The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has again warned candidates not to bring banned items into the hall during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 2026. The board explained that this rule is meant to keep the exam fair, safe, and properly organised, just like other standard examinations around the world.
Items not Allowed in the Exam Hall
JAMB has clearly listed the materials candidates must not bring into the examination center. Anyone found with these items may be punished.
Electronic Devices Banned by JAMB
The following electronic gadgets are not allowed:
- Mobile phones
- Calculators
- Wristwatches
- Recorders
- Spy reading glasses
- Cameras
- Ear pieces
- Bluetooth devices
- USB flash drives
- CDs
- Hard disks
- Any other storage devices
Other Banned Materials
JAMB also said the following items must not be taken into the examination hall:
- Pens or biros
- Smart lenses
- Books
- Any reading or writing material
- Ink or pen readers
- Key holders
- ATM cards
- Erasers
- Smart rings or smart jewellery
JAMB Warning to Candidates
A spokesperson for JAMB, Fabian Benjamin, advised candidates to obey these rules strictly. According to the board, some candidates in previous exams were disqualified because they brought banned items into the hall.
Biometric Verification Requirement
JAMB explained that biometric verification is the only way candidates can enter the examination hall. Every candidate must complete this process before they are allowed to sit for the exam.
If a candidate’s biometric verification does not work, the person should be recaptured at the examination centre before leaving. JAMB said only genuine cases will be considered for further action.
The board also noted that biometric verification serves two purposes: it allows entry into the hall and also records attendance during the exam.
Instructions to Exam Officials
JAMB directed all examination officials and security personnel to strictly enforce the rules at every centre so the exam can run smoothly.
Important Advice for Candidates
Candidates preparing for the 2026 UTME should carefully follow all instructions. They must avoid bringing banned items to the exam hall and make sure they complete the biometric verification process at the centre.
For more information about the exam rules and updates, candidates should visit the official JAMB website or ask questions at their examination centers.
Related Articles
- JAMB Adjusts 2026 UTME First Session Arrival Time to 7:00AM
- JAMB Begins Printing of 2026 UTME Exam Slips
- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Announces Release of 2026 UTME Mock Exam Results
- JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Registration: Requirements, Guidelines and Step-by-Step Process
- JAMB 2026 UTME Candidates Can Now Correct Wrong Subject Combinations
- 2026 Joint Admission And Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registration Template Guide
- Joint Admission And Matriculation Board (JAMB) Begins 2026 UTME Registration
- JAMB 2026 UTME & DE Registration: Dates, Fees, Requirements, and Exam Schedule
- 2026 UTME Candidates Can Generate Their Profile Codes Now – JAMB
- JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Registration Guide
- JAMB Confirms No Increase in 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Fees
