JAMB lists banned items and penalties for 2026 UTME
As the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) approaches, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has outlined strict rules for candidates. The exams are scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Candidates must adhere to these guidelines to avoid cancellation of results or prosecution. JAMB has also provided a comprehensive list of prohibited items and corresponding penalties.
What we know
- The 2026 UTME will be held from Thursday, April 16, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026 across accredited CBT centres.
- Prohibited items include wristwatches, pens, mobile phones, calculators, USBs, books, cameras, and smart devices.
- Penalties for misconduct range from result cancellation to bans of up to three years and prosecution, depending on the offence.
- Only ordinary HB pencils are allowed; all other writing materials and personal items like bags and wallets are banned.
- Strict biometric verification and screening will be conducted, and candidates must arrive early with only permitted items.
