JAMB prohibited items for 2026 UTME and biometric rules

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has kept a strict ban on electronic devices and other banned items in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, halls. The Board says the rule supports the integrity and security of the examination process; it also matches global best practices in exam management.

Candidates who want a broader exam-day guide can check the 2026 JAMB UTME guide with batch timings, keyboard shortcuts and tips.

Prohibited items in the examination hall

JAMB has restated its list of banned items for the 2026 UTME. The instruction is plain; candidates must not take any of these materials into the examination centre.

Electronic gadgets banned by JAMB

The following electronic items are prohibited:

• Mobile phones
• Calculators
• Wristwatches
• Recorders
• Spy reading glasses
• Cameras
• Ear pieces
• Bluetooth devices
• USBs
• CDs
• Hard disks
• Other similar storage devices

Stationery and other banned materials

JAMB also listed these items as prohibited:

• Pens or biros
• Smart lenses
• Books
• Any other reading or writing material
• Ink or pen readers
• Key holders
• ATM cards
• Erasers
• Smart rings or jewellery

A related article, Expos & Runz: How to Succeed in the 2026 JAMB UTME without cheating, points to the same hard line on exam misconduct.

JAMB warning on compliance

Dr Fabian Benjamin, a spokesperson for JAMB, stressed the need for candidates to obey these rules. The Board said that in earlier examinations, candidates who broke the rules were disqualified and faced severe consequences.

A video to the update is available below:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFQYnAk9T_k

Biometric verification guidelines

Biometric verification remains central to admission into the examination hall. JAMB says there is no substitute for it.

Biometric verification is the only mode of admission

JAMB states that biometric verification is the sole method for admitting candidates into the examination centres. Every candidate must pass through that process before entry.

What happens when verification fails

When a candidate has a biometric verification issue, the candidate must not be held back for long. The person should be recaptured at the centre before leaving. JAMB adds that Only genuine cases will move forward for further action.

Biometric verification also serves as attendance

JAMB says biometric verification is not just for entry. It also serves as the attendance register during the examination, and there is no other form of attendance registration.

Instructions for examination officials

Examination officials, including security personnel, must enforce the rules at the centres. JAMB says every official involved in the process must follow the guidelines strictly so the examination runs as laid down.

What candidates should keep in mind

The 2026 UTME rules leave little room for error. Candidates are expected to know the banned items list, keep every restricted material Outside the hall, and follow the biometric verification process at the centre.

For more updates on the examination guidelines, candidates are encouraged to check the official JAMB website or ask questions at their examination centres.

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This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

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