Mock UTME 2026: JAMB Warns No-Show Candidates, Extends Exam Duration to Four Hours

Mock UTME 2026: JAMB Warns No-Show Candidates, Extends Exam Duration to Four Hours

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to candidates who registered for the 2026 Mock UTME but fail to appear for the exercise, stating that such actions may attract sanctions.

In a statement released on Monday, JAMB explained that candidates who indicated interest during registration and successfully secured a slot must honour their commitment. The board emphasized that failure to participate without valid reasons deprives other prospective candidates of the opportunity, especially since the mock UTME slots are limited due to logistical constraints.

JAMB noted that although the Mock UTME is optional, it is designed to simulate the actual examination environment and is only open to a fixed number of candidates. As a result, every allocated slot represents a carefully planned resource involving examination centres, personnel, and technical arrangements.

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The board warned that absenteeism after registering for the exercise will not be condoned, adding that appropriate consequences may follow for affected candidates. It urged all registered candidates to take the exercise seriously and make necessary arrangements to attend their assigned centres.

JAMB further announced that the 2026 Mock UTME has been scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026. Candidates are expected to strictly adhere to their assigned examination centres and session times, as no rescheduling will be permitted for those who fail to comply.

In a major update to the structure of the examination, JAMB disclosed that the duration of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mock exercise has been extended from the traditional two hours to four hours. The adjustment, according to the board, is intended to give candidates more time to familiarize themselves with the CBT system and improve their readiness for the main UTME.

The board also explained that the 2026 Mock UTME will be conducted in two consecutive sessions on the same day. The first session is scheduled to hold between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., while the second session will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Candidates will participate in both sessions consecutively as part of the mock exercise.

JAMB advised candidates to arrive early at their designated centres and comply with all examination requirements, including biometric verification and other CBT protocols, to avoid delays or disqualification.

The Mock UTME is designed as a preparatory exercise to help candidates experience the real examination environment, reduce anxiety, and improve familiarity with the digital testing format used in the main UTME. While participation is optional, JAMB stressed that candidates who choose to take part must treat it as a serious rehearsal.

Education stakeholders have noted that enforcing attendance rules is necessary to ensure efficient use of resources, as unused slots during the mock examination lead to underutilization of infrastructure and planning efforts. JAMB reiterated that candidates should only indicate interest in the mock UTME if they are certain of their availability.

Mock UTME 2026: JAMB Warns No-Show Candidates, Extends Exam Duration to Four Hours