As the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) begins from April 16 to April 25, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released a comprehensive list of prohibited items and outlined tough penalties for candidates who violate examination rules.
According to the board, the guidelines are aimed at preserving the integrity and credibility of the examination across all accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
JAMB warned that candidates found guilty of any form of examination malpractice risk severe consequences, including cancellation of results, bans ranging from two to three years, and possible prosecution under the Examination Malpractice Act.
Among the offences listed, candidates who come to the exam hall without their registration slip will have their results cancelled, while those caught with mobile phones, calculators, wristwatches, or other electronic devices face both cancellation and prosecution. Impersonation attracts even stricter punishment, including a two-year ban in addition to prosecution.
Other violations such as collusion, copying from unauthorized materials, or involvement in mass cheating could lead to a three-year ban alongside legal action. Acts of misconduct like unruly behaviour toward exam officials or leaving the hall without permission also attract immediate sanctions.
JAMB also published a detailed list of banned items, which included mobile phones, calculators, USB devices, cameras, earpieces, smart gadgets, and even everyday items such as pens, wallets, ATM cards, jewellery, and erasers. Only ordinary HB pencils are permitted in the examination hall.
The board emphasized that candidates will undergo strict biometric verification before being allowed to sit for the exam.
It further advised candidates to arrive early at their centres and comply fully with all instructions to avoid disqualification.
The UTME will be conducted in four daily sessions, with the first session scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. nationwide.
