JAMB has banned 23 items from the 2026 UTME exam hall. See the full list of prohibited items and misconduct penalties. Exams run 16–25 April 2026.
What Items Are Banned From the JAMB 2026 UTME Exam Hall?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released a comprehensive list of 23 prohibited items and strict examination misconduct penalties ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The exam runs from Thursday, 16 April to Saturday, 25 April 2026 across accredited CBT centres nationwide, with four daily sessions starting from 8:30 A.M.
JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, signed the guidelines and emphasised that these measures are essential to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the examination. The rules apply to all 2,243,816 registered candidates for the 2026 UTME. Penalties for violations range from cancellation of results to prosecution under the Examination Malpractice Act and bans of up to three years.
The only items candidates are allowed to bring into the exam hall are an HB pencil and a printed copy of their JAMB examination notification slip. Everything else is banned. JAMB has also warned that the rules apply not only to candidates but to examination officials as well — any staff found with prohibited items in the hall will face disciplinary action for examination sabotage.
Candidates are also advised against having decorative designs or tattoos on their palms, as these markings may interfere with the biometric screening process at the examination centre. Strict biometric verification and physical screening will be conducted before candidates are allowed into the hall.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | JAMB UTME 2026 |
| Exam Period | Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026 |
| Daily Sessions | 4 sessions (first session at 8:30 A.M.) |
| Total Registered Candidates | 2,243,816 |
| Permitted Items | HB pencil and JAMB examination slip only |
| Number of Banned Items | 23 |
| Governing Law | Examination Malpractice Act |
Complete List of 23 Prohibited Items for JAMB UTME 2026
JAMB has identified 23 specific items that candidates must not bring to the examination centre. Possession of any of these items in the exam hall may result in disqualification, cancellation of results, prosecution, or a combination of penalties.
| S/N | Prohibited Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wristwatches |
| 2 | Pens or biros |
| 3 | Mobile phones or similar electronic devices |
| 4 | Spy reading glasses |
| 5 | Calculators or similar electronic devices |
| 6 | USBs, CDs, hard disks, or similar storage devices |
| 7 | Books or any reading/writing materials |
| 8 | Cameras |
| 9 | Recorders |
| 10 | Microphones |
| 11 | Earpieces |
| 12 | Ink/pen readers |
| 13 | Smart lenses |
| 14 | Smart rings or jewellery |
| 15 | Smart buttons |
| 16 | Bluetooth devices |
| 17 | Key holders |
| 18 | ATM cards |
| 19 | Erasers |
| 20 | Bangles |
| 21 | Rings |
| 22 | Necklaces |
| 23 | Wallets or purses |
In addition to these 23 items, bags, purses, and any similar personal accessories are also banned from the exam hall. The only writing instrument allowed is an ordinary HB pencil. No writing materials of any other kind are permitted. JAMB has stated that these items have been noted to aid dishonest candidates in perpetrating examination malpractice, and the ban exists to protect the sanctity of the examination.
JAMB Examination Misconduct Codes and Penalties
JAMB has published a detailed list of examination misconduct codes, each with specific penalties. These penalties are enforced under the Examination Malpractice Act, which provides for imprisonment, fines, or both in addition to JAMB’s administrative sanctions.
| Code | Misconduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| A | No e-registration slip/examination slip | Cancellation of result |
| B | Possession of calculator or similar electronic devices | Cancellation of result and prosecution |
| C | Spying | Cancellation of result |
| D | Impersonation | Cancellation of result, 2-year ban, and prosecution |
| E | Swapping examination details/documents | Cancellation of result |
| F | Possession of USB, CD, hard disk, or similar storage devices | Cancellation of result and prosecution |
| G | Violent/unruly behaviour toward examiners | Cancellation of result, expulsion from hall, prosecution, and 3-year ban |
| H | Lateness to the examination hall | Cancellation of result |
| I | Possession of wristwatch | Cancellation of result and prosecution |
| J | Possession of mobile phone or similar electronic devices | Cancellation of result and prosecution |
| K | Colluding with other candidates/examiners/external agents | Cancellation of result, 3-year ban, and prosecution |
| L | Entering/leaving examination hall without permission | Cancellation of result |
| M | Widespread/mass cheating | Cancellation of result and prosecution |
| N | Copying from unauthorised materials | Cancellation of result and prosecution |
| P | Tampering with/doctoring result/processing of released result | Cancellation of result, 3-year ban, and prosecution for forgery |
Every one of these misconduct codes results in at least cancellation of results. The most severe penalties — combining cancellation, multi-year bans, and criminal prosecution — apply to impersonation (Code D), violent behaviour (Code G), collusion (Code K), and result tampering (Code P). Candidates should understand that these are not theoretical warnings. JAMB actively investigates and prosecutes examination fraud cases.
Understanding the Most Serious Penalties
Some misconduct types carry particularly severe consequences. Here is what candidates need to understand about the heaviest penalties.
Impersonation (Code D) — 2-Year Ban and Prosecution
If someone else writes the exam on your behalf, or if you write on behalf of another candidate, both parties face cancellation of results, a two-year ban from JAMB examinations, and criminal prosecution. Biometric verification is specifically designed to detect impersonation, and CCTV footage at CBT centres provides additional evidence.
Violent or Unruly Behaviour (Code G) — 3-Year Ban and Prosecution
Any form of violence, aggression, or disruptive behaviour toward examiners, invigilators, or centre staff results in immediate expulsion from the hall, cancellation of results, a three-year ban, and prosecution. This is the only misconduct code that includes immediate physical removal from the venue.
