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JAMB CONDUCTS 2026 MOCK UTME: EXTENDED DURATION AND MIXED EXPERIENCES ACROSS CBT CENTRES

by Abubakir Adebayo @admin001
28th March 2026

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially flagged off the 2026 examination cycle with the conduct of the Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Saturday, March 28, 2026. This year, approximately 227,896 candidates nationwide indicated interest in participating in this preparatory exercise, which serves as a critical stress test for both the students and the Board's technical infrastructure.

Introduced in 2017 by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the mock exam is designed to domesticate candidates with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment, reduce examination anxiety, and evaluate the readiness of manpower and systems ahead of the main UTME scheduled for the coming weeks.

NEW FOR 2026: EXTENDED DURATION AND DUAL SESSIONS

In a significant departure from previous years, JAMB has implemented a major adjustment to the timing and structure of the mock exercise to provide "sufficient exposure" to the candidates.

Extended Time: Traditionally a two-hour paper, the 2026 Mock UTME has been extended to a four-hour comprehensive experience.
Consecutive Sessions: The exercise now consists of two back-to-back sessions. The first session runs from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed immediately by a second session from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Objective: This shift is intended to ensure candidates are thoroughly acquainted with the CBT interface and can navigate the system without time-induced pressure during the main exams.

STERN WARNING: SANCTIONS FOR ABSENTEEISM

JAMB has reiterated its "Zero-Tolerance" policy for candidates who secured a mock slot but failed to appear. The Board explained that because slots are limited, an absent candidate effectively deprives others of a valuable preparatory opportunity.

The Mandate: While the Mock UTME is optional during registration, once a candidate indicates interest and a slot is allocated, participation becomes obligatory.
Consequences: Appropriate administrative sanctions await those who missed the exercise without valid, documented reasons.

FIELD REPORTS: SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND BIOMETRIC CHALLENGES

Observations from various CBT centres in Abuja revealed a spectrum of experiences, highlighting areas where JAMB may need to fine-tune operations before the main UTME.

Technical Hitches: At a centre in Kurudu, Abuja, some candidates reported system malfunctions and unexpected "timeouts" during their sessions.
Biometric Verification: Mixed results were recorded regarding entry protocols. While some parents, such as Mr. Plangnam, reported repeated biometric failures for their children (eventually resolved by staff intervention), others described the process as seamless and hitch-free.
Stakeholder Advice: Parents and observers have urged JAMB to collate these "frustrations" and technical complaints to make necessary corrections. The mock is viewed as the "final rehearsal" to ensure the main examination avoids these specific bottlenecks.

CONCLUSION: PREPARING FOR THE MAIN UTME

As the 2026 Mock UTME concludes, the focus now shifts to the main examination. Candidates are encouraged to use the experience gained—especially regarding the extended timing—to refine their speed and accuracy. JAMB is expected to analyze the data from today's exercise to optimize server stability and biometric sensitivity nationwide.