JAMB 2026 UTME timetable adjustment moves candidate arrival time to 7:00am as board updates schedule for smoother exam operations

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a slight adjustment to the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination timetable, shifting the arrival time for first-session candidates.

Also read: JAMB opens UTME slip printing ahead of 2026 exam

In a notice issued via its official X handle on Monday, JAMB stated that candidates scheduled for the first session are now expected to arrive at examination centres by 7:00 a.m., instead of the previously announced 6:30 a.m.

The board also confirmed that the first session will now commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., maintaining a structured timeline for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) exercise.

According to the statement, the adjustment is part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and ensure smoother coordination across examination centres nationwide.

JAMB further clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the timetable update, easing concerns among prospective candidates.

The revised schedule now includes four daily sessions from Monday to Friday, with adjusted timings designed to improve logistics and reduce early morning travel challenges.

The examination body explained that the change responds to feedback from candidates and parents, particularly regarding safety concerns associated with early morning movement.