The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed candidates who registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and indicated interest in the mock exercise to print their examination notification slips ahead of the test.
According to the board, candidates can begin printing their Mock UTME notification slips from Monday, March 23, 2026, through its official website.
Candidates are required to click on the “2-Session 2026 MOCK SLIP PRINTING” option and enter their registration numbers to access and print their slips. The board advised candidates to print the slips early and familiarize themselves with their assigned examination centres within their chosen towns before the examination date.
JAMB stressed that participation in the mock examination is mandatory for all candidates who indicated interest during registration.
The board explained that while the mock UTME is generally optional, candidates who selected the option and secured a slot must participate. It warned that failure to appear for the exercise would deny other interested candidates the opportunity to take part.
Candidates who fail to attend the mock examination after indicating interest may face appropriate consequences, and those affected have been advised to make the necessary arrangements to participate in the exercise scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The board also announced that the duration of the mock examination has been extended from the usual two hours to four hours for the 2026 exercise. The adjustment is intended to allow candidates enough time to familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.
To accommodate the extended time, the mock examination will be conducted in two consecutive sessions on the same day. The first session will run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., while the second session will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with candidates expected to participate in both sessions.
Meanwhile, the registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed that the board will also conduct a trial of a new test engine during the mock examination as part of efforts to improve its processes and enhance service delivery.
He explained that the initiative reflects the board’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and efficiency in the conduct of examinations, noting that the 2026 exercise represents another step in the ongoing reforms within the examination body.
According to him, if the new test engine proves successful, it could significantly transform the conduct of computer-based examinations in Nigeria.
Oloyede further revealed that the board has introduced an alternate examination route aimed at strengthening operational security and reducing the workload on personnel. He added that nationwide training and sensitisation programs have begun for technical officers and biometric verification staff to ensure the smooth implementation of the new system.
In preparation for the main UTME, scheduled to begin on April 16, 2026, JAMB also disclosed that it has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure a secure and seamless examination process.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible and hitch-free examination, while urging its staff and stakeholders to maintain professionalism and dedication throughout the exercise.
