JAMB's 2026 list of prohibited items in the exam hall and instructions on biometric verification

As we gear up for the 2026 JAMB CBT exams, candidates are to note that there are items that are not allowed into the exam hall. The only items allowed for the 2026 UTME are an HB pencil and copy of your JAMB exam slip.  Candidates who bring any of the 23 items highlighted below to the hall will be disallowed from taking the UTME. Candidates are hereby required to properly examine the list and take note of the prohibited items during the UTME exercise. 

Don't forget that revision is an important aspect of exam preparation. Get the JAMB CBT Mobile App and the JAMB CBT Computer Software if you have not done so already. They are great revision tools for the JAMB CBT exam. If you study at least 5 full CBT exams every day till the exam day, you will have covered at least 20 years of questions. That's enough to give you an edge!

Below is the complete list of Prohibited Items listed by JAMB

1. WRISTWATCHES
2. PEN/BIRO
3. MOBILE PHONES OR SIMILAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
4. SPY READING GLASSES WHICH SHOULD BE SCRUTINISED
5. CALCULATORS OR SIMILAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
6. USB, CD, HARDDISKS AND OR SIMILAR STORAGE DEVICES
7. BOOKS OR ANY READING/WRITING MATERIAL
8. CAMERAS
9. RECORDERS
10. MICROPHONES
11. EARPIECES
12. INK/PEN READERS
13. SMART LENSES
14. SMART RINGS/JEWELLRY
15. SMART BUTTONS
16. BLUETOOTH DEVICES
17. KEY HOLDERS
18. ATM CARDS
19. ERASERS
20. BANGLES
21. RINGS
22. NECKLACE
23. WALLET/PURSE

Also, where an examination official (board staff or ad hoc staff) or any authorized person is found with any of these prohibited items in the examination hall, such compromising action would be treated as a deliberate act of examination sabotage and necessary sanction will be applied.

Instructions on Biometric Verification

1. Biometric Verification will be the only mode for the admittance of candidates into the examination centre. Strict adherence to the guide on compulsory biometric verification of every candidate is required.

2. No Candidate should be kept waiting if he/she cannot be verified. Such a candidate should be recaptured at the centre before leaving. ONLY genuine cases will subsequently be treated.

3. There is no other Attendance Register apart from the biometric verification. Biometric verification will also serve as Attendance Register during examinations.

4. Photo Albums will only carry pictures with no marking points for either Present or Absent status.

5. All Examination Officials, including the security agents, are to ensure compliance with all guidelines, rules and regulations on the examination.