As preparations intensify for the 2026 JAMB CBT (UTME) examination, all candidates are advised to carefully follow the official rules provided by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
One of the most important rules is knowing the prohibited items in the JAMB exam hall, as failure to comply can lead to disqualification from the UTME.
Approved Items for JAMB 2026 UTME
Candidates are only allowed to come into the examination hall with:
- ✅ HB Pencil
- ✅ Printed Copy of JAMB Exam Slip
🚫 Any other item not listed above is strictly prohibited.
Complete List of JAMB 2026 Prohibited Items
Below is the official list of items banned from the exam hall. Candidates found with any of these will not be allowed to sit for the exam:
- Wristwatches
- Pen / Biro
- Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
- Spy reading glasses (subject to scrutiny)
- Calculators or similar electronic devices
- USB drives, CDs, hard disks, or 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
⚠️ Important: Bringing any of these items into the exam hall will result in automatic disqualification.
Warning to Candidates and Examination Officials
JAMB has made it clear that any examination official, ad hoc staff, or authorized personnel found with prohibited items in the exam hall will be considered guilty of exam malpractice or sabotage, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
JAMB 2026 Biometric Verification Guidelines
To ensure a smooth and transparent examination process, biometric verification is mandatory:
- Biometric verification is the only mode of entry into the exam centre.
- Candidates who cannot be verified should be recaptured at the centre before leaving.
- There will be no manual attendance register—biometric data serves as attendance.
- Photo albums will only contain candidate images without attendance markings.
- All officials, including security agents, must enforce strict compliance.
Best Preparation Tips for JAMB CBT 2026
Proper preparation is key to success in the UTME. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Use CBT Practice Tools
Make use of:
- OSILIGHT CBT Computer Software
These tools help simulate the real exam environment.
Practice Daily for Better Results
If you practice:
- 📚 At least 5 full CBT exams daily
You can cover:
- 📈 Up to 20 years of past questions before your exam
💡 This gives you a strong competitive advantage.
Final Advice to JAMB Candidates
- Always double-check your items before leaving home
- Arrive early at your CBT centre
- Follow all instructions carefully
- Stay focused and confident
Remember, discipline and preparation are key to success in JAMB 2026.