Collusion (Code K) — 3-Year Ban and Prosecution
Colluding with other candidates, examiners, or external agents to cheat carries cancellation, a three-year ban, and prosecution. This covers any coordinated cheating arrangement, whether it involves sharing answers, receiving help from staff, or working with agents outside the centre.
Result Tampering (Code P) — 3-Year Ban and Prosecution for Forgery
Attempting to change, doctor, or manipulate your UTME result after release is treated as forgery. The penalty is cancellation of the original result, a three-year ban, and criminal prosecution under forgery laws. This applies to both the candidate and anyone who assists in the tampering.
How JAMB Investigates Examination Misconduct
JAMB has a structured process for investigating misconduct cases. Understanding this process shows that violations are taken seriously and evidence is collected systematically.
CCTV footage from CBT centres is reviewed as part of the evidence-gathering process. Electronic devices found in the possession of candidates are seized and examined. Recorded interviews with candidates form part of the investigation record. Officials are required to document each case thoroughly, including timestamps, photographs, and candidate statements. These measures strengthen enforcement and ensure that decisions are based on verifiable evidence.
The investigation process means that even if a candidate is not caught during the exam itself, post-examination review of CCTV footage and system logs can still lead to identification and sanctions. JAMB has previously cancelled results weeks or months after the exam based on evidence uncovered during reviews.
What You Should Bring to the JAMB 2026 UTME
With 23 items banned and strict penalties for violations, it is important to know exactly what you are allowed to bring. The list of permitted items is deliberately short.
You should bring your printed JAMB examination notification slip. This is mandatory — without it, your result will be cancelled under Code A. You should also bring an ordinary HB pencil. This is the only writing instrument allowed. Beyond these two items, bring nothing else to the exam centre.
Leave your phone, watch, wallet, jewellery, bags, and all personal accessories at home or with someone outside the centre before you enter. Do not assume that any item is too small or too ordinary to be flagged — items like erasers, key holders, ATM cards, and rings are explicitly banned. Spy glasses, smart lenses, smart rings, and smart buttons are on the list because JAMB is aware of how technology can be concealed in everyday accessories.
Important Reminders for UTME 2026 Candidates
Arrive early at your assigned CBT centre. The first session begins at 8:30 A.M., and you need time for screening and biometric verification before the exam starts. Lateness to the hall results in cancellation of your result under Code H, so plan your journey to arrive well ahead of time.
Print your examination notification slip in advance. Visit the JAMB website and click on “2026 UTME Slip Printing” to access and download your slip. Familiarise yourself with your exam centre location before the exam date to avoid last-minute confusion. Each candidate has been assigned a specific examination schedule — check your slip for your exact date, time, and centre.
Do not have decorative designs or tattoos on your palms. These markings can interfere with biometric fingerprint scanning and may delay or prevent your verification. If you have existing tattoos on your palms, be aware that this could cause issues at the scanning stage.
Do not pay anyone for assistance during the exam. JAMB has repeatedly warned against patronising agents, centre staff, or any third party who promises to help with answers or results. Such arrangements fall under collusion (Code K), which carries a three-year ban and prosecution.
Penalties Also Apply to Examination Officials
JAMB has stated that examination officials — including JAMB staff, ad hoc staff, and any authorised person — found with prohibited items in the examination hall will face sanctions. The board treats such actions as deliberate examination sabotage. This means the rules are not one-sided. Both candidates and officials are held accountable, and the presence of CCTV monitoring applies to everyone inside the hall.
Final Thoughts
The JAMB UTME 2026 runs from 16 to 25 April 2026, and the rules are clear: bring only your examination slip and an HB pencil. The 23 banned items and 15 misconduct codes with their corresponding penalties are published to protect the integrity of the examination for all 2,243,816 registered candidates. Penalties range from result cancellation to criminal prosecution and bans of up to three years.
These rules exist to ensure that every candidate is assessed fairly on their own merit. If you have prepared well, you have nothing to worry about. Leave all personal items at home, arrive early, complete your biometric verification, and focus on answering the questions. Share this information with fellow candidates so that no one walks into the exam hall with a prohibited item out of ignorance.
FAQs About JAMB Prohibited Items and Penalties 2026
What items can I bring to the JAMB UTME exam hall?
Only two items are allowed: your printed JAMB examination notification slip and an ordinary HB pencil. Everything else is banned, including pens, watches, phones, wallets, jewellery, and bags.
What happens if I bring a phone to the exam hall?
Possession of a mobile phone or similar electronic device falls under Code J. The penalty is cancellation of your result and prosecution under the Examination Malpractice Act.
Can I wear a wristwatch during the exam?
No. Wristwatches are explicitly banned. Possession of a wristwatch in the exam hall falls under Code I, with a penalty of cancellation of result and prosecution.
What is the penalty for impersonation?
Impersonation (Code D) carries cancellation of result, a two-year ban from all JAMB examinations, and criminal prosecution. Biometric verification and CCTV monitoring are used to detect impersonation.
What if I arrive late to the exam?
Lateness to the examination hall (Code H) results in cancellation of your result. Candidates should arrive early to allow time for screening and biometric verification before the exam begins.
Are these rules enforced after the exam as well?
Yes. JAMB reviews CCTV footage and system logs after the examination period. Results can be cancelled weeks or months later if evidence of misconduct is discovered during post-examination review. Result tampering (Code P) carries a three-year ban and prosecution for forgery.
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