Last Updated on 1 month ago by Haruna Ayuba
JAMB has officially adjusted the arrival and session times for the 2026 UTME starting April 16. The first session arrival time has moved from 6:30am to 7:00am, with a scheduled start time of 8:30am. All candidates must take note of this change before exam day.
Key Highlights
- Session 1 arrival time changed from 6:30am to 7:00am
- Session 1 now starts at 8:30am and ends at 10:30am
- JAMB says candidates do not need to reprint their slip for this change
- Friday Session 3 is marked RESERVED — check your slip carefully
- The UTME runs from April 16 to April 25, 2026
Updated UTME Session Times — Monday to Thursday
| Session | Arrival Time | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 7:00am | 8:30am | 10:30am |
| Session 2 | 9:00am | 11:00am | 1:00pm |
| Session 3 | 11:00am | 1:30pm | 3:30pm |
| Session 4 | 2:00pm | 4:00pm | 6:00pm |
Updated UTME Session Times — Friday
| Session | Arrival Time | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 7:00am | 8:30am | 10:30am |
| Session 2 | 9:00am | 11:00am | 1:00pm |
| Session 3 | 11:00am | 1:30pm (Reserved) | 3:30pm (Reserved) |
| Session 4 | 2:00pm | 4:00pm | 6:00pm |
Note on Friday Session 3: This session is marked as Reserved on Fridays. If your slip shows a Friday Session 3 time, reprint your slip immediately to confirm whether your schedule has been updated.
What JAMB Said
JAMB’s official statement reads: “This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival scheduled time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00am as against the earlier published 6:30am, while the scheduled start time for the session is now 8:30am and end time, 10:30am.”
JAMB also confirmed that candidates do not need to reprint their slip because of this change alone. Your existing slip remains valid.
However, if your slip shows a time that falls within the affected Session 1 window, make a note of the corrected arrival time — 7:00am, not 6:30am.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Check your exam slip and identify which session you are scheduled for
- If you are in Session 1, update your travel plan — arrival is now 7:00am, not 6:30am
- If your slip shows Friday Session 3, reprint your slip immediately at https://slipsprinting.jamb.gov.ng/main-examination to confirm your assignment
- Plan your journey to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the stated arrival time — do not cut it close
- Do not rely on old social media posts showing the earlier 6:30am time — this update supersedes all previous announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reprint my slip because of this change?
JAMB has officially stated that candidates do not need to reprint their slip for this adjustment. Your existing slip remains valid. However, if you are in Friday Session 3 or if anything else on your slip needs verification, reprint anyway to be safe.
What if I arrive at 6:30am instead of 7:00am?
You will simply be waiting at the centre. Arriving early is never a problem. The gates may not be open yet at 6:30am but you will not be penalised. The important thing is that you are not late.
What time does Session 1 actually start?
Session 1 now starts at 8:30am and ends at 10:30am. Arrival time is 7:00am.
What does “Reserved” mean for Friday Session 3?
Friday Session 3 is not available for regular candidates on Fridays. If your slip shows this session, contact JAMB support or visit an accredited CBT centre immediately.
This article was published by CampusNinja.com.ng and last updated on April 13, 2026. Share this with every 2026 UTME candidate you know — the exam starts in three days.
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