JAMB Opens Portal for 2026 UTME Examination Slip Printing
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially opened its online portal for candidates registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to print their examination slips. This crucial document contains essential details including the examination centre, specific date, and exact time for each candidate's test session.
In a formal notice released on Thursday, April 9, 2026, through its official communication channels, JAMB confirmed that the slip printing service is now active and accessible to all registered candidates. The board emphasized that this printed slip serves as the mandatory entry ticket to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria.
Critical Importance of Printed Examination Slips
JAMB has issued a stern warning that candidates who arrive at examination centres without their printed UTME slips will be denied entry without exception. The examination body stressed that this measure is part of enhanced security protocols to maintain the integrity of the testing process and prevent unauthorized access to examination venues.
The board advised all candidates to print their examination slips well in advance of their scheduled examination dates to avoid last-minute technical difficulties or printing challenges that could jeopardize their participation in the crucial examination.
Step-by-Step Guide to Access and Print UTME Slips
Candidates can retrieve their examination slips by following these straightforward steps:
- Visit the official JAMB portal at www.jamb.gov.ng
- Navigate to and select the option labelled "2026 UTME Slip Printing"
- Input your unique JAMB registration number in the designated field
- Submit the information and wait for the system to process your request
- Once processed, your complete examination details will be displayed on screen
- Print the document using a connected printer or save as PDF for later printing
After printing, JAMB recommends that candidates carefully review all information on the slip for accuracy, including personal details, examination centre address, date, and time. The board also advises candidates to arrive at their designated centres at least one hour before their scheduled examination time to allow for proper verification and screening procedures.
2026 UTME Schedule and False Postponement Reports
JAMB has confirmed that the 2026 UTME will proceed as scheduled from April 16 to April 25, 2026. The board has dismissed circulating rumors about examination postponement as completely false and malicious.
"Our attention has been drawn to a malicious press release alleging that the 2026 UTME has been postponed. We wish to state clearly that the notice is fake and did not emanate from the board. Candidates and the general public are advised to disregard it. All arrangements for the 2026 UTME remain on course as scheduled," JAMB stated in an official communication.
Admission Benchmarks and Age Requirements
The examination body has reiterated the admission benchmarks approved during its 2025 policy meeting. For the 2025/2026 academic session, universities will admit candidates with a minimum UTME score of 150, while colleges of nursing require a minimum score of 140. Polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education, colleges of agriculture, and innovation enterprise institutions will accept candidates with a minimum score of 100.
JAMB also confirmed that the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 years for the upcoming academic session.
Security Warnings Against Fraudulent Schemes
Following the recent mock examination held on March 28, 2026, which recorded participation from 152,586 candidates across 989 centres nationwide, JAMB has issued strong warnings against fraudulent activities targeting UTME candidates.
The board specifically cautioned against fraudsters claiming they can manipulate UTME scores through WhatsApp and other social media channels. JAMB described such claims as entirely fraudulent and warned that any candidate found involved in such schemes risks cancellation of their registration or withholding of their examination results.
JAMB urged all candidates to rely exclusively on official communication channels for accurate information and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Technical Centre Evaluation and Registration Guidelines
During the mock examination exercise, JAMB evaluated 989 CBT centres across Nigeria and delisted more than 20 centres due to technical shortcomings and inadequate facilities. This rigorous evaluation process aims to ensure optimal examination conditions for all candidates during the main UTME.
Prospective candidates for future UTME cycles should note that registration requires a valid National Identification Number (NIN), an active email address, and other necessary documentation. The JAMB 2026 UTME form was available for sale from January 31, 2026, until March 8, 2026, according to previously released guidelines.
