UTME 2026: JAMB prohibits 23 items in exam hall

As preparations intensify for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rolled out strict guidelines to ensure a smooth and malpractice-free exercise.

Among the key measures is the prohibition of 23 specific items within examination halls, reinforcing the board’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the nationwide test.

The board warns candidates preparing for the 2026 UTME to note that there are items that are not allowed into the exam hall. According to JAMB, the only items allowed for the 2026 UTME are an HB pencil and a copy of the candidate’s JAMB exam slip.

Candidates who bring any of the 23 items highlighted as listed by the board to the hall will be disallowed from taking the UTME.

The items include wristwatches, pens or biros, mobile phones or similar electronic devices, spy reading glasses, calculators or similar electronic devices, USB, CD, hard disks and/or similar storage devices or reading or writing materials.

Read also: Why JAMB delisted 23 CBT centres ahead of 2026 UTME

Others include cameras, recorders, microphones, earpieces, ink or pen readers, smart lenses, smart rings, jewellery, smart buttons, Bluetooth devices, key holders, ATM cards, erasers, bangles, rings, necklaces, and wallets or purses.

Candidates are required to examine the list properly and take note of the prohibited items during the UTME exercise.

Besides, the board explained that where an examination official (board staff or ad hoc staff) or any authorised person is found with any of these prohibited items in the examination hall, such compromising action would be treated as a deliberate act of examination sabotage and necessary sanctions would be applied.

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and run through Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Recall that JAMB has instructed that candidates can now print their examination notification slips to confirm their specific exam date, time, and centre.