As candidates prepare to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026, it is important to be aware of the dos and don’ts.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has set strict rules to maintain the integrity of the examination.
Candidates are advised to strictly adhere to these guidelines as failure may result in cancellation and/or prosecution.
PUNCH Online highlights the rules as obtained from JAMB’s website on Tuesday.
Examination misconduct codes, descriptions and penalties
Code A: No e-registration slip/examination slip
Penalty: Cancellation of result.
Code B: Possession of calculator or similar electronic devices in the examination hall
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution.
Code C: Spying
Penalty: Cancellation of result.
Code D: Impersonation
Penalty: Cancellation of result, 2-year ban and prosecution of the candidate.
Code E: Swapping examination details/documents
Penalty: Cancellation of result.
Code F: Possession of USB, CD, hard disk or similar storage devices
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution.
Code G: Violent/unruly behaviour to examiners
Penalty: Cancellation of result, expulsion from the examination hall, prosecution and 3-year ban.
Code H: Lateness to the examination hall
Penalty: Cancellation of result.
Code I: Possession of wristwatch
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution.
Code J: Possession of mobile phone or similar electronic devices
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution.
Code K: Colluding with other candidates/examiners/external agents
Penalty: Cancellation of result, 3-year ban and prosecution.
Code L: Entering/leaving the examination hall without permission
Penalty: Cancellation of result.
Code M: Widespread/mass cheating
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution.
Code N: Copying from unauthorized materials
Penalty: Cancellation of result and prosecution.
Code P: Tampering with/doctoring result/processing of released result
Penalty: Cancellation of result, 3-year ban and prosecution for forgery.
These penalties are enforced under the Examination Malpractice Act.
Prohibited items
Possession of any of these items may result in disqualification or the penalties outlined above.
- Wristwatches
- Pen/biros
- Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
- Spy reading glasses (which should be scrutinised)
- Calculators or similar electronic devices
- USBs, CDs, hard disks and/or similar storage devices
- Books or any reading/writing materials
- Cameras
- Recorders
- Microphones
- Earpieces
- Ink/pen readers
- Smart lenses
- Smart rings/jewellery
- Smart buttons
- Bluetooth devices
- Key holders
- ATM cards
- Erasers
- Bangles
- Rings
- Necklaces
- Wallets/purses
Additional reminders from JAMB
- No writing materials are allowed except ordinary HB pencils.
- Bags, purses, wallets and similar items are also banned.
- Strict biometric verification and screening will be conducted.
- Candidates should arrive early at their assigned centres with only permitted items.
The examination will take place across accredited CBT centres nationwide in four daily sessions, with the first session starting at 8:30 a.m.
