JAMB Adjusts 2027 UTME First Session Arrival and Exam Times

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for candidates taking part in the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Under the revised schedule, candidates are now expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m. reporting time.

The examination will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., according to JAMB’s latest weekly bulletin released in Abuja.

The board said the adjustment was made to address safety and logistical concerns linked to very early-morning travel, particularly for candidates who live far from their examination centres.

JAMB said the decision followed deliberations at its 2026 Management and IT Retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11.

The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public about the difficulties candidates could face when travelling to CBT centres before dawn.

According to the board, moving the arrival time from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. is expected to improve candidates’ safety and convenience while reducing absenteeism caused by challenges associated with early-morning travel.

JAMB added that other examination sessions would continue to follow the established scheduling arrangements.

The board said preparations for the 2027 UTME have already begun, with officials reviewing lessons from previous examinations and implementing decisions reached during the retreat.

JAMB said its goal is to deliver a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly examination. Candidates and the general public were advised to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication on the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.