{"id":11148,"date":"2026-04-13T13:41:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/?p=11148"},"modified":"2026-04-14T07:52:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T07:52:42","slug":"jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/","title":{"rendered":"JAMB 2026 Latest Update: New Exam Time for UTME Candidates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released an important update on the 2026 UTME examination schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following widespread complaints about excessively early arrival times, JAMB has adjusted the arrival guidelines for candidates, especially those in the first session. This change aims to make the process more convenient while maintaining smooth biometric verification and exam flow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is set to run from Thursday, 16th April 2026 to Saturday, 25th April 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/#Official_JAMB_2026_UTME_Scheduled_Times\" >Official JAMB 2026 UTME Scheduled Times<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/#Monday_to_Thursday_Schedule\" >Monday to Thursday Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/#Friday_Schedule\" >Friday Schedule<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/#Why_Did_JAMB_Change_the_Arrival_Time\" >Why Did JAMB Change the Arrival Time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/#What_Candidates_Should_Do_Now\" >What Candidates Should Do Now<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-new-exam-time-and-arrival-time-for-utme-first-session-candidates\/#Tips_for_Success_on_Exam_Day\" >Tips for Success on Exam Day<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Official_JAMB_2026_UTME_Scheduled_Times\"><\/span>Official JAMB 2026 UTME Scheduled Times<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JAMB has provided clear arrival times, scheduled start times, and end times for the four daily sessions. Here is the breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monday_to_Thursday_Schedule\"><\/span>Monday to Thursday Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 1: Arrival by 7:00 AM | Exam starts 8:30 AM | Ends 10:30 AM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 2: Arrival by 9:00 AM | Starts 11:00 AM | Ends 1:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 3: Arrival by 11:00 AM | Starts 1:30 PM | Ends 3:30 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 4: Arrival by 2:00 PM | Starts 4:00 PM | Ends 6:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Friday_Schedule\"><\/span>Friday Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 1: Arrival 7:00 AM | Starts 8:30 AM | Ends 10:30 AM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 2: Arrival 9:00 AM | Starts 11:00 AM | Ends 1:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 3: Arrival 11:00 AM | Starts 1:30 PM (Reserved) | Ends 3:30 PM (Reserved)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Session 4: Arrival 2:00 PM | Starts 4:00 PM | Ends 6:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest relief is for first session candidates is that you no longer need to arrive as early as 6:30 AM. The new official arrival time is 7:00 AM sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-1024x577.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-1024x577.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-1536x865.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-1288x725.jpeg 1288w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3-880x495.jpeg 880w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HFxam9mXQAAusn3.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Did_JAMB_Change_the_Arrival_Time\"><\/span>Why Did JAMB Change the Arrival Time?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many candidates and parents raised concerns about the previous early arrival requirement, citing security risks, transportation challenges (especially in cities like Lagos), and fatigue before the actual exam. JAMB listened and made this practical adjustment. The exam start time for Session 1 remains 8:30 AM, giving enough buffer for screening and biometrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important Note<\/strong>: Your printed examination slip time is still valid. <strong>You do not need to reprint your slip for this update. <\/strong>Just follow the new arrival guidelines above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Candidates_Should_Do_Now\"><\/span>What Candidates Should Do Now<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Print Your Exam Slip Immediately if you haven\u2019t. Confirm your exact date, venue, and session (time).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan Your Journey accordingly. Factor in traffic. Aim to reach your CBT centre at least 15\u201330 minutes before the stated arrival time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare Required Items: Printed JAMB examination slip HB pencil and eraser.(optional but recommended)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid prohibited items like phones, smartwatches, calculators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Success_on_Exam_Day\"><\/span>Tips for Success on Exam Day<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arrive early but not excessively early. For Session 1 candidates, 7:00 AM is the target. Stay calm during biometric verification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus on time management. Get quality rest the night before your exam. With the exam starting in three days (April 16, 2026), use this time to revise key topics and stay updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download the Exam Scholars 2026 CBT Practice App to help you prepare for JAMB, WAEC, NECO, and post-UTME exams. Past questions and practice tests, tutorials, and mock exams available across all subjects!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.examscholar.app.utme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DOWNLOAD THE EXAM SCHOLARS CBT PRACTICE APP ON GOOGLE PLAYSTORE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/examscholars-utme-cbt-practice\/id6738136424\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DOWNLOAD THE EXAM SCHOLARS CBT PRACTICE APP ON APP STORE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.examscholars.com\">http:\/\/www.examscholars.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released an important update on the 2026 UTME examination schedule. Following widespread complaints about excessively early arrival times, JAMB has adjusted the arrival guidelines for candidates, especially those in the first session. This change aims to make the process more convenient while maintaining smooth biometric verification and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":11083,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[14488,273,8755,14497,14513,14506,10151,10984,14512,6946,14442],"class_list":["post-11148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized","tag-how-to-print-jamb-exam-slip","tag-jamb","tag-jamb-2026","tag-jamb-2026-exam-date","tag-jamb-cbt-centre","tag-jamb-common-mistakes","tag-jamb-exam-schedule","tag-jamb-exam-slip","tag-jamb-exam-time","tag-jamb-reprinting","tag-utme-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11148"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11155,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11148\/revisions\/11155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}