The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released its full list of banned items and examination misconduct penalties for the 2026 UTME, with violations attracting sanctions as severe as a three year ban and criminal prosecution.
The examination, which runs from April 16 to April 25, 2026, will be conducted under strict conditions across accredited Computer Based Test centres nationwide. Biometric verification is the only approved method of entry, and it will also serve as the official attendance register for all sessions.
Misconduct Codes and Penalties
Code A: No examination slip: Cancellation of result
Code B: Possession of a calculator or similar electronic devices: Cancellation and prosecution
Code C: Spying: Cancellation of result
Code D: Impersonation: Cancellation, two year ban and prosecution
Code E: Swapping examination details or documents: Cancellation of result
Code F: Possession of USB, CD, hard disk or similar storage devices: Cancellation and prosecution
Code G: Violent or unruly behaviour towards examiners: Cancellation, expulsion, prosecution and three-year ban
Code H: Lateness to the examination hall: Cancellation of result
Code I: Possession of wristwatch: Cancellation and prosecution
Code J: Possession of mobile phone or similar electronic devices: Cancellation and prosecution
Code K: Collusion with candidates, examiners or external agents: Cancellation, three year ban and prosecution
Code L: Entering or leaving the examination hall without permission: Cancellation of result
Code M: Widespread or mass cheating: Cancellation and prosecution
Code N: Copying from unauthorised materials: Cancellation and prosecution
Code P: Tampering with or doctoring results: Cancellation, three-year ban and prosecution for forgery
All penalties are enforced under the Examination Malpractice Act.
Full List of Banned Items
The following 23 items are prohibited inside the examination hall:
- Wristwatches
- Pens or biros
- Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
- Spy reading glasses
- Calculators or similar electronic devices
- USB drives, CDs, hard disks, or similar storage devices
- Books or any reading and writing materials
- Cameras
- Recorders
- Microphones
- Earpieces
- Ink or pen readers
- Smart lenses
- Smart rings or jewellery
- Smart buttons
- Bluetooth devices
- Key holders
- ATM cards
- Erasers
- Bangles
- Rings
- Necklaces
- Wallets or purses
The only permitted items are an HB pencil and a printed examination slip. Bags and similar personal items are banned from the centre premises.
Biometric Verification Rules
Biometric verification is the sole mode of entry into examination centres and will also serve as the attendance register. Candidates who cannot be verified immediately must be recaptured at the centre before leaving. No separate attendance register will be maintained, and photo albums will contain only pictures, with no present or absent markings.
All examination officials, including security agents, are required to enforce full compliance with these guidelines.
The examination runs in four daily sessions, with the first session commencing at 8:30 a.m.
Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Ola Funmilayo
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