the night before do not rely on last-minute arrangements
- ✅ Check if your session falls on a Friday Session 3 on Fridays is reserved
- ✅ Bring your original exam slip + valid ID no entry without both
- ✅ Stay calm and focused the exam runs from April 16–25, 2026
The 2026 UTME is one of the most important moments in a young Nigerian’s academic life.
With 2,243,816 candidates sitting this exam do not let a timing confusion cost you your future.
Confirm all details on the official JAMB portal: www.jamb.gov.ng
