JAMB Moves 2027 UTME First Session Arrival Time to 7:30am

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival time for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

In a statement issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Board said the first session examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., under the revised arrangement.

“The adjustment is aimed at addressing concerns over the safety and logistical difficulties faced by candidates who are required to travel very early in the morning, particularly those journeying considerable distances to their assigned CBT centres.”

JAMB said the decision was reached during its 2026 Management and Information Technology Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11, 2026.

“During the retreat, the Board considered concerns raised by members of the public regarding the implications of the previous early arrival time, including the challenges candidates may face travelling before dawn.”

The Board said management subsequently determined that the revised arrival time would improve the examination experience for candidates.

“Management consequently determined that a later arrival time would enhance the safety, convenience and overall examination experience of candidates, while potentially reducing absenteeism arising from difficulties associated with the earlier schedule.”

Under the revised schedule, candidates for the first session are expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., while the examination will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Other examination sessions will continue in line with the Board’s established scheduling arrangements.

JAMB said the adjustment was part of the outcomes of the 2026 Management and IT Retreat, which brought together its management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other relevant stakeholders.

“Participants examined measures to further strengthen the efficiency, safety, credibility and candidate-friendliness of the UTME, particularly in view of the growing scale and complexity of the examination.”

Although the 2027 UTME is still several months away, the Board said preparations had already commenced.

“JAMB intends to apply lessons from previous examinations and implement decisions reached at the retreat to deliver a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly UTME.”

The Board advised candidates and the general public to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication regarding the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other examination arrangements.