The JAMB exam starting date for 2026 is 16th April, 2026. The exams will last for a week and end on 25th April, 2026.
Now you have some information about the starting date of the Jamb exam in 2026. We shall see what this means to you. You are either reading this as a student about to take the exam, or as a parent who is taking your child through the examination. No matter which group you belong to, this article will ensure that you know all about the 2026 UTME.
We will discuss the dates of exams, what to do before, during, and after the exam. In the final analysis, you will know exactly what can be expected.
What You Should Be Doing Now That You Know the Jamb Exam Starting Date for 2026
The starting date for the JAMB 2026, has been officially confirmed by JAMB. Believe when I say, this is the best time to double down on your reading schedule.
I will share with you below, some of the things you can do next
1. Arrive at your schedule of reading. And in case you have been working without a plan, correct it now. Break your subjects into topics and allow each of them a day or two. Stick to the schedule.
2. Practice CBT regularly. The UTME is computer‑based. Familiarize yourself with a computer practicing on CBT websites or applications, time, and speed.
3. Focus on weak subjects. There is the subject that pulls everyone down. Spend extra time on it. Seek help if needed. Don’t ignore it.
4. Attend mock exams. JAMB also provides optional mock exams which are quite helpful. They will demonstrate what to anticipate and assist you to rectify the errors at an early stage.
Timeline Leading Up to the Jamb Exam for 2026
I will share with you some of the most important dates you need to be at high alert because they are important to note if you do not want to have JAMB or admission problems.
January 2026: JAMB registration begins.
Feb 2026: This is the period you will have to do your JAMB mock registration.
March 2026: JAMB Mock exam will hold through out the states in Nigeria.
The Jamb exam will kickstart on the 16th of April and finish on the 25th of April 2026.
What Happens On The Jamb Exam Date?
On the exam day, thousands of students throughout Nigeria sit before computers and take the exam which they are prepared to. You may be allotted to write on the first day or any day in the period of exam. The slip contained in your exam gives you the exact time, date and center.
Here is what to expect:
Getting to the CBT center: Show up at least an hour early.
Biometric verification: Your finger will be scanned and then you will be permissioned to get in.
Computer configuration You will be given a system. Confirm it is working.
Exam starts: You are to complete in two hours four subjects, one of them Use of English.
Things To Avoid Before the Jamb Exam Date for 2026
When it comes to the exam itself, many of its candidates destroy their prospects before the first step is taken. The following are the errors that are to be avoided:
Cramming: Do not attempt to know everything at once several days to the exam.
Overlooking rest: Rest is required by your brain. Do not study late into the night preceding the exams.
Missing practice exams: Practice exams are to aid in determining what you are not doing.
Disregard computer skills: In case you are bad at using computers, now is the time to start practicing.
Failure to print your exam slip: Your slip informs you of where and when to write. Print it early.
How Can I Stay Mentally Ready for the Jamb Examination?
You have to seek counsel and advice from those that are ahead of you. People like your fellow students and teachers can be of great help if you can just come clean and explain what the problem is.
Also stay away from negative thoughts as people who carry them too. Never listen to your fellow students who make argue that the JAMB examination is too difficult
Fantasize about success: Visualize success. It boosts your confidence.
Take breaks: It is beneficial to your brain to rest.
Unique Tips That Can Give You an Edge Over Students On The Exam Day
These are strategies which have worked well with previous high scorers:
Learn to master time management: Take not more than 30 seconds to answer questions that are easy.
Take the elimination technique: In case you are in doubt, take out the obviously incorrect ones.
Learn patterns of questions: The JAMB frequently repeats the patterns of questions, in particular in English.
Keep abreast of current events: There are fundamental areas in the national knowledge that are evaluated.
Drill with actual CBT tools: Not just paper based past questions.
How to Handle Technical Issues on the Exam Day
There are certain instances when systems fail, yet JAMB has a back-up plan. In case there is a problem in your computer at the exam time, put up your hand. One of the technical members of staff will be of help. JAMB can re-examine you in case there is a serious problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an option of switching my center once I have registered?
No. After the exam center is allocated, it is fixed.
2. Is the date of the final exam going to be postponed by the JAMB because of a holiday?
JAMB rarely shifts dates. Examinations continue normally.
3. Is it possible that I take my phone to the examination hall?
No phones and bags are allowed in the CBT hall.
4. What is my precise time and date of my exam?
All the details will be placed on your exam slip. It should be printed when another print-out is started.
5. What if I miss my exam date?
Another date will not be provided to you. Missing your date also implies missing the exam.
6. Does the JAMB syllabus change accordingly each year?
Not always. Look at the official syllabus that would be in 2026 to be certain.
7. How many questions shall I answer altogether?
There will be 180 questions divided on 4 subjects.
Conclusion
If you have been able to read up to this part, I’m sure you must now know the jamb exam starting date for 2026. This is not the time to play. Do not think the 16th is still far. You have to make everyday count by being prepared.
While you are preparing, be calm and calculating.
Make sure you remove anything that can distract you during this critical period of your educational life.
Your preparation will enable you to pass through the exam.
Remember, you currently have the whole time in the world. So it’s better you use this time to get prepared and ready like your life depends on it. When the examination starts, there won’t be any chance for you to read. Start preparing daily now, you can cover a lot of ground before the exam starts.