JAMB Adjusts 2027 UTME Schedule, Moves First Session Arrival To 7:30am

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has moved 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., citing concerns over the safety and logistical challenges associated with very early morning travel.

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

JAMB said the adjustment followed concerns raised by members of the public over the difficulties candidates, particularly those travelling long distances, may face when moving to examination centres before dawn.

The decision was reached during the Board’s 2026 Management and IT Retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11, 2026.

According to the Board, the revised arrival time is expected to improve the safety and convenience of candidates and potentially reduce absenteeism linked to difficulties associated with the previous early morning schedule.

“Other examination sessions will subsequently follow in line with the Board’s established scheduling arrangements,” the Board said.

The retreat brought together JAMB management, State Coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other stakeholders to review issues affecting the conduct of the Board’s examinations and its overall operations.

Participants also deliberated on measures to improve the efficiency, safety, credibility and candidate experience of the UTME, particularly as the scale and complexity of the examination continue to increase.

Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations have commenced, with the Board seeking to apply lessons from previous examinations and decisions reached at the retreat to deliver a more efficient, seamless and candidate friendly exercise.

Candidates and the general public are advised to take note of the revised first session arrival time and await further official communication on the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other examination arrangements.